History Main / DramaticThunder

* In ''Film/TheCrow,'' the final fight against Top Dollar takes place on a church roof during a thunderstorm. The storm ends as The Crow stands victorious...

* In ''Film/TheCrow,'' the final fight against Top Dollar takes place on a church roof during a thunderstorm. The storm ends as The Crow stands victorious...

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]

* ''VideoGame/NosferatuTheWrathOfMalachi'': This is constant when you're outside.

[[folder:Web Comics]]

* In ''Webcomic/NoRestForTheWicked'', November plods through the GrayRainOfDepression, but [[http://www.forthewicked.net/archive/02-02.html this makes her desperate]], and leads to her [[http://www.forthewicked.net/archive/02-03.html meeting Red during another one.]]
* Outright [[InvokedTrope invoked]] through the power of SteamPunk science by the titular ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'' during the Battle of Mechanicsburg. A modified electrical superweapon is used to 'charge' the atmosphere, even while an (apparently completely coincidental) rainstorm rolls in to deliver a thematically-appropriate downpour. Finally, the lightning is [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20121219 climactically released]] to revive the sleeping GeniusLoci of Heterodyne Castle...
* The ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' song [[http://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/rex-duodecim-angelus-2 Rex Duodecim Angelus]] is set during the climactic battle between the trolls and the Black King, and contains multiple thunder special effects in between character {{Leitmotif}}s. Presumably an effect of the RuleOfCool, because the only weather known to be present during that fight was a ''meteor shower''.

* In ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'', ''Hereafter'', when Franchise/{{Superman}} is apparently killed, Franchise/WonderWoman threatens to punch a hole in Toyman's head in a [[http://imgur.com/doVulXx very iconic scene]].

* Parodied in ''WesternAnimation/{{Ninjago}}'': When [[BrattyHalfPint Lloyd Garmadon]] is about to release the Fangpyres, he laughs evilly, there is a strike of lighting, and he jumps in fear at it.
* One confrontation between Robin and Slade in the ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'' cartoon has a dramatic lightning strike - interesting in that they are fighting in Slade's ''underground'' base.

* The 1980s ''Literature/TheBerenstainBears'' series' AnimatedAdaptation of "Get in a Fight" has Brother and Sister Bear start a verbal version on their tree house as a thunderstorm is starting, with the lightning and thunder seeming to punctuate their arguing, until Mama Bear calls for them to come inside from the rain.
* ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'': In "[[Recap/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPowerS4E07MerMysteries Mer-Mysteries]]", Mermista's pronouncements are punctuated by thunder. Lampshaded by Frosta.
-->'''Frosta:''' How are you doing that?\\
'''Mermista:''' I practiced... [[SuddenlyShouting at home]]! ''[ka-BOOM]''

* In ''Film/NightOfTheEagle'', it is already raining outside when Norman arrives home and finds the letter Flora sent him. However, when he plays the tape from the envelope and triggers the spell Flora has placed upon it, the rainstorm suddenly turns into a thunderstorm, complete with dramatic thunder and lightning. The thunderstorm grows in intensity until the eagle arrives on the doorstep, which is when Tansy manages to pull the plug and cancel the spell, and the storm goes back to being an ordinary rainstorm.

