Survival thriller moviescontinue to thrill audiences because they excel at building suspense and tension, provoking viewers to imagine what they would do if they were placed in the same challenging circumstances as the characters on-screen. Watching characters evolve and adapt can be highly rewarding for viewers. Yet, the fun of it all is the fact that audiences can experience the adventures and danger from the safety of their homes. In this context, Netflix’sNowhereis just one of numerous movies that showcase how ordinary individuals can overcome extraordinary challenges.
Nowheredebuted on Netflix in September and has since become one ofthe trending thriller movieson the platform. It tells the story of Mia (Anna Castillo), a pregnant woman fleeing from her war-torn country in a cargo ship, on which she must struggle to survive. The dystopian thriller delves into themes of motherhood and resilience against adversity through its hard-hitting storyline captured by its remarkable cinematography. These are some of the reasons why it’s been a notable topic of conversation. Now, let’s explore some other great films that tap into human capacity to fight and adapt in the face of adversity.
10The Revenant (2015)
IfNowhereleft you breathless and fervently rooting for Mia’s survival, then the highly regarded survival thriller,The Revenant, will equally do the same. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh Glass, a frontiersman who struggles to survive a bear attack and also seeks revenge on his comrades who murdered his son and left him for death. This survival thriller masterfully juxtaposes nature’s beauty and savagery, delivering a visually stunning and intense cinematic experience. DiCaprio’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, earning him a well-deserved Oscar.
Yet the film wouldn’t be regarded such a remarkable one without Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s expert direction. Tom Hardy’s performance is equally a shining part of the film. In essence,The Revenantradiates brilliance and deserves all the hype and awards it has garnered. However, due its unrelenting brutality and intensity, the film is not for the faint-hearted.
9The Edge (1997)
Penned by David Manet and directed by Lee Tamahori, this action-adventure masterpiece,The Edge, weaves a gripping narrative about an intellectual billionaire and a group of people struggling to survive the harsh Alaskan wilderness all while evading a deadly polar bear. The filmstars Anthony Hopkinsas the billionaire with the will to survive, while Alec Baldwin plays the obstacle he must confront in the wilderness besides the bear.
This film will definitely leave many on the edge of their seats, mouths agape, as they witness characters’ agonizing fight for survival. From the music, acting, cinematography, well-constructed plot to the directing, this is an all-encompassing work of excellence. Beyond being a riveting survival saga, it is also a human story of forgiveness prevailing over vengeance. The film will be most enjoyed by those who appreciate its action sequences as well as its morality tale.
8Buried (2010)
Buriedis a Spanish survival thriller that mostly takes place in a confined space. Ryan Reynolds plays the main character, Paul Connoy, a U.S. truck driver working in Iran, who wakes up buried alive in a coffin with only a lighter and cell phone in his possession. The movie slowly unfolds as he desperately tries to escape while trying to survive series of life-or-death challenges.
Buriedoffers a compelling experience to those who can endure the claustrophobic and intense atmosphere that envelops Paul throughout the film’s duration. Despitebeing a minimalist film, it maintains an impressive pace and remains an engaging experience, leaving viewers in suspense as they wonder the outcome for Paul. It impressively sustains an aura of realism and suspense, despite revolving around just one actor and a single setting.
7Children of Men (2006)
Similar toNowhere,Children of Menis also set in a dystopian future. In this chilling world, human infertility has pushed society to the brink of extinction. When one woman miraculously becomes pregnant, it is up to Theo, an activist, to safeguard her. He must battle with security forces and ruthless insurgents to survive a journey through the bleak and decaying landscape.
This futuristic thriller presents a realistic adaptation of the dystopian novel of the same name by P.D. James, focusing on its profound concept rather than flashy effects that many sci-fi films are known for.Children of Menalso serves as thought-provoking reminder of what the future may hold for humanity. This apocalyptic film is fantastic from start to finish with Clive Owen delivering an outstanding performance as the haunted enemy of the state.
