National parks are not just breathtaking landscapes; they are also settings for some of the most compelling stories in cinema. This collection of drama films set in national parks offers a unique blend of nature's grandeur and human emotion, providing viewers with an escape into both the wild and the deeply personal. From tales of survival and adventure to stories of personal growth and introspection, these films showcase the parks as more than just a backdrop, but as integral characters in their narratives.

The Edge (1997)
Description: Featuring a survival story set in the Alaskan wilderness, this film uses the backdrop of Glacier Bay National Park to explore themes of survival, friendship, and betrayal.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, Canada, but the setting was meant to represent Alaska, showcasing the park's rugged beauty.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not directly set in a national park, the film's depiction of the sea and the storm's impact on the coast could be likened to the natural forces at play in parks like Acadia or Glacier Bay.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations, including Nova Scotia, to capture the stormy Atlantic Ocean.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: This disaster film features scenes in national parks like Yellowstone, where natural disasters unfold, highlighting the parks' vulnerability to climate change.
Fact: The film was one of the first to bring climate change to the forefront of public consciousness through its dramatic portrayal.


Into the Wild (2007)
Description: This film chronicles the journey of Christopher McCandless into the Alaskan wilderness, specifically Denali National Park, where he seeks solitude and meaning. The park's isolation and beauty are central to his story of self-discovery.
Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the real bus where McCandless lived is still located in the park, though it's now a popular tourist attraction.


The Grey (2011)
Description: While not exclusively set in a national park, this survival drama takes place in the Alaskan wilderness, showcasing the harsh environment that could be likened to the conditions found in national parks like Denali.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia and Vancouver, with the crew enduring extreme cold to capture the film's realism.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: Set in the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park, this film follows a frontiersman on a brutal quest for survival and revenge. The park's unforgiving terrain becomes a character in itself, testing the limits of human endurance.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, and the film was shot in harsh winter conditions to capture the realism of the setting.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Although primarily a sea rescue drama, the film's setting near Cape Cod National Seashore provides a dramatic backdrop of natural beauty and danger.
Fact: The film is based on a true story from 1952, showcasing the real-life heroism against the backdrop of the national seashore.


The Mountain Between Us (2017)
Description: After a plane crash, two strangers must survive in the remote wilderness, which could be compared to the isolation of national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, but its setting evokes the vast, untouched beauty of national parks.


Wild (2014)
Description: Reese Witherspoon stars as Cheryl Strayed, who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through several national parks, in an attempt to heal from personal loss and find herself.
Fact: The film was shot on location along the actual trail, providing authentic visuals of the parks' diverse landscapes.


The Lost City of Z (2016)
Description: While exploring the Amazon, the film's protagonist encounters the untouched beauty and danger of what could be likened to national parks, showcasing the allure of the wilderness.
Fact: The film was shot in Colombia, with scenes that evoke the vast, mysterious landscapes of national parks.
