Over the years,Roland Emmerichhas made a name for himself as a doomsday enthusiast. Throughout most of his work, the filmmaker and producer has toyed with the idea of what an apocalypse or global catastrophe would look like. Owing true to this school of thought, Emmerich’s films mostly feature large-scale action sequences while, on occasion, turning a blind eye to the narrative. But then again, it would be foolish to watch a Roland Emmerich movie for its plot. Rather, it’s the action and the scale that works as the central theme in Emmerich’s movies. Be it a series of apocalyptic earthquakes or a storm that brings an inevitable ice-age, Emmerich’s movies have been there and done that.
10Stargate (1994)
Stargatewas Emmerich’s first foray into theworld of science-fiction.Having been predominantly known for high-intensity action movies,Stargatesaw Emmerich blend his prowess for action sequences within the framework of science fiction. The film fuses Egyptian history with alien planets, creating a vividly visual concoction. In terms of the plot, the film revolves around a teleportation device that transports people to a planet in which humans resemble ancient Egyptians and worships the god Ra.
9White House Down (2013)
When a group of terrorists attacks the White House, one police officer takes it upon himself to protect the president, while also keeping tabs on his daughter who had accompanied him to work. The film is powered by a double-engine duo of Channing Tatum as the police officer John Cale, and Jamie Foxx and the President of the United States. Even though the action is a bit far-fetched and unrealistic at times,White House Downis a high-octane action film that’s thrilling to watch.
8Anonymous (2011)
Based on the premise that revolves around Shakespeare’s authenticity,Anonymousthrows light onthe conspiracy theorythat Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, was the real mind behind Shakespeare’s work.Anonymousis a rare instance where Emmerich made a foray into historical drama, and counter to popular belief, it paid off big time. The filmboasts of a stellar cast as heavyweights, David Thewlis and Rhys Ifans deliver performances of a lifetime.
Related:Here Are 6 Movies Based on Shakespeare’s Play We Can’t Live Without
7Godzilla (1998)
TheGodzillafranchise is old and reputed. Throughout theseven decades of Godzilla films, a lot of directors have helmed the prestigious franchise, but only a few have come close to up-hold it’s worth. Emmerich’s take saw Mathew Broderick play the geeky leading man, who’s tasked with containing the mighty, mutilated lizard before it wipes out humanity. Despite Broderick being the center of attraction, it’s Jean Reno who actually steals the show.
6Midway (2019)
Right off the bat,Midwayseems like a self-funded project that lacks the visual panache normally associated with Emmerich’s movies. That being said, it’s considered to be one of the most expensive independent movies ever made. The film retells the infamous Battle of Midway during WWII, which was fought between the USA and Japan. Throughout the film, there are moments where Emmerich’s visual genius rises to the surface, but quickly dissolves within the loose writing and half-baked performances.
5Universal Soldier (1992)
Universal Soldieraptly defines the ’90s, where bulky foreign studs were used as military boy-toys going through a moral crisis. Following that trail of thought,Universal Soldieractually has an interesting plot, but the gimmicky execution underlined by the overly stated exuberance of the ’90s dilutes the film’s intensity. The film’s plot revolves around Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, who are arch-enemies and kill each other only to be relieved as mindless-puppet soldiers, later.Universal Soldierworks as a high-octane, action thriller that delivers a great mash-up of high-tech military workings while also peeping into the more humanistic side of things.
Related:The Best Military Movies, Ranked
4Independence Day (1996)
Independence Dayis one of Emmerich’s most successful movies of the ’90s. WhileJurassic Park andTitanictake the cake, this underrated cult classic from Emmerich often doesn’t get it’s due. True to his loud and over-the-top action movie style,Independence Daydelivers the complete Emmerich package.
3Moonfall (2022)
In Emmerich’s latest film,Moonfall, he combines his two most favorite themes: alien invasion and full-scale CGI explosions. The film’s plot revolves around a team of astronauts that are sent on a mission to space to investigate a mysterious force that has knocked the moon from its orbit, sending it on a collision course with Earth.
Related:Best Alien Invasion Movies, Ranked
22012 (2009)
Emmerich’s2012was met with a lot of anticipation upon its release, as itcoincided with the Mayan prophecythat the world is going to end in 2012. This naturally shook all the doomsday enthusiast out of their slumber and gave Emmerich’s film a highly anticipated buzz. The film’s plot works on the re-imagination of what a natural apocalypse would look like and what the ideal events of a human response would be.
1The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Often regarded as one of the best disaster movies of all time, Emmerich’sThe Day After Tomorrowrevolves around a father whojourneys through a snowstormthat hit New York, to save his son from certain death. Unlike other Emmerich movies,The Day After Tomorrowworks on a broader spectrum of achievements, as itjustifies its scale with subsequent human emotions as well.
