Back to the Beginning: The Best Movies Set in Prehistoric Times
One Million Years B.C. (1966)
Quest for Fire (1981)
The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)
10,000 BC (2008)
Alpha (2018)
Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
The Land Before Time (1988)
When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970)
Caveman (1981)
Prehistoric Women (1967)
Travel back to a time when mammoths roamed the earth and our ancestors first began to shape the world. The prehistoric period has always been a source of fascination for filmmakers and audiences alike. Over the years, we've seen countless movies set in this era, from campy B-movies to big-budget blockbusters. In this article, we'll take a look at the best movies set in prehistoric times, exploring their unique stories, themes, and cinematic achievements.
1. One Million Years B.C. (1966)
Directed by Don Chaffey, "One Million Years B.C." is a classic film best known for its stunning visual effects and Ray Harryhausen's incredible stop-motion animation. Set in the prehistoric era, this film tells the story of Tumak, a caveman who is banished from his tribe and forced to survive in the harsh and unforgiving world of the Stone Age. Along the way, he encounters various prehistoric creatures and eventually falls in love with Loana, a woman from a more advanced tribe.
This film is iconic for its portrayal of the prehistoric world, featuring groundbreaking special effects and memorable creatures such as the giant turtle, the brontosaurus, and the allosaurus. The movie is also famous for featuring a then-unknown Raquel Welch in a fur bikini, which has since become an iconic image in pop culture.
2. Quest for Fire (1981)
"Quest for Fire," directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, is a critically acclaimed film that delves into the lives and struggles of a small tribe of prehistoric humans. Set 80,000 years ago, the film follows the tribe's journey to find a new source of fire after their precious flame is accidentally extinguished. Along the way, they encounter various tribes and creatures and ultimately discover the secret of creating fire.
Based on the novel by J.H. Rosny Sr., the film is known for its dedication to historical accuracy and its creative use of language. Linguistic expert Anthony Burgess developed a unique prehistoric language for the characters to speak, giving the film an authentic feel. The film also features detailed and realistic costume and set designs, further immersing the viewer in the prehistoric world.
3. The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)
Based on the best-selling novel by Jean M. Auel, "The Clan of the Cave Bear" tells the story of Ayla, a young girl who is orphaned and raised by a tribe of Neanderthals. Directed by Michael Chapman, the film explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the clash of cultures as Ayla struggles to find her place in a world that doesn't understand her.
Daryl Hannah's performance as Ayla is highly praised, as is the film's realistic portrayal of prehistoric life. The movie is also notable for its beautiful cinematography, capturing the breathtaking landscapes of the prehistoric world.
4. 10,000 BC (2008)
"10,000 BC" is a big-budget epic directed by Roland Emmerich that takes viewers on a thrilling adventure through the prehistoric world. The film follows D'Leh, a young hunter who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his love, Evolet, after she is kidnapped by an advanced civilization. Along the way, D'Leh encounters various prehistoric creatures and forms alliances with other tribes, leading to an epic battle for the future of humanity.
Despite mixed reviews, "10,000 BC" is known for its stunning visual effects, bringing the prehistoric world to life in a way never seen before. The film is also notable for its exploration of early human societies and the impact of cultural and technological advancements on their way of life.
5. Alpha (2018)
"Alpha," directed by Albert Hughes, is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a young hunter named Keda, who is left for dead after a hunting expedition goes awry. Set in the last Ice Age, the film follows Keda's journey to reunite with his tribe, accompanied by a lone wolf that he befriends along the way. Their bond grows stronger as they rely on each other for survival in the harsh and unforgiving wilderness.
"Alpha" is praised for its breathtaking cinematography and the unique bond portrayed between Keda and his wolf companion, symbolizing the early domestication of dogs by humans. The film is also known for its accurate portrayal of prehistoric environments and its focus on the human-animal relationship in our evolutionary history.
6. Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
Based on the groundbreaking BBC documentary series of the same name, "Walking with Dinosaurs" is a family-friendly film that brings the prehistoric world to life through cutting-edge CGI technology. Directed by Barry Cook and Neil Nightingale, the film follows the adventures of Patchi, a young Pachyrhinosaurus, as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a world filled with danger and wonder.
"Walking with Dinosaurs" is celebrated for its educational value, providing audiences with a glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs and the environments they inhabited. The film's stunning visual effects and attention to detail make it a must-watch for anyone interested in prehistoric life.
7. The Land Before Time (1988)
"The Land Before Time" is an animated classic directed by Don Bluth, which has captivated the hearts of children and adults alike since its release. The film follows the journey of Littlefoot, a young Apatosaurus, who becomes separated from his family during an earthquake. Along the way, he befriends other young dinosaurs, including Cera the Triceratops, Ducky the Saurolophus, Petrie the Pteranodon, and Spike the Stegosaurus. Together, they embark on a quest to find the legendary Great Valley, a place of safety and abundance.
With its endearing characters and heartwarming story, "The Land Before Time" remains a beloved classic that has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, introducing new generations to the wonders of the prehistoric world.
8. When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970)
Directed by Val Guest, "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" is a British film that takes place in a prehistoric world inhabited by both humans and dinosaurs. The film follows a tribe of cavemen as they struggle for survival and attempt to navigate the dangers posed by the massive creatures that share their world.
Featuring impressive stop-motion animation by Jim Danforth, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" is best remembered for its creative depiction of the prehistoric world and the awe-inspiring dinosaurs that ruled it.
9. Caveman (1981)
This comedy film, directed by Carl Gottlieb, stars Ringo Starr as Atouk, a bumbling caveman who is banished from his tribe due to his infatuation with the chief's mate. Atouk then forms his own tribe of misfits, as they face various challenges and comedic misadventures in their quest for survival.
"Caveman" is known for its slapstick humor and lighthearted take on prehistoric life, offering a fun and entertaining look at the trials and tribulations of our ancestors.
10. Prehistoric Women (1967)
"Prehistoric Women," also known as "Slave Girls," is a campy British film directed by Michael Carreras. Set in a prehistoric world, the film tells the story of a tribe of Amazonian women who enslave men and use them as laborers and breeding stock. However, when a male hunter named David stumbles upon their hidden society, he sets in motion a chain of events that leads to a revolt against the oppressive female regime.
While not critically acclaimed, "Prehistoric Women" is a cult classic that offers a unique, tongue-in-cheek take on prehistoric society and gender dynamics.
Conclusion
From thrilling adventures to touching stories of survival, these movies set in prehistoric times showcase the incredible power of cinema to transport us to a world long gone. Each film offers a unique perspective on the lives of our ancestors and the creatures that once roamed the earth, providing an engaging and immersive experience for audiences of all ages. As technology and our understanding of the prehistoric world continue to advance, we can expect even more captivating stories to be told on the big screen, further deepening our connection to the past.