Compared to other astronomical events featured in films, such as full moons and asteroid strikes, solar eclipses are less commonly seen.
When they have featured in films, they often drive the plot and have a portentous presence.
[1] NPR's Glen Weldon said that films use eclipses "to signal to audiences that the normal rules have temporarily lifted, and things are about to get weird".
[2] Eclipses have been seen as bad omens throughout history, so filmmakers leverage that belief "as visual cues or key plot points", according to The Oregonian's Amy Wang.
[3] The most accurate depiction of a solar eclipse in film is seen in the 1961 religious epic film Barabbas due to the filming of an actual solar eclipse during its crucifixion scene (see solar eclipse of February 15, 1961).