The Survival Horror subgenre is the most popular horror subgenre right after Slasher Horror Films. Survival Horror encompasses a range of different themes from human against human, human against nature or human against something more sinister, evil and not of this world. Survival Horror films often also tend to integrate with other subgenres such as Disaster Action Films, Post-Apocalypse Films and Animals Attack Thriller Films.
The 1970’s were a great example of this integration as most survival horror during this decade focused on human against nature. Jaws (1975), The Savage Bees (1976) and Barracuda (1978) were a few examples of this subgenre theme. Human against human (or something more alien) were also themes in Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), The Hills Have Eyes (1977) and Alien (1978).
While the 1980’s continued these survival horror subgenre themes, one theme in particular seemed to evolve. Human against something not of this world came to encompass both aliens and demons. The Thing (1982), Aliens (1986) and Predator (1987) focused on the ‘humans vs. aliens’ element and were three of the most popular films of the decade – and not just for the horror genre. Humans fighting for survival against the supernatural and demons also saw a popular string of films with The Fog (1980), The Evil Dead (1981) and Evil Dead II (1987).
The 1990’s was a lackluster decade for Survival Horror films but there were a few gems of the subgenre during this period. Tremors (1990), Predator 2 (1990), Screamers (1995) and Anaconda (1997) were notable releases in the subgenre.
The 2000’s saw quite a resurgence in Survival Horror. This decade had both quantity and quality when it came to films based on various themes of the Survival Horror subgenre. The human against nature theme repeated some of the same sub-themes of the 1970’s with humans against sharks, bears and lions – Open Water (2004), Wilderness (2006) and Prey (2007). Human against human had some variations that included both zombies and cannibals. Survival Horror films with Zombie of ‘infected’ themes included Resident Evil (2002), 28 Days Later (2002) and I Am Legend (2007). Wrong Turn (2003), The Descent (2005) and Pandorum (2009) featured the cannibal variation of the human against human theme. Finally, this decade saw a new theme of the Survival Horror subgenre emerge – “Torture Porn”. Though Torture Porn was based on the human against human theme, it was given its moniker due to excessive gore and violence. Some of the more popular (and memorable) Torture Porn films of this decade included Saw (2004), Wolf Creek (2005), Hostel (2006) and The Collector (2009).
The 2010’s to present saw the largest release of Survival Horror films to date. Though this quantity of Survival Horror films didn’t often represent quality, there were many great films of the subgenre released during this time. Highlights of this period included Predators (2010), The Thing (2011), Prometheus (2012), Would You Rather (2012), The Purge (2013), The Green Inferno (2014), The Shallows (2016), 47 Meters Down (2017), A Quiet Place (2018), Bird Box (2018), Escape Room (2019), The Platform (2019), The Hunt (2020) and Wrong Turn (2021).
Our list of Survival Horror Films includes over 485+ films that include all the various themes of the Survival Horror subgenre. For our Top 10 List of Survival Horror Films You Haven’t Seen, we had quite a few films that didn’t make the list but hopefully you’ve seen a few or can them check out. These notable films include Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), Savage Harvest (1981), Hardware (1990), Screamers (1995), The Descent (2005), Vacancy (2007), Frozen (2010), Bait (2012), Green Room (2016), Revenge (2017), Body at Brighton Rock (2019) and The Platform (2019).
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Survival Horror Films You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#10
Sweetheart
Plot: Woman marooned on a small island must fight a creature that comes out at night.
KBZ’s Take: Though it starts off with familiar Survival Horror tropes, Sweetheart eventually progresses into unfamiliar territory in the 2nd and 3rd Acts. A very creepy creature design adds to the suspense and horror of the film while also featuring some innovative survival tactics. A great addition to the Survival Horror subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3FhdmCY
Plot: Family in the wilderness is hunted by a rogue wolf.
KBZ’s Take: To go into any detail about this film would ruin it. Suffice to say, yes, it’s an Animal Attacks film but it’s much, much more than that. It’s definitely one of the better films of 2020 and one of the best Survival Horror films from the last decade. We wish we could say more about this film but we can’t. Just watch it.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3FgpwMm
#8
The Colony
Plot: Underground survivors venture out into the world after discovering a distress signal from another outpost.
