Movies set on islands have a special charm, no matter the genre. From sandy beaches to crashing waves, island settings offer an inviting escape, especially if you’re far from the coast. Islands’ versatility makes them perfect for romantic encounters, glamorous vacations, or even suspenseful and tragic stories. Over the years, islands have been popular backdrops for many movies and TV shows, from the hit series Lost to the beloved Mamma Mia! and HBO’s new island-centric show, The White Lotus.
If you want to escape to an island through your TV screen, here are nine great movies set on islands.
1. Cast Away
Cast Away is a survival drama about a FedEx troubleshooter, played by Tom Hanks, who gets stranded on a deserted island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific. Premiering in 2000, the movie focuses on Hanks’ struggle for survival and his desperate attempts to return home. While the “stranded on an island” theme has been used many times, even in TV shows like Lost, Cast Away stands out for its realistic and raw portrayal. A significant part of the movie’s appeal is Hanks’ performance, which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. His portrayal of desperation is palpable, drawing the audience into his journey as he gradually loses his sanity, delivering a compelling one-man show.
2. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! premiered in 2008 and is a jukebox musical film based on the songs of the iconic pop group ABBA. Set on the beautiful Greek islands, the story follows a young bride-to-be (Amanda Seyfried) who invites three men from her mother’s (Meryl Streep) past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her real father so he can walk her down the aisle. If musicals aren’t your thing, you might not love Mamma Mia!, but its impact is undeniable. The film remains incredibly popular, inspiring sequels and stage performances. With a star-studded cast, a fantastic soundtrack, romantic comedy vibes, and stunning island scenery, Mamma Mia! is undeniably a fun film.
3. Jaws (1975)
When Jaws premiered in 1975, it became the original summer blockbuster, causing people to fear swimming in the ocean, worried they might become a shark’s next meal. Set in the fictional New England beach town of Amity Island, the film was primarily shot on location at Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Jaws is a masterclass in storytelling, blending genuine terror and thrills seamlessly. It has been immortalized as one of Steven Spielberg’s best works and is considered one of the greatest thrillers ever.
4. 50 First Dates
Released in 2004, this rom-com stars Adam Sandler as Henry, a marine veterinarian in Hawaii, who falls for Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore. Lucy has short-term memory loss and can’t remember anything from the previous day, so Henry has to make her fall in love with him daily, which is the premise of 50 First Dates. The film follows the classic rom-com formula, blending humor with heartwarming romance. The Sandler-Barrymore duo shines, as they did in The Wedding Singer. While 50 First Dates isn’t groundbreaking, it’s sweet, fun, and sure to bring a smile.
5. Shutter Island (2010)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island is a psychological thriller about a U.S. Marshal, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who investigates a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island with his partner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, after one of the patients mysteriously vanishes. Premiering in 2010, the film received positive reviews and was named one of the top 10 films of the year by the National Board of Review. Based on the 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island is filled with twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the very end. The plot is compelling, but the standout feature of the movie is the impressive performances from the cast, especially Mark Ruffalo.
6. Old (2021)
From the mind of M. Night Shyamalan comes Old, a thriller about a group of people who visit a tropical island on vacation, only to discover that the island causes them to age rapidly, reducing their entire lifespan to a single day. Based on the sci-fi graphic novel Sandcastle by Frederik Peeters, this film premiered in 2021. It was a box office success but received mixed reviews from critics. The concept of Old is unique and intriguing, though it sometimes feels like the ideas aren’t fully developed. While this may not be an island you’d want to visit in real life, the movie is interesting.
7. The Rock (1996)
This 1996 action/thriller follows an FBI chemical warfare expert (Nicolas Cage), a British spy (Sean Connery), and a group of Navy SEALs as they try to stop a general from launching chemical weapons from Alcatraz Island into San Francisco. While Alcatraz might not be the first island that comes to mind for island-based movies, The Rock deserves a spot on this list. It perfectly blends action and suspense, making for an incredibly thrilling watch.
8. Fantasy Island (2020)
Fantasy Island follows a group of people who visit an island where the mysterious Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) makes their fantasies come true. However, the guests’ dreams quickly become nightmares, and they must unravel the island’s secrets to survive. This 2020 horror movie, produced by Blumhouse, reimagines the 1977 TV show of the same name. While the concept is intriguing and has the potential to be both scary and innovative, the film is ultimately filled with clichés and doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. Nevertheless, it’s still worth watching for the stunning tropical resort views.
9. A Perfect Getaway (2009)
A Perfect Getaway centers on couples vacationing in Hawaii who find themselves in a deadly situation when murders occur on the island. As the tension rises, they suspect one might be the killer. This 2009 thriller received generally positive reviews. Though it follows a familiar “whodunnit” format with a slasher twist, making it somewhat predictable, it remains entertaining. The film blends genuine suspense with moments of humor and showcases the stunning landscapes of Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Conclusion
Here’s a recap of the top island movies that offer everything from thrilling suspense to charming romance. Whether you’re looking for a gripping survival story, a lighthearted musical, or a mind-bending thriller, these films showcase the island setting in various ways. They prove that islands provide a unique and captivating backdrop for storytelling, no matter the genre. So, grab some popcorn, and let these island adventures transport you to a world where the setting is as compelling as the plot.
FAQs
Q1: What are the best movies set on an island?
Ans: Some of the best island movies include Cast Away, Mamma Mia!, Jaws, 50 First Dates, Shutter Island, Old, The Rock, Fantasy Island, and A Perfect Getaway. Each offers a unique take on the island setting, from survival dramas and romantic comedies to thrillers and horrors.
Q2: What is the plot of Cast Away?
Ans: Cast Away is about a FedEx employee, played by Tom Hanks, who gets stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. The film focuses on his struggle for survival and his efforts to return home.
Q3: What makes Mamma Mia! special?
Ans: Mamma Mia! is a musical set on a Greek island, featuring songs by ABBA. It tells the story of a young bride who invites three men from her mother’s past to find out which one is her real father.
Q4: What is the main theme of Jaws?
Ans: Jaws is a thriller about a giant shark terrorizing a small New England beach town. It combines suspense with a classic summer blockbuster experience.
Q5: What happens in 50 First Dates?
Ans: 50 First Dates is a romantic comedy about a marine veterinarian (Adam Sandler) who falls in love with a woman (Drew Barrymore) who has short-term memory loss. He must make her fall in love with him again each day.
Q6: What is Shutter Island about?
Ans: Shutter Island follows a U.S. Marshal (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigating a psychiatric facility on an island after a patient goes missing. The film is known for its suspense and unexpected twists.
Q7: What is the premise of Old?
Ans: Old is a thriller where vacationers on a tropical island discover that the island causes them to age rapidly, condensing their entire lifespan into a single day.
Q8: How does The Rock use its island setting?
Ans: The Rock is an action film where an FBI chemical warfare expert and a British spy team up to prevent a general from using chemical weapons on Alcatraz Island.
Q9: What is the plot of Fantasy Island?
Ans: Fantasy Island is a horror film where guests’ fantasies on a tropical island become nightmares. They must solve the mystery to escape the island alive.
Q10: What’s A Perfect Getaway about?
Ans: A Perfect Getaway is a thriller involving a group of couples on vacation in Hawaii who suspect that one of them might be a killer as murders occur on the island.
