7 Survival Thrillers to Watch on Netflix Right Now

7 Survival Thrillers to Watch on Netflix Right Now

It's exciting - and a little frightening - to imagine yourself as the hero of a survival thriller. It is you fighting through the toughest of situations, overcoming impossible odds, and putting your life on the line. I can picture myself overcoming the odds and sharing my incredible story with others. The best part. It's all done from the comfort of your bed or couch. That's what makes the film genre so appealing: it's a film about a man and a woman who are both in love with each other and with each other.

Whether you want to watch someone fight icy conditions, avoid terrifying assailants, or get lost somewhere dangerous, Netflix has some of the best survival thrillers available for streaming. These movies are sure to quench your thirst for adventure and danger without putting you in harm's way.

First up is the 2023 thriller Nowhere, starring Anna Castillo as Mia and Tamar Novas as her husband Nico. Nico and Mia are separated as they try to flee a dictatorship that has begun killing its people to protect its remaining resources. Fearing that their unborn child is in danger, they manage to board a cargo ship bound for the few remaining safe countries. After they are separated, Mia boards one of the containers alone, and when it lands in the water, she fights to survive alone.

She does a great job of keeping the audience in suspense, considering the majority of the film is focused on Castillo in the container. The film is astounding.

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Driving alone on an isolated road sets the stage for something terrible to happen. Jules Wilcox stars as Jessica, a recently widowed woman who packs her bags at home and sets out on a journey to forget her grief. All is going well until Jessica tries to pass a man on the road. Unfortunately, he wasn't ready to let go of the moment. He then manages to kidnap Jessica.

Mark Menchaca plays the unnamed assailant to eerie perfection. Jules Wilcox also does an excellent job of portraying the horror to be expected in this situation. Note the similarities to the film "Duel" towards the beginning of the film and the subtle reference to Ted Bundy in Menchaca's character.

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In this Spanish thriller, the prison system is set up so that those on the higher floors are fed first and have a chance to eat as much as they want, while the lower floors get only leftover food. Everyone is assigned to a different tier. Goren, played by Ivan Masage, wakes up on Level 48, learns about how it all works, and realizes that it is a real fight for survival.

Goren is determined to fight back against the prison system, but makes some pretty lamentable decisions in the process. It's not the kind of movie you want to watch over dinner, but the heartbreaking message will stick with you. This film is about how society works and our willingness to help others. Watch it with that in mind and you will enjoy it.

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This Oscar-nominated film is based on the true story of the Uruguayan rugby team's survival after a plane crash in 1972. For those already familiar with the 1993 film Alive, based on the same events, this 2023 film offers a more unique perspective. The Society of the Snow is based on Pablo Wielch's 2009 book of the same name. He grew up with rugby players, so his perspective is more personal.

From the realistic plane crash to the strong will to survive despite impossible circumstances, the film is a phenomenal portrayal of what the boys went through back then. At over two hours in running time, it is rather long, but the ending makes it well worth the watch. The film deals with cannibalism, but for those unfamiliar with the true story, this is how they survived their harrowing ordeal.

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The film, adapted from Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen's book "The Two Against the Ice," tells the true story of the 1909 Danish expedition. Captain Mikkelsen, played by Nicolai Coster-Waldau, set out on an expedition to retrieve records collected during an ill-fated trip that occurred between 1906 and 1908. The trip was intended to prove that Greenland was one island, not an island divided by a strait. When the crew arrives on the island, Mikkelsen goes out on the ice with Ivar Iversen (Joe Cole). They find the evidence they need, but have trouble getting back to the ship.

The film is another tale of survival in the treacherous ice. If you are looking for a survival thriller based on a true story, you will enjoy this one. Game of Thrones fans will be pleased to know that Nikolai Koster-Waldau not only stars in the film, but also co-wrote the screenplay.

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The 2018 film tells the true story of surfer Alvaro Vizcaino, played by Alan Hernandez. The film begins with Vizcaino waking up in a jeep on the island of Fuerteventura and reflecting on how his life has fallen apart, including close friends moving away and arguments with his girlfriend. His stress leads him to search for the perfect wave, but he slips and falls on a sand dune. While he struggles to get back to safety, he has plenty of time to reflect on his life, as depicted through numerous dreams and flashbacks.

The film has outstanding cinematography and is worth watching for that alone; it is hard not to compare it to the 2010 film "127 Hours," but it is important to remember that "Solo" is based on an actual incident.

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"Backcountry" focuses on the experiences of Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jen (Missy Peregrym), a couple on a camping trip in the Canadian wilderness. Jen is not as comfortable with the outdoors as her partner Alex, and reluctantly goes deeper into the woods with him. It wasn't long before the couple lost their way and realized they had stepped into a bear habitat.

The film is loosely based on the true story of Mark Jordan and Jacqueline Perry, a couple on a camping trip in the Canadian wilderness who were attacked by a man-eating bear. The film takes creative liberties in depicting what happened and does not follow an exact timeline of events. However, the bear attack is horribly realistic.

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