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1[[quoteright:350:[[Anime/YesPrettyCure5 https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yesprettycure5_lightning_8465.jpg]]]]
2[[caption-width-right:350:DUN DUN ''DUN!'']]
3
4->''"Dramatic effects by God himself!"''
5-->-- '''Clifford''', ''Film/{{Deathtrap}}''
6
7[[AC:For added atmosphere, play [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_39wbGIJ_I this video]] while reading on.]]
8
9Nothing says "This is dramatic, ominous and/or heavy foreshadowing!" like an ionic ground-to-air charge-release -- in other words, lightning, and the accompanying thunder. Whether underlining the villain's apparent success, or the [[BigDamnHeroes heroes' last-second arrival]], you can just bet that the thunder is anything but a random result of the global weather-system.
10
11There are variants of this:
12
13# '''The Thunderous Underline''' marks a recently-spoken sentence or word as particularly important, [[LightningReveal illuminates]] a recently-arrived character as particularly dangerous and/or sinister, or provide appropriate mood lightning for a [[EvilLaugh villainous laugh]]. This is frequently lampshaded, subverted, or just plain mocked, though it still gets played straight on occasion.
14# In '''The Thunderous Confrontation''', a fierce thunderstorm provides an appropriately chaotic background to a battle -- of weapons or of wills. Usually, it will be the final, climactic confrontation between hero and villain, and you can just bet that the weather will clear up as soon as the hero's won. Frequently, the thunderstorm will play an active part in the battle, with lightning striking exposed targets, starting fires, causing trees to fall, or just making the Airborne Cavalry unable to come to the hero's aid. Almost always played straight.
15# '''AStormIsComing''' adds thunder as a sound effect to a dramatically brewing storm as part of the {{Foreshadowing}}. Often far off in the distance and with its lightning not visible; conversely, if lightning flashes had not had audible thunder earlier, thunder may indicate that the storm is closing in. It may also thunder with the storm clouds directly overhead but no rain yet.
16# '''ThunderEqualsDownpour''' occurs when the thunder announces the [[WhenItRainsItPours torrential downpour]], for which there is no other clue.
17# '''GodIsDispleased''' and a well-timed thunderclap from above signals that a character's sins may merit some DivinePunishment. If they don't repent, a BoltOfDivineRetribution may be next. Say some extra prayers if there's a GodOfThunder on the scene. Generally PlayedForLaughs.
18
19In the past, the [[StockSoundEffects stock sound effect]] for this was "Castle Thunder", which now is only used for a retro feel. Interestingly, almost all Hollywood thunder occurs simultaneously with the lightning flash (obviously averted when said lightning is blowing up trees and power lines right in the middle of the scene). See also LightningReveal.
20
21This will not overlap with GrayRainOfDepression unless the person is angry as well as sad. An example of EmpathicEnvironment. See also ThunderShock, FearOfThunder. Also see ItWasADarkAndStormyNight. Compare LightningCanDoAnything, related to StopMotionLighting.
22----
23!!Examples of Thunderous Underline:
24
25[[foldercontrol]]
26
27[[folder:Advertising]]
28* 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 [his] own domain! All powerful! Muahahahahaha!"
29[[/folder]]
30
31[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
32* In episode 20 of ''Anime/{{Noir}},'' after the two titular assassins have just finished a running battle across the rooftops of Paris against a small army of suit-wearing killers with creepy masks, Chloe makes her appearance, standing [[DramaticHighPerching on top of a chimney]] -- with a flash of lightning behind her. Which is a good tipoff that something important is about to happen, considering that Chloe usually favors the StealthHiBye.
33* In the second episode of the ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'' anime, Tatewaki Kuno introduces himself as "The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High" with an appropriately-timed ominous thunder. This is a deliberate subversion, as Kuno is ye originale Martial Arts ButtMonkey for the entire series.
34** A later episode (and manga chapter) shows [[TheRival Ryouga]] showing up at the Tendo Dojo for the first time, having tracked down Ranma there. Just as he declares his intention to kill Ranma, lightning illuminates his features (a bit more dramatic in the animated version, where it lights up the whole scene.)
35* In ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'' episode 88, a single bolt of lightning, from a single cloud that came out of nowhere in a clear blue sky, punctuates Jun Manjoume "Thunder" (it's a pun on his insistence toward the use of honorifics after his name) calling out his catch phrase, signifying his return to some semblance of normalcy.
36* ''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.
37* 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.
38* ''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.]]
39* Used in ''Anime/{{Popotan}}'' when [[spoiler: Mea defeats Keith in episode 10. Almost, that is]].
40* 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…
41* ''Anime/DragonBallZ''
42** In the original series and ''Z'', whenever either one of the Eternal Dragons are summoned, the sky goes dark and lightning flashes.
43** When Goku goes Super Saiyan for the first time, the sky turns dark and lightning flashes across the sky.
44* 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.
45* 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.]]
46[[/folder]]
47
48[[folder:Comic Books]]
49* In ''ComicBook/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast1992'', bolts of lightning and a booming crack of thunder -loud enough to shake the walls of The Sanctuary- herald Agahnim's arrival.
50* ''ComicBook/SkullIslandTheBirthOfKong'' In this Franchise/MonsterVerse graphic novel, [[SanitySlippage Walter Riccio]]'s visions of the deaths of Kong's parents ([[MaybeMagicMaybeMundane which might be real or might just be a fever dream induced by his abuse of the Iwi's medicine]]) depicts the two great apes fighting amid lightning which [[BattleAmongstTheFlames might have been caused by a volcanic eruption nearby]].
51* ComicBook/WonderGirl Cassie Sandsmark has, semi unintentionally, conjured up electrical storms while upset and arguing with friends allowing her arguments to be punctuated with thunder claps and bright flashes of lightning.
52[[/folder]]
53
54[[folder:Comic Strips]]
55* In ''A ComicStrip/{{Garfield}} Halloween'', Garfield and Odie encounter a creepy abandoned house out in the woods. When a bolt of lighting flashes behind it, with the obligatory peal of thunder, Garfield lampshades it by commenting, "Nice touch!"
