Adventure Films Set in Nature Reserves

Description: A family rafting trip on the Salmon River turns into a life-threatening adventure when they encounter armed robbers. The film uses the river, part of a nature reserve, as a dynamic setting for the unfolding drama.

Fact: The film was shot on location on the Salmon River, and Meryl Streep did many of her own stunts, including white-water rafting.

Description: An expedition into the Congo rainforest to find the legendary lost city of Zinj leads to encounters with hostile gorillas and other dangers. The film's setting in a nature reserve highlights the perils of exploring uncharted territories.

Fact: The film was based on Michael Crichton's novel and features a talking gorilla named Amy, which was a significant special effects challenge at the time.

Description: Set in the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, this film tells the true story of two man-eating lions that terrorized railway workers in the late 19th century. The film captures the tension and fear of working in a nature reserve where humans are not at the top of the food chain.

Fact: The lions in the film were real, trained lions, and the movie was shot on location in South Africa to replicate the Kenyan landscape.

Description: After their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, three men must survive against the elements and a hungry bear. The film uses the vast, untamed nature reserve as a setting for a survival adventure.

Fact: The bear in the film was portrayed by a combination of animatronics, CGI, and a real bear named Bart.

Description: A group of women go caving in the Appalachian Mountains, only to find themselves trapped with monstrous creatures. While not strictly a nature reserve, the cave system represents an untouched, wild environment.

Fact: The film was shot in real caves in the UK, adding to the claustrophobic and authentic feel of the setting.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Christopher McCandless as he abandons his possessions to live in the Alaskan wilderness, highlighting the allure and dangers of nature reserves.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where McCandless lived, including the bus in the Alaskan wilderness.

Description: This film follows the real-life explorer Percy Fawcett into the Amazon rainforest in search of an ancient lost city. The Amazon, a vast nature reserve, serves as a backdrop for this tale of obsession and adventure.

Fact: The film was shot in Colombia, which provided a natural setting similar to the Amazon, and it took over 100 days to complete the jungle scenes.

Description: After a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, survivors must fend off a pack of wolves. The film explores themes of survival and human nature within the harsh environment of a nature reserve.

Fact: The wolves in the film were portrayed by real wolves, and the film was shot in British Columbia to replicate the Alaskan wilderness.

Description: Hugh Glass's epic journey through the American wilderness after being left for dead by his companions. The film's setting in the vast nature reserves of the American frontier captures the essence of survival against all odds.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence to capture the natural progression of the seasons, and Leonardo DiCaprio endured extreme conditions to portray Glass.

Description: This live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale follows Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, as he navigates the perils of the wild and learns about his human heritage. The film's setting in a lush, vibrant nature reserve showcases the beauty and dangers of the wilderness.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations including Hawaii and India to capture the authentic feel of the jungle. It also features a mix of CGI and real animals to bring the story to life.