Survival on Screen: 8 Blockbuster Movies to Ignite Interest in Preparedness

Written by Bernie Carr

There is a lot of interest in preparedness but many people are not sure how to get their family involved. I always recommend they watch a disaster movie together. In my experience, it gets everyone talking about what they would do if such a thing were to happen.

Survival movies serve as both thrilling entertainment and thought-provoking glimpses into the importance of preparedness. From apocalyptic scenarios to extraterrestrial invasions, these films not only captivate audiences but also inspire a renewed interest in being ready for the unexpected. Here are eight must-watch survival movies that will undoubtedly pique your family’s interest in preparedness.

1. “2012” (2009):
   • Directed by Roland Emmerich, “2012” takes the disaster film genre to new heights as it explores the catastrophic events predicted by the Mayan calendar. From earthquakes to tsunamis, the film’s intense survival sequences will have you questioning your own preparedness for large-scale disasters.
2. “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004):
   • Another Emmerich masterpiece, “The Day After Tomorrow,” delves into a world where climate change triggers extreme weather events, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. The film serves as a visually stunning reminder of the potential consequences of environmental upheaval, urging viewers to consider their own preparedness for such scenarios.
3. “Independence Day” (1996):
   • Directed by Roland Emmerich (again), “Independence Day” showcases humanity’s fight for survival against extraterrestrial invaders. While the likelihood of an alien invasion may be slim, the film prompts viewers to ponder how they would respond in the face of an unexpected and unprecedented threat, emphasizing the need for adaptability and readiness.
4. “Contagion” (2011):
   • Directed by Steven Soderbergh, “Contagion” offers a chilling portrayal of a global pandemic. A lot of people revisited this movie during the early days of the pandemic. The film’s realistic depiction of the rapid spread of a deadly virus serves as a stark reminder of the importance of personal hygiene, healthcare preparedness, and community resilience in the face of contagious diseases.
5. “War of the Worlds” (2005):
   • Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, “War of the Worlds,” follows a family’s struggle for survival during an alien invasion. The film prompts viewers to consider the implications of widespread panic, the breakdown of societal structures, and the necessity of having a plan in place for unexpected crises.
6. “Deep Impact” (1998):
   • Directed by Mimi Leder, “Deep Impact” explores the consequences of an impending asteroid collision with Earth. As governments and individuals grapple with the impending catastrophe, the film underscores the importance of preparation at both the individual and governmental levels for events that could alter life as we know it.
7. “Dante’s Peak” (1997):
   • This disaster film directed by Roger Donaldson focuses on the eruption of a fictional volcano in the Pacific Northwest. “Dante’s Peak” highlights the importance of early warning systems, community preparedness, and evacuation plans in the face of natural disasters.
8. “San Andreas” (2015):
   • Dwayne Johnson stars in this action-packed film that explores the aftermath of a massive earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. As rescue pilot Ray Gaines, Johnson’s character navigates the destruction to save his family, showcasing the importance of having a family emergency plan and being ready for seismic events.

These eight survival movies not only provide thrilling cinematic experiences but also serve as catalysts for discussions on preparedness. Whether facing natural disasters, alien invasions, or global pandemics, these films prompt viewers to reflect on their own readiness for the unexpected. As you enjoy the adrenaline-pumping action on screen, consider how these narratives might inspire you to take practical steps in preparing for unforeseen events in your own life. After all, in the world of survival, a little preparation can make all the difference. Do you have a favorite disaster movie? Please share in the comments.

*We are an affiliate of Amazon.com, which means we received a small commission if you click through one of our Amazon links when you shop, at totally no cost to you. This helps keep the lights on at the blog. Thanks!

About the author

Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/apartmentprepper

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apartmentpreppers/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AptPrepper

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vOtdbo-wiBeBxD6puCr1Q

Patreon: https://patreon.com/apartmentprepper

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aptprepper/

Today’s societal climate not supportive of prepping. With your help, we can keep bringing you content that is often suppressed. Help keep Apartment Prepper alive.

Join me on Patreon for ad-free content.

Or Help out via Paypal