London has been the center of British culture, politics, and history for centuries. It has also been the backdrop for many movies that depict the destruction of the city.
From alien invasions to apocalyptic scenarios, London has been destroyed countless times on the big screen. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most notable movies that have featured London’s destruction.
War of The Worlds
One of the most iconic depictions of London’s destruction is in H.G. Wells’ novel “War of The Worlds”.
However, it was Steven Spielberg’s 2005 movie adaptation that truly brought this scenario to life on the big screen. In the movie, we see giant alien tripods emerge from beneath the ground and wreak havoc across London. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge to everyday streets and buildings, nothing is spared in this epic disaster movie.
V for Vendetta
While not a typical disaster movie, “V for Vendetta” shows a dystopian future where London is destroyed by nuclear war. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where fascism rules supreme. In one memorable scene, we see protagonist V set off explosives that destroy Old Bailey courthouse as he declares his war against the government.
28 Days Later
In this 2002 horror movie, London is not destroyed by an external force but rather by a deadly virus that turns people into zombies. We see deserted streets and iconic landmarks like Piccadilly Circus completely empty as Jim (played by Cillian Murphy) navigates his way through the city in search of other survivors.
Transformers: Dark of The Moon
The third installment in Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise featured one of the most epic scenes depicting London’s destruction. In this scene, Decepticons invade London and destroy iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The movie also features a memorable sequence where Optimus Prime battles Shockwave in the heart of the city.
The Day After Tomorrow
This 2004 disaster movie is set in a world where global warming has caused a new ice age. In one memorable scene, we see giant waves flood London and sweep all vehicles and debris away with them. The Thames Barrier is also shown failing to protect the city from this disaster.
Conclusion
From alien invasions to zombie outbreaks, London has been destroyed in countless ways on the big screen. While these movies are purely fictional, they remind us of how vulnerable our cities can be and how important it is to protect them from real-world threats like climate change and pandemics. These depictions of London’s destruction may be thrilling to watch, but let’s hope that they remain confined to our imagination and never become a reality.