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6The Grey (2011)
Much likeNowhere,The Greyis a gripping and intense survival thriller that explores the themes of human resilience, survival instincts, and the unforgiving force of nature. Directed by Joe Carnahan, this film follows a group of oil workers striving to stay alive in the wilderness of Alaska after their plane crashes. They must survive the freezing cold, hostile terrain and a pack of aggressive wolves.
The film may seem like it is just about man fighting wolves, but it carries a deeper message, which would be grasped by those who allow its message to sink in. If there’s any film that emphasizes the indomitable human’s spirit fight for survival in the face of a brutal and indifferent world, it isThe Grey. It is an experience that will both excite and move many to tears.
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5Everest (2015)
WhileEverestmight initially appear as yet another thrilling adventure drama, it is much more than that. The film is based on the true story of the1996 Everest disaster, focusing on the survival attempts of two expedition groups led by Rob Hall and Scott Fisher. Giving the varying survivor accounts, there’s no telling how entirely true the story is or which of the narratives are the closest to the true events.
Notwithstanding,Everestis a beautifully shot movie that vividly portrays the difficulties inherent in scaling the tallest mountain in the world. From the lack of oxygen, altitude, and sudden change in weather to the courage and determination it takes these climbers to undertake such a risky venture, the film does not attempt to be anything more than an authentic depiction of a true story.
4Open Water (2003)
Taking inspiration from a true story, this film follows an American couple who embark on a scuba diving tour while on vacation, only to be left behind to survive all alone in treacherous, shark-infested water. Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis play Susan and Daniel, who must confront their fears and the harsh elements of the sea after they are accidentally left behind.
Open Wateris definitely not for those with a fear of open water and its perils, as it vividly portrays the terrors and exhaustion that make the experience painfully real. The overwhelming sensations of isolation, fear, and vulnerability are magnified by the film’s minimalist approach and its grounding in a true story.Open Watertranscends the typical gore-fest horror film, delivering a profound and unsettling exploration of horror in the context of real-life events.
3Crawl (2019)
If you’re looking for disaster movies or survival thrillers that will deliver an entertaining and nail-biting experience, then there’s no looking beyondCrawl. It is worth watching for anyone who enjoys intense, suspenseful, and creature-driven horror. The film is known for its combination of natural disaster and creature horror to deliver a tense and thrilling experience.
Directed by Alexandra Aja,Crawlis about a father and daughter who become trapped in their flooded house during a hurricane. As they try to survive the rising floodwaters, they discover that there’s something even more sinister in the water. While there may be plot holes and over-the-top moments, the film compensates with jump scares and suspenseful moments that truly terrify and entertain. It is a simple yet entertaining monster movie that will have many screaming at their screens.
2The Shallows (2016)
InThe Shallows, Blake Lively plays a young surfer marooned on a secluded rock while surfing off the coast of Mexico. She finds herself in a desperate fight for survival when a white shark begins to stalk her. The film’s 86-minute runtime is a heart pounding journey as viewers watch her employ her wits and resourcefulness to outsmart her predator and make it back to safety. Lively’s outstanding performance, the incredible cinematography, and breathtaking locations all combine to make this an appealing film.
With well-timed suspense,The Shallowssucceeds in establishing the hopelessness and isolation of the main character. The film is known for its suspenseful and visually stunning sequences, making it a must-see for those who enjoy mesmerizing, tense, and edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Theexcessive use of CGIis one of the film’s major shortcomings.
1The Impossible (2012)
The Impossiblestands asTom Holland’s earliest and best movie, which helped to launch his career. Here, he plays Lucas, the eldest son of a family who find themselves in a harrowing ordeal after a massive tsunami hits their resort during their vacation in Thailand. Naomi Watts portrays the mother, Maria, who struggles to survive and reunite her family after they are separated.
The film excels in presenting a poignant and accurate depiction of the real-life experience of an English family’s experience during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. It is yet another powerful and emotional exploration of the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and survival in the face of a catastrophic event. Backed by a stellar cast, the film is sure to tug at viewers’ heartstrings and linger in their memories.
