Top 60 Best Survival Movies To Watch In 2025

Set in 1841 when African-Americans faced widespread enslavement in the United States, "12 Years a Slave" tells the powerful true story of Solomon Northup. Portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Solomon is a talented, free Black violinist living in Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife and children.

Solomon's life takes a tragic turn when he is deceived by two theater professionals who offer him a temporary job in Washington, D.C. Instead, he is kidnapped and sold into slavery in New Orleans, stripped of his identity, and forced to answer to the name ‘Platt.’

For nearly twelve years, Solomon endures harrowing conditions and the brutality of merciless slave owners. Amidst suffering, he finds hope through Bass, a compassionate Canadian abolitionist played by Brad Pitt, who pledges to help him reach his family by delivering a letter.

This gripping film is a testament to the cruelty, resilience, and spirit of survival, capturing the strength of dignity and the enduring human will to overcome injustice.

Veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) leads the Shuttle Explorer STS-157 mission with the goal of repairing the Hubble Telescope.

Joining him is rookie medical engineer Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), on her very first mission into space. Suddenly, Houston Mission Control halts the operation after learning a Russian missile strike has destroyed a nearby satellite.

The collision unleashes a deadly cloud of space debris, now hurtling toward the shuttle. Contact is soon lost with ground control, forcing Ryan and Matt to rely solely on their training as they fight to survive the unfolding disaster.

The shuttle suffers severe damage from the debris, leaving the astronauts stranded in orbit. Ryan faces one harrowing, life-threatening situation after another as they attempt to regain control.

With the shuttle rendered useless for their return to Earth, Ryan and Matt set their sights on reaching a nearby space station. But their ordeal is far from over.

Time, oxygen, and hope are rapidly running out, turning their mission into a gripping fight for survival.

Set in a stark dystopian future, "Mad Max: Fury Road" plunges viewers into a world where Earth has transformed into a vast desert, and water is the most precious commodity—valued above all else.

Amidst this barren wasteland, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) finds himself fighting to survive, relentlessly pursued by the tyrannical warlord Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his ruthless gang, known as The Wild Boys.

Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), one of Immortan Joe's most trusted lieutenants, is secretly plotting a daring escape from The Citadel—the heavily fortified stronghold from which Joe imposes his brutal rule. Furiosa seizes a massive, armored War Rig and flees, bringing with her Joe's five captive wives seeking freedom.

As a fanatical army led by Immortan Joe himself races after them, Furiosa and an initially reluctant Max must join forces. Together, they embark on a high-octane battle for survival, with danger lurking at every turn.

Based on a true story, this remarkable film adapts Szpilman’s autobiography, “The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man’s Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945.” The movie brings to life the harrowing journey of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a gifted Polish-Jewish pianist.

Wladyslaw Szpilman, portrayed by Adrien Brody, is a renowned radio pianist who witnesses the transformation of Warsaw as World War II unfolds. The film captures his descent from respected musician to someone struggling just to survive.

After being forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, Szpilman is tragically separated from his family during ‘Operation Reinhard.’ Alone and desperate, he must navigate an increasingly hostile world.

Hiding among the ruins of his city, Szpilman clings to hope, enduring unimaginable hardships in the hope that liberation will come and bring an end to his nightmare.

In late May 1940, World War II has already raged for eight months. As the German forces push into Belgium and soon advance toward France, the Allied Forces face overwhelming opposition and begin to buckle under the pressure.

Approximately 400,000 Allied troops are sent to the coastal town of Dunkirk, France, with the North Sea at their backs and Hitler’s army relentlessly advancing from the front. The German Luftwaffe unleashes a brutal assault, making survival on the beach a daily struggle for thousands.

Among the stranded soldiers are Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), a French soldier (Damien Bonnard), Gibson (Aneurin Barnard), a grenadier (Lee Armstrong), and a volatile private (James Bloor), each grappling with the terror surrounding them.

Separated from England by just 33 kilometers across the Strait of Dover, the desperate rescue operation known as ‘Operation Dynamo’ is launched. This unprecedented evacuation effort sees a mix of Royal Navy ships and civilian boats racing to Dunkirk to save those trapped on the shoreline.

While RAF Spitfires battle valiantly overhead, civilian captain Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), his son Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney), and their friend George (Barry Keoghan) join the rescue, determined to help in one of the pivotal moments of the war.

‘Dunkirk’ masterfully dramatizes this real-life event, highlighting the resilience, courage, and unity of those who came together against extraordinary odds.

Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a talented young African-American photographer, is preparing to meet the parents of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams), for the first time.

Their relationship is only five months old, and Rose's family is unaware that Chris is black. He heads to their secluded home in Lake Pontaco for a weekend getaway, uneasy about the introduction.

Beneath the family's polite facade, subtle racial tensions simmer, building suspense under director Jordan Peele's masterful guidance.

Rose’s mother is an accomplished psychiatrist skilled in hypnosis, while her father is a prominent neurosurgeon.

Though both parents appear welcoming, their discomfort with Rose’s relationship choices lingers beneath the surface. Chris also observes that the family employs only black servants, which adds to his unease.

The initially cordial atmosphere quickly unravels, spiraling into terrifying scenes of horror and survival. Chris soon uncovers the disturbing truth about the Armitage family, discovering the menacing power of hypnosis.

Tension peaks when Chris stumbles upon a locked room leading to the basement, where he finds chilling secrets he wishes he had never uncovered.

Jack, played by Jacob Tremblay, is a young boy raised by his loving and fiercely protective mother, Ma (Brie Larson).

Ma goes to extraordinary lengths to keep Jack safe, warm, and cared for, filling his days with stories and games. Their close bond is a testament to her devotion, as she creates a nurturing environment despite their harsh reality.

However, their world is confined to a small 10x10 foot space, which Ma has named "Room." Within this tiny enclosure, Ma constructs an entire universe for Jack, doing everything possible to make his life feel full and meaningful.

As Jack grows older, his curiosity begins to challenge the fragile reality Ma has maintained for his protection. The walls of their confined world can only hold back his questions for so long.

Ultimately, Ma and Jack risk everything with an ambitious escape plan. Yet, once outside, they discover that the challenges of the real world may be even greater—and scarier—than their life inside "Room."

