The matrix equation of motion for liquid-filled shells with a particular reference to the influence of ground excitation are derived through a Galerkin/finite element discretization procedure. The modal coupling among the various combinations of axial and circumferential modes are identified. The equations for the dynamic buckling analysis of liquid-filled shells are presented. The buckling criteria of liquid-filled shells subjected to horizontal ground excitation are established. A comparison to available experimental results gives strikingly good agreement. The importance of modal interaction in the axial as well as circumferential directions is also demonstrated. This provides guidelines for a better understanding of dynamic buckling of liquid-filled shells.