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152 Spine Chilling Survival Movies To Test Your Mettle

152 Spine Chilling Survival Movies To Test Your Mettle

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If you were stuck on a deserted island, what one item would you bring? I assume many kids were asked this same question when they were little. Thinking about it now, has your answer changed? Mine has. Not sure what use I would have for my toy rabbit if I ended up stranded on an island. However, with an extensive amount of survival movies, perhaps now we would be more prepared to survive on an uninhabited island. Find shelter, build a fire, find food and clean water - this is what wilderness movies have taught us. Seems pretty straightforward, right? However, why do I reckon I wouldn't be able to bear a single day in the wilderness with my survival skills?
One more thing they don't teach you at school. yOu WIll NEed ThIS LatEr IN liFe - no, Mr./Mrs. *insert your math teacher's surname*, I still haven't used the cosine function a single time in my life. Can you feel the disappointment in my tone of writing? Pardon me, back to the movies about survival. Probably the most well-known wilderness movie is Robert Zemeckis' Cast Away. Perhaps your typical I'm lost, all alone and must find a way to stay alive movie. One of the things we may take away from this third-highest-grossing film of 2000 is that after being stranded on a deserted island, a ball may become one's best friend. Wilson the volleyball represented the need for human companionship, which, among physical needs, is vital in maintaining sanity in rather, let's call them, insane circumstances.
However, Cast Away is just one among many great survival movies. Think of Eight Below, Open Water, or 127 Hours. Below, we've prepared an extensive list of critically and viewer-acclaimed best survival movies made to this day, with the top 10 having brief personal reviews. Grab a pen and paper to write down some of the not-yet-seen or long-forgotten survival movies, and let us know your favorite one.

#1 Cast Away

Cast Away
2000 | 2 hours 23 minutes | Directed by Robert Zemeckis
 
Starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez
 
Perhaps one of the best works from the director. Cast Away has many significant aspects that contribute to it being a fantastic film. Zemeckis' direction is among his most daring, with some bold risks taken, such as his use of camera work, which is done ingeniously and not overdone. Even better is Hanks' one-of-a-kind, almost one-man show performance, in which he says not too much but conveys a lot. With a remarkable performance from Tom Hanks and effective directing that allows viewers to accompany this survivor on his emotionally wrenching journey, this film is fascinating, believable, and thought-provoking. It's a portrait of a man and his fight to live. A simple concept that grew into a one-of-a-kind film.
38points

#2 Life Of Pi

 Life Of Pi
2012 | 2 hours 7 minutes | Directed by Ang Lee
 
Starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain
 
It's not just a survival story, and it's not even about friendship. This is a story about faith. Director Ang Lee employs all of his resources to ensure that this film about a lonely young man does not become tedious. It is narrated by both the young Pi and the adult Pi, and it uses music throughout to ensure that there is no uncomfortable silence. The scenes are also fast-paced, and as a result, the film is highly entertaining. Only a few movies will leave an indelible impression on you. One of them is Life of Pi.
36points

#3 Eight Below

Eight Below
2006 | 2 hours | Directed by Frank Marshall
 
Starring Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, Bruce Greenwood
 
Another great film starring a great actor who has left this earth way too soon. Paul Walker, we miss you greatly. Being a dog lover might be a good enough reason to watch the film. However, although it’s perhaps not as much of an emotional and tear-jerking film as Hachi, it's nonetheless profoundly touching. It's not just about sled dogs in Antarctica. It's about survival and the bond between people and their dogs. But don't be fooled if that sounds like a formula you've heard. I bet this is unlike any other movie you'll ever see.
31points

#4 North Face

North Face
2008 | 2 hours 6 minutes | Directed by Philipp Stölzl
 
Starring Benno Fürmann, Florian Lukas, Johanna Wokalek
 
It's a tragic tale set in Germany during the 1930s when the Nazis rose to power and sought to prove to the world that they were the best. The story revolves around two German men attempting a challenging, life-threatening climb. It's a tragedy that must be witnessed and captures humanity at its best and worst. It demonstrates that nature can sometimes rule our lives and is, unfortunately, very unforgiving. North Face is unlikely to be seen by many people. However, those who do will be rewarded with a special treat.
30points