* ''WesternAnimation/AllHailKingJulien'' has Doctor S, the LargeHam MadDoctor who's catch phrase "...IN A CAAAAVE!" often manages to summon lightning even when it's otherwise a sunny day out. Even his assistant Rob gets in on it, albeit by literally calling "Lightning Strike!"
* In the ''WesternAnimation/HeyArnold'' episode "Veterans Day", UsefulNotes/AdolfHitler was accompanied by lightning when Grandpa Phil tells a lie about how he highhandedly ended UsefulNotes/WorldWarII.
* In Season 4 of ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'', Mermista's proclamations about a Horde spy are underscored by flashes of perfectly timed lightning.
-->'''Frosta:''' How are you doing that?\\
'''Mermista:''' [[LargeHam I PRACTICE AT HOME!]] [lightning]\\
'''Glimmer:''' [FacePalm]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' episode "Jurassic Bark", Professor Farnsworth declaring that they will clone Fry's dead dog by harnessing "the power of [[LargeHam Nature herself!]]" is emphasised by a dramatic lightning bolt and roll of thunder. Then he goes down into the basement to draw upon the energy of molten lava.
* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IokBKvFiCvM intro]] of ''WesternAnimation/TheAddamsFamily1992'' starts with this and an accompanying, brief [[OminousPipeOrgan organ music]].
* ''WesternAnimation/TheGhostAndMollyMcgee'': Parodied in "The Best of Nin-Tentions", where there's dramatic thunder and lightning every time Molly's dad brings up "The Tensions" between Sharon and Grandma Nin. Even Scratch the ghost [[LampshadeHanging finds it weird]].
-->'''Scratch:''' As a supernatural entity, I am telling you that is ''odd''.
* WesternAnimation/TinyToonAdventures: A segment of the Halloween special episode starts with Buster and Plucky in a cart on a way to Plucky's newly [[HauntedHouse inherited mansion]]. When they ask the driver why he won't get them all the way to the door, he simply replies: "things", accompanied with the ominous lightning and thunder. They play with it afterwards, since every time anyone says "things" more lightning and thunders occur. Plucky quickly figures out the trigger and tries to taunt the lightning bolt and mocks whoever missed at him. Unfortunately for him, he manages to invoke BoltOfDivineRetribution too.

* ''Anime/StreetFighterIITheAnimatedMovie'' opens with Ryu and Sagat's fateful duel in a windswept grassland, thunder flashing across the skies. The two combatants' KiManipulation, which involve arcs of electricity as far as the movie is concerned, match the environment nicely.
* Oda Nobunaga in ''VideoGame/SengokuBasara'''s anime comes complete with a red-glowing ominous thunderstorm that follows him around wherever he goes. Needless to say, it's impossible to not have a Thunderous Confrontation with Nobunaga.

* Combined with GrayRainOfDepression in the movie adaptation of ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'' when Vita leaps into battle against a group of sea serpents as the coda to a speech about how terrified she is at the thought of [[MoralityPet Hayate]] dying.

** ''WesternAnimation/LadyAndTheTramp'' when the Tramp fights with an evil rat in the baby's room.
** ''WesternAnimation/TheGreatMouseDetective'' when Basil and Ratigan [[MonumentalBattle fight on the hands of Big Ben]].
** ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid|1989}}'' when Ursula, now with phenomenal ruler powers, tries to kill off Prince Eric.
** ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'': The battle between Gaston and the Beast near the end.
** ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' as Jafar [[AWizardDidIt generated a lightning storm]] as part of his rule-the-universe stint.
** ''WesternAnimation/{{The Hunchback of Notre Dame|Disney}}'': [[HangingJudge Judge]] [[SinisterMinister Claude Frollo]] in his first scene during "The Bells of Notre Dame" just before he begins chasing Quasimodo's mother.
--> '''Guard:''' You there! What are you hiding?
--> '''Frollo:''' Stolen goods, no doubt. Take them from her. ''(Thunderstorm rolls in)''

* At the end of the first ''Film/TheNeverendingStory'' film, as the Childlike Empress is calling out to Bastian from within the apocalyptic ending of the book, a violent thunderstorm is occuring in the real world.

* The final battle between Neo and Agent Smith at the end of ''Film/TheMatrixRevolutions''.

* The title character of ''Film/{{Pumpkinhead}}'' is apparently able to summon these storms at will. One character observes that there's thunder and lightning, but no actual rain.
* Used in ''Film/EventHorizon''. It's set in [[RuleOfCool space]].

