La Palma has quickly ascended to the top of Netflix charts following its debut in December 2024. This thrilling miniseries, which can be consumed in a single sitting, revolves around an impending volcanic eruption that threatens the picturesque island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Created by Martin Sundland, Lars Gudmestad, and Harald Rosenløw Eeg, and directed by Kasper Barfoed, the narrative follows a Norwegian family on holiday as well as researchers who first detect the looming disaster. As tensions rise, viewers are left contemplating the fate of the characters against the backdrop of natural catastrophe.
Comprising four gripping episodes, the series concludes with a revelation of those who survive the catastrophic tsunami. Though La Palma itself is a limited-run series, locking its narrative to a definitive end, fans who crave more disaster-themed content are in luck. Below, we explore a selection of TV shows and films that share thematic elements with La Palma.
10 The Impossible
Directed By: J. A. Bayona
Similar to La Palma, The Impossible narrates the harrowing tale of a family’s struggle for survival during a tsunami. This 2012 biographical disaster drama is based on María Belón’s real experiences during the tragic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Thailand. Featuring Naomi Watts as María Bennett and Ewan McGregor as her husband Henry, the film poignantly captures the chaos faced by families in disaster scenarios.
Despite both narratives focusing on tsunamis and family survival, The Impossible takes a more factual approach, while La Palma presents a speculative scenario of what might occur in the face of such a disaster.
9 Geostorm
Directed By: Dean Devlin
Often overshadowed in the crowded disaster genre, Geostorm presents an intriguing plot with an ensemble cast, including Gerard Butler. The 2017 sci-fi film follows Jake Lawson, a satellite designer who must avert global catastrophe when climate-controlling satellites malfunction, unleashing severe storms across the planet. Despite mixed reviews, it offers an entertaining and high-stakes experience, catering to a more casual viewing audience.
| Geostorm Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Gerard Butler | Jake Lawson |
| Jim Sturgess | Max Lawson |
| Abbie Cornish | Sarah Wilson |
| Ed Harris | Leonard Dekkom |
| Andy Garcia | Andrew Palma |
8 High Water
Created By: Jan Holoubek
Watch High Water on YouTube
Offering a unique perspective in the disaster genre, High Water is a 2022 Polish drama that chronicles the 1997 Central European floods. While fictional, the narrative showcases the efforts of government officials and scientists to combat rising waters in Wrocław. Viewers will find that, akin to La Palma, the series is gripping enough to binge in one go, highlighting the humanity behind disaster response.
7 The Wave
Directed By: Roar Uthaug
Watch The Wave on YouTube
The Wave, another Norwegian disaster film released in 2015, encapsulates panic and survival when an avalanche triggers a tsunami that devastates a small tourist village. With its cinematic undertones and high-stakes narrative, it shares many thematic elements with La Palma, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of the genre.
6 Boiler
Created By: Baltasar Kormákur & Sigurjón Kjartansson
Katla provides a refreshing twist on the disaster theme, merging mystery with supernatural elements in a post-disaster narrative. Set in the aftermath of an eruption in Iceland, the series explores how strange occurrences affect the survivors. Audiences seeking a deeper emotional engagement will find Katla’s storytelling compelling.
5 Greenland
Directed By: Ric Roman Waugh
Greenland features Gerard Butler as a man racing against time to protect his family from an impending comet strike. The subsequent chaos forces families to navigate a world spiraling out of control. This 2020 film promises relentless action and emotional highs, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Following its success, a sequel titled Greenland: Migration is set to release in 2025.
4 Volcano
Directed By: Mick Jackson
Watch Volcano on YouTube
Volcano, although focused on a volcanic eruption rather than a tsunami, shares the elements of disaster and chaos found in La Palma. This 1997 film portrays a volcano forming in Los Angeles after an earthquake, leading to a frantic battle for survival. Despite its underrated status, Volcano remains a noteworthy entry in disaster cinema.
3 Dante’s Peak
Directed By: Roger Donaldson
A classic volcano film, Dante’s Peak stars Pierce Brosnan as a volcanologist investigating seismic activity. This 1997 film explores the potential calamities of a volcanic eruption, effectively resonating with the themes found in La Palma. Though it received mixed reviews, its blend of thrills and solid storytelling makes it a worthy watch.
2 Lost
Created By: Jeffrey Lieber, J. J. Abrams, & Damon Lindelof
While not a disaster film in the traditional sense, Lost captivates with its complex storytelling and survival themes. Following a plane crash on a mysterious island, the survivors face numerous challenges akin to the family dynamic portrayed in La Palma. This acclaimed series has made a significant mark on television history, blending adventure, drama, and intrigue.
1 The Poseidon Adventure
Directed By: Ronald Neame
Watch The Poseidon Adventure on YouTube
Concluding this list is The Poseidon Adventure, a classic disaster film that follows the passengers of a cruise ship overtaken by a tsunami. Winning multiple Oscars, including Best Visual Effects, this 1972 film remains a hallmark of the genre. Its gripping narrative and charismatic cast make it a timeless choice for fans still reeling from La Palma.
For more insights and recommendations, check out the original article on Screen Rant.
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