When the world turns against us, where do we seek refuge? High in the mountains, where the air is thin and the stakes are high, shelters become both sanctuary and prison. This collection of films delves into the heart of survival, showcasing the raw human spirit against the backdrop of nature's fury. From avalanches to blizzards, these movies will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, proving that sometimes the most perilous journeys are those we undertake to save ourselves.

The Edge (1997)
Description: Stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash, a billionaire and a photographer must use their wits to survive, eventually finding refuge in a makeshift shelter. Their survival is threatened by a bear and their own distrust.
Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Death in the Yukon" by David Mamet. The bear in the movie was a real Kodiak bear named Bart, who was trained to perform in films.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: Although primarily a sea disaster movie, the film includes scenes where the crew of the Andrea Gail seeks shelter in a lighthouse during a massive storm, highlighting the theme of refuge in extreme conditions.
Fact: The film is based on the book by Sebastian Junger, which recounts the real events of the 1991 Perfect Storm. The movie used a combination of practical effects and CGI to recreate the storm.


Vertical Limit (2000)
Description: A rescue mission on K2, the world's second-highest mountain, turns into a fight for survival when an avalanche traps climbers in a crevasse. The film showcases the extreme conditions and the makeshift shelters climbers use to survive.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Pakistan and New Zealand, with some scenes filmed at the actual K2 base camp. The movie was criticized for its portrayal of mountaineering practices.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: In this epic disaster film, a sudden global weather shift causes a new ice age. A group of survivors, including a father and son, find refuge in a New York library, but the real test comes when they must brave the elements to reach a mountain shelter for ultimate safety.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Coming Global Superstorm" by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber. The movie's depiction of weather phenomena was criticized by scientists for its inaccuracies.


The Grey (2011)
Description: After a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, survivors must navigate through the harsh environment, seeking shelter in a mountain cabin. Their struggle for survival is compounded by the presence of wolves and their own internal conflicts.
Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Ghost Walker" by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers. Liam Neeson performed many of his own stunts, including scenes with real wolves.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: While not strictly about a mountain shelter, this film features a Coast Guard rescue operation where survivors from a shipwreck find temporary refuge in a lighthouse, which serves as a beacon of hope amidst the storm.
Fact: The movie is based on the true story of the 1952 Pendleton rescue off the coast of Massachusetts. The film used practical effects to recreate the storm, including a 70-foot wave tank.


Force Majeure (2014)
Description: A family vacation in the French Alps turns into a psychological drama when an avalanche threatens their lives. The film explores the aftermath of a father's instinctual flight from danger, leaving his family behind, and the subsequent strain on their relationships within the confines of a mountain lodge.
Fact: The film won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in


The Mountain Between Us (2017)
Description: After a plane crash in the Rockies, two strangers must rely on each other to survive, finding temporary shelter in a cave. Their journey to safety tests their physical and emotional limits.
Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, Canada, to replicate the harsh conditions of the Rockies. The dog in the movie, named Buck, was played by a dog named Ranger.


The Summit (2012)
Description: This documentary recounts the tragic events of the 2008 K2 disaster, where climbers sought shelter in the mountain's harsh conditions, leading to one of the deadliest days in mountaineering history.
Fact: The film uses real footage from the climbers' cameras, providing an authentic look at the disaster. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2013 BAFTA Awards.


Everest (2015)
Description: This film dramatizes the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, where climbers faced extreme weather conditions. The mountain shelters and camps play a crucial role in their survival strategy.
Fact: The film was shot on location at Everest base camp, with additional scenes filmed in the Italian Alps. It was one of the most expensive films ever made in Nepal.
