Red Dawn Movie
Here’s the mother of all blog articles!
100 Preparedness and Survival Movies to Help With Your Mental Fortitude
Playing the “what if” game is a great way to better establish mental fortitude for when a crisis does come around. You can’t get your body to go where your mind has never been. That’s one of the reasons why I encourage people to read books and watch movies that may help them in their “what if” mental exercises. So today, I’ve performed the herculean task of creating a list of 100 preparedness/survival movies for you so that you can have a library of great selections from which to choose. This list isn’t all-inclusive, mind you, but it’s a great start. If you’ve got some to recommend to others that didn’t make the list, be sure to leave a comment below.
Natural Disaster Survival
1. The Day After Tomorrow (2004) – PG-13
A sudden Ice Age triggered by climate change plunges the world into chaos. A father races against time to save his son while navigating catastrophic weather.
2. San Andreas (2015) – PG-13
A rescue helicopter pilot must traverse earthquake-devastated California to save his family. Highlights the importance of disaster readiness.
3. Twister (1996) – PG-13
Storm chasers confront deadly tornadoes, showcasing the risks of weather-related disasters and the importance of preparation.
4. Dante’s Peak (1997) – PG-13
A volcanologist attempts to save a small town from an erupting volcano. Themes of early warning systems and rapid evacuation dominate.
5. Deep Impact (1998) – PG-13
As a comet hurtles toward Earth, governments scramble to prevent extinction while individuals prepare for survival.
6. The Impossible (2012) – PG-13
A family is separated during the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and must fight to reunite. Based on a true story of resilience and determination.
7. Geostorm (2017) – PG-13
Earth’s weather control system goes haywire, triggering global disasters. Survival depends on understanding and combating technology gone wrong.
8. Armageddon (1998) – PG-13
A group of oil drillers is sent to space to destroy an asteroid threatening Earth. Themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and crisis management dominate.
9. Volcano (1997) – PG-13
A volcano erupts in downtown Los Angeles, forcing citizens and officials to collaborate on survival strategies.
10. 2012 (2009) – PG-13
The world faces extinction from catastrophic tectonic shifts. A family’s journey highlights resourcefulness and adaptability under pressure.
Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Survival
11. The Road (2009) – R
A father and son navigate a barren, lawless world after an apocalyptic event, struggling to maintain humanity while scavenging for survival.
12. I Am Legend (2007) – PG-13
A scientist survives alone in a post-apocalyptic New York City overrun by mutated humans, seeking a cure for the plague that destroyed humanity.
13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – R
In a desert wasteland where water and fuel are scarce, survivors battle for resources. Themes of resilience and adaptation dominate.
14. Snowpiercer (2013) – R
The last remnants of humanity survive on a perpetually moving train in a frozen world, divided by class conflict and rebellion.
15. Children of Men (2006) – R
Set in a future where humans have become infertile, one man must protect the world’s last hope for humanity’s survival.
16. The Book of Eli (2010) – R
A lone traveler protects a sacred book in a dystopian wasteland. Themes of survival and faith underscore the story.
17. The Hunger Games (2012) – PG-13
A dystopian regime forces teenagers into a televised battle for survival, exploring strategy, resilience, and defiance.
18. The Postman (1997) – R
A drifter inspires hope in a post-apocalyptic America by reconnecting isolated communities through communication.
19. Equilibrium (2002) – R
In a future where emotions are outlawed, a man rebels against the oppressive system. A story of survival through rebellion and rediscovery of humanity.
20. Waterworld (1995) – PG-13
In a flooded world, survivors battle for resources and search for the mythical “dry land.” Themes of adaptation to environmental changes are central.
Wilderness and Remote Survival
The Revenant Movie
21. Cast Away (2000) – PG-13
A man stranded on a deserted island learns to survive alone, rediscovering himself through resourcefulness and determination.
22. The Way Back (2010) – PG-13
A group of escapees from a Siberian gulag journeys thousands of miles to freedom, facing the harsh wilderness.
