Survival Biopics: Real Stories of Triumph in the Wild

Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film is inspired by true stories of survival in the wilderness, focusing on a billionaire and his companions stranded in the Alaskan wild after a plane crash.

Fact: The film features a real-life survival expert, Mors Kochanski, as an advisor, ensuring the survival techniques shown were accurate.

Description: This film recounts the tragic tale of the Andrea Gail, a fishing vessel caught in the 'perfect storm' off the coast of New England, showcasing the crew's fight for survival against nature's fury.

Fact: The film used real-life footage of the storm and recreated the boat's interior to match the actual Andrea Gail.

Description: A documentary-style film that recounts the harrowing tale of two climbers in the Peruvian Andes, where one falls into a crevasse, and the other must make a life-or-death decision.

Fact: The film uses re-enactments with the actual climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, to recreate their ordeal.

Description: This film captures the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned his possessions and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness, only to face the ultimate test of survival.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual bus where McCandless lived and died, and Sean Penn, the director, lost 20 pounds to portray the emaciated look of McCandless.

Description: Inspired by the memoir of a Polish officer who escaped from a Siberian gulag and trekked 4,000 miles to freedom, this film explores themes of survival, endurance, and the human spirit.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, India, and Morocco to replicate the diverse landscapes of the escape route, and the actors lost significant weight to portray the physical toll of the journey.

Description: While not a direct biopic, it's inspired by true events where survivors of a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness must fend off wolves and the elements to survive.

Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, Canada, and the wolves were trained to interact with the actors safely.

Description: This film follows Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft, proving that pre-Columbian South Americans could have settled Polynesia.

Fact: The film was shot on the actual route taken by Heyerdahl, and the actors learned to sail and fish like their real-life counterparts.

Description: Based on the true story of Hugh Glass, this film showcases his grueling journey through the American wilderness after being mauled by a bear, seeking revenge on those who left him for dead.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio ate raw bison liver for a scene, and the film was shot in sequence to capture the physical and emotional toll on the characters.

Description: Based on the true story of the Coast Guard's daring rescue mission during a massive storm off the New England coast, where four men fought against the odds to save their shipmates.

Fact: The film was shot in a giant water tank to simulate the storm conditions, and the actors underwent extensive training to handle the boats.

Description: Based on the real events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, this film captures the perilous journey of climbers facing extreme conditions and the harsh reality of survival at high altitudes.

Fact: The film was shot on location at Everest Base Camp, and the actors underwent rigorous physical training to prepare for the role.