10 disaster movies that depict the falling of London
London, the majestic metropolis, has served as a magnet for malevolent forces seeking to shatter the serenity of society. When cinematic supervillains harbor a desire to sow terror, they often turn to the bustling city's iconic landmarks as a backdrop for their destructive endeavors. From explosions to natural disasters and even mythical creatures, these movies have left London in ruins. This is prepared by SSP.
‘London Has Fallen’ (2016)
The sequel to Gerard Butler's high-action thriller showcases London as a target once again. In a relentless onslaught, terrorists torch the city, aiming to uproot its very essence. The poster itself depicts the terrifying sight of Big Ben exploding into a shower of glass. The Houses of Parliament and various bridges come under attack as well, stirring up anguish among Londoners who face the chaos head-on.
'28 Days Later’ (2002)
Danny Boyle's captivating zombie thriller leaves London desolate and eerily empty. Cillian Murphy's character wanders through a vacant labyrinth, devoid of the typical city buzz. Evocative images of an overturned bus and serene bridges add to the haunting atmosphere. The infected hordes descend upon the vacant capital, swarming as fiercely as passionate post-concert fans. The devastation is deeply distressing.
'Reign Of Fire’ (2002)
Christian Bale witnesses the destruction of a fiery London in a world set ablaze by colossal dragons. Consider it a unique twist on natural disasters – why settle for earthquakes when massive dragons can convert the city to ashes? Big Ben is targeted once again, subjected to a medium flambé, while Westminster Abbey bears the scars of char and embers. Disturbingly, the spectacle would undoubtedly be thrilling until things got, well, uncomfortably warm.
'V For Vendetta’ (2006)
In this Wachowski-penned epic, justice takes a blow as the masked vigilante V orchestrates chaos. Against the backdrop of London's Old Bailey criminal court building, an explosive demonstration takes place, synchronized with the dramatic sounds of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The following year, V enlists his accomplice Evey to crash a tube train packed with explosives into the Houses of Parliament, finally achieving what Guy Fawkes could only dream of. V's symbolism has found its way into digital circles, where masked keyboard warriors hold less city-shattering power but plenty of online nuisance potential.
'G.I. Joe: Retaliation’ (2013)
For Cobra, the destruction of London is just a minor distraction in their absurd action spree. The city succumbs to devastation in a matter of moments, yet the repercussions remain unaddressed, disregarding the presumed demise of millions. The Thames-based attack sees a bomb dropped on Waterloo, wreaking havoc on attractions like the London Eye. Luckily, the day is ultimately saved by the illustrious heroes from the land of the free, with no remorse for the unfortunate tourists, who merely wished to explore the London Aquarium on a dreary Wednesday.
'The Battle Of Britain' (1969)
Unlike the other films on this list, 'The Battle Of Britain' (1969) recreates real-life destruction. Michael Caine leads this war film, taking to the skies and showcasing the bombing of London from the perspectives of the Luftwaffe. Explosions dominate the skyline, spherical shockwaves pounding upon London. Yet, viewed from afar and with the inevitable hum of German aircraft, the devastation appears small and humdrum, especially when compared to other extravagant sequences featured in this collection. Ground-level scenes highlight crumbling buildings and ablaze Tower Bridge, thereby Jord reminder of the profound destruction caused by the Nazis.
'The Time Machine’ (1960)
Rod Taylor's character in this adaptation of HG Wells' classic refers to the devastation of London as "a labor of centuries, gone in an instant." Considering the limitations of special effects in the '60s compared to today, the implosion of futuristic London remains mesmerizing. As Taylor's time-traveling inventor peers on, a nuclear warhead detonates, causing monumental destruction as volcanic eruptions further ravage the city's remnants. If only time travel could reverse the immense carnage. Alas, it was not meant to be.
'The Lost World’ (1925)
Ninety years ago, this silent movie adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's novel brought a dinosaur rampage to London, providing captivating yet simplistic sequences. Crowds flee in terror as the monstrous Brontosaurus leisurely meanders through the city, knocking down buildings along the way and ultimately causing the collapse of Tower Bridge due to its colossal size. This eerie havoc resembles the famous T-Rex invasion scene from the more recent film adaptation by Steven Spielberg, albeit with a British touch and delightful plinky-plonky piano accompaniment.
'The Core’ (2003)
In this disaster film, the humorous harbinger of doom comes as the Earth's core ceases to rotate. As the pigeons of London become the first to sense the impending catastrophe, they adopt a Hitchcockian air-to-ground campaign, dive-bombing unsuspecting Londoners, iconic office buildings, and even hapless British cabbies uttering colorful expletives. Revealing the absurd side of impending annihilation, this film demonstrates that the end of the world can also tickle our funny bones. Should a pigeon appear suspicious, it's probably wise to run.
'Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013)
Although admittedly far from the grandest destruction displayed on this list, the scene in 'Star Trek Into Darkness' where Noel Clarke's character destroys London's 'Kelvin Memorial Archive' warrants mention due to its futuristic visuals and poignant composition. As flames engulf the London 2.0 skyline, the camera gradually zooms out, centering on a photograph of a young girl whose life holds more value than the lives lost amidst the chaos. While not nearly as devastating as other London destruction sequences, it resonates through its understated reflection on misplaced priorities.
