Best Movies Set on Deserted Islands

Best Movies Set on Islands: Adventure, Mystery, and Survival

Island-themed movies have always captivated audiences. From survival dramas to fantasy adventures and psychological thrillers, these films offer breathtaking landscapes, thrilling plots, and unforgettable characters. Below is a list of the best movies set on islands, complete with IMDb ratings, languages, leading stars, and directors.

1- The Lost City of Z (2016)

• IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
• Language: English
• Director: James Gray
• Stars: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland

This historical drama tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett’s quest to find a mysterious civilization in the Amazon. While more jungle than island, its themes of isolation and exploration fit perfectly into the island-adventure genre.

2- Fantasy Island (2020)

• IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
• Language: English
• Director: Jeff Wadlow
• Stars: Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale, Michael Rooker

A horror twist on the classic TV series. Guests arrive on a tropical island where their dreams come true—but quickly turn into terrifying nightmares.

3- Kong: Skull Island (2017)

• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
• Language: English
• Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
• Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly

A thrilling monster film set on the mysterious Skull Island, home to the legendary King Kong and other deadly creatures. With explosive action and stunning visuals, it’s a modern blockbuster.

4- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
• Language: English
• Director: Brad Peyton
• Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Michael Caine

An adventurous, family-friendly tale of explorers stranded on a hidden island filled with gigantic animals and lost treasures. Lighthearted fun with colorful visuals.

5- The Island (2005)

• IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
• Language: English
• Director: Michael Bay
• Stars: Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou, Sean Bean

This sci-fi thriller presents a futuristic “island” facility where inhabitants discover dark truths about their existence. Action-packed and thought-provoking.

6- Shutter Island (2010)

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Language: English
• Director: Martin Scorsese
• Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams

A masterpiece of psychological suspense. Two marshals investigate a mental institution on a remote island, uncovering secrets that lead to an unforgettable twist.

7- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
• Language: English
• Director: Jake Kasdan
• Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan

A modern adventure comedy where teenagers are pulled into a video game set on a wild island. Fun, action-filled, and family-friendly.

8- Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)

• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
• Language: English
• Director: Ivan Reitman
• Stars: Harrison Ford, Anne Heche, David Schwimmer, Jacqueline Obradors

A romantic adventure comedy about two people stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. A fun blend of survival, humor, and romance.

9- Cast Away (2000)

• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Language: English
• Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Stars: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy

One of the most iconic island survival movies ever made. After a plane crash, a man finds himself stranded on a deserted island with only his willpower—and a volleyball named Wilson—for company. A moving story of resilience and loneliness.

10- The Blue Lagoon (1980)

• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
• Language: English
• Director: Randal Kleiser
• Stars: Brooke Shields, Christopher Atkins

A romantic drama about two young castaways growing up together on a deserted island. Known for its lush cinematography, it explores innocence, love, and survival in isolation.

11- Life of Pi (2012)

• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Language: English
• Director: Ang Lee
• Stars: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall

A visually stunning survival drama about a boy stranded at sea with a Bengal tiger. While not entirely set on an island, its themes of survival, spirituality, and human resilience make it one of the greatest modern adventure films.

Final

From the emotional solitude of Cast Away to the breathtaking visuals of Life of Pi and the chilling suspense of Shutter Island, island films offer audiences a wide spectrum of emotions. Whether you’re drawn to romance, survival, fantasy, or mystery, these movies prove that islands remain one of cinema’s most captivating backdrops.