56[[/folder]]
57
58[[folder:Fan Works]]
59* ''Fanfic/{{Contraptionology}}'': Invoked. Professor Stranger von Danger likes to have a few unoccupied pegasi around to buck a quick lightning bolt and peal of thunder out of a stormcloud when he is introduced or says something dramatic.
60* ''Fanfic/HarryPotterAndTheMethodsOfRationality'': Harry wishes that there was dramatic thunder, but there never is.
61-->'''Harry:''' I'm wondering if there's a spell to make lightning flash in the background whenever I make an ominous resolution.
62* In a ''WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}}'' fan comic, "Night Terrors", Nick is relating to Judy about a nightmare he keeps having that sounds a lot like one of the early drafts of the film. It happens during a thunderstorm, and [[http://alabastermenagerie.tumblr.com/image/141318096490 lightning strikes right when he says he was arrested.]]
63-->'''Nick:''' [[LampshadeHanging Thank you for your timely input, ominous thunder]].
64* ''Fanfic/QueenOfAllOni'': In this ''WesternAnimation/JackieChanAdventures'' fanfiction, the Queen evokes some when she tells Father that she now controls Jade's mind completely. He's not impressed.
65* 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.
66* Invoked in ''FanFic/TheTechnoQueen'', where the titular LargeHam villain has created a device (the Thunderinator) that causes this trope when someone mentions her name.
67* ''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.
68[[/folder]]
69
70[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
71* PlayedForLaughs in ''WesternAnimation/TheEmperorsNewGroove'' when thunder and lightning decides to strike as Yzma triumphantly declares it to be dinnertime. Granted, she ''was'' planning to poison Kuzco during the dinner, but still.
72* Played with in ''WesternAnimation/{{Encanto}}''. Mirabel has found the last prophecy made by her missing Uncle Bruno, an image of which is etched into a shattered glass tile. As she starts to piece the broken glass back together and sees that she might be responsible for her family's magical powers starting to fade, there is an ominous clap of thunder and flash of lighting... but it's just her Aunt Pepa, whose emotions manifest as weather, coming into the room trailed by a [[PersonalRaincloud tiny thundercloud]].
73* ''WesternAnimation/{{The Hunchback of Notre Dame|Disney}}'': During "The Bells of Notre Dame", thunderstorm rolls in after the statues that adorn Notre Dame Cathedral gave DeathGlare to [[HangingJudge Judge]] [[SinisterMinister Claude Frollo]].
74--> '''Frollo:''' What must I do?
75* ''WesternAnimation/TheIronGiant'': Employed in the opening scene when the giant robot arrives on Earth as a meteorite and he appears in the floodwaters during the storm, ominously silhouetted.
76* ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda1'' uses this form of the trope to punctuate Tai Lung's escape: as he stands on the precipice outside the exploded doors, he sends Zeng flying back to the temple to "tell them the real Dragon Warrior is coming home." Later, he arrives at said temple, appearing in the time it took Shifu to blink from the accompanying lightning.
77* ''WesternAnimation/ThePhantomTollbooth'': Dramatic Thunder occurs whenever Milo announces that he's going to the Castle in the Air.
78* ''Film/SpaceJam'': While the Looney Tunes are on the practice court, the day is bright and sunny. Once they cede the court to the Nerdlucks, however, storm clouds roll in and thunder is heard. Under an overcast sky, the five Nerdlucks go OneWingedAngel, and transform into the five hulking Monstars. And there's suddenly an oversize full moon overhead, too.
79* In ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory3'', when Lotso, Chuckles and Big Baby first arrive at Sunnyside during a rainy night, the facility's logo flashes up when a lightning strikes and thunder rolls.
80* In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', Mei's nightmare is interspersed with shots showing lightning outside her window.
81* Spoofed in ''WesternAnimation/WallaceAndGromit: WesternAnimation/TheCurseOfTheWereRabbit''. Lord Victor Quartermaine has come to ask Reverend Hedges how to kill the were-rabbit. Loud thunder accentuates every dramatic sentence until Victor gets annoyed and closes the shutters so they can talk normally.
82[[/folder]]
83
84[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
85* In the 1945 film adaptation of ''Literature/AndThenThereWereNone'', there's a dramatic clap of thunder sounds after the doctor confirms that the third victim was in fact murdered. Later there's another instance of dramatic thunder right after the Judge says that the murderer must be one of them.
86* In the ''Franchise/ChildsPlay'' films, every time Chucky transfers his soul or is revived, a sudden lightning storm appears. Beginning with ''Bride'', it becomes less dramatic (from a large bolt directly striking the area where he performs the transfer in the first film down to low rumbling in the fourth) until by the fifth entry it's completely non-existent.
87* ''Film/Godzilla1954'': When Shinkichi, his brother, and mother were suddenly awakened by Godzilla, Shinkichi immediately leaves the house, realizing something was up. When Masaji goes to get his brother, there's a very excellent timing as he had a very horrified expression as thunder strikes.
88* ''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead1968'': The appearance of the first zombie in the film in the opening cemetery scene is heralded by this.
89* ''Film/VenomLetThereBeCarnage'': There is a flash of lightning at the end of Carnage's TitleDrop during the final showdown.
90* 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.
91* ''Film/{{Airplane}}'' parodies this mercilessly, using "Castle Thunder" to underline every minutely dramatic sentence.
92** ''Film/AirplaneIITheSequel'' takes it even further by having the ominous thunder in space.
93* In many UsefulNotes/{{Bollywood}} musicals, father figures get one of these when laying down the law (frequently ArrangedMarriage).
94** 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.
95* In ''Film/YoungFrankenstein''. Three words: IT-COULD-WORK! *Boooom*
96** And every single time someone utters Frau Blucher's name.
97--> '''''**WHINNY!!**'''''
98** "[[TemptingFate Could be worse.. could be raining.]]"