KBZ’s Take: This film would be an all-time Survival Horror classic if not for the letdown of it’s 3rd Act. The film does a great job of worldbuilding with the suspense of our survivors venturing into the new world above. Unfortunately, once they reach the other outpost, the film suffers as it drops the suspense in lieu of action chase scenes. Still, this is an overall great film to watch especially with Bill Pullman and Laurence Fishburne as the leaders of the survivors.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3H2R35b
#7
Stag Night
Plot: Four guys, fresh off a bachelor party, are pursued by deviants in an abandoned subway.
KBZ’s Take: This little-known gem of a film has all the elements of a great Survival Horror film. The atmosphere and suspense of this film rivals some of the great John Carpenter films of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Despite its implausible premise, Kip Pardue helps carry the film and you’ll stay engaged to the very end. Recommended film to check out!
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3VsH39U
#6
Eden Lake
Plot: A couple on a romantic getaway are confronted by unruly youths.
KBZ’s Take: Featuring the great Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly, this British film holds nothing back in the human vs. human theme of Survival Horror. Though it tends to get included in the “Torture Porn” microgenre of Survival Horror films, Eden Lake’s foundation is built more on the psyche of a gang of youths turned bad by their ‘leader’. The ending will make you question ‘family values’.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3OQT5az
#5
Pandorum
Plot: Two crewmembers wake up on a spaceship and realize they’re not alone.
KBZ’s Take: Another film where the less said about its plot, the better. Needless to say, Pandorum has a somewhat unique premise in the Survival Horror in Space subgenre. The film has enough genuine scares that make it easier to overlook some of the film’s obvious plot holes. Plus, it gets added bonus points for an ending that few will see coming.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3OX27mf
#4
Hidden
Plot: A family hides in a bunker to survive during an outbreak.
KBZ’s Take: Hidden is not a pure Survival Horror film. It’s part Apocalypse film, part Pandemic and Virus film and part Home Invasion horror film. However, the sum of all these various subgenres ultimately make Hidden a unique Survival Horror film. It has creepiness and jump scares along with ‘breadcrumbs’ you’ll notice upon a second viewing of the film. And believe us, once you get to the end, you’ll want to watch a second time to see where all the hints are laid out for what’s to come.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3EXijzd
#3
Ravenous
Plot: At the western frontier, a group of army personnel investigate the murder of wagon train travelers.
KBZ’s Take: If you somehow have still not seen this film, it’s one of the best pure Survival Horror films out there. Set in a desolate winter location with a “Ten Little Indians” vibe, Ravenous has an absolute bonkers turning point from period piece murder mystery to ‘demonic cannibal on the hunt’ shift. And this is where the film excels as it turns into a battle of the wills between Guy Pearce and Robert Carlyle. Adding to this excellent film is the very unique soundtrack you won’t get out of your head anytime soon after watching.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3uhVDVy
Plot: A sheriff leads a posse in search of townspeople taken by a cannibal tribe.
KBZ’s Take: Yet another film where you want to know as little about the film as possible going in. A Western Horror subgenre film that ends with the greatest sequence of events found in any Survival Horror film. Kurt Russell anchors the film along with great performances by Matthew Fox and Patrick Wilson. Be warned though – this film is not for the faint of heart despite its somewhat mild Western genre portrayal in the first half of the film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3AZZme4
Plot: In a futuristic Japanese society, ninth grade students are forced to kill each other.
KBZ’s Take: On the oft chance you haven’t somehow seen this film yet, it’s the ‘one ring to rule them all’ of the Survival Horror film subgenre. Its plot might sound familiar because it’s also the similar plot to the more recent film, The Hunger Games. It also paved the way for some of the best Survival Horror TV series in the last few years with Squid Game and Alice in Borderland. As for the film itself, it defines what Survival Horror is all about – from it’s human vs. human raw fight for survival to the psychological impact of having to turn from the hunted into the hunter. Plus, at its core, it’s a Japanese Horror film which means you’re going to get all the great weirdness that comes with the J-Horror subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ORzNBG