* The final battle of ''Film/AliensVsPredatorRequiem''.
* Inverted in ''Film/BackToTheFuture1''. Thunder foreshadows the approaching dramatic storm -- but this is a Good Thing, a critical plot point, to get Marty back home. It's played straight right at the end of ''Film/BackToTheFuturePartII''.

* ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'' has the final battle in Boston occur in a climactic hurricane due to King Ghidorah's storm generation powers, leading to many dynamic shots of the dragon and Godzilla duking it out amongst lightning strikes.

* In Creator/MichaelFlynn's ''[[Literature/SpiralArm The January Dancer]]'', thunder like galloping hooves is the first sign of the storm they can actually sense.
* In ''Literature/TheGoBetween'', the ambient temperature rises higher and higher as the passion grows between Marian and Ted, and then when they finally manage to consummate that passion [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything there's a terrific thunderstorm]]. At this point [[spoiler:Marian's mother catches them in the act]] and mayhem ensues.
* Janine and Candayce's confrontation in ''{{Literature/Dinoverse}}'' starts after Janine's struck by lightning and continues as the storm rolls over them, though when it's faded to a light rain they're not quite through yet.

* In ''VideoGame/ShadowOfTheColossus'', the battle with the Final Colossus is accompanied by a heavy thunderstorm. Concidentally, the GrayRainOfDepression starts right after [[spoiler:Agro seemingly dies]]. After the battle is over, we see the main hero lying unconscious at the feet of the destroyed colossus while the sun shines brightly in clear sky.
* Even ''VideoGame/{{Bully}}'' couldn't escape this -- the Final Confrontation, up and down the sides of the school's belltower, is accompanied by a well-timed thunderstorm. And flocks of black crows, just for good measure
* ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'': The dramatic [[spoiler:[[EvilCounterpart Ninetails]]]] battle in Oni Island, fought atop the great mansion of Oni Island. Since you've learned to control lightning at this point, and the foe enjoys flourishing her highly-conductive sword, this works to your advantage. One of the phases of the FinalBattle repeats this, with lightning flashing as the boss raises its sword-shaped arms.

* The final battle with Bowser in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' had thunder and lighting in the background
* The Battle of Ostagar in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' takes place during a thunderstorm.

* ''[[VideoGame/RhythmHeaven Rhythm Heaven Fever]]'': During the last stretch of ''Samurai Slice'', where the music reaches its climax, lightning strikes with each successful slice. Yes, lightning strikes perfectly in sync with the battle and music.
* The final battle with [[spoiler: [[BigBad Deathshead]]]] in ''VideoGame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder'' is this. The storm even powers up his shield during the battle.
* ''VideoGame/NosferatuTheWrathOfMalachi'': This is constant when you're outside.

* ''VideoGame/Halo5Guardians'': This occurs when John-117 and the rest of Blue Team enters the gateway to the [[EldritchLocation Domain]] to confront [[spoiler:Cortana about her plans for taking control of the galaxy]].
* ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossing'': If you make Resetti scream at you, be prepared for thunderous booms to accompany his loud outbursts.

* The final boss battle of ''VideoGame/GunFrontier'' is a ShowdownAtHighNoon QuickDraw duel set above a thunderstorm.

* ''VideoGame/PizzaTower'': The third phase of the FinalBoss sees the revival of the other stage bosses to act as a BossRush. Peppino, already at his wits' end by this point, [[RageBreakingPoint completely snaps]] and with a scream of pure fury, goes to launch a NoHoldsBarredBeatdown on the first revived boss -- at which point a thunderstorm spontaneously manifests as if in response to his rage.
* ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedValhalla:'' Eivor's fight to the death with Dag takes place during a roaring thunderstorm. Despite this, the two are able to back and forth over the weather.