Touching the Void is a compelling docudrama featuring Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron, and Ollie Ryall. The film recounts the harrowing true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates as they navigate a nearly fatal descent after successfully scaling the formidable West Face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.

Adapted from Simpson's acclaimed 1988 memoir, the movie received widespread acclaim. The Guardian even hailed it as 'the most successful documentary in British cinema history,' a testament to its gripping storytelling and emotional depth.

Based on actual events, "Captain Phillips" recounts the gripping 2009 hijacking of the American container ship Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates.

Tom Hanks stars as Captain Richard Phillips, who faces off against the pirates in a tense, high-stakes encounter that highlights the hidden dangers and human costs of globalization.

Barkhad Abdi gives a standout performance as Muse, the pirate leader, sustaining suspense as he takes the unarmed vessel hostage just 145 miles from the Somali coastline and demands a hefty ransom.

What follows is a nerve-wracking standoff, as the crew's safety hangs in the balance and the situation devolves into a desperate battle for survival—one where neither Phillips nor Muse truly commands the unfolding chaos.

"The Martian" follows astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who is accidentally left behind on Mars after a disastrous mission. Believed to be dead by his crew, Mark survives a violent storm and must now rely on his resourcefulness to endure the harsh Martian environment.

While desperately trying to signal NASA back on Earth, Mark faces daily challenges just to stay alive. His supplies are limited, and the next mission to Mars is not scheduled for another four years, making his ordeal even more daunting.

With time and hope running out, Mark’s fight for survival becomes a gripping battle of ingenuity and determination. Will he be able to hold on long enough for help to arrive?

In "All Is Lost," Robert Redford stars as an unnamed sailor who ventures alone into the vast Indian Ocean aboard his 39-foot yacht.

Initially, the tranquil weather gives him confidence, but disaster strikes when his vessel collides with an abandoned shipping container adrift on the water.

As his yacht begins to flood, critical equipment like the radio and navigation systems quickly become useless, leaving him isolated at sea.

Soon after, the sailor faces a violent storm, pushing his endurance and abilities to their limits amid the relentless waves.

Demonstrating skill and perseverance, he patches the damaged hull and relies on his years of maritime experience to weather the ongoing challenges.

Armed only with a sextant, his knowledge of ocean currents, and sheer determination, he navigates toward a busy shipping lane, hoping for rescue and survival.

With dwindling supplies, unyielding sun, and lurking sharks, the struggle intensifies, forcing Redford’s character to confront mortality despite his ingenuity and resolve.

Inspired by an incredible true story, "127 Hours" chronicles the harrowing ordeal of mountaineer Aron Ralston, portrayed by James Franco.

Embarking on a solo trek through a remote Utah canyon, Aron trusts his outdoor expertise to navigate the landscape’s notorious dangers.

Disaster strikes when a boulder suddenly dislodges and pins his arm, leaving him trapped and fighting for survival in isolation.

Over five grueling days, Aron cycles through fear, ingenious problem-solving, and deep introspection. His only escape may mean making an unthinkable sacrifice—amputating his own arm.

Even if he succeeds, Aron faces a daunting climb up a 65-foot wall, followed by an exhausting trek across eight miles of rugged terrain to reach help.

As hope fades, Aron’s thoughts flash to his loved ones and pivotal moments from his life, fueling his determination to endure.

He also reflects on a brief encounter with two hikers just before the accident, pondering if they might be the last people he ever sees.

When Somali pirates seize the Danish cargo ship MV Rozen in the Indian Ocean, the crew suddenly finds themselves in a desperate fight for survival.

Negotiations for ransom begin between the pirates and the Copenhagen government, quickly escalating tensions as both sides engage in a high-stakes battle of wills.

Key crew members, such as Mikkel Hartmann—the ship’s cook played by Pilou Asbæk—and engineer Jan Sørensen, portrayed by Roland Møller, become pivotal figures in navigating the crisis.

The situation turns into a nerve-wracking psychological thriller, with millions demanded in ransom and the CEO of the shipping company under intense pressure. The film masterfully explores the raw emotion and moral dilemmas at the heart of this real-life-inspired ordeal.

The story follows Canadian writer Yann Martel as he visits Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan), an Indian storyteller with an extraordinary tale to share.

Through Pi’s vivid recounting, we travel back to his childhood in the scenic city of Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, South India. His life takes a dramatic turn when his father announces that the local municipality is withdrawing support for their beloved zoo, prompting a plan to move the animals to Canada via a Japanese cargo ship.

Upon arrival, Pi’s father hopes to find new homes for the animals in Canadian zoos, ensuring their continued safety and care. However, tragedy strikes when a violent storm wrecks their ship, leaving Pi as the sole human survivor.

Stranded at sea, Pi finds himself accompanied by a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena, and a formidable male Bengal tiger, famously known as ‘Richard Parker.’ With two fierce predators among them and only his resourcefulness to rely on, Pi confronts the ultimate test of survival and the boundaries of his own spirit.

Set in 1931, "Rabbit-Proof Fence" depicts a dark chapter in Western Australia's history when authorities forcibly removed children of mixed Aboriginal and white descent from their families, sending them far away into servitude under the guise of "saving them from themselves."

At the heart of the story are sisters Molly and Daisy Craig (portrayed by Everlyn Sampi and Tianna Sansbury) and their cousin Gracie Fields (played by Laura Monaghan), who are taken to a remote institution designed to assimilate them.

Determined to reunite with their family, the three girls—led by the brave Molly—manage to escape. They embark on a dangerous journey north, following the rabbit-proof fence for days, all while being pursued by Constable Riggs (Jason Clarke) and an Aboriginal tracker.

The government's Chief Protector of Aborigines, A. O. Neville (Kenneth Branagh), is desperate to capture the girls before their escape inspires others. His warped certainty, controversial beliefs, and unwavering commitment to his role make him a formidable adversary.

Driven by blind faith and misguided principles, Neville fails to see the humanity in the children he’s determined to control—unaware that their only crime is the fight to survive and reclaim their lives.

