While it’s common for thrillers to take place in congested cities or the desolate countryside, some of the most intense cinematic experiences are centered around snow-covered backdrops and frigid temperatures. This takes the intensity of a typical thriller to the next level, with heroes and villains hunting each other through icy landscapes and frozen tundras.
Having a thriller set in wintertime provides a beautiful backdrop, as well as a feeling of desolation and isolation. The protagonists in these movies face much more than running from their pursuers, as they also must brave the cold and elements of nature in order to survive. It’s a thrilling combination of life-or-death stakes and gorgeous visuals. Here are some of the best thrillers that feature snowy pursuits, ranked.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
10 The Frozen Ground
Lionsgate
A crime thriller set in Alaska, The Frozen Ground stars Nicolas Cage and John Cusack in a story of a killer on the loose. It is based on the real-life events of serial killer Robert Hansen, who murdered women throughout Alaska in the 1970s and 80s. Cage stars as an Alaskan state trooper who is determined to take down Hansen despite obstacles at every turn. The Alaskan backdrop and the relentless pursuit of justice by Cage’s character make this an intense thriller with a unique setting.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
The supporting performances from Cusack and Vanessa Hudgens help the story of The Frozen Ground stand out. It keeps an incredibly dark atmosphere through the entirety of its run time, making it a gritty and compelling experience. A lot of its success lies in the subtlety of how the story is told and how it builds tension slowly over time. There are no over-the-top action set pieces, but there is an ever-present feeling of dread that keeps the audience invested in the plot.
9 Whiteout
Warner Bros.
Whiteout is set in Antarctica, where a U.S. Marshal, played by Kate Beckinsale, has to race and solve a murder before the approaching winter snowstorm makes the continent impassable. It’s a mystery thriller set in sub-zero temperatures and white-out blizzard conditions. The tight plot and suspenseful moments set in the harsh Antarctic environment make it a unique twist on the genre.
The visuals, especially the blizzard scenes, are stunning. Beckinsale’s performance is strong, and the supporting cast, including Gabriel Macht and Tom Skerritt, adds a lot of depth to the story. One surprising element of Whiteout is the level of gore and violence in some of its scenes, creating a layer of intensity that goes beyond the typical thriller watch.
8 Insomnia
A psychological thriller set in a small town bathed in perpetual daylight, Insomnia is a masterful 1997 Norwegian film from Erik Skjoldbjærg which was remade with director Christopher Nolan at the helm five years later. The more common but very good American version follows an LAPD detective and his partner who travel to Alaska to track down a murderer. As they spend time in the town, one detective starts suffering from insomnia due to the never-ending daylight. It’s a slow-burn story that relies heavily on the atmosphere and its psychological elements.
This movie has an all-star cast, with Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank in leading roles, and its setting provides the perfect eeriness that permeates the entire film. Christopher Nolan is a master of suspense, and Insomnia is no exception. The quiet moments of tension are just as effective as its big action sequences, making it a must-watch for any fan of thrillers.
7 Transsiberian
Icon Film Distribution
This 2008 thriller stars Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer as an American couple traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Beijing to Moscow. They get more than they bargained for when they cross paths with some mysterious and dangerous characters. Transsiberian is a tense little journey that takes the audience through the snow-filled countryside of Russia, setting the stage for a series of wild and unexpected events.
The frozen landscape adds a strong air of tension to the story, which is much needed alongside the somewhat weak and jumbled plot. One of the strongest elements of this film is the score, which compliments the cold atmosphere perfectly. Harrelson and Mortimer give convincing performances, and Ben Kingsley is phenomenal in a supporting role, but it’s the suspense that keeps this movie interesting.
6 The Thing
Universal Pictures
John Carpenter’s 1982 classic, The Thing, is a science fiction thriller set in Antarctica. A research team investigates an alien spacecraft and discovers a shape-shifting creature that starts hunting them one by one. The unidentified creatures are relentless, and their icy environment makes them an even more powerful enemy. It’s a claustrophobic and creepy watch that features some of the best creature effects in horror movie history.