* In Creator/RobertEHoward's ''Franchise/ConanTheBarbarian'' story "Literature/IronShadowsInTheMoon", in [[DreamingOfTimesGoneBy Olivia's dream]], the advent of a PhysicalGod;
-->''As if in answer to that desperate cry, there was a rolling thunder as of celestial chariot-wheels, and a figure stood before the slayers, as if materialized out of empty air. ''
* In Creator/GeneStrattonPorter's ''Literature/{{Freckles}}'', 'an ominous growl of thunder' rouses Freckles from miserable thoughts.

* In ''Literature/AWolfInTheSoul'', Jack Crowe makes a dramatic statement and is very disappointed when this doesn't happen. He tries a few more times. Still doesn't happen.

** The series combines this with StockSoundEffects in "Hide", which takes place in a HauntedHouse.

* Thunder opens the song "Override of the Overture" (and by extension, their album ''Like an Ever Flowing Stream'') by Music/{{Dismember}}.

* Thunder, lightning and heavy rain also open Music/BlackSabbath's self-titled ''Black Sabbath''.

* In the "Subspace Emissary" of ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'', [[spoiler:Dramatic Thunder appears behind Wario, after he has captured Ness and Lucas runs away]].
* Every scene involving Sigma in ''VideoGame/MegaManX4'' is shot on a dark and stormy night, most notably his meeting with the General of Repliforce in the opening and when he later watches the General's speech.

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* The webcomic ''Webcomic/AMiracleOfScience'' has the Mad Scientist Dr. Haas living on a partially-{{terraform}}ed Venus, where it rains almost all the time -- providing plentiful Dramatic Thunder for his Mwa-Ha-Ha's and declarations of "I'll show them ALL!". Even if he's indoors without any windows around.

* Lampshaded in ''GPF'', in [[http://www.gpf-comics.com/d/20010629.html these]] [[http://www.gpf-comics.com/d/20010630.html two]] strips. At that point, the characters are already getting tired of it.
* [[http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Arch_Ab.php Abel's Story]], a side-story for the webcomic ''[[http://www.missmab.com/index.php DMFA]]'', invokes this rather sadly in [[http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Abel_106.php this]] strip. It's difficult to calm down someone whose mother you nearly killed when a mage provides dramatic lightning to underscore your statements.
* ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'' has also used this a few times, either with actual thunder, or merely a footnote saying *Insert Dramatic Thunder Here*.
-->[[http://www.sluggy.com/daily.php?date=990503 Insert Dramatic Music Here. Or the sound of Thunder. Or, hell, just say 'WHOA!' like Keanu Reeves would. That'd be fine.]]
* In ''Webcomic/EverydayHeroes,'' superhero Mr. Mighty introduces himself to the neighbors [[http://eheroes.smackjeeves.com/comics/1888385/dramatic-entrance/ with dramatic lighting and thunder]]. Lampshaded in [[http://eheroes.smackjeeves.com/comics/1990791/odious-greetings/ this episode]], where you can see the pull-chain Mr. Mighty uses to trigger the lighting flash. Also has Professor Odious and his ScaryShinyGlasses.
* ''Webcomic/ChasingTheSunset'' [[http://www.fantasycomic.com/index.php?p=c522 lampshades]] [[http://www.fantasycomic.com/index.php?p=c523 this]], but [[http://www.fantasycomic.com/index.php?p=c527 subverts]] it by the wizard not being evil. He explains that he was young at the time, but it became an annoyance.
* In ''Webcomic/NoNeedForBushido'', Yori has lightning flash and thunder boom whenever he gets into a fight. [[EpilepticTrees Some fans have theorized that he actually gets his power from it.]]
* ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'' really likes a good [[http://egscomics.com/?date=2009-12-01 KRAK]]-[[http://egscomics.com/?date=2010-01-28 A]]-[[http://egscomics.com/?date=2010-03-12 THOOM]]. Usually accompanies Mrs.Kitsune, though recently cute eight years old Akiko [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-02-22 demonstrated]] she inherited this quality.
** Ashley has also demonstrated a propensity for this, while talking about SeriousBusiness such as Tom Eating Your Sandwich, Not Funsies, and (gasps in horror) ''Overdue Library Books.''
* In ''Webcomic/BeyondTheCanopy'', thunder and lightning mark the first on-page appearance of [[BigBad the Baron]]. TheRant below the comic notes that "Lightning is nature's strobe light!"
* ''Webcomic/NoRestForTheWicked'' has this in the background of [[http://forthewicked.net/archive/01-12.html the panel in Chapter 1]] where November reveals what the curse given to her was (for humorous effect).
* Invoked and lampshaded in ''Webcomic/GrrlPower''. The CorruptCorporateExecutive, [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Deus]], has a projection-wall and sound-system installed in his office for the specific purpose of creating thunder and background lightning for his EvilLaugh. Unfortunately, [[http://www.grrlpowercomic.com/archives/808 the remote is a bit flaky]].
* In ''Webcomic/{{Godslave}}'', a thunder strikes just as Anpu's jar breaks, freeing him.
* In one strip of ''Webcomic/CatanaComics'', when Catana refers to the time before she and Jon got together as "the before time", lightning and thunder appear in the background.

