3 Gripping Survival Movies to Watch After Everest

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Streaming services have made it so that even old movies can find a new life and gain popularity again. For instance, the 2015 film Everest has resurfaced on Netflix’s Top 10 list; despite being a successful movie back in 2010 with a box office revenue of $203.4 million on a budget of $55M, it was somewhat of an underdog hit that gained traction through positive word of mouth and the public’s fascination with IMAX and 3D formats at the time.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share that the gripping tale of survival in the wilderness known as “Everest” is now available for streaming on Netflix. The film’s harrowing story continues to resonate deeply with viewers. Moreover, there’s an added thrill as we witness an impressive ensemble cast that has grown even more famous since the release of “Everest”. Names like Jason Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Robin Wright, Keira Knightley, Elizabeth Debicki, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson, and John Hawkes are now familiar faces in the limelight. It’s fascinating to revisit this film and appreciate their talent then and now.

Considering this, let me share three outstanding films that deliver a comparable somber ambiance or ensemble dynamic, much like the one seen in Everest.

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Society of the Snow

The 1996 Mount Everest tragedy served as the basis for the 2015 movie “Everest”, however, it’s not the sole well-known survival tale about a group of individuals trapped in the unforgiving landscape of a snowy peak. In 2023, Netflix released “The Society of the Snow”, an Academy Award-nominated film that recounts the harrowing experiences of the Uruguayan rugby team who survived after their plane crashed in the Andes Mountains during Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.

The story you’re familiar with from Frank Marshall’s iconic 1993 movie Alive, where survival tactics got a bit extreme (including cannibalism), is retold by director J.A. Bayona in a new film. This time, the narrative is more detailed, authentic, and less sensationalized, thanks to an exceptional cast and a collaboration between Spanish and American filmmakers.

The film is streaming on Netflix.

The Grey

If you’re seeking a thrilling survival story without the burden of heavy real-life sorrow, give “The Grey” a try. Directed by Joe Carnahan, who previously worked on “The A-Team,” this 2011 film played a significant role in establishing Liam Neeson as a prominent action hero of the 2010s. Not only does it showcase his action skills, but also leverages his renowned dramatic talent. In the narrative, Neeson portrays John Ottway, a solitary and melancholic marksman employed by an Alaskan oil company as a hunter. His job is to eliminate the wolf population posing a threat to the site. After their shift ends and they board a plane home, they tragically crash in the Alaskan wilderness, only to realize that they themselves have become the wolves’ targets.

This film, titled “The Grey,” isn’t just a story about surviving; it’s a profound exploration of life, death, and the uncertain ground between them – often referred to as the “grey” zone. The dreamlike (somewhat supernatural) atmosphere of the movie softens its tragic elements but doesn’t diminish its excitement. The famous scene where Liam Neeson confronts a wolf is testament to this. Movie enthusiasts will be intrigued by the ensemble cast, which includes Frank Grillo from “Peacemaker,” Dermot Mulroney from “Scream VI,” Joe Anderson from “The Crazies,” Nonso Anozie from “Game of Thrones,” James Badge Dale from “Iron Man 3,” and even Greg Nicotero, the horror makeup artist from “The Walking Dead,” in an acting role.

The film is available on Amazon Prime Video.

The Impossible

It’s no surprise that a film by J.A. Bayona, specifically “The Impossible” (2012), makes our list. This “disaster drama” is comparable to “Everest” in that it’s inspired by real-life events (the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami). It features a star-studded cast, including Naomi Watts (who was nominated for both Golden Globe and Oscars), Ewan McGregor (known as Obi-Wan), Tom Holland (Marvel’s Spider-Man 4), and Samuel Joslin (from the Paddington movies) in younger roles. The narrative revolves around Dr. Maria Bennett, portrayed by Watts, her husband Henry, played by McGregor, and their three sons who were vacationing in Thailand in 2004. As they enjoy themselves by the pool, the Indian Ocean tsunami strikes, separating the family into smaller groups. Each group struggles desperately to survive not only the initial tsunami wave but also the subsequent flooding and all the hazards that come with it. To make matters worse, both parents and children face the heart-wrenching decision of whether they will ever find one another again.

The Impossible” shares the same level of excitement and at times harshness as other films on this list, but what sets it apart is its focus on maintaining hope and strong family ties throughout. Survival narratives don’t always revolve around death, gloom, and distress, and “The Impossible” provides an excellent demonstration of this.

The film is streaming on Peacock.

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2025-03-21 23:10