Chuck Noland, a Federal Express executive portrayed by Tom Hanks, thrives on punctuality and is constantly overwhelmed by his demanding workload. Whether it's optimizing package delivery routes or resolving workplace dilemmas, Chuck is always at the center of every task, embodying dedication and responsibility.

Set in 1995, as the world eagerly awaits the new year, Chuck faces an unexpected work emergency that forces him to delay seeing his girlfriend, Kelly Frears (played by Helen Hunt). He feels fortunate to have such a patient and supportive partner by his side.

While en route to Malaysia, tragedy strikes when Chuck’s plane crashes, leaving him stranded on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. With nothing but time and minimal resources, he must adapt and find new ways to survive—learning to hunt, forage, and utilize every skill he possesses.

The story’s emotional depth is heightened by Chuck’s companionship with "Wilson," a volleyball he personifies for comfort. This poignant relationship adds layers to a film that masterfully explores the human spirit’s resilience and the true meaning of being alive.

Set in 1965, "Rescue Dawn" follows German-American US Navy pilot Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) as his secret bombing mission over Laos goes awry, resulting in a crash landing deep within the dense jungle.

After his crash, Dieter is captured by local villagers and handed over to the Vietcong, who suspect him of being a foreign spy. Imprisoned in a remote camp, he finds himself surrounded by five fellow inmates and an ever-watchful group of guards.

Dieter quickly forms a bond with Duane (Steve Zahn), sparking the idea of a daring escape. However, Gene (Jeremy Davies), the most psychologically fragile of the group, complicates their plans with growing distrust and instability.

With the prison guards growing desperate amid relentless American bombings and dwindling food supplies, their brutal decision threatens the lives of all the prisoners. Forced into action, Dieter sets their escape plan in motion, only to face an unexpected betrayal.

As alliances fracture and hope fades, Duane and Dieter are left to rely on each other, struggling to survive in a jungle that proves even more perilous than captivity itself.

"Into the Wild," directed by Sean Penn, is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a gifted Emory University graduate known for his academic excellence and athleticism. At just nineteen, Christopher makes a life-altering decision to abandon his promising future.

Choosing to seek a deeper meaning in life, he gives away his $24,000 savings to charity and leaves behind all creature comforts. Driven by a desire for self-discovery, Christopher sets out hitchhiking across the United States toward the wilds of Alaska.

Along the way, his encounters with various people profoundly influence his journey. Each interaction brings new lessons, ultimately shaping his understanding of himself and the world around him.

Set against the grim backdrop of World War II, "Hacksaw Ridge" follows the remarkable journey of Desmond Doss, a young American deeply influenced by his father's strong anti-violence beliefs. Raised to reject weapons and embrace peace, Desmond's upbringing sets him apart from most around him.

After a troubling childhood incident, Desmond turns to the Bible seeking forgiveness. This prompts him to make a life-altering vow: he will never harm another person, committing to a path of compassion no matter the cost.

When he saves a man's life in an accident, Desmond discovers a profound sense of purpose through helping others. His journey deepens when he meets and falls in love with a caring nurse during a hospital visit, further solidifying his values.

With America entering World War II, Desmond and his brother both enlist, much to their father's concern. Army training is physically and mentally demanding, but Desmond's refusal to handle weapons creates tension and misunderstanding among his peers and superiors, nearly resulting in a court-martial.

Ultimately, Desmond is assigned as a medic and sent to Hacksaw Ridge in Okinawa. Here, his unwavering commitment to saving lives without violence is put to the ultimate test amidst a brutal battle. His courageous survival story becomes one of the most inspiring episodes in military history.

The film is based on the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, whose legacy continues to inspire.

The story is set in 1952 and follows 23-year-old medical student Ernesto Guevara de la Serna (portrayed by Gael García Bernal), who is just one semester away from graduating.

Ernesto decides to postpone his studies to join his friend, 29-year-old biochemist Alberto Granado (played by Rodrigo De la Serna), on an epic adventure.

Together, they embark on a four-month, 8,000-kilometer motorcycle journey across South America, starting in Alberto’s hometown of Buenos Aires and traveling through diverse landscapes and cultures.

Their plan is to end the journey on Alberto’s thirtieth birthday in Venezuela’s Guajira Peninsula, a continent away from where they began.

Facing numerous obstacles — from frequent mechanical breakdowns of their motorcycle to stretching their meager funds — the two friends rely on luck, resourcefulness, and the kindness of strangers.

Ernesto and Alberto often tell small lies to gain support along the way, while also competing for attention and affection, leading to moments of both tension and camaraderie.

Ernesto’s struggle with chronic asthma adds another layer of challenge to their journey, further deepening the bond between the two adventurers.

Key experiences, such as their time at the San Pablo Leper Colony in the Peruvian Amazon Basin, profoundly affect both men.

Encounters with Communists in the Chilean desert imbue their travels with new perspectives, and as their trip nears its end, the sheer survival through such adversity becomes clear to them.

Ultimately, the journey teaches them valuable lessons about the world, about themselves, and leads Ernesto and Alberto to the discovery of their true calling in life.

Missouri in winter can be a harsh and unforgiving place. A tracker named Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his adopted son Hawk (played by Forrest Goodluck) are aware of this fact. But the father soon re-learns it the hard way. 

The story is set in 19th century North America. Hugh and Hawk are leading a hunting and trapping expedition. But roving through uncharted territory can attract fatal perils, especially considering the aggressive Native-American Arikara tribe calls the region home.

As the trapper party navigates toward Fort Kiowa, a deadly Grizzly Bear attack shatters their compact group. When Hugh wakes up, gravely injured and at death’s door, he realizes the others have abandoned him.

The man’s will to survive is all that stands between him and oblivion now. The freezing cold is one of his greatest challenges in the fight to stay alive long enough to get back to Kiowa and visit vengeance on the men who left him for dead.

This movie is based on a true story involving flight 1549 that left New York City on January 15, 2009, and met with engine failure while in the air.

The crew initiate SOS protocols and are asked to return to the airport from which they took off only a while ago.

Experienced pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger begs to differ. He believes they will not find sufficient time to turn around and perform a safe airstrip landing.

He spots the Hudson River and decides to use the water as a makeshift landing pad.