* Also spoofed in ''Fanfic/FarceOfTheThreeKingdoms,'' when Cao Cao attempts to make a speech from a mountaintop over the field of battle. The thunder interrupts him so often that he gets exasperated and gives up.

* Played straight in the ''WesternAnimation/WhatsNewScoobyDoo'' episode "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgLyUbmU19A The Vampire Strikes Back]]"; first the Castle Thunder sound is used at the beginning of the episode (but is presented in very low-fidelity quality and sticks out like a sore thumb), but then newer, more realistic (and ''LOUDER'') thunderclap sounds are used for the rest of the episode (driving the show more toward realism compared to the classic "campy" cartoon feel the original series had).
* ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooMysteryIncorporated' features this as well in some episodes, including a Thunderous Confrontation in "Escape From Mystery Manor" when Danny Darrow fights Mystery Inc. on [[RooftopConfrontation the titular manor's roof]].
* In ''WesternAnimation/Inspector Gadget'', a thunderstorm is often brewing outside [[BigBad Dr. Claw]]'s castle. More often than not, thunder and lightning accompanies Dr. Claw's sinister laughter.
* Used on ''WesternAnimation/JimmyTwoShoes'' to highlight Heloise's EvilLaugh. Then it turns out the lightning was Jimmy flipping the lightswitch quickly.
* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
** Subverted in the episode "Bridle Gossip". After Applejack says "The Everfree Forest!", there's a clap of thunder, which turns out to actually be the clattering of pots and pans, knocked over by Spike while sneaking a snack.
** Played straight in "The Best Night Ever", to accompany Fluttershy's EvilLaugh.
** Used a number of times by Princess Luna in "Luna Eclipsed". Rainbow Dash also spends a good deal of time pranking ponies by invoking the trope.
** A frequent occurrence once the ponies enter the ancient castle in [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E3CastleManeia "Castle Mane-ia"]].
* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', a lightning during the ColdOpen illuminates Batman in a heroic pose.

* Accompanies Gogmagog's mooks in ''WesternAnimation/KorgothOfBarbaria'' when they open the door to the tavern where Korgoth is currently residing.
* ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb'':
** Lampshaded in "[[Recap/PhineasAndFerbOhThereYouArePerry Oh, There You Are, Perry]]" with the Regurgitator, who apparently uses a device for this. Prior to the reveal, Doofenshmirtz questions the thunder and lightning several times.
** In the "[[Recap/PhineasAndFerbTerrifyingTriStateTrilogyOfTerror Terrifying Tri-State Trilogy of Terror]]" Halloween special, every time Doof says the words "inexplicable giant floating baby head", he automatically triggers a flash of lightning. Of course, he has fun playing around with this.