99* ''Film/TheGoonies''. Right after the line "If we don't do something now there's going to be a golf course right where we're standing." when Chunk, Mikey, Mouth, and Data are looking at the TreasureMap.
100* 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''.
101* Used in ''Film/TheMatrix'' when Morpheus first addresses Neo as [[TheChosenOne The One]], and again when Neo takes the [[RedPillBluePill red pill]].
102* ''Film/TheGhostGoesWest'': Once Murdoch finds a [=McLAggen=] descendant to humiliate, cue the thunder and lightning.
103* 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.
104* 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...
105* One of the posters in ''Animation/TheReturnOfHanuman'' uses Dramatic Thunder to indicate the antagonists of the movie.
106* All the time in ''Film/MortalKombatTheMovie''. For example, when Raiden explains to Liu Kang that Shang Tsung has stolen the souls of thousands of opponents. Raiden is the God of Thunder with a penchant for theatrics, so he's probably doing it on purpose.
107* The film version of ''{{Film/Godspell}}'': "And from that moment, he began to look out for an opportunity *booooom* [[WhamLine to betray him."]]
108* 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.
109* 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]].
110-->'''Charlotte:''' Darling, you've gone away.
111-->'''Humbert:''' Just a minute, I'm [[MurderTheHypotenuse following a train of thought]]. ''(distant thunder)''
112** 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]].
113* Justified in ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', due to Thor's powers.
114-->'''Policeman:''' Place your hands on your head, step back!\
115'''Thor:''' This woman is unwell.\
116'''Police officer:''' She's dangerous!\
117'''Thor:''' [[DoNotTauntCthulhu So am I.]]\
118''[distant thunder sounds -- policeman backs off and calls for an armed response team]''
119* 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.)
120* ''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]].
121* 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.
122* 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.
123* In ''Film/NextOfKin1982'', thunder accompanies Kelvin and Mrs. Ryan [[spoiler:AKA Rita]]'s initial arrival at the Montclare retirement home, during which a lightning bolt also strikes and knocks down a nearby tree.
124* When Cropsy kills the prostitute in ''Film/TheBurning'', thunder can be heard.
125* ''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.
126* 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.
127* ''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.
128* In ''Film/WhoeverSlewAuntieRoo'', a thunderclap plays between the first scene and the opening credits.
129* 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.
130[[/folder]]
131
132[[folder:Literature]]
133* In ''Literature/DocSavage: The Man of Bronze'', lightning flashes and thunder sounds as Doc announces that his father was murdered.
134* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
135** In ''Literature/WyrdSisters'', the playwright Hwel uses a lot of thundrous underlining in his plays. The play that's performed at the climax of the novel is no exception, and when someone breaks the thunder sound effect just before the final act, he's provoked into raging at the heavens. At which point a real thunderstorm rolls in and provides appropriate underlining for the rest of the performance.
136** The country of Uberwald provides this as a basic service to the MadScientist and Vampire Lord types that inhabit it. At least one vampire, newly arrived in Ankh Morpork, is slightly discouraged when, upon making dramatic declarations, thunder fails to oblige. Later in the novel, when it finally comes around, he indulges, repeating, "[[VampireVords Vot]]...a big...''castle!''" as the thunder rolls.
137** In ''Literature/GuardsGuards'', Vimes is looking at the aftermath of the "battle" with the dragon, says "Do you know what? I think it went somewhere". When the thunder rolls on cue, he mutters "All right all right, it wasn't that dramatic."
138* Thunder punctuates one of Druss's {{Badass Boast}}s in ''Literature/{{Legend|1984}}''.
139* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings: The Two Towers'' novel, Book 4 Section VIII "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol". As Frodo and Sam pass by Minas Morgul, lightning and thunder crash inside Mordor and Minas Morgul answers in kind. It's a prelude to the departure of the Witch-king's army.
140* In ''Literature/OldScores'', [[spoiler:Christine]] conjures up the Thunderous Underline variant to demonstrate the extent of her new vampiric powers.
141* In Creator/RobertEHoward's ''Franchise/ConanTheBarbarian'' story "Literature/IronShadowsInTheMoon", in [[DreamingOfTimesGoneBy Olivia's dream]], the advent of a PhysicalGod;
142-->''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. ''
143* In Creator/GeneStrattonPorter's ''Literature/{{Freckles}}'', 'an ominous growl of thunder' rouses Freckles from miserable thoughts.
144* ''Literature/SeptimusHeap'': The battle between ''The Vengeance'' and the Dragon Boat occurs during a thunderstorm that was engineered by [=DomDaniel=].
145* 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.
146* ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'':
147** In ''Literature/WordsOfRadiance'' we have not one, but two highstorms from different directions that clash with each other - underscoring the need for Shallan to open the Oathgate ''now''.
148** In ''Literature/{{Edgedancer}}'', [[spoiler:Nale's]] VillainousBSOD is preceded by a strike of red lightning and the following thunder.
149[[/folder]]
150
151[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
152* ''Series/BlakesSeven'': In "Sand", Soolin is trying to convince the others that the bad weather they're experiencing is not a coincidence, as the planet is sentient and trying to trap them there.
153-->'''Dayna:''' Oh, and thunder right on cue! This is silly.\
154'''Soolin:''' Is it?
155* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'':
156** Used to accentuate a NotSoDire moment in "[[Recap/BuffyTheVampireSlayerS6E16HellsBells Hell's Bells]]" when Buffy and Willow appear to be looking out the window at a hideous monster in the storm, but they're actually looking in the mirror at their ghastly bridesmaids' dresses. Played straight when a roll of thunder accompanies Anya saying [[TemptingFate this is the happiest day of her life]].
157** Also played straight in "[[Recap/BuffyTheVampireSlayerS2E13Surprise Surprise]]". Angel wakes up in pain to the accompaniment of a crash of thunder, and has time to stumble outside to invert RedemptionInTheRain as he loses his soul (again) and becomes the evil Angelus.
158* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
159** In the non-canon BBC-produced AffectionateParody "[[Recap/DoctorWhoTheCurseOfFatalDeath The Curse of Fatal Death]]", [[Characters/DoctorWhoTheCurseOfFatalDeath the Master]] somehow produces Dramatic Thunder inside his TARDIS to accompany his EvilLaugh.
160** The series combines this with StockSoundEffects in "Hide", which takes place in a HauntedHouse.
161** There's a thunderstorm on the night that Bill and her housemates move in in "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS36E4KnockKnock Knock Knock]]".
162* ''Series/DrakeAndJosh'':
163** In the episode "The Bet", the boys are told to bring an umbrella to Megan, who is at a friend's house. They don't and she comes in the front door soaking wet with thunder announcing her entrance.
164** Happens twice in "Number One Fan". The first is Lampshaded when Josh tells the kids he is upset they won't brave a gentle rain shower to go camping. Cue the thunder. Josh, showing a slight fear, then continues. The second happens a few minutes later when Drake comes in angry at one of Megan's friends with thunder crashing as soon as he enters.
165* In the episode "Ham Radio" of ''Series/{{Frasier}}'', Noel shakes a sheet of metal to create the thunder for Frasier's play.
166* Lampshaded/parodied in ''Series/{{Friends}}''. Phoebe's part time navy boyfriend has just returned on shore leave and she is hoping for some fun, but she has just contracted chicken pox. When he meets her she has covered her face with a shawl and won't show it to him. He convinces her to and she reveals her chicken pox scarred face to him with a lightning flash in the background. He jumps in fright and she gets upset. He responds by saying "No no no, you look fine it's just, the lightning, it was a very unfortunate coincidence."
167* ''Series/InterviewWithTheVampire2022'': TheClimax of "[[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E1InThroesOfIncreasingWonder In Throes of Increasing Wonder...]]" takes place inside a church while a thunderstorm rages outside. The thunderclaps imbue the scene with a foreboding ambience, which is an apt setting for Lestat de Lioncourt to murder the three people present (two priests and Louis de Pointe du Lac, although the latter is revived as an undead vampire).
168* Used to the point of parody in the "Ten Little Grifters Job" episode of ''Series/{{Leverage}}''. Dramatic events and statements are often underlined by a thundercrack, and the lighting flickering on and off due to the house running off of its own, fairly old, generator.
169* 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.
170* In ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'', thunder and lightning heralds the TransformationSequence of -- what else? -- the Thunder Megazord.
171* ''Series/MurdochMysteries'': Late in "Murdoch and the Temple of Death", Murdoch pursues and corners a killer (who is carrying an artifact thought to be the Holy Grail) atop a cliff. Murdoch tells the man not to jump, but the guy asserts the power of God in the Grail will protect him, then turns and jumps to his death. Murdoch looks over the edge at the corpse and hears a clap of thunder, despite the rather light sky above him. This one overlaps with AStormIsComing, since the next shot [[EstablishingShot is of the city of Toronto in a thunderstorm]].
172* ''Series/{{NCIS}}'': A roll of thunder is heard right after Ziva and Abby's slapfest in "Hiatus", much to [=McGee's=] alarm. However Ziva does not kill Abby.
173* ''Series/SesameStreet'':
174** Until recently, Count von Count had Dramatic Thunder accompanying the final result as he finished his counts. A few years ago, it was discontinued since it might scare children, so now only appears on special occasions.
175** A trilogy of animated segments featured a character called the Bridgekeeper, and every time he announced his name, there was a sound of thunder.
176* In the ''Series/{{Star Trek|The Original Series}}'' classic episode "[[Recap/StarTrekS3E6SpectreOfTheGun Spectre of the Gun]]": as the Earps and Doc Holliday walk to the O.K. Corral for the final gunfight, lightning flashes overhead and thunder rolls. Partial overlap with Thunderous Confrontation.
177* InvokedTrope in the ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekVoyagerS6E22Muse Muse]]". B'Elanna Torres has crash-landed on a primitive planet and is being helped by Kelis the Poet, who mistakes her for a [[GodGuise powerful mythical being called an Eternal]]. B'Elanna wants Kelis to get [[GreenRocks dilithium]] from a local warlord's hunting grounds, but Kelis doesn't want to as he'd face execution if caught. At that moment a coincidental roll of thunder sounds. Kelis' eyes widen as he says, "Did you...?" B'Elanna plays it beautifully, leaning forward and saying with menace, "''Don't'' get caught."
178* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'':
179** In "[[Recap/SupernaturalS02E20WhatIsAndWhatShouldNeverBe What Is and What Should Never Be]]", the rumble of thunder is heard as Dean finishes his speech at his father's grave.
180** A rumble of thunder is heard when Castiel is first introduced, at the moment we see the shadow of his angel wings unfurling.
181** Archangel Raphael and [[{{Satan}} Lucifer]] use this trope for dramatic emphasis; it's implied they're directly affecting the weather with their powers.
182** When Dean first meets [[TheGrimReaper Death]] he's about to create a storm to destroy Chicago, so a thunderous undercurrent is heard throughout their conversation in the contrastingly-quiet restaurant (because everyone there has died from Death's mere presence).
183** In "Reading is Fundamental", [[AStormIsComing thunder rumbles ominously]] as the Winchesters try to break open a block of clay to find out what's inside.
184--->'''Dean:''' That sound like somebody saying "No, wait--stop!" to you?\
185'''Sam:''' Uh, yeah... yeah.\
186'''Dean:''' Yeah. ''(shrugs)'' Oh, well. ''([[CuriosityIsACrapshoot strikes clay again]])''
187* ''Series/TalesFromTheDarkside'': In "I'll Give You a Million", Jack agrees to Oliver's offer to buy his soul. As they clink glasses to seal the deal, there is a dramatic peal of thunder from outside.
188* In an episode of ''Series/TwinPeaks'', Cooper has gathered everyone related to the Laura Palmer murder at the roadhouse for what appears to be a SummationGathering; instead, he states he [[ItMakesSenseInContext plans to use magic]] to solve the murder, and has brought them there for help with this. A second later, there's a clap of thunder and Cooper's face is illuminated with lightning.