Though none of the passengers were harmed, and the landing was successfully performed, Sully finds himself under the National Transportation Safety Board’s (N.T. S. B.) scope.

Their own investigation reveals that the flight was capable of making it back to the airport (citing one of its engines being very much functional), casting suspicion and doubt on Sully’s ambitions and professional choices.

Sully agrees to disagree with their assessment and says that both engines were compromised in such a way that a technical turnaround and landing would have been impossible.

This harrowing movie highlights what it means to survive, for real as well as in the dark realm of industry politics.

The year is 1986 and five-year-old Saroo (the younger version played by Sunny Pawar) goes about his life in an impoverished village in India.

A trip with his brother soon sees Saroo lost a thousand miles away from home in the city of Calcutta.

He was trapped inside a moving decommissioned passenger train only to end up in a terrible, and rather real, street life.

Being too small to share anything of value to the authorities about his parents and where he came from, Saroo suffers and survives in a dark and depraved urban setting before being sent to an orphanage.

After a while, the Brierley family from Tasmania adopt him, and Saroo (grown-up version played by Dev Patel) is raised in a loving and opportunity-filled environment.

But memories of the real family he’d inadvertently lost continue to bother him. He eventually feels such guilt and yearning for them that he plans to travel back to India to find them.

Saroo’s mother Sue Brierley (played by Nicole Kidman) and his girlfriend Lucy (played by Rooney Mara) have mixed feelings about his new goal.

Eventually, Saroo starts to realize that the love he deserves is with the ones who chose to love and care for him as opposed to strangers whom he accidentally lost in his early years.

This survival story revolves around a young Australian woman in 1977. Robyn Davidson (played by Mia Wasikowska) embarks on a bold trek that takes her across Western Australia’s treacherous desert terrain.

Accompanied only by four camels and her loyal dog, Robyn makes progress on an ambitious journey that took her from Alice Springs and pitted her against 2,700 kilometers of ruthless desert, all the way to the ocean.

The trek becomes one of self-discovery and survival like nothing Robyn has ever experienced before.

The year is 2004. A British family is getting ready to celebrate Christmas Eve in Thailand. 

Henry (played by Ewan McGregor), Maria (Naomi Watts), and their three sons Simon (played by Oaklee Pendergast), Thomas (played by Samuel Joslin), and Lucas (played by Tom Holland) are vacationing at the Orchid Beach Resort in Khao Lak.

They are swimming in the pool when a humongous tsunami pays the place a visit. Sheer destruction and carnage is left in its wake, and the family suffers to survive it all. Separated from each other and terribly injured, they strive to find one another in all the confusion and uncertainty.

As time goes, they grow genuinely concerned that another tsunami wave might be close to making landfall.

This German movie is based on a true story featuring a competition to traverse the most perilous rock face in The Alps.

The film is set in the year 1936 and Nazi propaganda is high. The country’s mountain climbers are urged to make history for the Aryan race by conquering the Swiss massif Eiger, specifically its north face.

The ascent is carried on the backs of two German climbers, Toni Kurz and Andi Hinterstoisser (played by Benno Fürmann and Florian Lukas, respectively) who are as tentative as they are talented when it comes to this task.

Amateur journalist Luise Fellner (played by Johanna Wokalek) works at a Berlin newspaper at the time.

She goes about chronicling the men’s efforts to make history. They’re also her friends, so she feels personally invested in the endeavor, and wishes to see them succeed and survive.

Paul Conroy (played by Ryan Reynolds) wakes up in darkness. The year is 2006 and Paul is working in Iraq as a truck driver.

He suddenly finds himself inside a wooden coffin and to all intents and purposes buried alive.

He fishes out his cigarette lighter to study his situation and confirms as much. Paul realizes that after a while he won’t have enough air to breathe.

Obviously, he panics. That’s when he discovers a cellphone buried with him. He attempts to contact the outside, but not knowing where he is makes it impossible for Paul to convince anyone to come to his rescue.

He has no choice but to rely on himself to find a way out of this frightening situation before he suffocates.

A dystopian movie, in more ways than one, this film highlights the concept of food crises in a horrific prison-themed setting.

Resources are scarce in this particular future. The story unfolds in ‘The Hole’, a vertical underground jail where the ‘criminals’ voluntarily go if only to get a chance at grabbing their next meal.

Once they have passed the interview stage, these people are sent into the frightfully discomfiting Hole where they strive to gain social status, which in turn means more food on the table.

And a literal table topped with food, at that, which is lowered from the topmost level (the surface, where the restaurant is busy cooking up meals) down through the Hole’s many levels.

The people at the top (level 0) will have relatively more food to eat, food that dwindles the lower the floating platform goes.

The platform will remain at each level for all of two minutes before it starts to descend to the next.

This story is seen through the eyes of Goreng (played by Ivan Massagué), who awakens on level 48 in a 6-meter-high cell with a gaping rectangular hole smack in the middle of the room.

Only two prisoners are permitted per cell. Sharing space with Goreng is veteran Hole-member Trimagasi (played by Zorion Eguileor).

Deadly temperature-enforced penalties and severe rules are in effect concerning prisoner behaviour and what they are allowed to do with the food that comes their way.

Based on select statistics, prisoners are gassed into sleep after which some of them are re-distributed to different levels – and the savagery continues.

Existential and moral dilemmas unfold in this disturbingly realistic film where survival is a decision that depends on more than just one person.

Goreng finds himself battling to stay alive and later discovers a curious mystery in the Hole that changes everything for him.

Former Second Boer War veteran turned farmer Ted Narracott (played by Peter Mullan) now lives out the rest of his days in Devon, England.

He’s down to his last penny, which he spends at auction to win a thoroughbred colt, beating his own cruel landlord, Mr. Lyons (played by David Thewlis), to the punch.

Ted’s son Albert (played by Jeremy Irvine) forges a strong bond with the colt named Joey.

As the months and years go by, Joey grows into a powerful and beautiful horse.

By this time, World War I has broken out, and circumstances lead to Joey changing hands.

Albert is not happy, in fact he believes Joey belongs only with him. Risking perilous battle-scarred landscapes and harsh mountain terrain, he embarks on a self-appointed quest to reclaim his beloved horse.