* In the HalloweenEpisode of ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPandaLegendsOfAwesomeness'', this happens every time someone says "strange apparitions". At first Po finds this rather cool, but eventually even he gets exasperated with it.
* Subverted in ''WesternAnimation/{{Rugrats}}''; in "When Wishes Come True", Tommy angrily wishes for the worst thing to happen to Angelica and a big flash of light illuminates the scene. It turned out to be the bug zapper outside.
-->'''Grandpa:''' That mosquito must've been the size of a B-52.

* ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha [[SpinOffspring ViVid]]'' used this for the introduction of [[{{Ojou}} Victoria Dahlgrun]], Vivio and Einhart's tournament rival who inherited the blood of the Ancient Belkan Thunder Emperor (even if it's just a bit) and [[ToBeAMaster who will show them the truth of the strongest]] *thunder*! The effect was promptly ruined by [[ServileSnarker her butler]], who reminded her of her participation in last year's tournament, where she failed just short of the finals.
* In ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'', several of the major villains are first introduced amongst flashes of lightning, but none get a more thunderous introduction than Toki [[spoiler: Actually Amiba]], whose first non-flashback appearance is surrounded by repeated bolts of lightning. Nevermind that he's INDOORS. It's somewhat appropriate for his StrappedToAnOperatingTable [[MadScientist Mad Pressure-Point Expert]] persona.
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny'' plays this straight [[spoiler:during Shinn and Athrun's battle between the Destiny and GOUF, in which Rey's lines are often met with lightning strikes, as well as Athrun's "You're being manipulated" line to Shinn.]]
* Used in ''Anime/{{Popotan}}'' when [[spoiler: Mea defeats Keith in episode 10. Almost, that is]].
* In the third episode of ''Manga/{{X1999}}'', blurring the line with Thunderous Confrontation. Lightning flashes repeatedly as Kamui confronts Fuma at an abandoned basketball-court and they both have a [[PsychicDreamsForEveryone premonition about their future battles]] - and at the same time, across town at the Tokagushi Shrine, Nataku attacks Kyuogo to steal the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Divine Sword]], again amidst the flashing lightning. It hardly counted as a confrontation, however, considering [[CurbStompBattle how outmatched Kyuogo was]]. By the time something approaching a fair fight develops - between Nataku and Kamui - the thunder has already passed...
* ''Anime/DragonBallZ''
** In the original series and ''Z'', whenever either one of the Eternal Dragons are summoned, the sky goes dark and lightning flashes.
** When Goku goes Super Saiyan for the first time, the sky turns dark and lightning flashes across the sky.
* Occurs twice in ''Anime/WhenMarnieWasThere'' at the silo. First a powerful thunder prevents the two maids to go through with their plan to [[BreakTheCutie force Marnie to enter the detested silo]]. Later a dramatic thunder scares Marnie big time when inside the silo with Anna.
* In ''Anime/FlavorsOfYouth'', a thunderclap occurs as Xiao Ming receives a call from his father that we later learn is about [[spoiler:his dying grandmother.]]

* In ''Fanfic/TheNewAdventuresOfInvaderZim'', lightning cracks when Zim first sees [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Norlock's]] castle, despite the fact that there's not a cloud in the sky.

* ''Fanfic/ItGetsWorse'': After being affected by pure luck, anytime [=L33t=] says something dramatic thunder booms. Later he gets this back when Alexandra breaks the sound barrier nearby.

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]

* ''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead1968'': The appearance of the first zombie in the film in the opening cemetery scene is heralded by this.
* ''Film/VenomLetThereBeCarnage'': There is a flash of lightning at the end of Carnage's TitleDrop during the final showdown.
* A more subtle version occurs in ''Film/WithnailAndI,'' where the ominous thunder happens right before the messenger comes with a message that means their friendship is bound to be over very soon.
* ''Film/{{Airplane}}'' parodies this mercilessly, using "Castle Thunder" to underline every minutely dramatic sentence.
** ''Film/AirplaneIITheSequel'' takes it even further by having the ominous thunder in space.
* In many UsefulNotes/{{Bollywood}} musicals, father figures get one of these when laying down the law (frequently ArrangedMarriage).
** Bollywood loves to play this one straight. At the beginning of ''Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham'' , two characters argue about telling X that his brother was adopted. Cue reveal that X is in the room and heard everything. CUE LIGHTNING.
* In ''Film/YoungFrankenstein''. Three words: IT-COULD-WORK! *Boooom*
** And every single time someone utters Frau Blucher's name.
--> '''''**WHINNY!!**'''''
** "[[TemptingFate Could be worse.. could be raining.]]"

