17+ Best Movies About the Desert (List)

The desert has always been a captivating setting for filmmakers, offering a unique and visually stunning backdrop for storytelling.

From epic adventures to intimate character studies, movies set in the desert have provided audiences with unforgettable cinematic experiences.

Here are some of the best movies that prominently feature the desert as a significant setting or character, along with a brief description and the year they were released:

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – A historical drama that chronicles the World War I experiences of T.E. Lawrence in the Arabian desert, showcasing the harsh yet beautiful desert landscapes.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – A post-apocalyptic action film set in a desert wasteland where water and oil are scarce resources.

The English Patient (1996) – A romantic war drama that features several scenes set in the North African desert during World War II.

Dances with Wolves (1990) – While not exclusively set in the desert, this film features several scenes showcasing the vast landscapes of the American frontier, including desert areas.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966) – A spaghetti western that features the harsh realities of the desert as three men search for buried gold during the American Civil War.

The Searchers (1956) – A classic western that showcases the expansive and harsh desert landscapes as a group sets out to rescue family members kidnapped by Comanches.

Paris, Texas (1984) – A drama that begins with a man wandering through the Texas desert and explores themes of isolation and redemption.

The Sheltering Sky (1990) – A drama that follows an American couple as they travel across the North African desert in the post-World War II era.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) – A comedy-drama that follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback, showcasing the desert’s vastness and beauty.

Tracks (2013) – A biographical drama that tells the true story of a woman who trekked across the Australian desert with four camels and a dog.

127 Hours (2010) – A biographical survival drama that portrays a man’s harrowing experience being trapped by a boulder in an isolated canyon in the Utah desert.

The Hills Have Eyes (2006) – A horror film set in the New Mexico desert where a family falls prey to a group of mutant cannibals.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) – A dark comedy that, while not exclusively set in the desert, features several scenes showcasing the surreal and harsh aspects of the Nevada desert.

Gerry (2002) – A drama that follows two friends who find themselves lost in a desert, showcasing the harsh and unforgiving nature of the desert landscape.

The Way Back (2010) – A war film that portrays a group of prisoners who escape a Siberian gulag and undertake a long journey across various landscapes, including the Gobi desert.

A Far Off Place (1993) – A Disney adventure film that follows a young girl and two companions as they cross the Kalahari Desert to escape ivory poachers.

Babel (2006) – A drama that intertwines multiple storylines, including one that takes place in the Moroccan desert, highlighting the harsh realities of life in remote desert areas.

Below we look deeper into some of the best movies about the desert, diving into their themes, cinematography, and impact on popular culture.

Table of Contents

The Desert as a Symbolic Landscape

The desert, with its vast expanse of sand dunes, arid landscapes, and extreme weather conditions, has often been used as a metaphorical canvas for filmmakers to explore various themes and emotions.

It represents a place of isolation, survival, and self-discovery.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable movies that have successfully captured the essence of the desert.

1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Directed by David Lean, “Lawrence of Arabia” is a masterpiece that tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a crucial role in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

The film showcases the vastness and beauty of the Arabian desert, immersing viewers in its harsh realities and the challenges faced by Lawrence and his companions.

The sweeping cinematography, coupled with Peter O’Toole’s mesmerizing performance, makes this film a true classic.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, “Mad Max: Fury Road” directed by George Miller is a high-octane action film that takes place mostly in the desert.

The movie follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) and Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as they navigate a treacherous desert landscape in search of freedom.

The film’s stunning visuals, adrenaline-pumping chase sequences, and strong feminist undertones have made it a modern cult favorite.

3. The English Patient (1996)

Based on the novel by Michael Ondaatje, “The English Patient” directed by Anthony Minghella is a romantic war drama set in the Sahara Desert during World War II.

The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and identity against the backdrop of the vast desert.

With its breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances by Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas, “The English Patient” won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

4. Tracks (2013)

“Tracks,” directed by John Curran, is based on the true story of Robyn Davidson (played by Mia Wasikowska), who embarked on a solo trek across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels.

The film beautifully captures the solitude and self-discovery experienced by Davidson during her arduous journey.

It highlights the transformative power of the desert and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Desert as a Character

In some movies, the desert itself becomes a character, playing a vital role in shaping the narrative and influencing the characters’ journeys.

Let’s explore a few films where the desert takes center stage.

