Desert Island Biopics: 10 Films You Can’t Miss

Description: A family shipwrecked on a deserted island builds a treehouse and learns to live off the land. This Disney classic, while not strictly a biopic, captures the spirit of adventure and family bonding in isolation.

Fact: The film was shot in Tobago, and the treehouse set was so elaborate that it became a tourist attraction for years after filming.

Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film captures the essence of growing up on an uninhabited island. Two children, shipwrecked and left to fend for themselves, navigate the trials of adolescence and love in a tropical paradise.

Fact: The film was remade in 2012 with a different plot but retained the island setting. The original film was controversial for its depiction of nudity and themes of incest.

Description: After their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, a billionaire, his photographer, and a model must survive against the elements and a man-eating bear. This film explores themes of survival, friendship, and the will to live.

Fact: The film was inspired by a true story of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, though the bear attack was a fictional addition.

Description: Tom Hanks delivers an unforgettable performance as Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. This film is a quintessential entry in our list, showcasing the human spirit's ability to adapt and survive in isolation.

Fact: Hanks lost 55 pounds for the role to portray his character's physical transformation. The film's iconic volleyball, Wilson, was named after the sports equipment company.

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this film follows a young traveler who discovers a secret island community. It delves into themes of utopia, isolation, and the darker side of human nature.

Fact: The film was shot in Thailand, and the island setting was so popular that it led to increased tourism, eventually causing environmental concerns.

Description: This film recounts the real-life expedition of Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft to prove that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia. It's a tale of adventure, determination, and the human spirit.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, showcasing the global appeal of this incredible journey.

Description: Based on Daniel Defoe's classic novel, this film adaptation tells the story of a man marooned on an island, exploring themes of survival, companionship, and civilization. It's a timeless tale that resonates with the theme of our collection.

Fact: This was one of the first English-language films to be shot in Mexico. The film's director, Luis Buñuel, was known for his surrealist films, making this adaptation quite unique.

Description: This film, based on J.M. Barrie's play, follows a butler who becomes the leader of a stranded aristocratic family on a deserted island, highlighting themes of class reversal and survival.

Fact: The film was adapted from a play that was first performed in 1902, showcasing how timeless the story of survival and social dynamics remains.

Description: A group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash struggle with the breakdown of civilization and the emergence of primal instincts. This film adaptation of William Golding's novel is a stark exploration of human nature.

Fact: The film was shot in Puerto Rico, and many of the child actors were not professional, adding to the film's raw authenticity.

Description: Although more of a science fiction horror, this film features a deserted island setting where a shipwrecked man encounters the mad scientist Dr. Moreau and his bizarre experiments. It's a unique take on the theme of isolation and human nature.

Fact: The film had a notoriously troubled production, with multiple directors and script changes, leading to a somewhat chaotic final product.