* In a rare not-even-the-least-bit-funny example, thunder can be heard during Roy Batty's death speech in ''Film/BladeRunner''. Somewhat subverted in that most people hear it as thunder rolling ''away''.

* ''Film/TheGhostGoesWest'': Once Murdoch finds a [=McLAggen=] descendant to humiliate, cue the thunder and lightning.
* Early in ''Film/ThePresidentsAnalyst'', a patient of the eponymous psychiatrist reveals he's a government agent concluding a background check on him. He suggests taking the conversation outside as the office could be bugged. The doctor scoffs at the thought, until the agent casually points out the bug ''he'd'' planted. As the doctor ponders what he's been unaware of, thunder rumbles in the background.
* In the movie ''Film/NightOfTheDemon'', Dr. Holden is skeptical about a deadly curse that's been placed on him. As he compares notes with the niece of his associate who had died after a similar curse, he realizes he may have been passed an essential slip of parchment. As he rushes for his briefcase to look for it, thunder booms. That can't be good...
* One of the posters in ''Animation/TheReturnOfHanuman'' uses Dramatic Thunder to indicate the antagonists of the movie.

* The film version of ''{{Film/Godspell}}'': "And from that moment, he began to look out for an opportunity *booooom* [[WhamLine to betray him."]]
* In the 1999 film version of ''[[Literature/SienkiewiczTrilogy With Fire and Sword]]'' lighting and thunder occurs when Bohdan Khmelnytsky introduces himself. Khmelnytsky is AntiVillain at worst, but the trope is played completely straight.
* In the Creator/StanleyKubrick adaptation of ''Literature/{{Lolita}}'', Humbert's wife reveals her plan to send Lolita away to a strict boarding school, [[RevealingHug not seeing Humbert's shocked expression]].
-->'''Charlotte:''' Darling, you've gone away.
-->'''Humbert:''' Just a minute, I'm [[MurderTheHypotenuse following a train of thought]]. ''(distant thunder)''
** The thunder continues to sound at suitably dramatic moments; when they start squabbling, when Humbert finds Charlotte reading his diary in which he's confided his lust for her daughter, and when Humbert realises she's been [[DeathOfTheHypotenuse killed in a car accident]].
* Justified in ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', due to Thor's powers.
-->'''Policeman:''' Place your hands on your head, step back!\\
'''Thor:''' This woman is unwell.\\
'''Police officer:''' She's dangerous!\\
'''Thor:''' [[DoNotTauntCthulhu So am I.]]\\
''[distant thunder sounds -- policeman backs off and calls for an armed response team]''
* Twice during the "Liars' Dice" scene in ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanDeadMansChest'', first when Davy Jones accepts Will's challenge and second when he informs Will he's free to go ashore once the ''Dutchman'' makes port (which it never does.)
* ''Film/{{The Art of War}}'' (2000). Happens during the [[AloneWithThePsycho Alone With The]] BigBad reveal, during the MotiveRant. It's raining for the rest of the movie, with thunder sounding at suitably dramatic moments (usually pre-battle). It's used again for TheEndOrIsIt ending; the protagonists have [[FakingTheDead faked their deaths]] and meet up again in a beautiful French village, only to hear thunder and be CaughtInTheRain. As they walk away under an UmbrellaOfTogetherness, an [[SinisterSurveillance unknown man takes their picture]].
* Happens in ''Film/{{Pleasantville}}'' when George announces, "Honey, I'm home!" before he discovers that his wife -- and his dinner -- are not there, signaling the effective destruction of his "pleasant" home life. It is especially significant because Pleasantville had never before experienced rain.
* Whenever Film/{{Pumpkinhead}} is stalking victims, thunderstorms pop up in the area. Lampshaded in one of the sequels, when a character knows that he's coming, because there's thunder and lightning but no rain.

