🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ric Roman Waugh
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Disaster
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 1h 59min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (144K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A family bickers and makes incredibly poor choices while trying to outrun space rocks, ultimately proving that even the apocalypse can’t stop a good therapist from earning their keep.
🍿 Greenland: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Initial Warning and Chaos
John Garrity, his estranged wife Allison, and their diabetic son Nathan are selected for emergency sheltering as a comet named Clarke approaches Earth. While hosting a neighborhood party, they receive an alert and witness a comet fragment destroying Tampa, Florida. This sets off a desperate race to reach Robins Air Force Base, their designated evacuation point.

Separation and Perilous Journeys
At the airbase, Nathan is denied boarding due to his diabetes. John leaves the plane to find Nathan’s lost insulin, leading to the family’s separation amidst increasing chaos and rioting. Allison and Nathan set off to her father’s home in Lexington, Kentucky, while John tries to find them, facing looting, violence, and desperate survivors.

Reunion and a Glimmer of Hope
After harrowing experiences, including Nathan being temporarily kidnapped, Allison and Nathan reunite at a FEMA camp. John eventually reaches Allison’s father’s house, and they are reunited. Learning about potential bunkers in Greenland, the family decides to make a last-ditch effort to reach a flight leaving from Canada.

The Final Flight and Impact
The family faces further challenges, including a meteor shower, and ultimately manages to board a crowded plane headed to Greenland. The plane crash-lands due to another comet fragment strike. The family and other survivors reach the Greenland base just before the main impact. Nine months later, they emerge to a devastated world, but with signs of recovery and hope for the future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John Garrity (Gerard Butler): A structural engineer and estranged husband who fights to protect his family from a cataclysmic comet.
- Allison Garrity (Morena Baccarin): John’s wife who is determined to keep her family safe amidst the impending global disaster.
- Nathan Garrity (Roger Dale Floyd): John and Allison’s diabetic son whose medical needs add another layer of complexity to their survival journey.
- Dale (Scott Glenn): Allison’s father, who provides a temporary safe haven for Allison and Nathan.
- Ralph Vento (Scott Poythress): A desperate and selfish man who kidnaps Nathan in an attempt to secure his and his wife’s place in a shelter.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Nathan Garrity: “My friend Teddy says your life flashes in front of your eyes when you die. I think it would be better if it did that while you lived. That way, you could see all the good memories and be happy.” – Nathan’s innocent perspective on life and death as the world faces apocalypse.
- Allison Garrity: “We’re a family. We’ll figure it out.” – Allison’s affirmation of family unity amidst chaos, highlighting their determination to survive together.
- John Garrity: “I’m not leaving without my family.” – John’s unwavering commitment to his wife and son, driving his actions throughout the film.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $34,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $2,549,130
- Worldwide Gross: $52,300,000
💥 Greenland Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this movie not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised! I thought it was a bit cliche in some parts, but the family dynamic felt genuine, and I actually got choked up when they finally made it to Greenland. The scene where they’re driving through the meteor shower was intense! I would watch it again, but definitely not alone. It was one of those movies I could enjoy and appreciate.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of disaster movies”
- “Viewers interested in family survival stories”
- “Gerard Butler fans”
- “Viewers who enjoy suspenseful thrillers”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense scenes of peril”
- “Violence”
- “Brief strong language”
- “Thematic elements involving global catastrophe”
- “Some disturbing images”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Greenland distinguishes itself by focusing on the human element amidst the disaster. Butler delivers a grounded performance, and the film effectively portrays the escalating chaos and desperation as the world crumbles. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it provides a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Waugh directs with a keen eye for tension, and the film avoids excessive spectacle in favor of a more intimate portrayal of survival. Baccarin is great. Greenland provides a gripping and suspenseful ride, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable catastrophe.
