152 Spine Chilling Survival Movies To Test Your Mettle

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.