The thriller is a genre that can neatly blend into a multitude of others. Whether that’s the political, horror, or even comedy genres, adding the tension of a thriller can elevate a story into the realm of the unforgettable. One such subgenre of the thriller that thrives with added tension is a survival story, with the ticking clock of the threat to life cranking the tension up as high as it will go. So, without further ado, here is a look at the best survival thrillers currently streaming on Prime Video.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best survival thrillers on Netflix or the best movies and shows on Prime Video across all genres.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Prime Video.
‘Arctic’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Arctic
- Release Date
-
November 21, 2018
- Runtime
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97 minutes
- Director
-
Joe Penna
- Writers
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Joe Penna, Ryan Morrison
Joe Penna‘s 2018 survival thriller Arctic follows Mads Mikkelsen‘s Overgård, a man who crash lands in the baron cold of the titular Arctic. After fashioning a rudimentary camp for himself, Overgård wonders how long he will be able to survive and must soon make the terrifying decision whether to leave his safety and venture into the unknown for help. This innovative thriller relies almost entirely on the performance of its lead actor, a role luckily in the hands of one of modern cinema’s best in Mikkelsen. For over 90 minutes, he is utterly captivating, bringing this chilling tale of survival to horrific life. – Jake Hodges
‘Buried’ (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Before he was breaking the fourth wall as Deadpool or owning a Welsh soccer club, Ryan Reynolds survived unthinkable horror in 2010’s Buried. This tale follows Reynolds’ Paul Conroy, an American truck driver who is buried six feet underground in Iraq in 2006. With nothing but a cell phone and a cigarette lighter for help, Paul knows he has little air left and can’t survive for long. Sometimes, the restraints placed on a project by a low budget can lead to masterful innovation, with this claustrophobic thriller doing exactly that. Reynolds is surprisingly captivating in this hellish film, with the breathless race against time at its heart sure to keep you up at night. – Jake Hodges
‘Rescue Dawn’ (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Rescue Dawn
- Release Date
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September 9, 2006
- Runtime
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126 minutes
- Director
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Werner Herzog
- Producers
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Elie Samaha, Freddy Braidy, Harry Knapp, Jeff Geoffray, Jimmy de Brabant, Nick N. Raslan, Walter Josten, Elton Brand, Kami Naghdi, Michael Dounaev, Steve Marlton, Adam W. Rosen, Gerald Green
Written and directed by the iconic Werner Herzog, Rescue Dawn follows Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a pilot who crash lands in the middle of 1965 Laos, eventually leading to his being taken prisoner. Intent on escaping, Dieter enlists the help of other captives. However, when the time comes for their escape plan to enter action, who can Dieter actually trust? Bale is as magnificent as ever in this underrated entry from Herzog’s memorable filmography. An unapologetic, often realistic depiction of the hells of war, this is one any fan of the thriller genre will want to watch. – Jake Hodges
‘Quest for Fire’ (1981)
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Quest For Fire
- Release Date
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February 12, 1982
- Runtime
-
100 Minutes
- Director
-
Jean-Jacques Annaud
- Writers
-
Gerard Brach, J.H. Rosny Sr.
This classic survival thriller from 1981 truly takes the term survival literally. The movie is set on a primitive Earth and follows a tribe of warriors as they venture through the hells of savanna on a Quest for Fire. On their journey, they encounter saber-toothed tigers, cannibalistic tribes, as well as the realities of starvation and desperation. With no stone left unturned, this survival thriller is utterly unforgettable. Featuring a memorable cast and unflinching direction, Quest for Fire is one of the most immersive depictions of early human survival. – Jake Hodges
‘Compliance’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Compliance
- Release Date
-
August 23, 2012
- Runtime
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90 minutes
This true crime drama from writer and director Craig Zobel follows Sandra (Ann Dowd), a woman having a particularly tough day at her job as manager of a fast food restaurant. Things go from bad to worse when a police officer calls and claims one of her employees has stolen from a customer. However, as the truth unfolds, something far more dangerous is brewing under the surface. Dowd is excellent in this underrated survival thriller packed full of unexpected twists. If you’re looking for an indulgent thriller to take your mind off the world, Compliance might just fit the bill. – Jake Hodges
‘Escape from Mogadishu’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Escape from Mogadishu
- Release Date
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July 28, 2021
- Language
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Korean, English, Somali
- Run Time
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2 hr 1 min
- Director
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Ryoo Seung-wan
- Actors
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Kim Yoon-seok, Zo In-sung, Huh Joon-ho, Koo Kyo-hwan
This survival thriller hailing from South Korea is set in the wartorn capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, in the early 1990s. Despite the long-known rift between both North and South Korea, the pair’s embassies share a common goal as war wields its unforgiving ax and destroys all in sight: to Escape from Mogadishu. Not threatening to win any awards, Escape from Mogadishu is all the better for it, simply and effectively delivering all the biggest beats needed for a gripping thriller. Featuring top performances and stellar action set pieces, Escape from Mogadishu is one of the best Korean thrillers on Prime Video. – Jake Hodges
‘Greenland’ (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Greenland
- Release Date
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July 29, 2020
- Runtime
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120minutes
- Director
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Ric Roman Waugh
- Writers
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Mitchell LaFortune, Chris Sparling, Ric Roman Waugh
Written by Chris Sparling and directed by Ric Roman Waugh, Greenland follows a family fronted by John Garrity (Gerard Butler), who must keep his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin) and son (Roger Dale Floyd) safe when a dangerous comet hurtles towards Earth. As the apocalypse closes in, the lawless violence of a panicked world leaves the family fighting both impending doom and those around them. Although the movie’s visuals may seem poor for its 2020 release, let that take nothing away from Greenland‘s intensity. This stomach-clenching race for survival is guaranteed to leave you clinging to the edge of your seat. – Jake Hodges
‘Braven’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 5.9/10
Braven
- Release Date
-
February 2, 2018
- Director
-
Lin Oeding
- Writers
-
Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, Michael Nilon
Directed by Lin Oeding, this action-packed survival thriller stars Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa, as the titular Joe Braven, the head of his remote mountain household in Canada. When a drug operation targets his cabin as a front for their dealings, Braven must defend his family and his pride from their vicious onslaught. Momoa is a classic action hero in this brutal tale, with Oeding perfectly capturing the best of the actor’s leading man potential. Although the movie takes a while to get into gear, when Braven finally puts its foot down, there’s simply no stopping it. – Jake Hodges
