If you enjoyed the gritty, survival-thriller vibe of 'Happy Hunting' (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same intense action, high-stakes tension, and brutal survival themes. Whether you're a fan of manhunts, desert showdowns, or adrenaline-pumping chases, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Naked Prey (1965)
Description: A survival film following a man hunted through the wilderness by warriors, notable for its minimal dialogue and intense chase sequences.
Fact: Inspired by a true 19th century incident where a trader was hunted by Native Americans. The film features authentic African locations and largely non-professional actors.


Turkey Shoot (1982)
Description: A cult exploitation film set in a dystopian future where prisoners are hunted for sport by government officials and wealthy sadists.
Fact: Originally titled 'Blood Camp Thatcher' in some markets, the film was part of the Australian New Wave cinema movement. It gained notoriety for its graphic violence and political subtext.


The Running Man (1987)
Description: A futuristic action thriller where convicts are hunted for entertainment in a deadly game show, critiquing media sensationalism and authoritarian control.
Fact: Loosely based on a Stephen King novel written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym. The film's dystopian setting predicted elements of reality TV culture decades before its rise.


Hard Target (1993)
Description: A gritty action film centered around a homeless veteran who becomes the target of a deadly hunting game organized by corrupt businessmen.
Fact: This was the first American film directed by John Woo, known for his Hong Kong action cinema style. The production faced significant challenges with the MPAA over its violent content.


Surviving the Game (1994)
Description: A high-stakes survival thriller where a desperate man is hunted for sport by wealthy elites, blending action with social commentary on class disparity.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the 1924 short story 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell. It features an early role for rapper Ice-T in a non-musical performance.


The Pest (1997)
Description: A comedic take on the hunted man trope, where a con artist finds himself the target of wealthy hunters in an exaggerated, cartoonish version of the deadly game scenario.
Fact: John Leguizamo performed many of his own stunts in the film. The movie was criticized for its racial stereotypes but developed a cult following for its over-the-top humor.


Battle Royale (2000)
Description: A brutal dystopian story where individuals are forced to fight to the death, exploring themes of survival, violence, and societal breakdown under extreme conditions.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its violent content. It's based on a controversial novel by Koushun Takami and sparked debates about youth violence.


The Hunted (2003)
Description: A survival thriller focusing on a trained killer being pursued through wilderness terrain, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat and tracking sequences.
Fact: The film's fight choreography was based on real-world military combatives. Much of the movie was shot in actual wilderness locations without stunt doubles for the leads.


The Condemned (2007)
Description: A violent action film featuring death row inmates forced to fight to the death on a remote island for a live internet broadcast, examining media ethics and human cruelty.
Fact: The film's production was rushed to capitalize on the popularity of WWE star Steve Austin. It was one of the first films to explore the concept of lethal reality streaming.


The Tournament (2009)
Description: An action thriller featuring assassins forced to compete in a deadly urban hunt with high-tech weaponry and surveillance, emphasizing brutal combat and survival tactics.
Fact: The film features elaborate action sequences shot in multiple countries. It was one of the first movies to extensively use the 'bullet time' effect outside of The Matrix franchise.
