WatchThis

Movies like

The Wave

Loved the vibe? Here are ten films that hit similar notes—with match scores, reasons to watch, and where to stream in the US.

The Wave poster

Why people love it

The Wave (2015) stuck because it commits to its action premise without apologizing—viewers remember set pieces and momentum as much as plot. Roar Uthaug's control of tone keeps the ride coherent. The action and thriller blend is the engine: it lets the film shift registers without feeling like two different movies stitched together.

actionthrillerdramadivisive

Runtime 1h 45m · ★ 6.7

Your 10 recommendations

Filter your results

Mood

Streaming (US)

Era

Showing 10 of 10 picks

  1. 96match

    1.Dante's Peak (1997)

    ★ 6.2 · Action · Adventure · Drama · 1h 48m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, Dante's Peak (1997) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and thriller, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    + Save for later
  2. 94match

    2.The Towering Inferno (1974)

    ★ 7.0 · Action · Drama · Thriller · 2h 45m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, The Towering Inferno (1974) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and thriller, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    • YouTube(Buy)
    • Fandango At Home(Buy)
    + Save for later
  3. 92match

    3.The Quake (2018)

    ★ 6.7 · Action · Drama · Thriller · 1h 46m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, The Quake (2018) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and thriller, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Hulu
    • fuboTV
    • Philo
    • Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel
    • Monsters and Nightmares Amazon Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    + Save for later
  4. 90match

    4.Airport (1970)

    ★ 6.5 · Action · Drama · Thriller · 2h 17m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, Airport (1970) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and thriller, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Prime Video
    • Amazon Prime Video with Ads
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    + Save for later
  5. 88match

    5.The Hunting Party (2007)

    ★ 6.5 · Action · Adventure · Thriller · 1h 41m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, The Hunting Party (2007) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and thriller, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    + Save for later
  6. 86match

    6.Bird Box (2018)

    ★ 6.8 · Horror · Thriller · Drama · 2h 4m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, Bird Box (2018) is a strong next stop: both trade in thriller and drama, with unease that lingers after the credits. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    + Save for later
  7. 84match

    7.The Impossible (2012)

    ★ 7.4 · Drama · Thriller · History · 1h 53m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, The Impossible (2012) is a strong next stop: both trade in thriller and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • fuboTV
    • Curiosity Stream
    • CuriosityStream Apple TV Channel
    • CuriosityStream Amazon Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    + Save for later
  8. 82match

    8.Deepwater Horizon (2016)

    ★ 6.9 · Drama · Action · 1h 47m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, Deepwater Horizon (2016) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    • Wonder Project Amazon Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    + Save for later
  9. 80match

    9.Leave the World Behind (2023)

    ★ 6.4 · Drama · Mystery · Thriller · 2h 20m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, Leave the World Behind (2023) is a strong next stop: both trade in thriller and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    + Save for later
  10. 78match

    10.The Guardian (2006)

    ★ 7.1 · Action · Adventure · Drama · 2h 19m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Wave clicked for you, The Guardian (2006) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • YouTube TV
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    + Save for later

FAQ

What should I watch after The Wave?
Try Dante's Peak, The Towering Inferno, The Quake—each shares DNA with The Wave while changing the setting enough to feel fresh.
What genre is The Wave?
The Wave (2015) is best described as Action, Thriller, Drama. Stores and algorithms use different labels, but that mix is what fans actually recognize on a rewatch.
Is The Wave part of a franchise?
Yes—it's part of the "Wave / Quake Collection" storyline. You can enjoy it standalone, but sequels and tie-ins build on characters and continuity established here.

Similar vibes

More movie guides

Browse every "movies like" page on the site—including ones still waiting to be indexed.