Northern France is not a safe place at this time, but Albert does what it takes to survive and hopes that Joey is safe wherever he is.

He aims to be reunited with Joey, who has been conscripted as a warhorse and is making quite the name for himself on the field of battle.

The year is 1941 and three men are making a bold bolt out of communist Russia.

They’re attempting to escape a gulag in Siberia after which the team inadvertently gathers more people who also wish to flee the country.

One of the runners includes a teenage girl named Irena Zielinska (played by Saoirse Ronan).

Leading the group is Janusz Weiszczek (played by Jim Sturgess) who is an outdoors-experienced Pole accused of several crimes the intel for which was gained from torturing his wife.

A snowstorm provides all the cover the group needs to aid in their escape. Also part of the group are… Mr. Smith (played by Ed Harris) who’s quite the cynical American, Valka (played by Colin Farrell) who’s a Russian thug, Zoran (played by Dragos Bucur) who’s a rather funny accountant, Tomasz Horodinsky (played by Alexandru Potocean) who’s a pastry chef and artist, Andrejs Voss (played by Gustav Skarsgård) who’s a priest, and finally Kazik the Pole (played by Sebastian Urzendowsky) whose night-blindness condition has not been easy to live with.

Not only does the group have to contend with mosquitoes, dwindling food and water supplies, and freezing nights, they also have to traverse a vast desert and then confront the Himalayas.

Several ethical/moral dilemmas play out in this outstanding survival movie where freedom comes at a great cost.

Blunted (played by Jonathan Brewer) lives in a harmonious Mayan village. Many of them give him a hard time for being unable to sire a child.

The villagers soon encounter a group of terrified refugees. They later learn the source of their fear: pillagers have invaded their community, and enslaved their people.

Jaguar Paw (played by Rudy Youngblood), the proud son of the village chief, later finds himself battling the invaders.

He attempts to hide his pregnant wife and infant son but to little avail. The people causing all this terror are members of another Mayan tribe, one intent on stealing other Mayans and using them in ritual sacrifices to the gods.

They call the capital of the kingdom their home. The fact that this place is struck by pestilence further adds to the ruthless rulers’ need to perform sacrifices if it means appeasing the gods and incurring their healing grace.

A solar eclipse is set to occur, and it is considered an ‘auspicious’ one. The raiders capture several Mayans from Jaguar Paw’s village, including him.

But he somehow manages to escape after killing the captain’s son. Will Jaguar Paw survive his tryst with fate and fulfill an apocalyptic prophecy?

Or will he perish under the ritualist’s blade and fail to save his family?

A rigorous project in Alaska sees a group of oil workers coming together, and then catching a flight back home.

At this time, turbulence takes a turn for the worse, causing their plane to crash.

Among the handful of survivors is John Ottway (played by Liam Neeson). What remains of the group are in a harsh and freezing land where they need to survive long enough for rescuers to get to them.

However, when a Timber Wolf pack starts hunting them, their chances of survival are drastically reduced.

The group has a decision to make. Stay at the crash site where the debris might offer some measure of shielding, if at all, from the wolves… Or head for tree cover in the distance, where they can climb and ensure their safety… They choose the latter option and hasten toward the woods.

The wolves, though, are not dumb sheep. They slowly start picking the men off one by one.

Then there’s the freezing temperatures to consider.

Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl (played by Pål Sverre Hagen), along with five men, succeeded in crossing the Pacific Ocean in the year 1947, and they did it using a balsa wood raft called ‘Kon-Tiki’.

The experiment was designed to prove that during pre-Columbian times South Americans did indeed traverse the high seas and settle on different Polynesian islands – an idea that stands at odds with what some Anthropology academic factions believe.

Relying on loans and donations to help finance their trip, the men embark on a 101-day journey that will span 8,000 kilometers (4,300 miles).

The world sits by, awaiting news of their success; or failure. The movie captures all the nuances and details needed to sell this idea, and convincingly so.

The film’s title was taken from the name of the Incan Sun God Viracocha – one of his more ancient names is ‘Kon-Tiki’.

The movie is based on a real-life documentary that captured one such expedition. It was filmed by Heyerdahl and went on to earn an Academy Award in 1951.

The book he wrote chronicling his journey sold in excess of 50 million copies worldwide and was translated into more than 70 languages.

He didn’t quite prove his critics wrong, though. Heyerdahl and crew ended up crashing on deadly reefs outside Raroia (on August 7, 1947), located in the Tuamotu Islands.

Everyone survived the incident and were ferried back to Norway. The raft holds great significance to date and is featured prominently in the Kon-Tiki Museum, situated on the Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo (Norway).

Earthquakes have become incredibly commonplace in this post-apocalyptic film where a major cataclysmic event changes everything.

Various living things gradually die off and the world keeps turning grey. A man (played by Viggo Mortensen) roves this desolate environment with his pre-teen son (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee).

The boy was born after the apocalypse, and his future is terribly uncertain. Together, father and son walk toward the coast after which they plan to head south.

The man believes hope can be found there. He has always taught his son that they are ‘good people’, meaning they will not resort to cannibalism to survive.

In the man’s possession is a pistol containing two bullets, which he plans to use on them both as a last resort.

Fuel and food are top on everyone’s lists in this dire new world. The boy, being innocent in several regards, adheres to his father’s lessons about suspecting anything and anyone – many have been tricked into a state of trust, only to be cannibalized soon after.

The young boy knows only this life, the one with his dad in a dying world.

But he’s growing fast and feels ready to make his own decisions. The man, however, is plagued by fond memories of his wife, the mother whom his son never saw.

He recalls dark days when he and his wife were not on the best of terms.

The man is also tormented by the reasons why she is no longer with them.

Following an Antarctic expedition with Dr. Davis McClaren (played by Bruce Greenwood), sled-dog trainer Jerry Shepherd (played by Paul Walker) receives dire news of a storm front heading their way.

They have little choice but to leave the polar base and head for safer terrain.

The Huskies who were part of the sled team are more than capable of weathering such storms.

This is why Jerry decides to leave them behind for a few hours until the storm passes.

But the storm takes a dangerous turn, throwing doubt on whether the canines will survive at all.

