As we brace for the release of Emerald Fennell's latest rain-drenched romance, it's the perfect time to delve into cinema's most memorable weather-infused narratives. From blizzards to biblical floods, these films pit their stars against nature's fury, making the elements as pivotal as any human character. Here's a countdown of 20 movies where weather doesn't just set the scene—it steals it.
20. Frozen (2013)
Disney's animated hit masterfully employs pathetic fallacy, where the environment mirrors a character's emotional state. Elsa's frustration literally freezes her kingdom into an eternal winter, showcasing how weather can drive a plot and spawn iconic, if annoying, sidekicks like a chatty snowman.
19. The Shining (1980)
This horror classic explores seasonal affective disorder through snowbound isolation. While the hotel's interiors are terrifying, the relentless snow traps the characters, proving that a maze in a blizzard is anything but fun.
18. Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott's dystopian vision is drenched in perpetual rain, creating a gloomy, futuristic atmosphere. Though the weather doesn't directly affect the plot, it amplifies the film's bleak mood, making sunshine a distant memory.
17. Force Majeure (2014)
This Swedish drama focuses on human reactions to perceived weather threats. When a man flees an avalanche, abandoning his family, the psychological fallout is excruciating, highlighting how weather can unravel relationships.
16. The Thing (1982)
Set in Antarctica, the harsh cold and isolation are crucial to this horror film's claustrophobic tension. Imagine it in a sunny meadow, and the terror evaporates—proof that weather can make or break a thriller.
15. Hard Rain (1998)
A heist film undone by torrential rain, this movie blends seriousness with silliness. It's remembered for its watery chaos and behind-the-scenes controversies, like wardrobe choices that prioritized visibility over practicality.
14. Everest (2015)
Based on a real 1996 disaster, this film depicts climbers battling a deadly blizzard. It starkly illustrates how unforgiving mountain weather can be, with avalanches and storms claiming lives both on-screen and in reality.
13. Take Shelter (2011)
Michael Shannon stars as a man haunted by storm visions, blurring lines between premonition and mental illness. The weather here serves as a metaphor for inner turmoil, building psychological tension to astonishing levels.
12. Into the Wild (2007)
Sean Penn's adaptation follows an unprepared adventurer in Alaska, facing storms and ice. Despite its beauty, the film warns against underestimating nature, inspiring cautionary tales in real life.
11. The Impossible (2012)
Dramatising the 2004 tsunami, this film uses weather to portray real-life tragedy. While criticised for its focus on Western stars, it remains a harrowing reminder of nature's destructive power.
10. The Revenant (2015)
Leonardo DiCaprio endures relentless weather—storms, rain, and freezing cold—in his Oscar-winning role. It's a testament to how cinematic suffering in inclement conditions can earn accolades, even if it veers into slapstick at times.
9. Twister (1996)
Celebrating America's storm-chasing culture, this blockbuster turns tornadoes into spectacles. It balances fun with danger, though it's outshone by more absurd weather tales.
8. Sharknado (2013)
This cult film takes weather absurdity to new heights with a shark-filled tornado. Made cheaply for laughs, it's a prime example of how weather can be exploited for pure, preposterous entertainment.
7. Magnolia (1999)
Paul Thomas Anderson's epic includes a freak frog storm as its emotional climax. This bizarre weather event shifts from absurd to terrifying, showcasing logistical challenges far beyond snow cleanup.
6. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Roland Emmerich's climate crisis film packs every weather disaster imaginable—hail, hurricanes, and a new ice age. It's a grand, if exaggerated, warning about environmental neglect.
5. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
The quintessential disaster movie, where a tsunami capsizes a cruise liner. With an all-star cast, it set the standard for nautical weather nightmares, blending mass death with adventure in a strangely titled package.
4. Noah (2014)
Darren Aronofsky's biblical retelling features catastrophic floods, making weather the ultimate antagonist. Despite its high earnings, it's often overlooked, yet it undeniably centres on dreadful meteorological events.
3. The Mist (2007)
Based on Stephen King's novel, this horror film uses mist to hide monstrous threats. Its controversially bleak ending cements its place as a standout in weather-based suspense, sparking debates among fans.
2. The Perfect Storm (2000)
Inspired by a true 1991 event, this film depicts fishermen caught in a deadly storm confluence. Its realism and strong performances make it heartbreaking, and its title has entered everyday language to describe chaotic situations.
1. All Is Lost (2013)
Robert Redford stars in this minimalist masterpiece, where a sailor battles storms alone. With sparse dialogue, the weather drives the narrative, transforming Redford's face into a symbol of stoic resilience. It's not just a perfect storm—it's a perfect film.
From frozen kingdoms to frog downpours, these movies prove that weather is more than backdrop; it's a character that shapes stories, moods, and memories. As new films like Fennell's continue to embrace the elements, this list serves as a tribute to cinema's stormy heart.
