If you enjoyed the gripping survival thriller 'Borrego' (2022), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same intense atmosphere, desert peril, and high-stakes drama. Whether you're drawn to the isolation, the fight for survival, or the unexpected twists, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Descent (2005)
Description: A survival horror film that explores themes of isolation and human endurance in a hostile, claustrophobic environment, much like the desert setting in the reference title.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely in a real cave system in Scotland, adding to its authenticity and tension.


The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Description: A brutal survival horror film set in a desolate landscape, focusing on the fight for survival against both natural and human threats.
Fact: The remake was filmed in Morocco, standing in for the American Southwest, to capture the harsh, unforgiving terrain.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A neo-western thriller that captures the bleakness and brutality of survival in a lawless, unforgiving landscape.
Fact: The film's iconic coin toss scene was improvised by Javier Bardem, adding to the unpredictability of his character.


Into the Wild (2007)
Description: A poignant drama about a man's journey into the wilderness, exploring themes of self-reliance, isolation, and the harsh realities of nature.
Fact: The film was shot on location in many of the actual places where the real-life protagonist, Christopher McCandless, traveled.


The Ruins (2008)
Description: A thriller that delves into the psychological and physical struggles of characters trapped in a remote and dangerous location, mirroring the survivalist narrative.
Fact: The movie is based on a novel by Scott Smith, who also wrote the screenplay, ensuring a faithful adaptation.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: A visceral survival drama set in the wilderness, focusing on one man's relentless struggle against nature and human adversaries.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio actually ate raw bison liver during filming, despite being a vegetarian, to stay true to the character's ordeal.


The Survivalist (2015)
Description: A post-apocalyptic thriller that delves into the raw, primal instincts of survival in a world stripped of civilization.
Fact: The film was shot in Northern Ireland on a minimal budget, using natural light to enhance its gritty realism.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A tense survival thriller set in an isolated natural environment, where the protagonist must outwit a relentless predator to stay alive.
Fact: The film's shark was created using a combination of animatronics and CGI to achieve a realistic and terrifying effect.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A gritty crime thriller set in a harsh, snowy wilderness, exploring themes of survival, justice, and human endurance.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S., adding a layer of social commentary.


A Quiet Place (2018)
Description: A suspenseful survival story where characters must navigate a perilous environment with limited resources, emphasizing tension and human resilience.
Fact: The film's sound design was so precise that it was used to teach students about the importance of audio in storytelling.
