The Best Movies About Grizzly Bears

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 17 items

Facebook

Twitter

Copy link

There are plenty of movies about and with grizzly bears because they're such majestic animals. Grizzly bears are the largest members of the bear family. They are also called brown bears and can be found in North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa. Grizzly bears have a distinctive hump on their shoulders and long claws that they use for digging roots and catching fish. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Obviously they make for fascinating subjects and adversaries in film.

The grizzly bear is an iconic symbol of wilderness in North America. The grizzly bear has been featured in countless movies over the years, including some of the best films ever made! This list contains only feature-length films about grizzlies (not documentaries). Vote up your favorite movies about these magnificent creatures below!

This list includes both fictional films about grizzlies as well as documentaries about real-life bears (like Grizzly Man). Some of these titles feature humans interacting with wild grizzlies while others do not. What is your favorite movie about a grizzly bear? Vote up your favorites below! Then be sure to check back for upcoming and new movies about grizzly bears are added to the list once they're released.

 

  • Bears
    1
    John C. Reilly
    9 votes

    For Fans Of: Documentary, Adventure, Family, Nature
    Why Should I Watch Bears: Acclaimed for its breathtaking visuals and intimate look into the lives of brown bears in Alaska, this Disneynature documentary follows a family of bears as they navigate their world with both tender moments and thrilling confrontations. Narrated by John C. Reilly, Bears is an awe-inspiring glimpse into the beauty and power of these magnificent creatures that will leave viewers with a deeper appreciation for our natural world.

  • Brother Bear
    2
    Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Jason Raize
    11 votes

    For Fans Of: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
    Why Should I Watch Brother Bear: With its lush landscapes and enchanting story centered around themes of brotherhood, acceptance, and transformation, Disney's Brother Bear offers an enlightening experience for all ages. The film's captivating soundtrack by Phil Collins adds to the magic as viewers follow young Kenai on his journey from human to bear – learning valuable lessons about kinship and self-discovery along the way.

  • Brother Bear 2
    3
    Patrick Dempsey, Mandy Moore, Wanda Sykes
    10 votes

    For Fans Of: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance
    Why Should I Watch Brother Bear 2: This spirited sequel brings back Kenai and Koda from the original hit film in another visually stunning adventure that explores themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice against the backdrop of Alaska's untamed wilderness. Featuring familiar voices such as Patrick Dempsey and Mandy Moore alongside exciting new characters, Brother Bear 2 delivers heartfelt lessons about relationships that are bound to resonate with audiences.

    This animated tale finds big bear Kenai (Patrick Dempsey) emerging from hibernation with a ferocious hunger. When he goes to eat some berries with his little brother, Koda (Jeremy Suarez), he encounters his old human friend, Nita (Mandy Moore). She has a pressing problem, though. She wants to get married, but first has to burn her amulet at Hokani Falls. Since Kenai was the one who gave it to Nita, he must accompany her. Together, they head out to the waterfall for a transformative adventure.
  • Balto
    4
    Miriam Margolyes, Lola Bates-Campbell, Kevin Bacon
    10 votes

    For Fans Of: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Family, History
    Why Should I Watch Balto: A heartening tale of perseverance and teamwork, Balto takes viewers on an adventure through the Alaskan wilderness to witness a half-wolf, half-husky lead his team on a treacherous journey to deliver life-saving medicine. Richly animated and featuring memorable performances by Kevin Bacon and Bridget Fonda, this movie's touching portrayal of a true canine hero makes it a must-watch for grizzly bear enthusiasts.

  • The Revenant
    5
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson
    8 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Drama, Western, BIOPIC, Survival
    Why Should I Watch The Revenant: Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar-winning performance in this harrowing tale of survival and revenge set in the American wilderness is one for the ages. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu's visually stunning masterpiece showcases not only DiCaprio's relentless determination but also a ferocious grizzly bear attack that stands out as one of modern cinema's most bone-chilling sequences.