23. Into the Wild (2007) – R
Based on a true story, a young man abandons modern life to survive in the Alaskan wilderness, facing harsh lessons about self-reliance.
24. A Cry in the Wild (1990) – PG
Based on Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, this film tells the story of a boy surviving in the wild with minimal resources.
25. The Mountain Between Us (2017) – PG-13
Two strangers must survive after a plane crash in the remote wilderness. Themes of resilience, teamwork, and adaptation make it a strong survival tale.
26. 127 Hours (2010) – R
A climber trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon must make a life-altering decision to survive. Based on a true story.
27. The Grey (2011) – R
After a plane crash in Alaska, survivors battle freezing temperatures and wolves in this raw tale of survival against nature.
28. Jeremiah Johnson (1972) – PG
A man retreats to the mountains to live off the land, learning survival skills while facing natural and human challenges.
29. The Call of the Wild (2020) – PG
Set during the Yukon Gold Rush, a man and his loyal dog survive the harsh wilderness together. Themes of companionship and resilience abound.
30. Togo (2019) – PG
Based on a true story, this film follows a musher and his lead dog braving a treacherous journey to deliver life-saving medicine.
Pandemics and Biological Threats
31. Contagion (2011) – PG-13
A deadly virus spreads rapidly, and scientists race to find a cure while society collapses. A realistic look at pandemic preparedness.
32. Outbreak (1995) – R
A virus outbreak threatens a small town, and military scientists scramble to contain it. Themes of medical and military collaboration are central.
33. Carriers (2009) – PG-13
Four friends navigate a pandemic-stricken world, facing tough ethical decisions about survival.
34. Blindness (2008) – R
A mysterious illness causes widespread blindness, forcing survivors to adapt and organize in a crumbling society.
35. Flu (2013) – R
A South Korean thriller about a deadly flu outbreak and the race to contain it before it devastates humanity.
36. Daybreakers (2009) – R
In a world where vampires dominate, the few remaining humans fight for survival while scientists search for a cure.
37. The Cassandra Crossing (1976) – PG
A deadly virus spreads on a train, forcing passengers and authorities to make life-and-death decisions.
38. Quarantine (2008) – R
A group of people is trapped in an apartment building under quarantine, facing the spread of a mysterious infection.
39. The Girl with All the Gifts (2016) – R
In a post-apocalyptic world, a teacher and a group of children immune to a zombie-like infection offer hope for humanity.
40. 12 Monkeys (1995) – R
A convict is sent back in time to stop a pandemic that wipes out most of humanity, exploring themes of causality and resilience.
A Bug’s Life Movie
Family-Friendly Survival
41. Swiss Family Robinson (1960) – G
A shipwrecked family creates a self-sustaining paradise on an island, learning to adapt and thrive together.
42. The Croods (2013) – PG
A prehistoric family survives in a changing world, embracing adaptability and teamwork.
43. The Secret Garden (1993) – G
A young girl learns independence and resilience as she revives a forgotten garden, creating a sanctuary in a challenging environment.
44. WALL-E (2008) – G
A robot tasked with cleaning up Earth discovers a way to bring humanity back to a habitable planet.
45. A Bug’s Life (1998) – G
Another Pixar gem, this film highlights community preparedness, resourcefulness, and standing up for oneself. The underlying theme of teamwork and problem-solving is perfect for a preparedness mindset.
Psychological Survival
46. Panic Room (2002) – R
A mother and daughter survive a home invasion by hiding in their panic room, showcasing resourcefulness and mental toughness.
47. Gravity (2013) – PG-13
Stranded in space, a scientist fights for survival against overwhelming odds in a story of mental resilience and ingenuity.
Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Survival
48. The Omega Man (1971) – PG
A scientist and last known survivor of a global pandemic fights nocturnal mutants while searching for a cure. Explores themes of isolation and ingenuity.
49. The Giver (2014) – PG-13
A dystopian society forces a young man to uncover the truth about humanity and survival beyond conformity.