#5 Rabbit-Proof Fence

 Rabbit-Proof Fence
2002 | 1 hour 34 minutes | Directed by Phillip Noyce
 
Starring Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Kenneth Branagh
 
Rabbit-Proof Fence is based on a true story set in Australia in the 1930s. The plot follows three aboriginal girls taken from their mother and shipped 1500 miles across the country to become more integrated into white Australian culture. Molly, the eldest and most experienced of the three, sets out on foot to get back home. It's not precisely upbeat or cheerful, but it's a compelling story that totally deserves 90 minutes of your time.
27points

#6 Kon-Tiki

 Kon-Tiki
2012 | 1 hour 58 minutes | Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg
 
Starring Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Gustaf Skarsgård
 
It's a fantastic story and film that will inspire new generations to read the book of the same name before watching the original documentary. Beautifully shot and performed. And the result is an incredible and epic film that spans two hours of adventure, excitement, and awe. I assume we can fully grasp what it was like to be six people stranded on an uncontrollable raft in the middle of nowhere for over a hundred days. Boredom, awe at new discoveries, fear of the weather, sharks, and whales. This might be as close as you can get to a film that embodies everything that resembles quality filmmaking.
26points

#7 Rescue Dawn

Rescue Dawn
2006 | 2 hours | Directed by Werner Herzog
 
Starring Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies
 
Rescue Dawn is an excellent Vietnam War POW drama. As a German/American pilot shot down during a secret bombing raid in Laos, Christian Bale gives one of his best and most grueling performances. It's a feel-good movie without attempting to be one, which is where so many survival movies fall short. However, this film's flaws are far outweighed by its clear technical brilliance, excellent acting, and brave story.
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26points

#8 The Way Back

 The Way Back
2010 | 2 hours 13 minutes | Directed by Peter Weir
 
Starring Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell
 
The Way Back is a remarkably effective survival drama that tells the true story of a group of Siberian prison escapees. They decide to travel to India on foot and embark on an arduous journey. This film truly captivates you throughout the journey. You feel a strong connection with the characters, to the point where you share their emotions - you laugh with them, you are on the verge of tears at times, and you feel their determination. The adult viewer will find it grueling but rewarding. A work of art.
26points

#9 The Grey

 The Grey
2011 | 1 hour 57 minutes | Directed by Joe Carnahan
 
Starring Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo
 
This film is about man's survival instincts in the face of nature. The first time watching it, the experience might be a thrilling chiller. This film goes far beyond the realm of imagination when dealing with nature's worst environments in the aftermath of a plane crash. Overall, this film is not only a visual feast but also a delightful distraction from the constant bombardment of Hollywood blockbusters. Anyone who enjoys action, adventure, and suspense dramas with excellent acting should see this film.
25points

#10 12 Years A Slave

12 Years A Slave
24points

#11 Lone Survivor

Lone Survivor
2013 | 2 hours 1 minute | Directed by Peter Berg
 
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch
 
If there's one thing this movie will do for you, it'll make you feel something. I guarantee you will not be bored while watching it. Lone Survivor is a harrowing and gripping cinematic experience. It may be a little anticlimactic, but it delivers a truckload of thrills and contains one of the most intense and bloody gunfights one may see in a film. Overall, a two-hour emotional, well-directed, and well-acted film. It's well worth your time to watch.
24points

#12 No Escape

 No Escape
23points

#13 Everest

Everest
22points

#14 The Martian

The Martian
21points

#15 Unbroken

 Unbroken
2014 | 2 hours 17 minutes | Directed by Angelina Jolie
 
Starring Jack O'Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson
 
Angelina Jolie is well known for her roles in action films. In this WWII drama, however, she takes on the director role. Unbroken is a gruesome and terrifying film about a man who has been abused for an extended time. Plane wrecks, months spent stranded at sea and captured by enemy soldiers, where he is beaten and abused; it's terrifying. Overall, it has all of the elements of a good film, and it is indeed a good film. It's inspiring and demonstrates that you must never give up, no matter how bad things may seem.
20points

#16 The Road

 The Road
20points

#17 Flight Of The Phoenix

Flight Of The Phoenix
19points

#18 I Am Legend

I Am Legend
16points

#19 The 33

The 33
15points

#20 The Snow Walker

The Snow Walker
14points
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