If you enjoyed the gripping tension and survival themes of 'Ironwood (2017),' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same raw intensity, wilderness struggles, and human drama. Whether you're a fan of survival thrillers or character-driven narratives, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
Description: A poignant tale of friendship, justice, and redemption set against the backdrop of the harsh, sun-scorched borderlands.
Fact: The film was directed by and stars Tommy Lee Jones. It won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival.


The Proposition (2005)
Description: A violent, morally complex Western set in the Australian outback, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and the cost of civilization.
Fact: The screenplay was written by musician Nick Cave. The film is known for its stark and brutal depiction of frontier life.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A tense, atmospheric thriller that delves into the moral decay of society, featuring a relentless antagonist and a stark, unforgiving setting.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy.


Winter's Bone (2010)
Description: A bleak, atmospheric drama about survival and resilience in a poverty-stricken, rural community, with a strong female protagonist.
Fact: The film launched Jennifer Lawrence's career. It was adapted from the novel by Daniel Woodrell.


True Grit (2010)
Description: A gritty Western that combines elements of revenge, justice, and the rugged individualism of its characters in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1969 classic. It was praised for its faithful adaptation of the original novel by Charles Portis.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: A harrowing survival story set in the wilderness, emphasizing the raw brutality of nature and the human will to endure against all odds.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Much of it was shot using natural light.


The Rover (2014)
Description: A dystopian thriller set in a desolate, lawless landscape, focusing on themes of revenge, survival, and the breakdown of society.
Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback. It features a minimalist score and sparse dialogue.


Hell or High Water (2016)
Description: A modern Western that explores themes of economic desperation, family loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a lawless landscape.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of rural Texas.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A brutal, suspenseful exploration of the drug war, with a focus on the moral ambiguities and visceral violence that define the conflict.
Fact: The film's title, 'Sicario,' means 'hitman' in Spanish. It was shot by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A gripping crime thriller set in a harsh, snowy wilderness, focusing on themes of survival, justice, and the struggle against nature and human cruelty.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S. The director, Taylor Sheridan, also wrote the screenplay.