1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Sergio Leone’s iconic spaghetti western, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” features a climactic showdown in a desolate cemetery located in the middle of a vast desert.

The barren landscape serves as a metaphor for the lawlessness and moral ambiguity of the characters.

The film’s use of wide shots and extreme close-ups captures the harshness of the desert and intensifies the tension between the protagonists.

2. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Once again, “Lawrence of Arabia” deserves mention for its portrayal of the desert as a character in its own right.

The film showcases the desert’s transformative power on T.E. Lawrence, who becomes deeply connected to the land and its people.

The desert’s vastness and unforgiving nature mirror Lawrence’s internal struggles and his quest for identity.

3. The Martian (2015)

Directed by Ridley Scott, “The Martian” is a science fiction film that follows astronaut Mark Watney (played by Matt Damon) as he is left stranded on Mars after his crew mistakenly believes him to be dead.

The film showcases the harsh Martian desert landscape and Watney’s battle for survival.

The barrenness of the desert becomes a symbol of both isolation and hope as Watney uses his ingenuity to stay alive.

Documentaries and Real-Life Stories

In addition to fictional narratives, documentaries and real-life stories set in the desert have also made a significant impact.

These films provide a glimpse into the lives of people who have braved the challenges of the desert.

Here are a few notable examples:

1. Samsara (2011)

“Samsara,” directed by Ron Fricke, is a non-narrative documentary that takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through various landscapes, including deserts.

The film explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, capturing stunning visuals from around the world.

The desert sequences in “Samsara” offer a contemplative and meditative experience, showcasing the beauty and harshness of these arid landscapes.

2. Into the Wild (2007)

Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, “Into the Wild” directed by Sean Penn follows a young man who abandons his comfortable life to live in the wilderness, including the deserts of the American Southwest.

The film explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.

The desert serves as a backdrop for McCandless’ journey of self-realization and his ultimate tragedy.

3. Man on Wire (2008)

“Man on Wire,” directed by James Marsh, is a documentary that chronicles Philippe Petit’s daring high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

While not set in a traditional desert landscape, the film captures the same sense of isolation and danger that one might experience in a vast desert.

The desert-like void between the towers becomes a metaphorical desert, representing the challenges and risks Petit faces in his audacious feat.

FAQs – Best Movies About the Desert

1. What are some must-watch movies set in the desert?

Some must-watch movies set in the desert include “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “The English Patient,” and “Tracks.”

2. Why do filmmakers choose the desert as a setting?

Filmmakers choose the desert as a setting for its visually stunning landscapes, metaphorical potential, and the sense of isolation and survival it evokes.

3. Are there any documentaries about the desert worth watching?

Yes, “Samsara” and “Man on Wire” are two documentaries that offer unique perspectives on the desert and its impact on human experiences.

4. How does the desert contribute to the narrative in movies?

The desert often serves as a metaphorical landscape, shaping the narrative and influencing the characters’ journeys.

It represents isolation, survival, self-discovery, and moral ambiguity.

5. Which movie showcases the transformative power of the desert?

“Lawrence of Arabia” is a prime example of a film that showcases the transformative power of the desert on its protagonist, T.E. Lawrence.

6. Are there any movies that explore the post-apocalyptic desert?

Yes, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a notable example of a movie set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland.

7. How does the desert symbolize hope in movies?

In movies like “The Martian,” the barrenness of the desert becomes a symbol of hope as characters use their ingenuity to survive and find a way back home.

8. Are there any movies based on true stories set in the desert?

“Tracks” and “Into the Wild” are two movies based on true stories that take place in the desert.

9. What makes the desert an intriguing backdrop for documentaries?

The desert’s harshness and beauty make it an intriguing backdrop for documentaries, allowing filmmakers to explore themes of interconnectedness, resilience, and the human spirit.

10. How does the desert contribute to the atmosphere in western movies?

In western movies like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” the desert’s barrenness intensifies the lawlessness and moral ambiguity of the characters, creating a unique atmosphere.

Summary – Best Movies About the Desert

The desert has served as a captivating setting for some of the most memorable movies in cinematic history.

Whether used as a symbolic landscape, a character in its own right, or the backdrop for real-life stories, the desert offers filmmakers a unique canvas to explore themes of isolation, survival, self-discovery, and more.

From epic adventures like “Lawrence of Arabia” to intimate character studies like “Tracks,” these films have left an indelible mark on popular culture and continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

Related