DVD Alert: Disaster Flicks

I know most people get their thrills from roller coasters in the summer but when I’m looking for an adrenaline rush, I love to hit up the library’s DVDs. I’m pretty much obsessed with disaster flicks, especially those old school films that rely less on special effects and more on tapping into the fear of the unknown and dread of the expected. These films may have been made years ago, but they definitely hold up. Below is a list of my top five favorite disaster flicks. And the best part? You can check them out and it won’t cost you a thing! So the next time you’re looking for a reason to stay in the air conditioning, pop in one of these bad boys. You won’t be disappointed!

5. The Swarm
The premise is pretty simple really: a swarm of killer bees attack the United States. But what makes this disaster flick so irresistible is the clichés and ridiculous dialogue. If you prefer humor in your disaster films, look no further.

4. Earthquake
While earthquakes and their aftermath are pretty standard fare these days, check out the movie that started it all. Charlton Heston leads a ragtag group as they try to deal with the aftermath of an earthquake that has leveled Los Angeles.

3. Poseidon
Although I still have a special fondness for the over the top acting of the original film, the Poseidon Adventure, this remake stands apart for its excellent action sequences. On New Year’s Eve is capsized by a wave trapping a group of people beneath the sea. Their only hope of survival is making their way to the water’s surface- a task made more difficult by fires, flooding and falling debris.

2. The Andromeda Strain
Based on the best selling novel by Michael Crichton, the last ten minutes of this film will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. The story starts as a remote village in New Mexico is contaminated by a satellite crash. When scientists discover the origin of the deadly matter, everything starts to unravel.

1. The Towering Inferno
On the night of its dedication, a raging fire breaks out in the world’s tallest skyscraper trapping all of the party goers inside. Paul Newman and Steve McQueen lead this all star cast with some of the most quotable film lines ever. I still think of this film every time I enter a building over five stories tall!