All of Jerry’s attempts to launch a rescue mission to go save his dogs falls on deaf ears.

Will he take it upon himself to go back for his loyal team before they starve to death, or worse?

Set in Afghanistan in 2005, this story centers on the experiences of Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (played by Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (played by Emile Hirsch), and Matthew “Axe” Axelson (played by Ben Foster).

The squad is deployed on a surveillance mission designed to gather enough intel to end the life of Taliban chief Ahmad Shah.

Goatherds give away their location, however, which soon attracts the attention of Taliban fighters. A harrowing battle situation unfolds in which the SEALs are not only outgunned but also outnumbered.

Brave and accomplished mountaineer from New Zealand Robert “Rob” Edwin Hall (played by Jason Clarke) has been guiding rookie climbers up Mt. Everest since 1992.

His company ‘Adventure Consultants’ is doing alright. It counts nineteen successfully-led expeditions and no fatalities.

His Everest expeditions in 1996 comprised three guides and eight clients, proving the growing demand for people to want to climb the great mountain.

In May of that same year, Rob’s company finds itself teaming up on a joint summit attempt with ‘Mountain Madness’, which is Scott Fischer’s (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) company.

The real power and strength of Nature are seen during this expedition when a raging and unpredictable blizzard compels the climbers to court disaster.

Desperate, starving, and forgotten, Hank (played by Paul Dano) is stranded in a place where he has but one option: survive.

Finding himself hard-pressed to do so, he attempts to end his misery. When he ties a noose around his neck and is about to commit the deed, a dead castaway washes up on shore.

Hank goes to investigate the decomposing body of what was once a businessman named Manny.

This dark-comedy film picks up in earnest when Manny (played by Daniel Radcliffe) turns into a rather talkative dead guy and serves as Hank’s multi-purpose ‘human toolset gadget’.

Incredible, implausible, and funny, this film provides a fresh (or rather rotten) twist on what it means to survive.

The 2019 film "Crawl," directed by Alexandre Aja, offers a gripping and intense survival thriller centered around a unique concept.

The movie follows a young woman, played by Kaya Scodelario, and her estranged father as they become trapped in their Florida home during a Category 5 hurricane.

However, their struggle for survival takes a terrifying turn when they find themselves besieged by aggressive and deadly alligators that have infiltrated the floodwaters.

"Crawl" succeeds by blending elements of natural disaster and creature horror genres, creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The film's concept capitalizes on the primal fear of both a natural disaster and the lurking threat of apex predators, resulting in heart-pounding suspense and thrilling action sequences.

The close-quarters setting of the flooded house adds to the sense of vulnerability and desperation. The film's success can be attributed to its tight pacing, solid performances, and skillful direction.

By focusing on the emotional journey of the central characters while delivering nerve-wracking thrills, "Crawl" creates an engaging cinematic experience that resonates with audiences who appreciate a well-executed blend of suspense, horror, and human drama.

I Am Legend is an apocalyptic action-thriller starring Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, and Dash Mihok. The story is loosely based on a novel of the same name by Richard Matheson.

Will Smith plays the role of Robert Neville, a US Army virologist. Years after a terrifying outbreak of a plague that's responsible for killing half of humanity and turning the remaining ones into monsters, Neville is the only one immune to the virus and fights against all odds to find a cure.

However, will he be able to survive the mutants?

Survival stories are not just about people, but also the animals with whom we share this planet.

The year is 1988 and Adam Carlson (played by John Krasinski) is on an important job.

He works for the local Anchorage TV station. He is currently covering a random story out at sea when he spots three California Grey Whales (a family unit) trapped by unseasonal ice.

The whales need a surface hole to breathe but the winter ice-onset seems to have come early.

The whales only have a few days to survive before they can no longer break the surface to breathe.

They are too far from the ocean and other geo-features also stand in their way to freedom.

Adam covers the story in detail, eventually attracting national attention. Different parties and groups, like Greenpeace, rally to save the whales before it’s too late.

Adam’s ex-girlfriend Rachel Kramer (played by Drew Barrymore) comes on the scene. She’s just as determined to do good by the whales, but her history with Adam serves as a hurdle.

A hover-barge becomes one of the most crucial vessels that can help free the whales, but the most accessible one is owned by J.W. McGraw (played by Ted Danson), i.e., the enemy. McGraw works at Alaskan Northern Oil, not exactly the poster child for whale rescue.

In fact, McGraw’s company has been pushing for oil drilling rights in the area for a while now.

The White House eventually comes into the picture, as well as the Inupiat people. The local indigenous group is intent on salvaging what seems like certain death for the whales.

In keeping with their hunting/fishing lifestyle, they wish to cull and harvest the whales before they drown.

Medical student Nancy (played by Blake Lively) quits school in Galveston and heads for Mexico.

She has lost her mother and feels the trip will help settle her mind and heart.

Her destination was dear to her mother when she was young. A surfboard and backpack are all she needs.

A while after arriving, she encounters two surfers who advise her about keeping the tide (high and low) schedule in mind.

The three of them enjoy the water and decide to head back, but Nancy chooses to linger for a bit.

She soon discovers a dead whale afloat on the water and hand-paddles on her surfboard to go investigate.

A Great White Shark spots her coming and bites her – a technique sharks often use to investigate something new.

Using her medical know-how, Nancy manages to patch herself up but finds herself stranded due to high tide on a rock.

The shark is ever-circling, eager to bite more out of Nancy now that it’s got a taste of her blood.

Will she survive this ordeal, or become so much fish food?

After what feels like too long a time, a group of friends gathers to go on vacation together.

They decide to go on a hiking trip in Eastern Europe, specifically Sweden. When one of them gets seriously injured in the outdoors, the trip is all but cut short.

The rest of the buddies must now brave the wilderness to get to their vacation lodge a few hours sooner than they had planned.

A heavy rainstorm befalls the group, and they are forced to spend the night inside a random homestead that they find in the forest.

This abandoned edifice feels bizarrely creepy, almost spooky. What was supposed to be a bonding trip ends up becoming a supernatural survival game set in the middle of nowhere, far from help.

