If you loved the intense survival thriller '8 Days to Hell' (2022), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver the same heart-pounding suspense, desperate struggles, and high-stakes drama. Whether you're craving more survival stories or psychological tension, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Abyss (1989)
Description: A sci-fi thriller about a deep-sea diving team that encounters mysterious and potentially hostile alien life forms in the depths of the ocean, blending survival drama with supernatural elements.
Fact: The underwater scenes were groundbreaking for their time, using specially designed cameras and sets submerged in a massive water tank. The film's special effects won an Academy Award.


The Cave (2005)
Description: A thriller about a team of divers who discover a vast, unexplored cave system filled with deadly creatures, emphasizing survival and the unknown dangers of the underground world.
Fact: The movie used a mix of practical effects and CGI to create its creatures. The underwater scenes were filmed in a specially constructed tank to simulate the cave environment.


The Descent (2005)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film set in an underground cave system, featuring intense survival scenarios and terrifying creatures lurking in the darkness.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on sets built in a studio to create the cave environment. The director wanted the actresses to experience real fear, so they were often kept in the dark about what would happen next.


Sanctum (2011)
Description: A survival drama set in an underwater cave system, focusing on the physical and psychological challenges faced by a group of explorers trapped in a deadly labyrinth.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life cave diving expedition. Many of the underwater scenes were shot in a massive water tank to replicate the tight, dangerous spaces of a cave.


The Ruins (2008)
Description: A horror film about a group of tourists who stumble upon ancient ruins and face a malevolent force, combining elements of psychological terror and physical survival in an isolated setting.
Fact: The movie is based on a novel of the same name, which was inspired by the author's own travels. The vines in the film were designed to move unnaturally, adding to the horror.


The Descent: Part 2 (2009)
Description: A sequel that continues the story of survivors trapped in the cave system, facing the same terrifying creatures and even greater psychological and physical challenges.
Fact: The sequel was filmed back-to-back with the original in some cases, using the same sets and locations to maintain continuity. The creatures were redesigned to be even more menacing.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: A found-footage horror film set in the underground tunnels beneath Sydney, where a news crew encounters terrifying entities while investigating a government cover-up.
Fact: The film was released under a unique distribution model, where it was made available for free online, with viewers encouraged to donate if they enjoyed it. The tunnels were real locations, adding to the film's authenticity.


The Pyramid (2014)
Description: A horror film about a team of archaeologists who uncover a hidden pyramid and face supernatural horrors within its ancient, claustrophobic corridors.
Fact: The pyramid set was built to be intentionally disorienting, with sloping floors and uneven walls to enhance the sense of unease. The film blends ancient Egyptian mythology with modern horror elements.


As Above, So Below (2014)
Description: A found-footage horror film that explores the depths of the Paris catacombs, blending psychological terror with supernatural elements in a confined underground setting.
Fact: The film was shot on location in the actual Paris catacombs, adding to the authenticity and eerie atmosphere. The crew had to navigate tight, labyrinthine passages, much like the characters in the movie.


Catacombs (2007)
Description: A horror film set in the catacombs beneath Paris, where a group of friends becomes lost and hunted by a mysterious figure, emphasizing the terror of being trapped underground.
Fact: The film was shot in actual catacombs, though some scenes were recreated on sets for safety. The eerie atmosphere of the real catacombs adds to the film's chilling effect.
