A 1998 classic has been hailed as the “best disaster movie of all time” and is available to stream on Disney+.
Armageddon is about a group of deep-core diggers who are sent by NASA to try and destroy a giant asteroid.
The film’s synopsis reads: “When an asteroid threatens to collide with Earth, NASA honcho Dan Truman determines the only way to stop it is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear bomb. This leads him to renowned driller Harry Stamper, who agrees to helm the dangerous space mission provided he can bring along his own hotshot crew. Among them is the cocksure A.J. who Harry thinks isn’t good enough for his daughter, until the mission proves otherwise.”
The film was directed by Michael Bay and stars Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler, Ben Affleck and Billy Bob Thornton.
Armageddon achieved great box-office success upon it’s release but disaster movies are known to be subject to critcism and so it received mixed reviews from critics.
However, Time, who awarded Armageddon with the number one spot for best disaster movies of all time, said: “Michael Bay’s 1998 masterpiece – which rightfully is part of the esteemed Criterion Collection along with hundreds of the world’s greatest art films – is the ultimate disaster movie for its cheesy, absurd excess.
“Armageddon is a special effects extravaganza populated by characters who will make you care, deeply, about them despite yourself – a recipe for disaster in the best possible way.”
The film splits opinions with Rotten Tomatoes critics giving it 43% and audience reviewers rating it at 73%.
The critics said: “Lovely to look at but about as intelligent as the asteroid that serves as the movie’s antagonist, Armageddon slickly sums up the cinematic legacies of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay.”
One audience reviewer wrote: “Forget the critic reviews. This movie is a classic and a must see,” while another added: “One of my all-time favourite movies”.
Armageddon is available to stream on Disney+.