When you can’t leave home, escape with these incredible stories.
If we had it our way, we’d be outside exploring every day of the week. Unfortunately, the responsibilities of modern life prevent us from getting out there as much as we’d like, especially nowadays. But that doesn’t mean we can’t keep dreaming! Sometimes just taking in a good movie set in the outdoors is enough to stimulate our imaginations and give us the escape we’re looking for. The next time you’re looking for an adventure that doesn’t require going too far beyond the couch, transport yourself away from the normal day-to-day with one of these great movies!
Wild (2014)
Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, Wild is a story of adventure, redemption, and self-discovery. Reese Witherspoon plays the woman as she seeks to come to terms with her destructive decisions by hiking 1,100 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail from Southern California to Oregon with no prior experience. Facing both internal and external challenges, Cheryl struggles through the journey with pure grit, ultimately learning who she is and what she’s made of.
Grizzly Man (2005)
This mesmerizing documentary from acclaimed director Werner Herzog examines the life of grizzly bear lover Timothy Treadwell. Treadwell spent summers in Alaska studying the animals and gathering incredible footage of them in their natural habitat. Tim Treadwell’s personality also plays a big role in this movie, with some seeing him as a champion of conservation efforts, while others deride him as irresponsible and narcissistic. However you feel about the man himself, the fact remains that this is an amazing story that must be seen to be believed.
Alive (1993)
An intense drama that explores the sheer determination of the human spirit, Alive chronicles the true events of a plane carrying a South American rugby team after it crashes in the Andes mountains. As the chance of rescue becomes more remote, the survivors must face a difficult decision. Excellent acting, special effects, and breathtaking scenery come together to tell a gripping story that gives viewers a glimpse into the grim indifference of nature, and the power of hope to overcome all odds.
The Incredible Journey (1963)
Not all of our favorite adventure movies are based on true stories! This tale of two dogs and a cat travelling across the Canadian wilderness in search of their home is a true classic. In addition to being good, clean family-friendly entertainment, there are also lots of “how did they do that” scenes that will make you wonder how the animals were able to perform so well for the camera. The movie was remade in 1993 as Disney’s “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”, but for pure nostalgic value we prefer this original version. Just try to keep from welling up at the end!
Life of Pi (2012)
Here’s a movie that’s as visually stunning as it is rich in spirituality and metaphor. Pi, a young man whose parents own a zoo in India, survives a shipwreck involving countless animals. While cast away on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he must coexist with a bengal tiger. The two of them witness many fantastic visions and events on their journey to safety, forming an unlikely bond in the process. Life of Pi won numerous awards in its release year, including Best Picture at the 85th Academy Awards.