189* Parodied in ''Series/UglyBetty'', when BigBad Wilhelmina meet Betty on the roof dramatically, while her assistant Marc created thunder sounds with a sheet of metal around the corner.
190* PlayedForLaughs in the ''Series/TheXFiles'' episode "[[Recap/TheXFilesS05E05ThePostModernPrometheus The Post-Modern Prometheus]]", when Mulder and Scully are having an expository conversation with the resident MadScientist, dramatic thunder punctuates ''every sentence.''
191[[/folder]]
192
193[[folder:Music]]
194* A musical example in the Music/{{Disturbed}} song "Haunted", used at the beginning of the song along with [[ForDoomTheBellTolls a bell]].
195* Thunder opens the song "Override of the Overture" (and by extension, their album ''Like an Ever Flowing Stream'') by Music/{{Dismember}}.
196* Used to good effect to open Music/TheDoors' ''Riders on the Storm''.
197* Thunder, lightning and heavy rain also open Music/BlackSabbath's self-titled ''Black Sabbath''.
198* The extended version of the Music/{{Vocaloid}} song "SLASH/ER" by Music/CircusP has literal thunderous noises in the background as the singer proclaims that she'll become the titular slasher, leading to the final chorus.
199[[/folder]]
200
201[[folder:Pinball]]
202* ''Pinball/GodzillaSega'': The animation that plays upon making a SkillShot times shows Godzilla roaring immediately after a massive lightning strike in the distance, which hammers home just how dangerous he is.
203[[/folder]]
204
205[[folder:Professional Wrestling]]
206* Part of Wrestling/TheUndertaker's "Dead man" entrance theme, though sometimes he could make it thunder on cue, due to his vaguely defined power over electricity.
207* El Mesías's IWA Puerto Rico theme has a thunderclap before the OminousLatinChanting beings in earnest.[[/folder]]
208
209[[folder:Theatre]]
210* In Noah Smith's stage version of ''Theatre/TheStrangeCaseOfDrJekyllAndMrHyde'', lightning and thunder accompany the scene where Jekyll first transforms into Hyde.
211[[/folder]]
212
213[[folder:Theme Parks]]
214* At Ride/UniversalStudios:
215** Occurs in ''Ride/TheFuntasticWorldOfHannaBarbera'' during the transition after the ''Flintstones'' scene, as a means of foreshadowing the ''Scooby-Doo'' scene ahead.
216** Occurs on the ''[[Ride/TheWizardingWorldOfHarryPotter Hogwarts Express]]'' when the trains pass by the ominous Malfoy Manor.
217** Briefly used in ''WesternAnimation/ShrekFourD'' when Thelonius first appears out of the forest.
218** Occurs in the horror section of ''Theatre/SpecialEffectsShow'' when the volunteer screams for a photo.
219[[/folder]]
220
221[[folder:Video Games]]
222* ''VideoGame/ANNOMutationem'': In the [[NonstandardGameOver bad ending]], following [[spoiler:Amok's release and subsequent destruction of the world]], lightning strikes occur over the sky as an infernal fireball is formed above.
223* In the "Subspace Emissary" of ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl'', [[spoiler:Dramatic Thunder appears behind Wario, after he has captured Ness and Lucas runs away]].
224* 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.
225* In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsToAzure'', lightning flashes with sounds of thunder after Randy tells the team that Sigmund and Shirley from Red Constellation, are his uncle and cousin.
226* The thunder bolts outside of BigBad Gargamel's hovel in the GameOver screen in ''[[VideoGame/TheSmurfs1994 The Smurfs]]'' LicensedGame, though the thunder was removed in the 8-bit versions of the game.
227* In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioAllStars'', booming thunder was added to [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon the final castles]] in the remakes of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'' and ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels''. You can see and hear the loud lightning strikes through the windows in the level background.
228[[/folder]]
229
230[[folder:Visual Novels]]
231* In ''VisualNovel/DaughterForDessert'', this is Heard in the protagonist's flashback for [[spoiler:how he met Lainie. Fresh from his disappointment that he wouldn’t get the job he’d been promised, the protagonist went to work at his hot dog stand...and then the rain starts falling, heralded by thunder.]]
232[[/folder]]
233
234[[folder:Web Comics]]
235* 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.
236* ''Webcomic/TheLastDaysOfFoxhound'':
237** In ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater'', The Sorrow is established to have limited weather-control abilities. In the webcomic, he's occasionally seen applying this ability to provide appropriate emphasis for either his own words or a dramatic confrontation -- which does, incidentally, border on Thunderous Confrontation territory.
238-->'''Liquid''': Was that necessary?\
239'''The Sorrow''': No, but very appropriate.
240** The Boss. "He's after..." *thunder* "THE PHILOSOPHER'S LEGACY". The Sorrow might've even provided it for her just so she'd look cooler...
241* Straightforward mocking from ''Webcomic/StarSomething'': Dark Lord Pony [[http://starsomething.comicgenesis.com/d/20041108.html wants you to fix that short]] in the electrical system, already...
242* 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.
243* [[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.
244* ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'' has also used this a few times, either with actual thunder, or merely a footnote saying *Insert Dramatic Thunder Here*.
245-->[[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.]]
246* 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.
247* ''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.
248* 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.]]
249* ''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.
250** 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.''
251* 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!"
252* ''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).
253* 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]].
254* In ''Webcomic/{{Godslave}}'', a thunder strikes just as Anpu's jar breaks, freeing him.
255* 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.
256[[/folder]]
257
258[[folder:Web Original]]
259* Parodied in ''WebVideo/{{Britanick}}'''s "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrEweqhRa6s The Mystery]]", in which thunder strikes both times the detective's client seemingly reveals the culprit of his wife's murder after the detective asks him to [[RepeatWhatYouJustSaid Repeat What He Just Said]].