Kurt Russell leads an ensemble cast in a story filled with paranoia and suspense. The isolated research station is an iconic location and provides a perfect site for the story. The Thing is a film that utilizes the cold and darkness of its setting to further the tension of its plot. The icy visuals and eerie score create a final product that will stick with the viewer long after watching.
5 A Simple Plan
Paramount Pictures
Sam Raimi stepped away from horror with this 1998 thriller-drama set in Minnesota. A Simple Plan stars Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, and Brent Briscoe as three small-town folks who stumble across a crashed plane filled with money. What follows is a tale of morality and greed as the three characters attempt to keep their discovery a secret while dealing with increasingly dangerous consequences.
The cold, barren landscape of Minnesota in winter adds an air of desolation to the story that plays out in the sleepy town. This movie is a slow burn for sure, but it builds to some great suspenseful moments that are served well by its setting. A Simple Plan is a subtle but gripping watch that reveals the dark side of human nature. It’s one of Raimi’s masterpieces and a successful adaptation of the 1993 novel of the same name.
4 Winter’s Bone
Roadside Attractions
This 2010 drama follows a young woman, in a star-making performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who must find her missing father after he puts up their home as collateral for his bond. Winter’s Bone is set in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where the rural environment and poverty-stricken citizens provide a fitting backdrop for this story of desperation. There are no creatures or alien invaders in this movie, just a powerful and moving story about a young girl’s struggles against the odds.
The sparsely populated mountain range creates a cold and unforgiving atmosphere that contrasts Lawrence’s determined demeanor. Winter’s Bone is a gripping drama that showcases a strong performance from its young lead while still keeping the tension high throughout. The film’s accumulated numerous awards, including four Oscar nominations, and is now regarded as one of the best coming-of-age films of its time.
3 Misery
Columbia Pictures
Rob Reiner’s 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is an intense thriller that follows a novelist who is held captive by a crazed fan. While the movie takes place largely inside, it’s outside shots of a snow-covered Colorado mountain town add to its chillingly bizarre atmosphere. The cold and isolated setting furthers the fear of the characters, and its blizzard sequence is a highlight of the movie. Without the snow causing the car crash, the story would have never been set in motion.
Misery stars James Caan and Kathy Bates in this tautly-paced psychological thriller that was met with critical acclaim. It received over ten award nominations and took home an Oscar for Bate’s performance as Annie Wilkes. The movie is a gripping watch that showcases the best of what a snow-covered setting can bring to horror and is an essential watch regardless of how much time has passed since its release.
2 The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror masterpiece is another adaptation of a Stephen King novel; setting most of his work in Maine, King has frequently used wintry, snow-covered backdrops for his haunting tales. The Shining stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a struggling novelist who takes up the position of caretaker at an isolated mountain hotel. What follows is a long and relentless series of wild and unexpected events that use the deserted hotel as its backdrop. Some of the most intense parts of the movie occur outside in the snow, where the characters are forced to confront their fears and each other.
The Shining is a masterful piece of horror that has been analyzed and studied by filmmakers and fans alike. Its long, unbroken takes and clever use of minimal music have inspired modern horror films for decades. The setting is integral to the movie and provides a perfect stage for its story to unfold. It’s without a doubt one of the most influential films of all time and an excellent example of taking full advantage of a cold and snowy environment in cinema.
1 Fargo
Gramercy Pictures
The Coen brothers’ 1996 crime film Fargo is set in the small town of Fargo, North Dakota, where a car dealer hires two criminals to kidnap his wife in an attempt to gain money from her ransom. Unfortunately, once the plan is in motion, it quickly spirals out of control, leaving a trail of blood and bodies along the way. Though there is a fair amount of dark comedy, at its core, this movie is a thrilling story of greed in a cold winter wasteland.
Fargo has gained a cult following since its release and earned over 50 award nominations, including two Oscars. In addition to its excellent performances from William H. Macy and Frances McDormand, the North Dakota winter scape provides an ideal backdrop for the movie’s escalating tension. Any fan of crime thrillers with a strong cast and unforgiving setting should add Fargo to their watch list.
