7 Great Hunting Movies

Hollywood Rarely Gets Hunting Stories Right – But Here Are a Few Cinematic Gems that Every Hunter Should Know

by Richard Baimbridge

There’s nothing like a great hunting story – often told with a bit of exaggeration and humor while sitting around a campfire or with a group of friends at a backyard barbecue. The bigfoot sightings, the one-in-a-million miracle shot, or the buck of a lifetime that got away…

Despite being a dumpster fire of bad ideas with an overtly anti-hunting bias, Hollywood occasionally gets it right and brings these inspiring stories to life with great beauty. It’s rare (and getting more so these days), but there are a few real cinematic gems out there that every hunter should know about.

While researching this article, I looked up several lists of “best hunting movies.” But I was disappointed with what I found. I couldn’t find a truly good, up-to-date list of the best hunting films anywhere. So, I decided to make one of my own.

What inspired me was watching “The Blind” – the true story of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson. I didn’t see it mentioned in any “best hunting films” lists, but it most definitely should be. In fact, if you haven’t already seen it, I suggest you stop reading right now and go watch it – then come back and finish this article later.

But “The Blind” isn’t the only great hunting story out there. I wanted to include some classics, while also highlighting a few films that you might not have heard of before, but that are truly outstanding.

It was hard to narrow it down to these few titles. There are many more honorable mentions. If I failed to include one you think is a real stand-out, feel free to let us know on our community page. But for now, grab some popcorn and bag of delicious Tactical Snacks — then sit back and enjoy the show!  

1. The Blind (2022)

You probably know Phil Robertson from “Duck Dynasty”, but his real-life story is one of the most inspiring tales of grit and perseverance that you will ever see depicted on the screen. The film centers around a conversation between two Louisiana hunters sitting in a duck blind (Phil and his buddy “Big Al”) as Phil recounts the gut-wrenching train wreck that his life was before finding a path out of the darkness. With top-notch acting and a rock-solid script, “The Blind” has a powerful message for everyone, hunter or not. Rather than coming off as overly-sentimental, it is unflinchingly honest and deeply moving – much like Phil, himself. It ranks among my favorite films of all time, hunting-related or not.

2. Stars in the Sky (2021)

“MeatEater” host Steven Rinella crafts the most thought-provoking exploration into the ethics of hunting ever made. Through interviews with hunters, conservationists, and animal rights advocates (including a staunch vegan), the film delves into the complexities of hunting as a cultural tradition, a means of sustenance, and a controversial subject in modern society. It tackles important questions about wildlife conservation, the impact of hunting on ecosystems, and the moral implications of the hunt. With stunning visuals and a willingness to confront difficult topics head-on, "Stars in the Sky" is a beautiful journey through the complex relationship between humans and nature, and predator vs prey.

3. Captain Fantastic (2016)

Viggo Mortensen (“Lord of the Rings”) plays a rebellious and highly-eccentric single father raising six kids alone, deep in the woods of Washington State after the suicide of his wife. Equal parts drill-instructor, hunting mentor and homeschooler, he teaches his kids off-the-grid survival skills, from bowhunting to growing their own food, while instructing them in the ways of history, literature, libertarian politics, and art. In fact, the film features some outstanding music performed by the cast, including an acoustic cover of Guns’n’Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” that in my opinion rivals the original. Sure, the hunting scenes are implausible at times -- but it makes for great cinema that warms the heart.

4. Alpha (2018)

"Alpha” takes viewers on a wild adventure back to prehistoric times, focusing on a young hunter who forms a bond with a lone wolf after a failed hunt leaves him stranded. The story emphasizes themes of companionship and survival, showing how a young boy becomes a man by learning to adapt and rely on his instincts, akin to the hunting experiences of ancient times. The film is not only visually impressive but also speaks to the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals—an integral aspect of hunting history.

5. The Hunter (2012)

In "The Hunter," Willem Dafoe portrays a seasoned mercenary sent deep into the Tasmanian wilderness in search of the elusive Tasmanian tiger. This film offers a raw and realistic look at the life of a hunter, exploring difficult moral questions surrounding extinction, conservation, and the impact of human encroachment on nature. Dafoe's performance is gripping, navigating moments of tension and introspection as he grapples with his mission and the ecological significance of his pursuit. "The Hunter" masterfully combines suspense with a thoughtful commentary on the consequences of hunting.

6. The Deer Hunter (1978)

Although ultimately a story about the Vietnam War, "The Deer Hunter" intricately weaves hunting into the larger narrative of friendship and the heavy toll of war. It’s worth watching just for the hunting scenes alone, which were filmed in the breathtaking Northern Cascades range of Washington State, near the border with British Columbia. The film focuses on a group of friends from a working-class town in Western Pennsylvania who confront the Vietnam War's lasting impacts on their lives. The hunting scenes serve as moments of camaraderie and contrast sharply against the horrors of combat. With stellar performances, including an iconic game of Russian Roulette, "The Deer Hunter" withstands the test of time, and is a powerful reminder of what actors like Robert DeNiro and Christopher Walken were capable of in their prime.

7. Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

It’s easy to see why this film is at the top of so many “Best Hunting Films” lists. Starring Robert Redford, the story follows a man who seeks to live off the land in the rugged Rocky Mountains, and is loosely based on real-life mountaineer and hunter John Jeremiah “Liver Eating” Johnson. It’s unclear how much of Johnson’s story is truth or legend (including his alleged cannibalism), but Jeremiah's journey is marked by both triumphs and tragedies as he learns the harsh realities of the wilderness and the skills necessary for survival. The film beautifully portrays the natural world as a character itself, revealing the challenges and rewards of living a life deeply connected to nature and hunting. It was The Revenant of its time, and still deeply resonates to this day. This is Redford at his best, in a film that was destined to become a classic.

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