Survival thriller is one of the most popular film genres. With their gripping narratives, heart-pounding actions, and powerful themes of resilience and survival, survival thrillers never fail to captivate the audience. If you are looking forward to having an adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-your-seat experience, here are some of the must-watch survival thrillers from around the world and where you can watch them.
Life of Pi
Life of Pi is a film adaptation of the Canadian novel of the same name written by Yann Martel. The story revolves around a young Indian boy named ‘Pi’ Patel and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The boy forms an unexpected bond with the tiger and survives in the vast ocean for 227 days on a lifeboat after a shipwreck. The film was a commercial success and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning four for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Score.
Where to watch? Life of Pi is streaming on Disney+Hotstar
The Revenant
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role, The Revenant is not just a survival thriller but a feast for your eyes with incredible cinematography. The movie is an adaptation of the novel ‘The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge’ by Michael Punke, based on real-life events. Set in the American wilderness, the story follows a frontiersman named Hugh Glass who embarks on a quest for revenge against those who abandoned him after a brutal bear attack. Despite severe injuries and harsh conditions, Glass pushes himself to endure, driven by a fierce determination to survive and seek justice. The Revenant was a huge success and received various award nominations, winning DiCaprio’s first Academy Award for Best Actor and Emmanuel Lubezki’s third consecutive Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Where to watch? The Revenant is streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Train To Busan
Train to Busan is a South Korean survival thriller set amid a zombie apocalypse. The movie follows a group of passengers on a train during a sudden zombie outbreak. The main focus is on Seok-woo, a workaholic father, and his young daughter Su-an, travelling to Busan to visit her mother. The movie is an emotional rollercoaster and explores the theme of humanity, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to survive. The Train to Busan film series was launched due to the movie’s popularity and success.
Where to watch? Train to Busan is streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Society of the Snow
Based on Pablo Vierci’s book ‘La Sociedad de la Nieve’, Society of the Snow tells the true story of a Uruguayan rugby team’s experience after the 1972 Andes plane crash. On 13 October 1972, a Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 carrying 45 passengers crashed in the Andes mountains. While awaiting help in the freezing temperatures with scarce food supplies, the survivors come to a point where they are even forced to consume their dead companions. The movie is a gripping tale of human endurance that survives against all odds. The film was nominated for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards in 2023.
Where to watch? Society of the Snow is streaming on Netflix
Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life
Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life is a Malayalam movie based on the real-life story of Najeeb, a migrant worker stranded in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, where he faces exploitation and slavery. It is the film adaptation of the novel ‘Aadujeevitham’ by Benyamin. The film depicts Najeeb’s struggles for survival and emotional journey as he clings to memories of home and family. The movie came to life after almost 16 years in development due to various hurdles it faced. It is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2024 worldwide.
Where to watch? Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life is all set to release on Disney+Hotstar soon
