“The Hunt” is a 2020 satirical horror movie directed by Craig Zobel. The plot revolves around a group of strangers who wake up in a remote forest, only to realize that they are being hunted for sport by a group of wealthy elites. The story begins with a group of twelve strangers who, after variously being drugged and kidnapped, wake up in a clearing in the middle of nowhere. They soon find out that they have been selected by a group of wealthy individuals to be hunted down as part of an elite hunting expedition. Here are the 8 best movies about humans hunting humans you need watch if you loved “The Hunt.”
1. Ready or Not (2019)
Both “Ready or Not” and “The Hunt” are horror movies that incorporate elements of satire and dark humor. In “Ready or Not,” the protagonist is forced to participate in a deadly game with her wealthy in-laws, who engage in violent acts in order to maintain their power and wealth. Similarly, in “The Hunt,” a group of strangers are hunted by a group of wealthy elites who see them as disposable pawns in their twisted game.
2019 horror-comedy movie “Ready or Not” is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The plot follows a newly-wed bride named Grace (Samara Weaving) as she is forced to participate in a deadly game of hide and seek with her new wealthy and eccentric in-laws.
On her wedding night, Grace is invited by her husband’s family to play a game to welcome her into the family. The game turns out to be a centuries-old tradition that requires the bride to pick a card at random and play the game that is written on it. The game selected for Grace is hide and seek, but she soon learns that the family intends to hunt her down and kill her before dawn as part of a sinister ritual to maintain their wealth and power.
Grace must fight for her survival against her murderous in-laws, all while struggling to unravel the mystery behind their twisted traditions. Along the way, she receives help from the family’s former nanny (Andie MacDowell) and her son (Adam Brody), both of whom have reservations about the family’s cruel practices. The movie features Samara Weaving in the lead role, alongside Mark O’Brien, Andie MacDowell, Adam Brody, and Henry Czerny.
2. You’re Next (2011)
American independent horror movie “You’re Next” is directed by Adam Wingard and written by Simon Barrett. The story follows the story of a dysfunctional family gathering in a remote house only to be terrorized by a gang of masked assailants. The film stars Sharni Vinson as Erin, a strong-willed and resourceful woman who unexpectedly proves to be the most capable defender against the attackers. Other cast members include Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Barbara Crampton, Ti West, and Rob Moran.
3. The Belko Experiment (2016)
American horror-thriller film “The Belko Experiment” is directed by Greg McLean and written by James Gunn. The plot follows the story of employees working at the Belko Corporation, an American company located in Bogotá, Colombia, who are trapped inside their workplace and forced to participate in a twisted game of kill or be killed.
“The Belko Experiment” stars John Gallagher Jr. as Mike Milch, an employee who attempts to protect his colleagues from the ruthless games that are being played. Other cast members include Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, John C. McGinley, and Michael Rooker. Greg McLean’s directing is praised for its suspenseful and intense atmosphere, while James Gunn’s writing is recognized for its dark humor and social commentary.
4. Battle Royale (2000)
“Battle Royale” is a 2000 Japanese thriller film directed by Kinji Fukasaku and based on the novel of the same name by Koushun Takami. The movie is set in a dystopian Japan where a government program called “The Program” selects a randomly chosen class of high school students and forces them to fight to the death on a deserted island. “Battle Royale” stars Tatsuya Fujiwara as Shuya Nanahara, a student who refuses to participate in the deadly game and organizes a rebellion against the government. Other notable cast members include Aki Maeda, Takeshi Kitano, Chiaki Kuriyama, and Kou Shibasaki.
Kinji Fukasaku’s directing is praised for its intense violence and emotional impact, while the story raises important questions about societal values and the nature of authority. Released globally in 2001, “Battle Royale” was a commercial and critical success, becoming a cult classic of Japanese cinema and inspiring numerous imitations and parodies worldwide.
5. The Hunger Games (2012)
“The Hunger Games” is a series of American dystopian science fiction films based on the novels of the same name by Suzanne Collins. The movies follow the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive government of Panem.
The series consists of five films: “The Hunger Games” (2012), “Catching Fire” (2013), “Mockingjay – Part 1” (2014), “Mockingjay – Part 2” (2015) and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” (2023). The films stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, alongside Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, and Elizabeth Banks, among others.
The series was directed by Gary Ross for the first film, while Francis Lawrence directed the subsequent three. The films were well received by both audiences and critics, with praise for their portrayal of complex characters, social commentary, and thrilling action sequences. The series grossed over $2.9 billion worldwide and remains a popular franchise in contemporary popular culture.
6. The Furies (2019)
Australian horror movie “The Furies” is directed by Tony D’Aquino. The movie centers around Kayla and her friend Maddie, who are kidnapped and taken to a remote wilderness area known as the “Valley of the Furies,” where they are hunted by masked killers known as “the Furies.” Kayla is played by Airlie Dodds while Maddie is played by Linda Ngo. Other actors in the film include Taylor Ferguson, Ebony Vagulans, Danielle Horvat, and Tom O’Sullivan.
Throughout the film, Kayla and Maddie must navigate through various challenges and obstacles in order to survive the Furies’ game. As they struggle to stay alive, they begin to uncover dark secrets about the Valley and its inhabitants.
7. The Purge (2013)
As of 2023, there are five films in “The Purge” franchise. The first film was released in 2013, followed by “The Purge: Anarchy” (2014), “The Purge: Election Year” (2016), “The First Purge” (2018), and “The Forever Purge” (2021).
The franchise explores a world where for one night each year, all crime is legal. While some people use this time to commit heinous acts, others band together to try and survive the night. Some critics have praised the franchise for its social commentary and exploration of themes such as class, race, and political corruption. Others have criticized the violence and gore depicted in the films. Ultimately, whether or not you’ll enjoy “The Purge” movies depends on your personal taste in horror and thriller films.
8. Green Room (2015)
“Green Room” is a 2015 American horror-thriller film written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier. The film follows a punk rock band who find themselves trapped in a remote venue after witnessing a violent crime, and must fight for survival against a gang of neo-Nazis led by the venue’s owner. Throughout the film, the band members must use their wits and skills to try and outsmart the neo-Nazis and escape the venue alive. The tension builds as the situation becomes increasingly dire, and the film is known for its intense violence and suspenseful atmosphere.
The band is played by Anton Yelchin as Pat, Alia Shawkat as Sam, Joe Cole as Reece, Callum Turner as Tiger, and Imogen Poots as Amber. The neo-Nazi group is led by Patrick Stewart as Darcy Banker. Other actors in the film include Macon Blair, Mark Webber, and Eric Edelstein.