10 Movies & Shows Like Life and Dirt (2024)

Description: A classic survival story about a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island, exploring themes of civilization versus savagery and the loss of innocence.

Fact: The novel by William Golding was inspired by his experiences in World War II. The 1990 film adaptation was shot in Jamaica and featured a mostly unknown cast.

Description: A psychological thriller about a young traveler who discovers a secret island paradise, only to find that utopia comes at a dark cost.

Fact: The film was shot in Thailand, and its production faced criticism for environmental damage. The role was originally offered to Ewan McGregor, who turned it down.

Description: A reality TV show that pits contestants against each other in a remote location, testing their survival skills, teamwork, and strategic thinking under extreme conditions.

Fact: The show has been filmed in over 20 countries and has spawned numerous international versions. It popularized the term 'alliance' in competitive strategy.

Description: A brutal survival thriller where students are forced to fight each other to the death on a deserted island, examining the extremes of human behavior under pressure.

Fact: The film was controversial and initially banned in several countries. It inspired numerous works, including 'The Hunger Games.'

Description: A mystery drama series about a group of plane crash survivors stranded on a mysterious island, blending survival elements with supernatural and sci-fi twists.

Fact: The show's creators initially pitched it as 'Cast Away meets Gilligan's Island.' It was one of the first series to use an extensive alternate reality game (ARG) for marketing.

Description: A gripping survival thriller that alternates between the past and present, focusing on a high school soccer team's ordeal after a plane crash and the dark secrets that emerge.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life survival stories and urban legends. It uses a dual timeline narrative to build suspense and mystery.

Description: A dystopian adventure where young participants are forced to fight to the death in a televised event, exploring themes of oppression, survival, and rebellion.

Fact: The book series was inspired by reality TV and ancient gladiator games. The film's arrow-shooting scenes were performed by a professional archer for authenticity.

Description: A dystopian thriller where a group of teens must navigate a deadly maze while uncovering the secrets of their confinement, blending survival with mystery.

Fact: The film's maze was built as a practical set, not just CGI. The actors underwent intense physical training to perform their own stunts.

Description: A post-apocalyptic sci-fi series where a group of young survivors returns to Earth after a nuclear disaster, facing harsh environments and moral dilemmas.

Fact: The show is based on a book series by Kass Morgan. It was praised for its complex characters and unpredictable plot twists.

Description: A survival drama that explores the psychological and physical challenges faced by a group of young women stranded on a deserted island, delving into themes of human nature and societal structures.

Fact: The show was initially planned to have five seasons but was canceled after two. It features a diverse cast, with each character representing different backgrounds and personalities.