Armageddon

About This Movie

Armageddon is such a peculiar beast in the late 90s action landscape. Michael Bay really goes for broke with the spectacle here, layering massive explosions and high-stakes drama. It’s almost operatic in tone at points, with Bruce Willis as the grizzled driller, Harry Stamper, leading a team of roughnecks into space—there’s something about that mix of blue-collar toughness and cosmic stakes. The pacing is relentless, almost frantic, but that’s Bay’s style. The practical effects hold up surprisingly well amidst all the CGI, giving it a tangible feel. And the performances—there’s an unexpected depth from the ensemble that you might not expect in a film like this. It’s a fun ride, albeit an absurd one.

Released on July 1, 1998 in the US · Shot in various locations, including NASA facilities · Used a mix of practical effects and CGI · Notable for its Aerosmith soundtrack