10 Desert Drama Films to Watch

Description: This epic biographical drama chronicles the life of T.E. Lawrence, focusing on his experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. The film's portrayal of the desert as both a harsh environment and a place of adventure is iconic.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, Jordan, and Morocco to capture the vastness of the desert, and it famously used real explosives for the train attack scene.

Description: Based on Paul Bowles' novel, this film explores the existential journey of an American couple in the Sahara Desert, where the desert becomes a metaphor for their inner turmoil and the disintegration of their relationship.

Fact: The film was shot on location in the Sahara, with the desert's vastness and isolation playing a crucial role in the narrative's development.

Description: Set during World War II, this film follows the life of a severely burned man, whose past unfolds through flashbacks, revealing a love story set in the North African desert. The desert here is not just a setting but a character that shapes the narrative's emotional depth.

Fact: The film won 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its desert scenes were shot in Tunisia, providing an authentic backdrop to the story.

Description: While not exclusively set in the desert, this film includes scenes where Che Guevara and Alberto Granado traverse the Atacama Desert, symbolizing their journey of self-discovery and political awakening.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations across South America, including the Atacama Desert, capturing the vastness and diversity of the continent.

Description: Set in the Australian outback, this Western drama explores themes of justice, revenge, and the harshness of the desert environment as a backdrop to a story of moral ambiguity and family loyalty.

Fact: The film was shot in the remote areas of Queensland, Australia, to capture the desolate beauty of the outback.

Description: Although primarily set on a train journey through India, the film includes desert scenes that serve as a metaphor for the characters' search for meaning and connection amidst their personal and familial chaos.

Fact: The desert scenes were filmed in Rajasthan, India, providing a stark contrast to the colorful train interiors and the lush landscapes encountered later in the film.

Description: Inspired by true events, this film follows a group of prisoners escaping from a Siberian gulag, crossing through the Gobi Desert in their quest for freedom, highlighting the human spirit's resilience against the backdrop of unforgiving landscapes.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, Morocco, and India to replicate the diverse terrains of the escape route.

Description: This Jordanian film set during World War I follows a young Bedouin boy who must navigate the desert with a British officer, learning about betrayal, survival, and the complexities of loyalty in a changing world.

Fact: The film was shot in Wadi Rum, Jordan, and it was Jordan's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

Description: This Argentine film tells the story of a maid who, after years of service, sets off on a journey through the Atacama Desert, finding freedom and self-discovery in the vast, empty spaces.

Fact: The film was shot in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, emphasizing the theme of isolation and introspection.

Description: This film tells the true story of Robyn Davidson, who trekked 1,700 miles across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels, exploring themes of solitude, self-discovery, and the relationship between humans and nature.

Fact: The film was shot in the Great Victoria Desert, and the real Robyn Davidson made a cameo appearance.