50. Zombieland (2009) – R
A humorous take on surviving a zombie apocalypse, focusing on teamwork, survival rules, and adaptability in a chaotic world.
51. The Survivalist (2015) – R
In a world where food is scarce and trust is rare, a loner fights to protect his survival resources from outsiders.
52. The Road Warrior (1981) – R
The sequel to Mad Max follows a lone drifter protecting a fuel cache in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Themes of trust and resourcefulness abound.
53. The Matrix (1999) – R
A hacker learns the world is a simulated reality and joins a rebellion to free humanity. A blend of mental and physical survival against overwhelming odds.
54. The Purge (2013) – R
The Cassandra Crossing Movie
For one night a year, all crime is legal. Survival depends on preparation, security, and smart decision-making.
55. Children of the Corn (1984) – R
A couple stranded in a rural town must survive a cult of children who have overthrown the adults. Explores the breakdown of societal norms.
56. Red Dawn (2012) – PG-13
Teens in a modern-day invasion band together to resist and fight back, learning guerrilla tactics and resilience.
Natural Disaster Survival
57. The Towering Inferno (1974) – PG
A fire breaks out in a high-rise during a party, forcing guests to use ingenuity and teamwork to escape the flames.
58. Greenland (2020) – PG-13
A comet threatens to destroy Earth, and a family races to reach safety in a bunker while navigating societal breakdown.
59. The Perfect Storm (2000) – PG-13
Based on a true story, a fishing crew battles a catastrophic storm at sea. Highlights the dangers of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
60. Everest (2015) – PG-13
A group of climbers faces extreme conditions during a dangerous expedition on Mount Everest. Based on real events.
61. Adrift (2018) – PG-13
A couple is stranded in the Pacific Ocean after their boat is damaged in a hurricane. A true story of survival and love.
62. The Poseidon Adventure (1972) – PG
Passengers of a capsized luxury liner work together to escape the sinking ship, emphasizing teamwork and bravery.
63. Alive (1993) – R
A plane crash leaves survivors stranded in the Andes, forcing them to make extreme choices to endure harsh conditions. Based on true events.
64. Touching the Void (2003) – R
A climber injured during a mountain descent must summon all his mental and physical strength to survive. Based on a true story.
65. My Side of the Mountain (1969) – G
This classic film follows a young boy who decides to live off the land in the wilderness, learning survival skills and self-reliance. It’s inspiring and perfectly aligned with the spirit of preparedness.
Psychological Survival
66. Room (2015) – R
A woman and her young son are held captive for years and must navigate their escape and survival in the outside world.
67. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) – PG-13
A woman wakes up in a bunker with two strangers who claim the world above is uninhabitable. Survival hinges on trust and critical thinking.
68. Bird Box (2018) – R
Survivors in a post-apocalyptic world must avoid mysterious creatures that drive people to madness. Blindfolded, they rely on other senses to navigate danger.
69. The Hunt (2020) – R
Strangers are hunted for sport in a deadly game of survival. The film explores themes of resilience and adaptability under extreme conditions.
70. The Edge (1997) – R
This intense survival thriller follows two men stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. They must rely on their wits, survival skills, and resilience to outlast the harsh environment and face off against a menacing bear. It’s a gripping tale of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and perseverance.
Zombie and Infection Survival
71. 28 Days Later (2002) – R
A man wakes up in an abandoned hospital to discover a viral outbreak has ravaged humanity. Survival requires resourcefulness and quick thinking.
72. 28 Weeks Later (2007) – R
A sequel to 28 Days Later, focusing on the aftermath of a zombie virus outbreak and humanity’s attempt to rebuild.
73. Shaun of the Dead (2004) – R
A comedic take on surviving a zombie apocalypse. It highlights teamwork and adapting to unexpected challenges.
74. Flight of the Phoenix (2004) – PG-13
A group of people stranded in the desert after a plane crash who must work together to rebuild the aircraft and escape. It’s an excellent example of teamwork, problem-solving, and survival against the odds.
