The disaster genre was heavily popularized in the seventies, establishing countless tropes and ideas that still reappear in their modern counterparts. Today’s cheesiest knock-offs imitate those habits, although they lack the crucial ensemble cast. But the genre truly found a thriving renaissance in the 90s.
Perhaps this was due to novel, groundbreaking special effects, while the seventies were more concerned with grounded thrillers. Disaster films have always included cathartic, vicarious survival situations for impossible circumstances. And they also enable spectacle, which has proven alternately detrimental and impressive with the onset of CGI. There is something utterly charming about the burgeoning middle ground of 90s disaster movies. They are silly, fun, and occasionally touching.
Volcano
Hollywood is often prone to releasing to movies of the same ilk in the same year. Back in 2013, viewers were treated to two White House thrillers. In fact, in 1999, there were two asteroid movies. Here, we have Tommy Lee Jones battling a volcano in Los Angeles. It’s perhaps one of the most preposterous films in the genre. It takes a page from Towering Inferno, by adding the subplot about public safety regarding underground construction. But it never reaches those heights. The actual disaster scenes are playful and enjoyable, and the cast is a good time. Just pay no mind to that nonsense plot.
Dante’s Peak
This film is far more grounded than its 1997 competitor. In fact, it actually plays out like more of a traditional film in the genre. Yet another protagonist desperately tries to use science in order to persuade people to avert total disaster. There is some distinct effort at character development, something very few of these movies bother with anymore. Generally, one hurdle or relationship is apparently enough. Unfortunately, this film also suffers from Pierce Brosnan, who simply isn’t up to the task. He doesn’t read as an everyman, let alone a scientist of any sort. Otherwise, the drama might have worked.
Backdraft
Director Ron Howard consistently builds a very particular kind of film. He generally paints with broad strokes, and this film is no exception. However, the setting and firefighter culture are successfully convincing. The fiery battles themselves are genuinely exhilarating, capturing the confusion and bravery.
Further, the film is totally unafraid to impose tragic loss. Ultimately, the story boils down to two brothers clashing while an arsonist runs amok. William Baldwin’s performance doesn’t quite hold up, but Kurt Russell is perpetually likable.
Deep Impact
This story dedicated itself to a higher degree of verisimilitude than most. And it generally functions as a melodrama about several characters facing imminent destruction. The public goes into a self-destructive frenzy, the day isn’t miraculously saved by astronauts, and the asteroid hits water. Still, it isn’t without its fair share of cheesiness, like any other disaster movie. Fans of the genre have an understanding with this. But the all-star cast is surprisingly extensive, and watching so many familiar faces have silly fun is largely endearing.
Armageddon
A traditional but satisfying Michael Bay film, complete with massive fire balloons in space and a music video for the credits. However, the movie is unabashedly fun, and boasts an unexpectedly massive budget. The premise is utterly ridiculous, and the film doesn’t even bother trying to sell it. Somehow, turning drillers into astronauts is easier than the other way around. But the action scenes hit hard, and combined with the wacky, exaggerated humor, the film’s certainly a great time. It’s all fireworks and sensationalism, but Bay’s playful tropes are actually a perfect fit for the genre.
Outbreak
A well-paced thriller that probably won’t be much fun to revisit anymore. One can only hope that those who flocked here after recent events, were alarmed enough to visit the CDC website. However, this film does strain for plausibility, and predominantly succeeds in that approach. Structurally, the plot itself boils down to a chase movie, seeking out the cure.
And it ultimately concludes with a literal chase, for an infected animal. But the characters are compelling nonetheless. Dustin Hoffman reliably delivers yet again, and he’s surrounded by equally talented company. This is a disaster film that never quite feels like one, despite entertaining action, twists and a blockbuster cast.
Independence Day
The ultimate throwback to fifties sci-fi, depicting a straightforward apocalyptic alien invasion. And, most notably, how the 90s might react to something so catastrophic. That everything culminates on the fourth of July is utterly goofy, but the movie owns every bit of cheese. Everything is completely over the top, including the sense of humor and stunning effects. Will Smith is clearly an absolute movie star, and Jeff Goldblum gets to be himself in all the most entertaining ways. And despite the lengthy runtime, there are few wasted minutes. This film is still some of the most fun the 90s ever offered, with exciting action, charming one-liners, and possibly the greatest speech of all time.
Titanic
Director James Cameron’s massive blockbuster is actually hinged on a fictional romance, which works beautifully due to the leads. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s young love may be tried, separated by class. But their chemistry is undeniable, with a charged sincerity that few romance films even attempt. Their relationship is as majestic as the titular ship, and the film itself.
It carries the bulk of the runtime, until the disaster strikes. With so much investment in the likable young couple, putting our protagonists in danger would be thrilling enough. But Cameron’s eye for stunning iconography seals the deal, capturing every minute of genuinely horrific tragedy.
Apollo 13
Inspired by true events, director Ron Howard makes the list again, harnessing a very different tone. Perhaps influenced by the actual setting and historical figures, the film is respectful, reserved and methodical after the mission goes awry. It begins with an inviting friendliness, especially noticeable with the cast. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Gary Sinise are always naturally personable. The grim survival situation is punctuated by science throughout the film, which is very compelling. It’s a series of problem-solving thrills, establishing clear issues and solutions. The sheer history of these events innately adds drama. But the filmmakers and cast truly produced a powerful retelling.
Twister
Easily one of the most definitive disaster films of all time, by mastering those familiar tropes which otherwise bring the genre down. It boasts constant action, an addictive sense of adventure, and plenty of humor. The ensemble cast is full of quirky, fun characters, who actively pursue the very danger that viewers want to see on the big screen. And the titular threats are truly spectacular, with very convincing effects. They are legitimately terrifying, with extraordinary noise and real consequences—despite the occasional flying cow.