260* ''WebVideo/CriticalRole'': In Campaign 2, Episode 98, the party is introduced to a strange figure. After Creator/MatthewMercer finishes his description of the character, thunder rumbles ominously in the background, punctuating the very next thing he says: "Let's go ahead and roll for initiative," -- starting an unexpected fight.
261* Spoofed in the Flash comic ''[[http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/191110 The Decline of Video Gaming 2]]''; the villain (the CEO of Capcom) [[EvilLaugh laughs evilly]] and hears thunder, startling him since he's indoors. Turns out he left on the [[SorryILeftTheBGMOn Dolby Surround Sound: Evil Edition on]].
262* ''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.
263* Mocked in WebVideo/TheNostalgiaChick's review of ''Film/HocusPocus''. It happened everytime she said the word "virgin" and by the end, she was saying it to hear the thunder.
264* This was also mocked in WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic's review of ''Film/JudgeDredd'', when during Fargo's death scene, lighting struck after every sentence spoken by Fargo and Dredd.
265-->'''Critic as Fargo:''' "Rico's your brother." *thunder*\
266'''Critic as Dredd:''' "Rico's my brother?" *thunder*\
267'''Critic as Fargo:''' "What?" *thunder*\
268'''Critic as Dredd:''' "I said Rico's my brother?" *thunder*\
269'''Critic as Fargo:''' "Yes, I know. I said that." *thunder*\
270'''Critic as Dredd:''' "No, I was just repeating what you just said so I could clarify the facts." *thunder*\
271'''Critic as Fargo:''' "Oh." *thunder*
272* PlayedForLaughs in ''WebVideo/PotterPuppetPals'' after [[VillainProtagonist Harry]] insults Neville's grandmother in "Wizard Swears".
273-->'''Harry:''' I mean every word I ever say. Ever. Because I'm. Harry. Potter. *thunder*
274* 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.
275[[/folder]]
276
277[[folder:Western Animation]]
278* 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).
279* ''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]].
280* 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.
281* Used on ''WesternAnimation/JimmyTwoShoes'' to highlight Heloise's EvilLaugh. Then it turns out the lightning was Jimmy flipping the lightswitch quickly.
282* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
283** 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.
284** Played straight in "The Best Night Ever", to accompany Fluttershy's EvilLaugh.
285** 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.
286** A frequent occurrence once the ponies enter the ancient castle in [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E3CastleManeia "Castle Mane-ia"]].
287* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', a lightning during the ColdOpen illuminates Batman in a heroic pose.
288* In the ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' episode aptly titled "The Storm", the terrible weather is point and counterpoint to the reasons Aang ended up a HumanPopsicle.
289* In ''WesternAnimation/GarfieldsHalloweenAdventure'', Garfield and Odie approach that haunted house. Cue the thunder and lightning.
290--->'''Garfield:''' [[LampshadeHanging Nice touch.]]
291** The same bit also happens when Garfield comes up to the dog pound that Odie is held in on a rainy night in ''WesternAnimation/HereComesGarfield'', along with on at least one ''WesternAnimation/GarfieldAndFriends'' episode.
292* Accompanies Gogmagog's mooks in ''WesternAnimation/KorgothOfBarbaria'' when they open the door to the tavern where Korgoth is currently residing.
293* ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb'':
294** 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.
295** 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.
296* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'': {{Lampshade}}d, among other things, by Timmy's friends, Chester and A.J., when their ball lands in the yard of Dr. Bender's home, a reviled and hated dentist who loves to mock the dental hygiene of other children and gave his [[AngryGuardDog attack dogs]] braces so they could have perfect teeth. Said home is revealed to be a Victorian style house surrounded by a fence with razer coil barb wire amongst completely dark scenery (it's daytime out) complete with [[WeirdMoon giant moon]].
297-->'''Timmy:''' So?
298-->'''Chester:''' Dude. Didn't you see the lightning and hear the [[OminousPipeOrgan weird music?]]
299-->'''A.J.:''' And all of a sudden it's night time?
300-->'''Timmy:''' [stares]
301-->'''A.J.:''' Don't you understand? [[DepravedDentist He's a dentist! A mean, he's a mean dentist!]]
302** Lampshaded again in ''WesternAnimation/AbraCatastrophe'':
303-->'''Vicky:''' I'm Vicky, the babysitter! (lightning flashes)
304-->'''Timmy:''' Anybody notice the lightning?
305* 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.
306* 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.
307-->'''Grandpa:''' That mosquito must've been the size of a B-52.
308* In an episode of ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'', we see a group of tobacco executives who plot on selling cigarettes to children, who laugh evilly while thunder crashes outside.
309* ''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!"
310* 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.
311* In Season 4 of ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'', Mermista's proclamations about a Horde spy are underscored by flashes of perfectly timed lightning.
312-->'''Frosta:''' How are you doing that?\
313'''Mermista:''' [[LargeHam I PRACTICE AT HOME!]] [lightning]\
314'''Glimmer:''' [FacePalm]
315* 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.
316* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IokBKvFiCvM intro]] of ''WesternAnimation/TheAddamsFamily1992'' starts with this and an accompanying, brief [[OminousPipeOrgan organ music]].
317* ''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]].
318-->'''Scratch:''' As a supernatural entity, I am telling you that is ''odd''.
319* 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.
320[[/folder]]
321
322!!Examples of Thunderous Confrontation:
323
324[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
325* Episode 25 of ''Manga/DeathNote,'' where [[spoiler: L finally winds up on the pointy end of Light's EvilPlan and dies]], takes place during a nasty thunderstorm. (Also qualifies as a Thunderous Underline - recall the line spoken right before the lightning strikes...)
326* Shortly before the final showdown between Cloud and Sephiroth in ''Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren'', the latter nonchalantly raises his hand to summon dark storm clouds that cover the entire battlefield. These seem to serve no other purpose than to emphasize the apparent epicness of the whole affair, which is further evidenced by the fact that a conspicuously well-timed bolt of lightning appears just as the two lunge towards each other.
327* ''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.
328* 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.
