Skyscrapers are frequently featured in films for their impressive appearance and potent symbolism. They convey an impression of power – an old movie and TV cliché starts with the outside view of a skyscraper with a voice-over conversation, continuing inside the luxurious office of a tycoon or crime boss. Skyscrapers' tight security and isolation from the rest of the city makes them ideal for dramatic crisis and trap situations including hostage-taking, heists and fire. Skyscrapers and other large landmarks also feature prominently in disaster films, where they are destroyed as a show of the power of nature or invaders. Real skyscrapers This is a list of actual skyscrapers that have a noticeable role as themselves in films, sorted by chronological building order. (See also: list of skyscrapers.) Empire State Building (New York City 1931) Famously climbed by the giant ape King Kong in the eponymous movie (1933) and in its remake (2005). Destroyed by an alien ship in Independence Day (1996). The Empire State Building is also seen in James and the Giant Peach. The Empire State Building's observation deck features prominently in Sleepless in Seattle. Stars in Andy Warhol's Empire, where it is seen in a continuous eight-hour-five-minute shot of the building at night. Etihad Towers (Abu Dhabi 2011) Portrayed in Furious 7, many action scenes are filmed here. World Trade Center (New York City 1973) Used prominently in the 1973 film version of Godspell during the song "All For the Best." Climbed by King Kong in the 1976 remake of King Kong. Exploded and collapsed after being hit by a fragment of the Meteor (1979). Used as a makeshift runway by Snake Plissken in Escape from New York (1981). The New York Mercantile Exchange trading floor in 4 World Trade Center was the scene of the climax of Trading Places (1983). Features in the opening and closing sequences of Oliver & Company (1988). The roof of the World Trade Center is featured in Crocodile Dundee (1986) during a photoshoot Sue Charlton is doing during Mick Dundee's New York visit. In the film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) Kevin McCallister stops at the building while sightseeing. Seen in various scenes of Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995). Severely damaged by meteor shower in Armageddon (1998) and severely damaged by an ocean wave (from comet impact) in Deep Impact. Leaped onto from a failing helicopter in Read