Earthquake horror films combine the natural disaster genre with elements of suspense, terror, and often supernatural occurrences. This curated list showcases films where the earth's tremors are not just a backdrop but a central element of horror, providing viewers with a unique blend of fear and fascination. Whether it's the fear of the unknown or the sheer power of nature, these films explore the psychological and physical impacts of earthquakes in horrifying ways.
Earthquake (1974)
Description: A classic disaster film that uses Sensurround technology to simulate the feeling of an earthquake, creating a visceral horror experience for viewers.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography.
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Deep Impact (1998)
Description: Although primarily about a comet strike, the film includes scenes of massive earthquakes and tsunamis, providing a horror element through the scale of destruction.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as 'Armageddon,' leading to comparisons between the two.
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The Core (2003)
Description: While not solely about earthquakes, the film's premise involves the earth's core stopping, leading to catastrophic seismic events, making it a unique entry in the horror-disaster genre.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its imaginative plot.
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The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: Although primarily a disaster film, the sudden onset of an ice age following a series of natural disasters, including earthquakes, creates a chilling horror atmosphere.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use extensive CGI to simulate weather phenomena.
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2012 (2009)
Description: This film depicts a series of apocalyptic events, including massive earthquakes, which are portrayed with a horror-like intensity, focusing on the human struggle for survival.
Fact: The film required over 1,000 visual effects shots to depict the global destruction.
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Aftershock (2012)
Description: This film follows a group of tourists in Chile who are caught in a devastating earthquake, leading to a night of terror and survival. The horror is amplified by the chaos and unpredictability of the situation.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 2010 Chile earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded.
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San Andreas (2015)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, the depiction of the catastrophic earthquake in California, coupled with the intense survival scenarios, provides a horror-like experience. The film's use of CGI to show the destruction adds to the terror.
Fact: Dwayne Johnson performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he rescues people from a collapsing building.
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10.0 Earthquake (2014)
Description: This made-for-TV movie imagines a massive earthquake in Los Angeles, exploring the horror of a city crumbling under the force of nature. The film's low budget adds to the gritty, realistic feel of the disaster.
Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days to capture the urgency of the disaster scenario.
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The Quake (2018)
Description: A sequel to 'The Wave,' this film focuses on a geologist who predicts a massive earthquake in Oslo, Norway. The tension builds as the city faces an impending disaster, turning the urban environment into a horror setting.
Fact: The film uses real seismic data to create realistic earthquake simulations.
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The Big One: The Great Los Angeles Earthquake (1990)
Description: This TV movie dramatizes the aftermath of a massive earthquake in Los Angeles, focusing on the horror of survival in a city turned upside down.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use real-time computer graphics to simulate earthquake damage.
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