Buzz
In the preview for his latest movie Beast, releasing today, Idris Elba is seen fighting a lion. While it might seem like a sensational plot, the survival thriller and animal attack genre spans a wide spectrum, from Oscar-worthy dramas to extreme gore-filled flicks and plenty of low-budget gems (both good and bad).
These diverse films share a common theme: nature's unpredictability and its potential to turn against us, disrupting everything from camping trips to jungle adventures and surfing expeditions. There's a thrill in watching characters navigate survival (if they succeed) against animal aggression—though I often find myself rooting for the animals instead.
Here are 20 standout examples of this oddly specific sub-genre. We’re focusing on real animals you might encounter in the wild, so no dinosaurs or talking apes. That said, don’t expect scientific accuracy regarding the animals' size or behavior.
Lake Placid (1999)
Delores Bickerman (Betty White), a kind-hearted widow, lives a peaceful life in rural Maine, caring for her cherished pet—a 30-foot-long saltwater crocodile. While it has developed a taste for human (and bear) flesh, that doesn’t justify the interference from the local Fish and Game officer (Bill Pullman) and a visiting paleontologist (Bridget Fonda).
Where to stream: The Roku Channel
Backcountry (2014)
Adam MacDonald’s directorial debut, Backcountry, showcased his talent before he gained further acclaim in the horror genre with Pyewacket. The film follows Alex (Jeff Roop) and his girlfriend Emma (Missy Peregrym) as they embark on a camping trip. Confident in his abilities, Alex dismisses the need for a map, ignores the park ranger’s warnings, and overlooks a bear paw print in the mud. The story unfolds predictably, emphasizing the deadly seriousness of nature’s unpredictability.
Where to stream: Shudder, Netflix, Kanopy
Jaws (1975)
Jaws, the film that launched the summer blockbuster era and cemented Steven Spielberg’s reputation, remains the ultimate animal attack movie. Beyond its thrilling shark encounters, it features stellar performances from a talented cast who treat the sensational material with gravitas. Over the years, the film has gained additional relevance, with the mayor’s reckless decisions symbolizing politicians who ignore pressing issues for convenience.
Where to stream: Fubo, Tubi, Sling
Anaconda (1997)
Anaconda masterfully combines A-list star power with B-movie charm, fully embracing its identity without veering into parody. Jennifer Lopez stars as a documentary filmmaker in the Amazon, whose crew encounters the largest snake ever seen. Without spoiling a 25-year-old film, the sight of a giant anaconda devouring Jon Voight is unforgettable.
Where to stream: Fubo, Sling TV
The Grey (2011)
Liam Neeson returns as a man with specialized skills, this time as a sharpshooter for an oil company. After a plane crash in the harsh wilderness, John Ottway (Neeson) and a few survivors face a desperate wolf pack. Director Joe Carnahan crafts a grim, immersive atmosphere that rivals any horror film. Despite the dire situation, the film’s relatable characters keep you invested.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Birds (1963)
Hitchcock’s The Birds edges into supernatural horror, with the birds’ attacks remaining unexplained, tied vaguely to human conflict. The film taps into a primal fear of nature turning against us, leaving viewers to wonder if the birds’ aggression is justified.
Where to stream: Fubo, Showtime Anytime
Open Water (2003)
Even for those without a fear of the ocean, the premise is terrifying: a couple is accidentally left behind during a scuba-diving trip, stranded in open water. To make matters worse, jellyfish begin to sting them, and sharks start circling ominously. Spoiler: the sharks are far from friendly.
Where to stream: Redbox, Freevee
Cujo (1983)
While not the strongest Stephen King adaptation, Cujo taps into a primal fear: the possibility that our beloved pets could turn against us. Set in a time before widespread rabies vaccinations, the film explores the horror of a once-loyal dog transforming into a rabid monster. The true terror lies in the bond that once existed between the dog and its young owner.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
The last major American film about lion attacks dates back to 1996, a time when other threats (like sharknados) dominated our fears. Set in 1898, this movie is based on the true story of the Tsavo man-eaters, lions that terrorized railway workers in Kenya. Val Kilmer stars as a British Colonel tasked with eliminating the threat, alongside Michael Douglas as a renowned hunter. While critics were divided, and the film’s focus on white characters in Africa is problematic, director Stephen Hopkins creates a tense and dangerous atmosphere.
