Films about being stranded in the desert often explore the themes of survival, isolation, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of extreme adversity. These films typically feature characters who must navigate the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the desert while contending with limited resources, extreme temperatures, and the constant struggle to find help or civilization.
“127 Hours”, 2010
Director: Danny Boyle
Directed by Danny Boyle, this film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountaineer who becomes trapped in a remote canyon in Utah's Canyonlands National Park. With his arm pinned by a boulder, Ralston must summon all his courage and resourcefulness to survive.
Starring: James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn, Clémence Poésy, Lizzy Caplan, Treat Williams, Kate Burton, Sean Bott, John Lawrence, Koleman Stinger, Bailee Michelle Johnson, Parker Hadley, Fenton Quinn Jr., Peter Joshua Hull, Pieter Jan Brugge, Rebecca C. Olson, Jeffrey Wood, Norman Lehnert, Xmas Lutu, Terry S. Mercer, Darin Scott, Johnny Ahn, Robert Bear, Adam Colvin, Luke Drake, Christopher K. Hagadone, Liz Boggess-Hales, Zachary Haycock, Kelly Higgins, Brad Johnson, Lonzo Liggins, Samantha Marsden, Kelsie Mathews, Amber Mccoy, Wendy H. Meier, Kyle Paul, Priscilla Poland, Jessica Ralston, Amy Savannah, Stacey Ann Turner;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, biography, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “127 Hours” on the website imdb.com
“The Way Back”, 2020
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Directed by Peter Weir, this film follows a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian gulag during World War II. As they journey through the harsh Gobi Desert and the Himalayas, they must rely on each other and their wits to endure the brutal conditions and find their way to freedom.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar, Michaela Watkins, Brandon Wilson, Will Ropp, Fernando Luis Vega, Charles Lott Jr., Melvin Gregg, Ben Irving, Jeremy Radin, John Aylward, Da'Vinchi, Matthew Glave, Nico David, Todd Stashwick, Chris Bruno, Emelia Golfieri, Layla Golfieri, Nancy Linehan Charles, Glynn Turman, T.K. Carter, Jeremy Ratchford, Dan Lauria, Jayne Taini, Sal Velez Jr., Yeniffer Behrens, Rachael Carpani, Eric Tate, Christine Horn, Josh Latzer, Manny Streetz Guevara, Justice Alan, Jihad Abdou, Joshua Hubbard, James P. Harkins, Mike G., April Adams, Chieko Hidaka, Bronwen O'Connor, Charlotte Evelyn Williams, Kayla Diaz, Doc Jacobs, Marlene Forte, Shay Roundtree, Chad Mountain, Sandy Fletcher, Noah Ballou, Cynthia Rose Hall, Calvin Barber;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Way Back” on the website imdb.com
“Tracks”, 2013
Director: John Curran
Starring Mia Wasikowska, this film tells the true story of Robyn Davidson, who embarked on a 1,700-mile trek across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels. As she faces the challenges of the unforgiving landscape and her own inner demons, Davidson discovers the transformative power of solitude and self-discovery.
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Rolley Mintuma, Rainer Bock, Robert Coleby, Emma Booth, Lily Pearl, Jessica Tovey, Melanie Zanetti, Jamie Timony, Philip Dodd, Fiona Press, Daisy Walkabout, Felicity Steel, John Flaus, Ian Conway, Evan Casey, David Pearce, Darcy Crouch, Brendan Maclean, Ryan McMillan, Leah Michelle, Steven Parker, Leo Payten, Jed Payten, Bryan Probets, Elsie Wanatjura, Rene Kulitja, Happy Reid, Lydia Angus, Yvonne Yiparti, Awalari Teamay, Edith Richards, Vincent Forster, Tim Rogers, Chelsea Haywood, Andrew Harper, Tom Budge, Edwin Hodgeman, Carol Burns, Chris Duncan, Ricardo Anasco, Morgan, Mona, Istan, Mindie, Special Agent Gibbs, Mitch;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“Gerry”, 2002
Director: Gus Van Sant
Directed by Gus Van Sant, this minimalist film follows two friends named Gerry who become lost in the desert while on a hiking trip. As they struggle to find their way back to civilization, they confront the existential and psychological toll of their desperate situation.
Starring: Casey Affleck, Matt Damon;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Gerry” on the website imdb.com
“The Flight of the Phoenix”, 1965
Director: Robert Aldrich
Directed by Robert Aldrich, this classic film follows the survivors of a plane crash in the Sahara Desert who must work together to build a new aircraft from the wreckage in order to escape their dire predicament.
Starring: James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch, Hardy Krüger, Ernest Borgnine, Ian Bannen, Ronald Fraser, Christian Marquand, Dan Duryea, George Kennedy, Gabriele Tinti, Alex Montoya, Peter Bravos, William Aldrich, Barrie Chase, Stanley Ralph Ross;
Production year: 1965;
Genre: drama, adventure;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 142 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Flight of the Phoenix” on the website imdb.com
These films capture the harrowing and often transcendent experiences of individuals who find themselves stranded in the unforgiving expanse of the desert, showcasing the indomitable human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.
The films about being stranded in the desert offer a compelling exploration of the human spirit and the struggle for survival in the harshest of environments. From the intense psychological drama of “127 Hours” to the breathtaking visual storytelling of “Mad Max: Fury Road,” these films immerse the audience in the unforgiving desert landscape, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of the characters as they face extreme challenges. Each film presents a unique perspective on the physical and emotional trials of being stranded, ultimately reminding us of the indomitable strength of the human will to survive against all odds.
