If you're a fan of heart-pounding action, gripping survival stories, and the raw power of nature, then our selection of disaster movies set on oil rigs is just the ticket. These films not only showcase the perilous nature of working on an oil platform but also delve into the human spirit's resilience when faced with cataclysmic events. From rogue waves to fiery explosions, each film in this list brings its own unique twist to the genre, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Armageddon (1998)
Description: While primarily about an asteroid, the film includes scenes on an oil rig, showcasing the skills of oil drillers in a high-stakes situation.
Fact: The film was one of the highest-grossing films of 1998 and features a famous scene where Bruce Willis's character sacrifices himself.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While focusing on a fishing boat, the film's depiction of battling against nature's fury resonates with the themes of oil rig disaster movies.
Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the storm depicted was a real meteorological event known as the "Halloween Nor'easter of


The Core (2003)
Description: This film involves drilling into the Earth's core, paralleling the high-risk drilling operations on oil rigs.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the Jules Verne novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth."


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: Although not directly about an oil rig, it includes scenes where characters seek shelter in an oil tanker during a global weather catastrophe.
Fact: The film's special effects were so convincing that some viewers believed the depicted events could actually happen.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: While not exclusively about an oil rig, this film features a dramatic rescue mission from a sinking tanker, highlighting the dangers of offshore work.
Fact: The film is based on a true story from 1952, and the real-life Coast Guard crew was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal for their bravery.


The Wave (2015)
Description: This Norwegian film features a tsunami hitting a fjord, which could easily be imagined as an oil rig disaster scenario.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real geological event, the Åknes rockslide, which could potentially cause a tsunami in the Geirangerfjord.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: Although set on an experimental deep-sea drilling platform, the film captures the essence of working in extreme conditions, much like an oil rig.
Fact: The underwater scenes were shot in a specially constructed tank, and the film's special effects were groundbreaking for the time.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: This film takes place on an underwater military base, but its themes of isolation and disaster are akin to those on an oil rig.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as "The Abyss," leading to comparisons between the two underwater thrillers.


Leviathan (1989)
Description: Set on an underwater mining station, this film shares the claustrophobic setting and disaster elements typical of oil rig movies.
Fact: The film was inspired by "The Abyss" and "Alien," blending sci-fi horror with disaster elements.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: Set during a massive flood, the film's setting on a dam and the ensuing chaos could be likened to an oil rig disaster.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Flood," and its production involved creating a massive water tank for the flood scenes.