Where to stream: Starz
Crawl (2019)
In an era of escalating climate change, flooding has become a widespread fear, even for those outside traditional flood zones. Director Alexandre Aja (High Tension) amplifies this fear in Crawl, where a family is trapped in their home during a hurricane. The town is submerged and deserted, but the real danger lies in the alligators that have invaded their basement. Set in Florida, home to over a million alligators, the film delivers relentless tension.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Frozen (2010)
Not to be confused with the animated Disney film, this Frozen by writer/director Adam Green follows three friends stranded on a ski lift after the operator forgets about them and shuts everything down. When one attempts to jump, it alerts a nearby wolf pack to their vulnerable position. Combining suspense and dark humor, this ski-lift horror movie is an entertaining ride.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Tubi, Redbox, Freevee
The Shallows (2016)
Similar to Open Water, The Shallows traps its protagonist in shark-filled waters, though this time it’s a single great white shark. Blake Lively stars as a medical student grieving her mother’s death, who ventures to a remote beach for a solo surfing trip. Stranded on a rocky outcrop with a relentless shark circling, the film shifts between adrenaline-pumping survival and a deep dive into the protagonist’s psyche. Lively delivers a surprisingly compelling performance.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Revenant (2015)
In Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning drama, a bear attack serves as the catalyst for the story. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Hugh Glass, a real-life frontiersman mauled by a grizzly bear and abandoned by his companions in 1823. The film becomes a grueling tale of survival and revenge as Glass battles his way back to civilization. DiCaprio’s intense, Oscar-winning performance anchors the film.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Piranha 3D (2010)
From the nearly profound to the deliberately absurd, 2010's Piranha reimagines Joe Dante’s 1978 original, which itself parodied Jaws and its imitators. Directed by Alexandre Aja (High Tension, Crawl), this version leans into comedy, amplifying the gore and showcasing plenty of bare skin. The star-studded cast includes Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott, Ving Rhames, Christopher Lloyd, and Richard Dreyfuss. It’s a wild ride for those who can handle it, though it strays far from the actual behavior of piranhas.
Where to stream: Fubo, Showtime Anytime
Alligator (1980)
The late Robert Forster stars as Detective David Madison, a character reminiscent of Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. The story begins when a Florida family flushes a baby alligator down the toilet. Over a dozen years, it grows into a massive predator, feasting on sewer workers before emerging aboveground. Embracing its B-movie roots, the film delivers plenty of campy fun.
Where to stream: Shudder
The Edge (1997)
Written by David Mamet, The Edge follows a photographer (Alec Baldwin) and a wealthy businessman (Anthony Hopkins) who must collaborate after a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness. Tensions rise due to their shared history—Baldwin’s character had been pursuing Hopkins’ wife (Elle Macpherson). Their survival is further threatened by a relentless bear, played by Bart the Bear, a trained Kodiak with an impressive filmography.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Burning Bright (2010)
Similar to Crawl (2019), where alligators invade a basement during a hurricane, Burning Bright features a tiger following a similar path. The plot is slightly more intricate but effective: Kelly (Briana Evigan) and her brother Tom (Charles Tahan) are trapped in their boarded-up home with a tiger after their father invests the family’s fortune in the animal to start a safari park. As a hurricane approaches, a mysterious figure locks them inside with the predator. While not a common fear, the scenario is undeniably tense.
Where to stream: Tubi, Freevee
Boar (2017)
This low-budget Australian thriller may show its limitations, but it delivers plenty of entertainment with its tale of a bloodthirsty wild pig terrorizing the outback. The film’s straightforward focus on boar-induced chaos and carnage makes it an enjoyable watch.
Where to stream: Shudder
Ben (1972)
An improvement over its predecessor Willard (1971), Ben follows a young boy with a heart condition who finds comfort in his friendship with Ben, the leader of a rat colony that turned violent in the previous film. The movie balances thrilling rodent chaos with a touching bond between Ben and the boy. Don’t miss the iconic title track by Michael Jackson.
Where to stream: Fubo, Peacock, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Crackle, Pluto, Plex, Freevee
White God (2014)
This Hungarian masterpiece, White God, tells the story of Hagen, a mixed-breed dog who forms a bond with a 13-year-old girl. After being abandoned and forced into a dog-fighting ring, Hagen endures abuse that’s hard to watch. However, he eventually leads a pack of mistreated dogs in a powerful rebellion against their human oppressors. The film serves as a poignant reminder that humans are often the true villains in conflicts with nature.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Fubo, Hulu, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Mubi, Pluto, Plex
