Sun shining through the clouds, over the hills.
During difficult times like these, it’s hard to get outdoors, the next best thing to get your outdoor fix is to sit down and watch a film set outdoors. You might not be able to get out right now but bring the outdoors indoors with this list of outdoor films. Watching a good film set outdoors will give you determination to keep pushing through and show you what the world has to offer once this is all over. Read on to find the best outdoor films, where you can take some scenic views such as Everest or just simple entertainment involving the outdoors like Over the Hedge.
Take a look at our list of gripping outdoor inspired films. We have selected a few for all different ages, whether it's for your little one or an intense film for you to watch alone. These films are available across a number of different streaming platforms as you may not have access to them all.
Best Outdoor Films
1. 127 hours (2010)
Length: 1hr 34mins
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
Age Group: 15+
About the film...
The first amongst many true stories comes 127 hours, focussing around the theme of survival. It follows Aron Ralston - a mountain climber - who has to somehow save himself after his is trapped in the remote Utah canyon, due to a boulder falling and crushing his arm. Ralston has to figure out how to free himself over the next five days, after withstanding the elements and a lot of consideration, he has to go to desperate measures to get himself out of this situation. His courage and determination is the only thing keeping him going and in the end, helps him to survive.
2. Everest (2015)
Length: 2hrs 1min
Streaming Service: Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73%
Age Group: 12+
About the film...
Here we have another film based on a true story, from the events that occurred in 1996. Set on the beautiful Mount Everest comes the intense story of Rob Hall and Scott Fischer. Two climbers from different expeditions are starting their ascent heading towards the magnificent summit of Everest. Focussing on the challenges the two have to over come in attempts to survive, including beyond freezing temperatures and unbearable winds.
3. The Revenant (2015)
Length: 2hrs 36mins
Streaming Service: Netflix , Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 78%
Age Group: 15+
About the film...
Carrying on with the theme of survival is a true story focussed on betrayal (and obviously survival), set in the wilderness of the present-day Dakotas in 1823. A frontiersman, Hugh Glass has to fight for his life after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by his team. The film is an eye opening cinematic experience that shows you what true wilderness and loneliness is like, and the extents you have to go to for survival. Warning: it is extremely gruesome and violent, but just shut your eyes for the scary parts!
4. Wild (2014)
Length: 1hr 55mins
Streaming Service: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky Movies, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
Age Group: 15+
About the film...
Another real-life adventure is the story of Cheryl Strayed who decides to walk the Pacific Crest Trail in order to try and turn her life around in order to overcome personal struggles from the past. She is an inexperienced hiker and takes on 1,100 miles, on her own, with a heavy backpack and her own will, she hikes the country's longest and toughest trails.
5. Castaway (2000)
Length: 2hr 23mins
Streaming Service: Now TV, Sky Movies, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
Age Group: 12+
About the film...
Another famous survival drama follows Chuck and his 'friend' Wilson. After a plane crash leaves him stranded on a deserted island he realises he must do whatever it takes to stay alive and keep onto the glimmer of hope he has. Chuck discovers a volleyball that becomes his partner through his, which he names Wilson. After years he learns how to survive on the island and stay somewhat sane. Does chuck ever leave the island? You better watch to find out!
6. Walking Out (2017)
Length: 1hr 35mins
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%
Age Group: 12+
About the film...
A survival adventure film about a father and son travelling from Texas to Montana in order to go hunting. The two have been struggling to connect, however, with a bear attack causing a spanner in the works the two must bond and work together in order to come out alive. A gripping and intense film showing how wild and unexpected the outdoors truly can be.
7. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Length: 1hr 59mins
Streaming Service: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 76%
Age Group: 12+
About the film...
This remake is definitely different to the classic Jumanji we all know and love. This film includes both fantasy and adventure, 4 high school children discovered the video game of Jumanji. Each one picks an avatar and find themselves stuck in the video game as the avatar they chose, their aim is to save another player who has been trapped in the game since 1996. Each 'avatar' has to complete a task through the tropical forests using their strengths and weakness which will get them closer to completing the game, resulting on them returning home and no longer being trapped inside Jumanji. A fun, tense and exciting film that will leave your family laughing together.
8. Over The Hedge (2006)
Length: 1hr 23mins
Streaming Service: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky Movies, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%
Age Group: Ages 8 and up (rated PG)
A lighthearted animated film which is easy to watch and highly entertaining. When the woodland creatures wake up from winter hibernation they are shocked to find that they have some company, a new housing estate, in their beloved forest home. The animals group together in order to try and get rid of their new neighbours. By forming unlikely friendships and finding new pals, they all realise they may just have to put up with the new lifestyle that has been placed before them.
9. Up (2009)
Length: 1hr 36mins
Streaming Service: Disney+, Amazon Prime, Sky Movies, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%
Age Group: Ages 8 and up (rated PG)
About the film...
Up is a classic heart-warming, feel good animated film, perfect for the whole family to watch together. The opening sequence alone may have you in tears. It tells a tale of a young Boy Scout Russel and Mr Frederickson - a man who once had a great passion of adventure but has lost his love for it. Whilst helping Russel to achieve a new Scout Badge the two are lifted in the air by thousands of gallons that have been attached to Mr Frederickson's and they are now embarking a journey to Paradise Falls (a dream of Mr Frederickson's). There is adventure and thrills throughout as they overcome many obstacles along their way through the rain forests of Venezuela. The two form a beautiful relationship and prove that Mr Frederickson isn't just a 'grumpy old man' he just needed the right person to show him how to open his heart again.
10. Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (1995)
Length: 1hr 21mins
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube Movies
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 57%
Age Group: Ages 8 and up (rated PG)
About the film...
This is a story about a shipwreck boy (Angus) and his four legged friend Yellow who are stranded in the Canadian wilderness. Angus, who was taught wilderness survival skills by his father, really has to put them to the test with the help of Yellow, in order to help them get rescued. His practical skills, ability to survive in nature and the bond he has with his pup are all shown throughout the film. The movie has been praised and recognised for the the realness and suspense. This adventure story is ideal for the whole family to watch together.
Feel free to let us know your favourite outdoor films!
