If you loved the gripping survival drama 'Rising Wolf' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same intensity, wilderness survival themes, and emotional depth. Whether you're drawn to the raw struggle against nature or the human spirit's resilience, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Naked Prey (1965)
Description: A raw, minimalist survival story featuring a relentless chase through hostile territory, with little dialogue and intense physical endurance.
Fact: Most of the film was shot in actual African wilderness locations. The lead actor performed all his own stunts, including dangerous encounters with wildlife.


Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
Description: A rugged mountain man's solitary existence in the wilderness, featuring stunning mountain landscapes and themes of self-reliance and survival.
Fact: Robert Redford actually learned to trap, hunt and survive in the wilderness for his role. Many scenes were shot at temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit.


The Mission (1986)
Description: A powerful story of faith and survival in the jungle, exploring themes of colonialism and the struggle to maintain one's principles in hostile territory.
Fact: The famous waterfall scene was filmed at Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. The film's score won both the Palme d'Or and an Academy Award.


Dances with Wolves (1990)
Description: A sweeping tale of cultural immersion and survival on the frontier, blending breathtaking scenery with themes of identity and belonging.
Fact: The film was shot in reverse order due to weather constraints. It was the first Western to win the Best Picture Oscar in over 50 years.


Black Robe (1991)
Description: A visceral journey through wilderness and cultural divides, focusing on the clash between European and indigenous worldviews in a harsh landscape.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Quebec during winter. It was the first Canadian film to be distributed by a major Hollywood studio.


The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Description: A historical epic with breathtaking landscapes, focusing on survival, loyalty, and conflict between cultures during a turbulent period.
Fact: The film's iconic soundtrack was composed in just three weeks. Daniel Day-Lewis performed many of his own stunts, including running through the forest.


The Edge (1997)
Description: A tense survival thriller set in the Alaskan wilderness, pitting man against nature and his own psychological limits in a fight for survival.
Fact: The bear attack scenes used a combination of animatronics and a real bear. The film's survival techniques were vetted by actual wilderness experts.


The New World (2005)
Description: A poetic exploration of first contact between civilizations, featuring stunning natural cinematography and themes of cultural collision.
Fact: The production used three different actresses to portray Pocahontas at different ages. Much of the dialogue was improvised to create a more authentic feel.


Apocalypto (2006)
Description: A gripping chase narrative set in a historical context, showcasing the resilience of a lone hero against overwhelming odds in a harsh, untamed environment.
Fact: The entire dialogue is in the Yucatec Maya language. The film's climax was shot in a single take lasting over six minutes.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: A brutal survival story set in the wilderness, featuring intense physical endurance and a protagonist pushed to his limits by nature and human adversaries.
Fact: The film was shot using only natural light to enhance its raw and immersive feel. Leonardo DiCaprio actually ate raw bison liver during filming.
