10 Must-Watch Contemporary Survival Horror Films

      Vanessa Maki presents 10 must-watch survival horror films for your viewing pleasure…

      In many horror movies, the main objective is to survive the unfolding events. Characters may not emerge unscathed or with their mental health intact, but mere survival is often preferable to the alternative. As with any subgenre, survival horror has its highs and lows, with some films being exceptional while others fall flat. Fortunately, today we focus solely on the standout titles.

      The survival horror genre emphasizes characters fighting against overwhelming odds to stay alive. Some films incorporate elements from other subgenres, such as home invasion, allowing many horror films to be classified as survival horror, depending on whether the story centers on a character’s desperate bid for survival. Let’s dive into some of the most disturbing modern survival horror films; all of them are from the 2010s onward and span a variety of subgenres, giving you plenty of choices.

      **Frozen (2010)**

      Surviving in the wilderness is one challenge, but being trapped on a chairlift in freezing temperatures is a unique kind of terrifying. Frozen tells the story of three people stranded on a chairlift who must confront their willingness to do whatever it takes to stay alive. There are no serial killers or hidden monsters here; the real threat is nature itself and the wild animals that come with it. The chilling atmosphere and the unsettling realization of what one might do in such dire circumstances make it an uncomfortable watch.

      The trio makes a fateful mistake when they choose to ride the lift just before the resort closes for the season, a poor decision reinforced by the negligence of the resort staff. This film doesn't conclude with a happy ending for anyone, which isn't a spoiler, and it features a scene that may either seem unrealistic or utterly horrifying. Regardless of its flaws, Frozen excels at immersing you in their plight.

      **Backcountry (2014)**

      Featuring a terrible boyfriend, a menacing black bear, and an alarmingly realistic bear attack, Backcountry follows a couple who go camping in the wilderness, only to encounter a rabid bear. Inspired by a real-life bear attack that occurred in Ontario in 2005, the film's premise becomes even more disconcerting, underscoring that bear attacks can happen outside of fiction.

      Backcountry gradually builds up to its unsettling moments instead of depicting a bear rampaging through the woods. If you're expecting a film like Cocaine Bear, this isn't it. The horror lies in the brutality of nature and the understanding that the bear is not a creature that can be reasoned with. Watch this film if you want to experience the terror of being at the mercy of nature.

      **Kristy (2014)**

      Thanksgiving-themed slasher and survival horror films are rare. Kristy follows a young woman who remains on campus during Thanksgiving weekend, only to be stalked by a cult intent on killing her. The campus setting adds a unique twist to the slasher and survival elements. The final girl hardly has a moment to pause, as her life is on the line.

      While the cult aspect isn't heavily explored, it doesn't detract from the film. There are several chilling moments, effective set pieces (especially the pool scene), and Justine (Haley Bennett) does everything necessary to survive, especially with multiple pursuers, limited help, and her desire to enjoy her holiday weekend. It’s a solid pick for those seeking a slasher-infused experience.

      **Hush (2016)**

      There are not many horror films that feature a disabled protagonist. Hush centers on a deaf-mute writer who must fend for her life when a serial killer begins terrorizing her. While it would have been ideal to cast an actual deaf-mute actress, Kate Siegel delivers a remarkable performance as Maddie. Isolated in her home, with neighbors far away, she has to fight for survival alone.

      Hush skillfully builds tension, suspense, and discomfort as the man plays psychological games with her, inflicting harm while claiming he can enter her home at will. Killers without clear motives can be more frightening than those with them, and no amount of reasoning assists Maddie, leaving her in a kill-or-be-killed scenario. This film is a fan favorite in Mike Flanagan's oeuvre, especially appreciated for its slasher elements.

      **The Belko Experiment (2016)**

      This film showcases the insidious nature of corporate life. The Belko Experiment follows 80 employees in Colombia who, when locked inside their office building, are instructed by an unseen voice to start killing each other to survive. It's a gruesome survival horror film filled with jarring shifts in tone and sudden violence.

      Though it includes some comedic moments, the overall seriousness of people dying predominates. The movie provides commentary on corporate views of individuals while exploring how far someone might go to save themselves. The Belko Experiment aims to create discomfort in its audience, and it succeeds.

      **Downrange (2017