Dive into the chilling darkness of the polar night with our curated list of films that capture the essence of adventure in the most extreme conditions. These movies not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic landscapes but also delve into the human spirit's resilience against the harsh elements. Whether you're a fan of survival stories, thrilling expeditions, or simply love the mystique of the polar night, this collection promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with tales of bravery, isolation, and the fight for survival.

The Thing (1982)
Description: This iconic horror film by John Carpenter is set in the Antarctic, where a research team encounters an alien life form that can perfectly mimic any living organism. The polar night setting adds to the isolation and paranoia, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film's special effects were groundbreaking for its time, and it has inspired numerous remakes and homages.


The Edge (1997)
Description: This survival thriller features a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, where the characters must survive in conditions that mimic the polar night's isolation and harshness.
Fact: The film was inspired by the true story of a plane crash in the Yukon.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively set during the polar night, this disaster film features scenes where characters must survive in a sudden, extreme cold snap that plunges the world into an ice age, with New York City experiencing a polar night-like scenario.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its visual effects.


The Polar Express (2004)
Description: While more of a Christmas fantasy, this animated film captures the magical essence of a journey to the North Pole during the polar night, filled with adventure and wonder.
Fact: The film was one of the first major uses of motion capture technology in animation.


Whiteout (2009)
Description: Set in Antarctica, this thriller follows a U.S. Marshal investigating a murder just as the polar night descends, creating a tense atmosphere of isolation and danger.
Fact: The film was shot in Manitoba, Canada, to replicate the Antarctic environment.


The Grey (2011)
Description: While not set in the polar night, the film's setting in the harsh Alaskan wilderness during a brutal winter storm captures the essence of survival in extreme cold, akin to polar night conditions.
Fact: The film's ending was controversial, leaving viewers to interpret the fate of the protagonist.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: Although primarily set in the American wilderness, the film's scenes of survival in the freezing cold, with the protagonist enduring a harsh winter, resonate with the theme of polar night survival.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in this film.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Although primarily a sea rescue story, the film includes scenes where the Coast Guard must navigate through icy waters during a polar night to save the crew of a sinking tanker.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of the 1952 Pendleton rescue off the coast of Cape Cod.


Arctic (2018)
Description: In this survival drama, a man stranded in the Arctic after a plane crash must navigate through the icy landscape during the polar night to find rescue.
Fact: The film was shot in Iceland, with minimal dialogue to enhance the feeling of isolation.


Eight Below (2006)
Description: This heartwarming tale follows a group of sled dogs left behind in Antarctica during the polar night. Their struggle to survive and the efforts to rescue them make for a compelling adventure story.
Fact: The film is inspired by the true story of the 1958 Japanese expedition to Antarctica.
