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Poster for Earthquake

Earthquake

Seen it?

1974 | 123 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It won an Oscar and it made about 11 times its budget, though it had middling reviews (44% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Deepwater Horizon, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 3 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1974: an older pace and style.

Various interconnected people struggle to survive when an earthquake of unimaginable magnitude hits Los Angeles, California.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    44% on Rotten Tomatoes, 56 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.1 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Award: Best Sound. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 1 BAFTA. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $80 million worldwide on a $7 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 117K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Mark Robson

  • Charlton HestonStewart Graff
  • Ava GardnerRemy Royce-Graff
  • George KennedySgt. Lew Slade
  • Lorne GreeneSam Royce
  • Geneviève BujoldDenise Marshall
  • Richard RoundtreeMiles Quade
  • Marjoe GortnerJody
  • Barry SullivanDr. Willis Stockle
  • Lloyd NolanDr. James Vance
  • Victoria PrincipalRosa Amici