75. Train to Busan (2016) – R
A thrilling and emotional story of survivors battling a zombie outbreak while trapped on a train.
Apollo 13 Movie
Space Survival
76. Apollo 13 (1995) – PG
his iconic film is the ultimate tale of overcoming survival challenges in space. Based on a true story, it showcases teamwork, ingenuity, and resourcefulness as astronauts and NASA collaborate to save a crew stranded after a critical malfunction. It’s inspiring and aligns perfectly with the themes of preparedness and resilience.
77. Space Cowboys (2000) – PG-13
This film features a team of retired astronauts called back into action to prevent a satellite catastrophe. It blends themes of preparedness, problem-solving, and the importance of experience and determination in overcoming seemingly impossible odds. Plus, it adds a touch of humor and camaraderie.
78. Interstellar (2014) – PG-13
A team of astronauts searches for a new habitable planet as Earth becomes uninhabitable, showcasing resilience and sacrifice.
79. Moon (2009) – R
A worker on a lunar base discovers shocking truths about his mission and himself, exploring isolation and psychological survival.
80. Pitch Black (2000) – R
Crash survivors on a desolate planet must fend off nocturnal predators. Themes of teamwork and adaptation dominate.
Inspirational Survival Stories
81. Unbroken (2014) – PG-13
The story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete turned WWII hero, who survives a plane crash, Japanese POW camps, and unthinkable adversity.
82. October Sky (1999) – PG
True story about a boy inspired by space exploration to build rockets in a small coal-mining town highlights determination, overcoming obstacles, and achieving dreams through resourcefulness and grit.
83. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – PG-13
A single father struggles to escape homelessness and build a better future for his son. A testament to perseverance.
84. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) – PG
Based on a true story, a young boy in Malawi builds a windmill to save his family from famine. A testament to ingenuity and determination.
85. The 33 (2015) – PG-13
The true story of 33 Chilean miners trapped underground and their fight for survival over 69 days.
Classic Survival Films
86. Fail-Safe (1964) – Not Rated
Fail Safe Movie
A Cold War thriller about a nuclear crisis and the desperate efforts to prevent disaster.
87. The War of the Worlds (1953) – G
Humans face extinction as Martians invade Earth. Survival depends on science and resourcefulness.
88. Soylent Green (1973) – PG
Set in a dystopian future, the film explores overpopulation and food scarcity, challenging societal ethics and survival.
89. Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964) – G
A 1960s classic about a stranded astronaut surviving on Mars with ingenuity and limited resources.
90. Planet of the Apes (1968) – G
Astronauts crash on a planet where apes rule over humans, leading to a fight for survival and freedom.
Thrillers with Survival Themes
91. Open Water (2003) – R
A couple left stranded in the ocean must survive against nature and predators in an intensely suspenseful tale.
92. The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) – R
Based on a true story, two men in Africa must survive against deadly lions while building a railroad.
93. The Host (2006) – R
A monster emerges from a river, forcing a family to unite and fight for their survival.
94. The Shallows (2016) – PG-13
A lone surfer fights to survive after being stranded near a shark-infested reef. Intense and resourceful survival.
95. Rogue (2007) – R
A tourist group stranded in Australia must fend off a massive crocodile while battling their own fears.
Final Five
96. The Mist (2007) – R
Survivors trapped in a supermarket confront deadly creatures and moral dilemmas in a gripping tale of survival.
97. The Colony (2013) – R
In a frozen world, survivors in an underground bunker fight for their lives against environmental challenges and hostile forces.
98. Battle Los Angeles (2011) – PG-13
A Marine platoon defends Los Angeles during an alien invasion, showcasing teamwork and military strategy.
99. Escape from New York (1981) – R
In a dystopian future, Manhattan has become a prison. A soldier must survive to rescue the president.
100. The Thing (1982) – R
A group of scientists in Antarctica faces a deadly alien organism, combining survival and psychological tension.
0 Comments