This exposing movie is based on the real-life challenges faced by a man named Edward Snowden (played in the movie by Joseph Gordon-Levitt).

In the year 2013, Snowden arranges and attends a significant secret meeting held in Hong Kong. The attendees include Laura Poitras (played by Melissa Leo) and journalist Glenn Greenwald (played by Zachary Quinto).

Poitras is based on real-life American documentary film director-producer whose work includes ‘Citizenfour.’ That project is a powerful portrayal of the injustices committed against Edward Snowden, who became a whistle-blower daring enough to share dangerous truths about the U.S. government with the world.

This movie focuses on Snowden’s involvement with classified evidence concerning the National Security Agency’s (NSA; United States) illegal mass surveillance program. The plot also covers his basic training following his enlistment in the American Army.

Snowden's ambition to earn a good position in the Special Forces is also portrayed. But when he gets a tibia fracture, Snowden can no longer pursue that career and so receives an administrative discharge with dignity. The man later comes to learn of the mass surveillance of the American people, and his conscience hurts him more than his career loss ever will. 

This is Edward Snowden's genuine story of survival in the dark world of politics, espionage, state secrets, and classified programs taking place in the U.S.A. against the knowledge of its citizens.

Based on a rather inspiring true story, this film features a free-spirited man and woman who meet by sheer chance, gradually fall in love with one another, and then embark on quite the adventure together.

Tami Oldham (played by Shailene Woodley) and Richard Sharp (played by Sam Claflin) are both avid sailors.

They dream up an idea to traverse the ocean together on a sea-worthy vessel. They end up sailing into a hurricane – and a historically catastrophic one at that.

Their boat is now in shambles, Richard is seriously injured, and there doesn’t seem to be any hope of rescue.

Tami finds herself suffering to save the one man she ever truly loved. She has to keep them both alive until help arrives (if at all) – a task easier said than done.

Four Jewish brothers – Tuvia, Zus, Asael, and Aron Bielski (played by Daniel Craig, Live Schreiber, Jamie Bell, and George MacKay, respectively) – are on the run and attempting to stay hidden in German-occupied Poland and Belorussia forests during World War II.

They forage for not just food but also weapons to stay alive. They are constantly anxious about being discovered.

In addition to the Nazis, they also have to contend with Soviet partisans any one of whom might betray them.

As if this wasn’t enough, the Bielskis serve as guardians for a sizeable number of Polish Jews who have fled Germany and the Third Reich.

Hidden inside makeshift homes deep in the woods are elders, children, and men and women of all ages.

German-occupied Eastern Europe was a powder-keg of distrust and power politics, and the Bielskis attempted to do whatever it takes to survive this genocidal storm.

This story focuses on Olympic track star Louis Zamperini (played by Jack O’Connell) whose childhood used to be a mess, rife with delinquency until his brother inspired and trained him to become a track star.

He went on to represent America at the Summer Olympics in 1936, held in Berlin.

His overcoming several adversities to reach his sporting goals becomes a life-lesson Louis won’t soon forget.

World War II comes around and one thing leads to another for Louis. He’s in the air when his plane crashes during one of many bombing raids.

He’s left to fight for his life in the wide open sea where he and a few other men are stranded – they try to survive for over a month in this desolate place.

Things get worse for him when he ends up being captured by the Japanese and made a prisoner of war.

Louis experiences heart-breaking abuse and sadism at the prison camp where he’s taken. One of the guards there, Mutsuhiro Watanabe (played by Miyavi), does not go easy on him.

Mutsuhiro makes it his personal mission to break Louis’s spirit, which he has observed to be rather stubborn, almost indomitable.

The fictional reality contained in this movie is the stuff of nightmares. Near-invisible creatures threaten the future of Humanity all over the world – the beasts appear blurry.

They have disrupted normal life to the extent that survivors are few and far between.

Malorie (played by Sandra Bullock) is a single mother who, along with her two kids (played by Vivien Lyra Blair and Julian Edwards), attempts to survive in this newly broken world.

Merely opening one’s eyes increases the chance of spotting these creatures, and consequently inviting death.

Malorie devises a simple blindfold routine to keep her kids and herself safe and alive.

One last protected haven remains, according to radio-based rumors that Malorie picks up in her woodland hideout.

Before long, she has no choice but to risk the open outdoors if it means getting her children to a more permanent state of safety.

Blindfolded throughout, she and her kids make the incredibly harrowing journey to this ‘safehouse destination’ that is said to be down-river.

Where their eyesight can kill them, darkness becomes their best bet at staying alive during this one-way trip.

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Thomas Kretschmann, Alex Russell, and Joel Jackson, Jungle is about a group of friends who set out on a trek with a guide in the Bolivian jungle, in search of an Indian village.

However, what starts off as a fun and exciting expedition soon starts to be terrifying as the people begin to realize that the jungle really is a difficult place to be in.

Also, there seems to be more to the guide than meets the eye. Will the friends survive this perilous journey?

The story is based on the life of Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg’s journey from 1981 to the Amazon rainforest.

This gut-wrenching film is based on actual events that unraveled in the San José gold and copper mine in Copiapó, Chile. 33 miners were trapped under the ground for around 69 days, and the film attempts to dramatize their harrowing experiences based on what the survivors stated for the record after their rescue.

In the movie, the mine-owner refuses to accept the presence of instabilities within the mine.

When the place collapses and the only exit is sealed off, the mining company does nothing of value to help get all thirty-three of its miners out.

The miners, on the other hand, have lost radio communication with the surface. Aside from that, there are no adequate ladders in the ventilation shaft, and their medical and food supplies are running low.

Mario Sepúlveda (played by Antonio Banderas) takes on the leadership role, helping keep his men alive however he can.

The miners’ relatives gather in protest at the site, demanding all the right things only to have their pleas falling on all the wrong ears.

The year is 1820, and it is winter time. A giant whale has rammed into the New England whaling ship ‘Essex’.

The creature seems to possess an almost preternatural sense of vengeance. This maritime shock-story would later go on to inspire Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” (in the movie).

This story of survival focuses on the harrowing aftermath of the whale’s attack. As seen through the eyes of its crew, who experience terrors and make tough calls, the movie unravels along with thrilling and action-packed plot lines.

