Imagine being trapped in a towering hotel where every floor presents a new peril. This curated list dives into the heart-pounding world of disaster films set in skyscraper hotels, offering viewers a thrilling escape from reality. From fires to floods, these films showcase the human spirit's resilience against overwhelming odds, making them a must-watch for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush.

The High and the Mighty (1954)
Description: While set on an airplane, the film's narrative of passengers dealing with a potential disaster in a confined space mirrors the tension of being trapped in a skyscraper hotel during a crisis.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use the "disaster" formula, influencing many films that followed.


The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: Although primarily set on a ship, the aftermath of the disaster sees survivors trapped in a capsized luxury liner, akin to being in a vertical hotel. The struggle to escape through the ship's interior mirrors the challenges of navigating a skyscraper.
Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Song for "The Morning After."


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: Although not set in a hotel, the film's setting in a subway train under New York City provides a similar claustrophobic, high-stakes environment, with the train acting as a moving 'hotel' of sorts during the hostage crisis.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta.


The Towering Inferno (1974)
Description: This classic disaster film captures the chaos when a fire breaks out in the world's tallest building, a luxury hotel, on its opening night. It's a gripping tale of survival, heroism, and human drama amidst towering flames.
Fact: The film was a result of two competing studios merging their projects into one epic movie. It was also one of the first films to be released with a PG rating.


The Swarm (1978)
Description: This film features a disaster scenario where killer bees attack a town, with scenes set in a hotel where characters seek refuge. The tension and fear of being trapped in a confined space with an external threat make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film was one of the last major disaster films of the 1970s, marking the end of an era for the genre.


Die Hard (1988)
Description: Set in the Nakatomi Plaza, this action-packed film involves a hostage situation in a skyscraper during a Christmas party. While not a traditional disaster film, the chaos and destruction within the building make it a fitting inclusion.
Fact: The film was initially considered a box office risk but became a massive success, spawning numerous sequels.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively set in a hotel, a significant portion of the film takes place in a New York City library, which serves as a makeshift shelter during a catastrophic climate event. The hotel scenes are intense, showcasing the struggle for survival in extreme conditions.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its visual effects and disaster sequences.


Tower Heist (2011)
Description: While more of a heist film, it's set in a high-rise luxury apartment building, and the chaos of the heist can be seen as a form of 'disaster' for the residents. The film includes elements of action and comedy, making it a unique addition to the list.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Trump Tower," but the name was changed to avoid association with the real estate mogul.


Skyscraper (2018)
Description: Dwayne Johnson stars as a former FBI agent who must rescue his family from a burning skyscraper, which also happens to be the tallest and most secure building in the world. The film blends action with disaster elements, making it a modern take on the genre.
Fact: The film's setting, The Pearl, was inspired by real-life skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.


Hotel Artemis (2018)
Description: Set in a near-future Los Angeles, this film features a secret hospital for criminals, located in a fortified hotel. While not a traditional disaster film, it includes elements of chaos and survival in a confined space.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with the hotel's interior designed to look like a mix of Art Deco and futuristic elements.