- Empire: “Greenland offers a refreshing take on the disaster genre by emphasizing character development and emotional depth. The film’s focus on a family’s struggle for survival creates a sense of urgency and relatability. It’s a well-crafted and engaging thriller that stays grounded in its human story.
Audience Reactions
The realistic portrayal of human behavior during a disaster.: Viewers appreciated the film’s focus on the family’s emotional journey rather than just spectacle.
Gerard Butler’s performance as a flawed but determined father.: Many felt his acting brought a much-needed realism to the disaster film genre.
Overall Consensus: Greenland is a suspenseful and emotionally engaging disaster film that focuses on human drama, but it may have predictable character decisions.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The comet in the film is named ‘Clarke’ as a tribute to Arthur C. Clarke, author of the novel ‘Hammer of God,’ which features a similar planet-killing asteroid impact scenario.”
- “Filming locations included Iceland for the Greenland scenes, providing a realistic backdrop for the post-impact environment.”
- “Director Ric Roman Waugh makes a cameo appearance as a writer, showcasing his involvement beyond directing.”
🖥️ How to Watch Greenland?
Greenland is available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max, and can be rented or purchased on digital stores such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Greenland, you might like these similar films:
- Deep Impact (1998): Deals with a similar threat of a comet impact and humanity’s response to it.
- 2012 (2009): Features large-scale disaster and a family’s struggle to survive a global cataclysm, though with more emphasis on visual spectacle.
- Contagion (2011): Focuses on the breakdown of society and the struggle for survival during a global pandemic, mirroring the themes of societal collapse in Greenland.
- The Impossible (2012): A family struggles to survive after being separated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
🛒 Greenland Related Products
- Gerard Butler 5-Movie Collection [DVD]: Dive into the thrilling world of Gerard Butler with this action-packed collection! Featuring some of his most memorable performances, it’s the perfect way to experience his range and intensity. From heroic feats to gritty dramas, this collection has it all.
- Survival Gear Kit – Emergency Survival Kit 142 Pieces Professional Survival First Aid Kit: This kit includes essential tools and supplies needed to navigate natural disasters and unforeseen circumstances. Perfect for avid outdoorsmen, or those seeking a safety measure for the future.
- The End Is Always Near: Apocalyptic Moments, from the Bronze Age Collapse to Nuclear Near Misses: A gripping exploration of past apocalyptic moments in human history and what we can learn from them. From ancient collapses to modern-day threats, this book offers insights into how societies have faced and sometimes overcome existential challenges.
- Meteor Shower Projector Lamp: Transform your room into a mesmerizing night sky with this meteor shower projector lamp! Featuring dynamic light patterns and adjustable settings, it creates a soothing and immersive environment. Perfect for relaxation, meditation, or adding a touch of wonder to any space.
🎧 Soundtrack
Greenland features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Greenland was primarily filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, and Iceland, which was used to represent the Greenland landscapes.
As of October 2024, a sequel titled ‘Greenland: Migration’ is currently in post-production. It will continue the Garrity family’s story as they leave the Greenland bunker and search for a new home.
The comet in the movie Greenland is named Clarke, as a tribute to the late Arthur C. Clarke, author of the 1993 novel ‘Hammer of God,’ which also describes the impact on Earth of a planet-killing asteroid.
Nathan was initially denied access to the plane because he is diabetic. The military personnel deemed his need for ongoing insulin treatment as a resource burden during the emergency evacuation, prioritizing those with fewer medical needs.
🔥 Bonus Content
Asteroid Expert Rates Nine Asteroid Disasters In Movies and TV | How Real Is It? | Insider
Curious about the scientific accuracy of ‘Greenland’? Check out this video where an asteroid expert dissects the film’s depiction of cosmic disasters, offering fascinating insights!
Greenland Is The Last Sanctuary For Humanity After A Comet Races To Earth
Need a recap of ‘Greenland’ before diving into the film? This video condenses the movie’s key events, giving you a quick refresher or an easy way to catch up on the story.
Gerard Butler Breaks Down His Career, from ‘300’ to ‘Law Abiding Citizen’ | Vanity Fair
Get an insider’s view of ‘Greenland’! Gerard Butler takes us on a journey through his career, sharing his experiences and insights on the film.
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