From '127 Hours' to 'The Revenant': 5 must-watch survival movies based on true stories
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Survival movies have a unique ability to transport viewers from the comfort of their homes to the edge of their seats.
There are remarkable stories of human survival against all odds, many of which have been adapted into compelling movies.
These movies provide viewers with an immersive and gripping experience, whether set in the harsh wilderness or the vastness of the ocean.
Let's discuss five survival movies based on real-life incidents.
'The Revenant' (2015) - Based on the life of frontiersman Hugh Glass
'The Revenant,' a 2015 American Western action drama film, recounts the tale of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman and explorer born in 1783 and died in 1833.
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the movie is based on the 1915 poem 'The Song of Hugh Glass'. In this movie, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Hugh Glass, a frontiersman leading a group of men through the wilderness.
During their expedition, they encounter a grizzly bear, which viciously attacks Glass, leaving him severely wounded and on the brink of death.
It is one of the best survival movies based on real-life incidents and is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
'127 Hours' (2010) - Based on Aron Ralston getting trapped in Bluejohn Canyon
'127 Hours', a 2010 thriller movie, revolves around the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountain climber and adventurer who becomes trapped in Bluejohn Canyon after a boulder falls on his arm.
After five days of being trapped, he makes the difficult choice to amputate his arm using a dull pocket knife to free himself.
The movie received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its gripping storytelling, powerful performances, and filmmaking.
Directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco, it is a must watch movie. It is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
'North Face' (2008) - Based on the 1936 attempt by two climbers to climb the Eiger North Face in the Alps
'North Face,' a 2008 film directed by Philipp Stölzl, portrays the gripping story of two German climbers engaged in a fierce competition to climb the perilous Eiger's north face, known as one of the most treacherous rock faces in the Alps.
The official synopsis of the film reads, "Based on a true story, North Face is a suspenseful adventure film about a competition to climb the most dangerous rock face in the Alps."
The movie received the 2009 German Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay. It is available to stream on Fubo.
'Rescue Dawn' (2006) - Based on the true story of pilot Dieter Dengler
'Rescue Dawn,' a 2006 film directed by Werner Herzog, is based on the true story of German-American pilot Dieter Dengler, who was shot down in Laos and held captive for months. Despite his harrowing ordeal, he managed to escape and survive.
The movie delves into Dengler's harrowing ordeal as he forms bonds with his fellow prisoners and plans his escape amid numerous challenges.
The official synopsis of the movie reads, "Following a crash during the Vietnam War, fighter pilot Dieter gets caught by peasants. In captivity, he hatches and executes an escape plan with five deranged prisoners only to face bigger hurdles."
It is available to stream on Paramount+.
'Rabbit-Proof Fence' (2002) - Based on a family's escape from the Moore River Native Settlement
'Rabbit-Proof Fence', a 2002 film directed and produced by Phillip Noyce, is based on the true story of a family's escape from the Moore River Native Settlement.
In this film, 14-year-old Molly Kelly, an Australian Martu Aboriginal girl, escapes from the Moore River Native Settlement while being pursued by white law enforcement and an Aboriginal tracker.
She embarks on a remarkable journey, walking over 900 miles with her half-sister, Daisy Kadibil, and cousin, Gracie.
This movie is available on Paramount+.