10 Scariest Natural Disaster Movies You Need To See
1. The Impossible
The Impossible tells the true story of how the Bennett family - Henry (Ewan McGregor), Maria (Naomi Watts), and their children (including a pre-fame Tom Holland) - were left separated in Thailand during a tsunami.
Watching the colossal wave tearing down trees, launching cars, and obliterating villas is truly nerve-shredding. However, it's arguably scarier when nothing is shown. The screen sometimes goes black when the Bennetts are submerged, emphasising how they couldn't see a thing in the murky water. This technique allows the sound effects to stand out, making every thud, crunch, and gasped breath hit hard.
The Impossible also shows how the content of a flood is just as volatile as the water itself. For example, while trying to reach her son, Maria is battered by a barrage of objects, knocking her around like a pinball. Although it's hard to make out exactly what's happening, the sounds of metal and wire slashing into her body tell viewers all they need to know.
The flood sequence is over and done within the opening 20 minutes, but it stays with the audience long after the credits roll.