329* In ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeed'', Kira's and Athrun's epic duel halfway through the series takes place in a thunderstorm.
330** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny'' has [[spoiler:Shinn and Athrun face off in a thunderstorm, complete with dramatic strike at the exact moment Shinn impales Athrun's GOUF with his {{BFS}}]].
331* 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.
332[[/folder]]
333
334[[folder:Comic Books]]
335* In one of the chapters of Creator/DonRosa's classic ''Comicbook/TheLifeAndTimesOfScroogeMcDuck'', Scrooge fights a duel with swords against the scion of the Whiskervilles -- ancestral enemies of the [=McDuck=] clan, while a thunderstorm rolls across the Scottish Highlands. The thunderstorm, as it turns out, plays a key role in the end of the duel...
336* In the ''Literature/WarriorCats'' graphic novel ''Winds of Change'', it's just raining for most of the battle in the [=WindClan=] camp, but it changes to a thunderstorm when Mudclaw and his supporters flee, culminating in the confrontation between Mudclaw, Brambleclaw, and Hawkfrost.
337[[/folder]]
338
339[[folder:Fan Works]]
340* ''WebAnimation/TurnaboutStorm'' uses this in the introduction of the murder in ''Part 1''. There's an interesting twist in that the lighting isn't there just for the dramatic effect, but it's also the cause of death.
341[[/folder]]
342
343[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
344* Creator/{{Disney}} absolutely ''loves'' this trope. Usually some final battle will have a thunderstorm accompany it (as it seems there was some rule that almost every animated Disney movie should have a thunderstorm in it.) Notable examples include:
345** ''WesternAnimation/{{The Jungle Book|1967}}'': Mowgli's confrontation with Shere Kahn take place just as a thunderstorm rolls in.
346** ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}'': The final battle pits Simba against Scar during a thunderstorm. The brushfires that are ignited by the lightning plays its part in the battle, as per usual...
347** ''WesternAnimation/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs'' where the lightning also [[spoiler:helps kill off the wicked queen]].
348** ''WesternAnimation/LadyAndTheTramp'' when the Tramp fights with an evil rat in the baby's room.
349** ''WesternAnimation/TheGreatMouseDetective'' when Basil and Ratigan [[MonumentalBattle fight on the hands of Big Ben]].
350** ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid|1989}}'' when Ursula, now with phenomenal ruler powers, tries to kill off Prince Eric.
351** ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'': The battle between Gaston and the Beast near the end.
352** ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'' as Jafar [[AWizardDidIt generated a lightning storm]] as part of his rule-the-universe stint.
353** ''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.
354--> '''Guard:''' You there! What are you hiding?
355--> '''Frollo:''' Stolen goods, no doubt. Take them from her. ''(Thunderstorm rolls in)''
356* ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible'''s [[TheMovie movie]], "So the Drama," features an epic thunderstorm during the final battle, beginning with thunder as the villain's plan goes into action and culminating in a fistfight atop the roof in the pouring rain.
357** For a Disney production, the storm is built up to in a surprisingly subtle way -- Kim's hair begins gently blowing in the wind in a previous scene, and later clouds slowly roll into view through a background window.
358* Played quite straight in ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda1'': 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.
359* Used in ''WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirlsMovie'' when the trapped [[BlondeBrunetteRedhead Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup]] confronted the Gangreen Gang for the first time and when Mojo Jojo saved the girls from the gang.
360[[/folder]]
361
362[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
363* In ''Film/{{Character}}'', the long-delayed confrontation between Jacob and his illegitimate father Dreverhaven is punctuated by a clap of thunder right before Jacob launches himself and tackles his father.
364* 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...
365* 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.
366* The big fight in ''Film/{{Hancock}}'' was punctuated by ''thundersnow'', mixing the Dramatic Thunder and [[spoiler: SnowMeansLove]].
367* The final battle between Neo and Agent Smith at the end of ''Film/TheMatrixRevolutions''.
368* When the Kurgan battles Ramierez in ''Film/{{Highlander}}'' there is a huge thunderstorm.
369* 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.
370* Used in ''Film/EventHorizon''. It's set in [[RuleOfCool space]].
371** Justified: The titular ship is in the atmosphere of Neptune at the time.
372* The final fight between Riggs, Murtaugh, and Wah Sing Ku in ''Film/LethalWeapon4''.
373* The final battle of ''Film/AliensVsPredatorRequiem''.
374* 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''.
375* ''Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanAtWorldsEnd'' gives us the climactic Maelstrom Battle, with thunder, lightning, and two ships lying broadside for broadside while sailing into a gigantic whirlpool.
376-->'''Pintel:''' And on top of everything else, it's ''raining''!
377-->'''Ragetti:''' That's a bad sign, mate!
378* ''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.
379[[/folder]]
380
381[[folder:Literature]]
382* The climactic battle of Creator/TomClancy's ''Literature/PatriotGames'' also unfolds during a thunderstorm, which makes it very hard for TheCavalry to reach the scene in time.
383* The book ''Literature/WatershipDown'' has some working to Bigwig's advantage -- he takes a stand against Woundwart during the initial escape from Efrafa, with lightning blazing down just before Keehar shows up.
384* In Creator/MichaelFlynn's ''[[Literature/SpiralArm The January Dancer]]'', thunder like galloping hooves is the first sign of the storm they can actually sense.
385* 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.
386* 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.
387[[/folder]]
388
389[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
390* In ''Series/AceLightning'' thunder is not only a portent, but also part of the power boost used in order to [[LightningCanDoAnything bring the videogame characters to life]].
391* In the third episode of ''Series/ClubDerRotenBander'', as Leo refuses another chemotherapy.
392* In the ''Series/TheOuterLimits1963'' episode "Specimen: Unknown", a thunderstorm rages overhead as deadly alien plants spread out from a spaceship crash. The humans are in despair as they believe that the rain from the storm will cause the plants to spread more quickly. Instead [[spoiler: the plants shrivel and die when exposed to water, so the storm actually saves the human race.]] This is a rare case where the thunderstorm works to the good guys' advantage.