  • White Fang
    6
    Klaus Maria Brandauer, Ethan Hawke, Seymour Cassel
    8 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Drama, Western, Family
    Why Should I Watch White Fang: Based on Jack London's beloved novel, this enthralling film adaptation tells an inspiring story of survival and companionship between man and wolf amidst the treacherous Alaskan landscape. Notable for its striking cinematography, compelling performances from Ethan Hawke and Klaus Maria Brandauer, and awe-inspiring scenes featuring bears in their natural habitat, White Fang is sure to capture the hearts of audiences everywhere.

  • Into the Wild
    7
    Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt
    8 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Biography, Drama
    Why Should I Watch Into the Wild: Sean Penn directs Emile Hirsch in this visually arresting adaptation of Jon Krakauer's bestselling book about Christopher McCandless' search for meaning in the Alaskan wilderness. As Hirsch faces off against challenging elements – including dangerous encounters with grizzly bears – viewers are treated to a thought-provoking exploration into human connection and self-discovery.

  • The Bear
    8
    Tchéky Karyo, Jack Wallace, André Lacombe
    9 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Drama, Family, Thriller
    Why Should I Watch The Bear: A visually stunning French film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, The Bear tells the emotive story of a young orphaned bear cub who forms an unlikely alliance with a wounded adult Kodiak bear in their fight for survival against human hunters. With minimal dialogue and relying on the power of visual storytelling, this groundbreaking movie offers a profound exploration of nature's beauty and brutality that is sure to captivate audiences.

  • Grizzly Falls
    9
    Daniel Clark, Bryan Brown, Tom Jackson
    14 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Family
    Why Should I Watch Grizzly Falls: Blending thrilling adventure with heartening life lessons, this family-friendly film follows a young boy and his grumpy father as they forge an unlikely bond with an orphaned bear cub while navigating the treacherous Canadian wilderness. Filled with breathtaking natural landscapes and featuring standout performances from Richard Harris and Bryan Brown, Grizzly Falls is an inspiring tale of love, courage, and redemption that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

    An enraged grizzly abducts an adventurer's (Bryan Brown) son (Daniel Clark) whose companions captured her cubs.
  • Grizzly II: The Predator
    10
    Charlie Sheen, George Clooney, Laura Dern
    11 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Music, Thriller
    Why Should I Watch Grizzly II: The Predator: Thirty-seven years in the making, this long-delayed sequel to the 1976 cult classic Grizzly is a fascinating piece of film history, eventually emerging as an action-packed and suspenseful story about a vengeful bear stalking attendees at a rock concert. With early performances from Hollywood legends George Clooney, Laura Dern, and Charlie Sheen, Grizzly II: The Predator offers plenty of thrills for fans of creature features and horror alike.

    A giant grizzly bear goes on a bloody rampage as people gather for a concert at Yellowstone National Park.
  • The Night of the Grizzly
    11
    Clint Walker, Martha Hyer, Keenan Wynn
    9 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Western, Family
    Why Should I Watch The Night of the Grizzly: In this western adventure film starring Clint Walker as a former lawman turned rancher, the frontier becomes a stage for thrilling confrontations with both human and animal adversaries – including a formidable grizzly bear named Satan. The pulse-pounding pace of this classic film will keep viewers enthralled as they root for Walker's character to overcome the odds and tame his wild surroundings.

    A lawman (Clint Walker) turns rancher with his wife (Martha Hyer) and family, facing a bad neighbor (Keenan Wynn) and a bear killing livestock.
  • Grizzly Man
    12
    Jewel Palovak, Warren Queeney, Carol Dexter
    9 votes

    For Fans Of: Documentary, Biography
    Why Should I Watch Grizzly Man: Master documentarian Werner Herzog presents a chilling account of Timothy Treadwell's life among the Alaskan grizzlies, using Treadwell's own footage to examine his complex relationship with these powerful creatures. Offering a sobering look into obsession, delusion, and ultimately fatal attraction, Grizzly Man is an unsettling but essential watch for fans of nature documentaries and true stories alike.