* When Cropsy kills the prostitute in ''Film/TheBurning'', thunder can be heard.
* ''Film/ShortcutToHappiness'': When, during a fit of pique, Jabex Stone decalres that he would sell his soul to trade places with Julius Jensen, there is a single bolt of lightning from a clear sky and a dramatic crack of thunder.
* In ''Film/MissFisherAndTheCryptOfTears'', Miss Fisher has just explaining to Inspector Robinson about the curse on the eponymous crypt when there is a flash of lightning and a crack of thunder and all of the lights in the warehouse go out.
* ''Film/{{Qivitoq}}'': Played with in a way appropriate to the UsefulNotes/{{Greenland}} setting. There's dramatic thunder throughout the climactic scene where Jens chases a suicidal Pavia across the glacier, except it isn't thunder, it's the continual sound of huge hunks of ice cleaving off the glacier and plunging into the ocean.
* In ''Film/WhoeverSlewAuntieRoo'', a thunderclap plays between the first scene and the opening credits.
* In ''Film/AMuppetFamilyChristmas'', Count von Count counts "two worried frogs" looking out the window as Miss Piggy is lost in a blizzard. Kermit and Robin react as if the thunder is just more of the bad weather they're looking at.

* ''WebVideo/LifeSMP'': From the fourth season, Limited Life, and onward, whenever a player is KilledOffForReal, thunder can be heard in the background as lightning strikes the site of their death.

** Justified: The titular ship is in the atmosphere of Neptune at the time.

* Played quite straight in ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda'': as the villagers evacuate the Valley of Peace and Shifu waits outside the Jade Palace for Tai Lung, ominous storm clouds are gathering. Thunder and lightning starts at the moment they start fighting. What makes this interesting, though, is how it plays with the trope: instead of the Thunderous Confrontation being between the hero and the villain, it's between the villain and the OldMaster. The storm quickly clears out after the hero arrives at the scene -- and the scene changes from dramatic, tragic and hopeless to a FinalBattle powered by the RuleOfFunny.

* Played straight in the ''WesternAnimation/WhatsNewScoobyDoo'' episode "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgLyUbmU19A The Vampire Strikes Back]]"; first the Castle Thunder sound is used at the beginning of the episode (but is presented in very low-fidelity quality and sticks out like a sore thumb), but then newer, more realistic (and ''LOUDER'') thunderclap sounds are used for the rest of the episode (driving the show more toward realism compared to the classic "campy" cartoon feel the original series had). The newest (and more darker and realistic) show, ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooMysteryIncorporated'', featured this as well in a couple of episodes, including a Thunderous Confrontation in an episode featuring a dangerous battle on an old building's roof.

* ''WebVideo/LifeSMP'': In the fourth season, Limited Life, whenever a player is KilledOffForReal, thunder can be heard in the background as lightning strikes the site of their death.

* The final scene of ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'''first season is a transition from the Three Elven Rings being created to the Mount Doom and the thunders created by its pyroclastic flow reflecting in Sauron's green eyes as an element of drama.

* One of the Advertising/DairyQueenLips ads about the DQ valu-menu has the lips almost getting struck by lightning for saying that he's "master of my own domain! All powerful! Muahahahahaha!"

* In Creator/RobertEHoward's ''Franchise/ConanTheBarbarian'' story "Literature/ShadowsInTheMoonlight", in [[DreamingOfTimesGoneBy Olivia's dream]], the advent of a PhysicalGod;