Despair, panic, starvation, and storms abound in this tale rife with belief-questioning scenarios. The ship’s captain – and his desire to get his crew home safely – is ever at odds with his first mate – who is intent on killing the whale.

The Snow Walker is a hit Canadian survival film directed by Charles Martin Smith and stars Barry Pepper and Annabella Piugattuk.

The movie is based on a short story titled Walk Well, My Brother, by Farley Mowat. It is about a Canadian bush pilot who has a life-altering encounter with a young Inuk woman.

The two of them survive an aircraft crash in the Northwest Territories and must now work together to survive the extremely harsh weather of the Arctic as well.

Will this fight to exist also lead to a close bonding between the two, as they survive the uncertainty that lies ahead?

No Escape is about an American couple and their two daughters who relocate to Asia and end up finding themselves amidst a dangerous coup.

Stuck in a terrifying environment wherein there's a revolution being run and foreigners are constantly being executed, the family must find a quick way to a safe escape.

They decide on seeking help in the American Embassy but must ensure that they're able to reach there while avoiding the merciless rebels who've been ordered to shoot foreigners at sight.

The question is, will they be able to find a safe exit in time? The star cast includes Owen Wilson and Lake Bell as the young American couple and Sterling Jerins and Claire Geare as their daughters.

A blizzard arrives, shutting down all travel in and out of Salt Lake City International Airport.

Photojournalist Alex Martin (played by Kate Winslet) and brain surgeon Dr. Ben Bass (played by Idris Elba) charter a private plane to get them to Denver.

Around the High Uintas Wilderness region, their plane crashes, unable to counter the blizzard. Only they and the pilot’s Golden Retriever dog survive the landing.

Alex and Ben are now stranded, injured, and slowly freezing in this harsh and unforgiving landscape.

Completely unprepared for the elements, they apply what wit they can to help them survive until someone comes looking for them.

Having just met, and being practically strangers, the two of them need to learn to trust each other and work together if they are to see any future at all.

But trust seems colder than the freezing winds on this mountain.

Flight of the Phoenix is a remake of a 1965 film of the same name and they're both based on a 1964 novel of the same name by Elleston Trevor.

The story traces a group of people who have managed to survive an airplane crash in the middle of the Gobi Desert.

With no way out, they must now get together and try to build a new aircraft using parts of the old one to survive and escape the desert.

The movie was shot in the Namib desert and the star cast includes Dennis Quaid, Giovanni Ribisi, Tyrese Gibson, Miranda Otto, and Hugh Laurie.

It received mixed reviews from critics and movie lovers alike.

Richard (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is vacationing in Thailand when he decides to visit a rumored island that is considered to be some sort of beach paradise beyond people’s wildest dreams.

A nicotine addict, pop-culture buff, and lover of Vietnam War movies and sundry video games, Richard is everyone’s typical ‘young guy’.

His sojourn in a Bangkok hotel soon exposes him to the possible existence of the beach in question.

Richard’s spirit of adventure drives him to find this place. As fate would have it, his neighbor leaves behind a strange map to the mythical beach before committing suicide.

Other wayward souls are also being drawn to the legendary island paradise. Richard’s survival will soon depend on his ability to know the difference between reality and fantasy.

The 2022 movie "Moonfall," directed by Roland Emmerich, stands out with its high-concept premise and spectacular visual effects.

The film explores the cataclysmic scenario of the Moon being on a collision course with Earth. Its unique blend of science fiction and disaster genres offers a gripping narrative that combines suspense, action, and human drama as characters strive to avert global catastrophe.

The impressive CGI and practical effects bring the impending lunar impact to life in stunning detail, immersing the audience in a visually mesmerizing experience.

The ensemble cast, including Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley, delivers engaging performances that enhance the emotional resonance of the story.

"Moonfall" is special for its ambitious scope, innovative storytelling, and ability to capture the audience's imagination with a compelling blend of speculative fiction and thrilling action sequences.

The post-apocalyptic society featured in this film is a harsh and cruel one. Eli (played by Denzel Washington) is a drifter who wanders west across North America.

He’s been drifting like this for well-nigh 30 years. In his possession is a unique book, one that he carries on him at all times and guards with a vengeance.

He often turns to this book for solace. Hunting small animals and foraging for abandoned goods in broken-down houses is how he keeps himself going.

Eli uses what he finds, as well as any viable vehicles he comes across, to trade for supplies and water in small village communities.

Power-hungry mobster Carnegie (played by Gary Oldman) runs one such village. Witnessing Eli’s amazing fighting skills, he offers him a spot in his gang.

He wants Eli so badly that he forces his blind lover Claudia (played by Jennifer Beals) to send her own daughter Solara (played by Mila Kunis) to go sleep with Eli and make him stay in the village for at least another night, long enough to let Carnegie find a stronger pitch to convince Eli to join his gang.

Eli gently dissuades Solara’s advances, but before she heads back the girl lays eyes on the book he carries.

She tries to keep it secret from Carnegie, but when the mobster beats her mother Solara can’t help but reveal what she saw.

Carnegie promptly dispatches his goons to the wasteland to take on Eli, who has by this time left the village.

Eli, however, proves more than a match for the thugs. But his survival comes into question the longer he tries to fight his way out of this strange new conundrum courtesy of Carnegie.

Into the White is based in the WWII setting of Norway. A group of German and British soldiers find themselves stuck and stranded in the wild after an intense aircraft battle.

Having taken shelter in the same hunter cabin, they soon begin to realize that the only way to survive this extreme snow storm is to keep the rules of war aside and exist side by side and start on the journey of an unlikely friendship.

Originally titled ‘Ao, le dernier Néandertal’, this French movie focuses on the Neanderthal Ao (played by Simon Paul Sutton) whose clan is massacred.

The loved ones he lost include his wife and little daughter Néa. Desperate and angry, Ao departs the North country and heads for the South, the land of his birth.

He hopes to reunite with his twin brother there. The two of them were separated when they were around nine years old.

His adventure joins paths with Aki (played by Aruna Shields), a Human (i.e., Homo sapiens) woman.

His trip is fraught with danger and peril, and survival is not as easy as it sounds.