    Pieced together from Timothy Treadwell's actual video footage, Werner Herzog's remarkable documentary examines the calling that drove Treadwell to live among a tribe of wild grizzly bears on an Alaskan reserve. A devoted conservationist with a passion for adventure, Timothy believed he had bridged the gap between human and beast. When one of the bears he loved and protected tragically turns on him, the footage he shot serves as a window into our understanding of nature and its grim realities.
  • Grizzly Mountain
    13

    Grizzly Mountain

    Dan Haggerty, Dylan Haggerty, Nicole Lund
    11 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
    Why Should I Watch Grizzly Mountain: Transporting viewers back in time to the Old West, this imaginative adventure film centers around two modern-day siblings who find themselves lost in the past – encountering everything from gold prospectors to grizzlies along the way. As they work together to save their newfound friends from danger, Grizzly Mountain delivers action-packed scenes and valuable lessons about teamwork, trust, and respecting the environment.

    Transported back in time on an Oregon camping trip, two 1990s children (Dylan Haggerty, Nicole Lund) meet a helpful 1870s mountain man (Dan Haggerty).
  • Escape to Grizzly Mountain
    14
    Dan Haggerty, Miko Hughes, Jan-Michael Vincent
    6 votes

    For Fans Of: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
    Why Should I Watch Escape to Grizzly Mountain: A heartwarming tale of friendship between a young boy and a gentle bear, this family-friendly film showcases the power of love and understanding even in the face of adversity. As they work to protect their mountain home from encroaching development, audiences will be inspired by the beautiful scenery and touching performances in this charming story.

    A latch-key kid (Miko Hughes) rescues an abused bear cub and brings it to a secret cave leading to a time vortex.
  • Grizzly Rage
    15
    Tyler Hoechlin, Kate Todd, Graham Kosakoski
    8 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Horror, Thriller
    Why Should I Watch Grizzly Rage: For fans of creature features and adrenaline-pumping suspense, this horror-thriller promises edge-of-your-seat excitement as four friends must face off against a vengeful mother grizzly after accidentally killing her cub on a joyride through dense woods. With its tense atmosphere and relentless pacing, Grizzly Rage offers plenty of chills for those seeking a thrilling outdoor adventure gone awry.

    An unstoppable grizzly bear tracks down four teens after they accidentally kill its cub while celebrating graduation.
  • Grizzly
    16
    Christopher George, Andrew Prine, Richard Jaeckel
    8 votes

    For Fans Of: Action, Adventure, Horror, Thriller
    Why Should I Watch Grizzly: Often compared to Jaws for its similar themes and suspenseful atmosphere, this 1976 cult classic chronicles the terror unleashed by a massive grizzly bear wreaking havoc on a national park. With its thrilling action sequences, impressive practical effects, and engaging human drama, Grizzly is an enduring favorite among fans of creature features and horror films alike.

    A forest ranger (Christopher George) tries heavy firepower on a very big Georgia bear loose in a national park.
  • Project Grizzly
    17

    Project Grizzly

    Troy Hurtubise
    9 votes

    For Fans Of: Documentary, Adventure
    Why Should I Watch Project Grizzly: This fascinating documentary provides an insider's look into inventor Troy Hurtubise's obsessive quest to create impenetrable armor that would allow him to safely study grizzlies up close in the Canadian wilderness. Filled with wild stunts, eccentric characters, and plenty of grizzly encounters, Project Grizzly offers an entertaining glimpse into one man's relentless determination to understand these magnificent creatures.

    Directed by Peter Lynch, "Project Grizzly" follows the pursuits of a Canadian metalworker, Troy Hurtubise, as he attempts to construct a suit of armor capable of withstanding a grizzly bear attack. For Hurtubise, building the perfect suit has become an obsession. He is ever searching for stronger materials and better designs, and subjecting himself to brutal tests. Hurtubise is driven by a one-time encounter with a grizzly bear, and seeks to recreate the experience up close and personal.