20 Best Survival Movies Of All Time

More often than not it seems as though disaster films fail; they're too indulgent on effects, they never really know how to end on a satisfactory note. Look no further than 2012 or The Day After Tomorrow if that's what you're after. If you're after an effective and well-made disaster flick, though, The Impossible is all you want and more.

Directed by J. A. Bayona and sporting brilliant performances from Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts and a young(er) Tom Holland, the drama sees the Bennett Family as they vacation in Thailand, only to be caught in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Separated, injured, beaten and scared, the family must persevere through the tragedy and the destruction in hopes of seeing their loved ones again.

Whilst there is a slight predictability about the whole affair, it is nonetheless a powerful and moving exploration into one of the world's worst natural disasters. Within the family narrative, there is also a beautiful executed sub-plot wherein Lucas Bennett (Holland) helps people around a hospital re-connect with their own lost friends and family.

The family trying to get back to each other is the heart of the story, and their journey is constantly stressful and engaging, but the film's true power is its ability to look at the finer aspects of the devastation that has occurred; the people effected, the lives ruined and lost, and the unmistakable power of love and hope.