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2012

2012 is a 2009 American apocalyptic disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich and co-written by Emmerich and Harald Kloser.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

2012 is a 2009 American apocalyptic disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich and co-written by Emmerich and Harald Kloser. Starring John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandiwe Newton, Danny Glover, and Woody Harrelson, it depicts global cataclysmic events inspired by the 2012 phenomenon. The film was a commercial success despite mixed reviews.

Premise

2012 centres on a global cataclysm triggered by extreme geological and environmental events. The story follows several characters attempting to survive as civilization collapses.

Production and release

The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, who co-wrote it with Harald Kloser. It was released in the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing through Columbia Pictures in November 2009.

Reception

Critics gave the film mixed reviews, but its theatrical performance was strong. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 2009 worldwide, grossing $791.2 million against a reported $200 million budget.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the 2012 phenomenon linked to the Mayan Long Count calendar.
  • It grossed $791.2 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $200 million.
  • The film received mixed reviews from critics.
  • It was released in the United States on 13 November 2009.
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Canadian context

The film was an American production but was also released in Canada and discussed as part of the broader North American disaster-film cycle associated with Roland Emmerich.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2012 about?
It is about a global cataclysm and the survival efforts of several characters as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods devastate the planet.
Who directed 2012?
Roland Emmerich directed the film.
When was 2012 released?
It was released in the United States on 13 November 2009.
Who stars in 2012?
The cast includes John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandiwe Newton, Danny Glover, and Woody Harrelson.
Was 2012 a box-office success?
Yes. It grossed about $791.2 million worldwide against a reported $200 million budget.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_(film)
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, plot, release date, budget, and worldwide gross
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/2012
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and ratings metadata
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70108779
    Supports: Basic film description, year, genre, and cast
  4. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce0N3TEcFw0
    Supports: Trailer description and credited principal cast