393* Lampshaded on ''Series/TheWestWing'':
394-->[Ominous thunderclap]
395-->'''President Bartlett''': What the hell...? If this isn't a metaphor for powerlessness, I don't know what is.
396* ''Series/TheWildWildWest'' episode "Night of the Bleak Island", while the heroes are trying to deal with a deadly hound and a murderer.
397[[/folder]]
398
399[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
400* Tabletop RPG example: The ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' module I10, ''The House on Gryphon Hill'', ends with a climactic chase of the BigBad Creature through a violent thunderstorm. But it takes place in Ravenloft, where such things are to be expected...
401[[/folder]]
402
403[[folder:Video Games]]
404* 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.
405* 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
406* ''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.
407* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
408** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'': All over the place in the final battle against Ganon. The sky was already cloudy and foreboding to begin with, but the lightning only comes when Ganon prepares to face Link.
409** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'': Though not the final boss, the fight of the final "regular" dungeon has Link {{Colossus Climb}}ing a giant flying dragon atop the [[HighAltitudeBattle tallest tower]] of a [[FloatingContinent sky castle]].
410* The final battle with Bowser in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' had thunder and lighting in the background
411* The Battle of Ostagar in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' takes place during a thunderstorm.
412* The first Wily stage in ''VideoGame/MegaMan9'' has thunder on the screens before the mini-boss area. It's not exactly the most exciting battle around (specially since it's a reappearing boss), but it works as a warmth welcome to the final area in the game.
413* ''[[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.
414* The final battle with [[spoiler: [[BigBad Deathshead]]]] in ''VideoGame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder'' is this. The storm even powers up his shield during the battle.
415* ''VideoGame/NosferatuTheWrathOfMalachi'': This is constant when you're outside.
416* The [[WarmupBoss first fight]] with [[BigBad Sigma's head]] in ''VideoGame/MegaManX5'' takes place in a thunderstorm.
417* ''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]].
418* ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossing'': If you make Resetti scream at you, be prepared for thunderous booms to accompany his loud outbursts.
419* ''VideoGame/MetalSlug'': The fifth game's final battle takes place on top of a tower as a storm brews in the background. [[spoiler:This doesn't last long as the sky fades to black when the Avatar of Evil approaches, though a [[LightningReveal burst of lightning]] reveals its silhouette shortly before the fight begins]].
420* The final boss battle of ''VideoGame/GunFrontier'' is a ShowdownAtHighNoon QuickDraw duel set above a thunderstorm.
421* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioAllStars'' has two examples:
422** For Super Mario Brothers and The Lost Levels, the final Bowser Castle in both games has a thunderstorm going on outside throughout the whole stage.
423** For Super Mario Brothers 3, a lightning storm accompanies ''every'' Airship stage and subsequent boss battle, barring the rare Coin Ship.
424* ''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.
425* ''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.
426[[/folder]]
427
428[[folder:Web Comics]]
429* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' battles Miko Miyazaki during a thunderstorm. Naturally, the always GenreSavvy Elan realizes that things are about to go south as soon as the first peal of thunder resounds...
430** [[https://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0952.html Much later,]] as the Order crosses over into the Northern Lands, the airship on which they're travelling is caught up in a thunderstorm, as a warning by the Northern God Thor. Durkon [[spoiler:or, rather, the vampiric High Priest of Hel hijacking his body]] clears it up with a Control Weather spell, however.
431* Used [[http://ppg.snafu-comics.com/index.php?comic_id=88 here]] in Bleedman's ''Webcomic/PowerpuffGirlsDoujinshi''. Even Cartoon Networks characters can look pretty dramatic with some appropriately-timed lightning thrown in.
432* 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.]]
433* 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...
434* 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''.
435* In ''WebComic/YokokasQuest'', the storm that Hurricane [[WeatherManipulation was controlling]], in the lead up to and during [[spoiler:Yokoka's fight against her. Thunder and lightning accompanied most of Hurricane's attacks]].
436[[/folder]]
437
438[[folder:Web Original]]
439* ''[[http://apple-in.deviantart.com/art/Arrogance-39563347 Arrogance]]'' by Apple-In on Website/DeviantART is built around this.
440* ''ARG/ILoveBees'' (a ''VideoGame/Halo2'' ARG):
441** Used to underline Aiden's threat before he reveals he's kidding.
442** Used to underline traded threars when Herzog and Standish have their chat at the duck pond.
443[[/folder]]
444
445[[folder:Western Animation]]
446* 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]].
447* In the ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' episode called "The Southern Raiders", Katara's confrontation of [[spoiler: her mother's murderer]] is punctuated by a storm that's a bit less than a major thunderstorm, but shows off just how powerful a waterbender she is.
448* In ''WesternAnimation/InfinityTrain'', the scenes when [[spoiler: Simon kills Tuba and seemingly Grace]] are both marked by shots of a thunderous background, punctuating his moral downfall.
449* 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.
450* 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.
451* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
452** The nearly all-powerful and invincible PhysicalGod Discord, [[AnthropomorphicPersonification the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony]] uses this twice... [[https://youtu.be/_fSBKKPjfNA?t=25 just before giggling the first time]] and [[https://youtu.be/xd9D_Zw4dfQ?t=51 laughing uproariously the second time]]. He's a BewareTheSillyOnes kind of villain like that.
453** Nightmare Moon takes this to an entirely different level by [[ShockAndAwe casting thunder from her mane]]. Even when reverted to her ''good'' form as Princess Luna, she causes Dramatic Thunder...[[RunningGag every third line she]] [[NoIndoorVoice speaks]]!
454* 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.
455* ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'': In "[[Recap/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPowerS4E07MerMysteries Mer-Mysteries]]", Mermista's pronouncements are punctuated by thunder. Lampshaded by Frosta.
456-->'''Frosta:''' How are you doing that?\
457'''Mermista:''' I practiced... [[SuddenlyShouting at home]]! ''[ka-BOOM]''
458[[/folder]]
459

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