Top 10 Films About Surviving Plane Crashes

Description: Based on the true story of the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes, this film portrays their struggle for survival, including the controversial decision to eat the flesh of the deceased to stay alive.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual location where the crash occurred, providing an authentic backdrop to the harrowing tale. The survivors of the real event were consultants on the film.

Description: After their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, a billionaire and his companions must outwit nature and a bear to survive. The film explores themes of survival, class, and human ingenuity.

Fact: The film features a real bear, Bart the Bear, who was trained to perform in movies. Alec Baldwin and Anthony Hopkins had to learn survival skills for their roles.

Description: While focused on a comet strike, the film includes a subplot where astronauts crash-land on the comet, showcasing their struggle to survive in space.

Fact: The film was one of two major asteroid/comet disaster movies released in 1998, the other being "Armageddon."

Description: Although primarily about a fishing boat caught in a storm, the film includes a dramatic helicopter crash scene where the crew must survive in the treacherous waters.

Fact: The film was based on the book by Sebastian Junger, which detailed the real events of the Andrea Gail. The special effects for the storm scenes were groundbreaking at the time.

Description: After their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, a group of oil workers must fight for survival against the harsh environment and a pack of wolves. This film delves into themes of survival, grief, and the primal fight for life.

Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Ghost Walker" by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers. Liam Neeson performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he jumps off a cliff.

Description: While not directly about a plane crash, the film's opening scene involves a brutal attack by Native Americans, which can be paralleled to the sudden, life-altering event of a crash. The rest of the film focuses on survival in the wilderness.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar for his role, which required him to endure extreme conditions during filming. The film was shot in sequence to capture the physical and emotional journey of the character.

Description: This film recounts the true story of the Coast Guard's daring rescue mission after two oil tankers split apart in a storm, with one scene involving a dramatic helicopter crash and subsequent survival efforts.

Fact: The film was shot in Massachusetts, where the actual events took place, adding authenticity to the survival narrative.

Description: Two strangers must survive after their charter plane crashes in the remote mountains of Utah. Their journey is not just physical but also emotional, as they learn to rely on each other.

Fact: The film was shot in the Canadian Rockies, providing a stunning backdrop for the survival story. The lead actors, Kate Winslet and Idris Elba, did much of their own stunts.

Description: A group of men crash in the Sahara Desert and must rebuild their plane from the wreckage to escape. The film is a classic tale of ingenuity, teamwork, and the will to survive against all odds.

Fact: The film was remade in 2004 with a different cast but retained the core survival theme. The original film's plane wreckage was left in the desert after filming.

Description: While not strictly about a plane crash, Tom Hanks' character Chuck Noland survives a crash landing and must adapt to life on a deserted island, showcasing human resilience and the will to survive.

Fact: Tom Hanks lost significant weight for the role to portray the physical toll of his character's ordeal. The film's iconic volleyball, Wilson, became a cultural phenomenon.