Top 10 Fictional Islands in Movies and TV

Though most islands offer sun, beaches and warm weather, not many can boast a community of feral beast-people created by a crazed genetic scientist. Dr. Moreau’s island, or Noble Island as described in H. G. Wells’ original book, is an isolated piece of land populated by animal-human hybrids that are just trying to strike a balance between their social principles and animalistic natures. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to go for a quiet hike, forget about this island.

The song says it all. Seven castaways are shipwrecked on an uncharted island near Hawaii and attempt, on a weekly basis, to find a way home. The crew’s attempts are almost always hindered by the titular Gilligan who, apart from being a clumsy half-wit, seems genuinely to enjoy their situation – and who can blame him, really: the island is paradise. It’s only special feature, however, is that rescue professionals seem to constantly overlook it.

Deserted islands are usually a metaphor for human isolation. In no film is this more true than Ang Lee’s 2012 adventure about a boy who must survive a journey back to civilization with a tiger. The island in question is hauntingly beautiful upon first inspection, with jungles, meerkats, and food and drink. But, it soon reveals itself to be carnivorous, feeding off its own denizens, and reminding Pi that comfortable acceptance can be dangerous.

Nothing brings a family together quite like being shipwrecked on a remote island. Throw in some cutthroat pirates and dangerous wildlife and you’ve got yourself a first-class bonding experience. Father Robinson is a resourceful man full of useful survival knowledge, Fritz and Ernest Robinson are his competitive sons and along with Mother Robinson there isn’t anything they can’t handle.

If your fantasy isn’t already to be vacationing on a beautiful tropical island then make a reservation for this aptly named slice of paradise – but be warned, this’ll be one pricey trip. The whole point of staying on Fantasy Island is pretty self-explanatory: Mr. Roarke and his compact companion Tattoo work tirelessly to fulfill their guests’ deepest fantasies, but the old axiom holds true: be careful what you wish for.

The basis for many pirate-themed adventures, Treasure Island is that ultimate goal of sea-faring rogues like Long John Silver, replete with its dark legends and buried treasure. The island in question is special because it is home to a pirate hoard hidden by the notorious Captain Flint. But beware: greed may overcome the crew in search of this treasure, and even the strongest men inevitably rip each other apart to have a piece of the gold.

With the ambiguous directions of “second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning,” this fictional island is not the easiest to locate. One can really only find Neverland if it is looking for them. For Peter Pan and his Lost Boys, Neverland means never growing old and living in a constant state of adventure beset on all sides by pirates, mermaids and other mythical creatures. Sounds like fun to us!

Come for the native charm, stay for the giant murderous beasts. Located off Sumatra’s coast, this island boasts an alarming selection of prehistoric monsters and titanic abominations the likes of which mankind has never seen. Seemingly forgotten by the rest of the world, Skull Island grew and evolved without human intervention; that is, aside from its superstitious inhabitants. The only logical conclusion, then, would be for visiting filmmakers to bring a specimen back to civilization – in this case, a giant ape.

This time man’s to blame – again. Originally intended as a dinosaur-themed tourist attraction, Jurassic Park is found on Isla Nublar, near Costa Rica. However, as we all know, the tenants of the island “find a way” and run amok of the island. After Nublar is introduced in the first instalment as a place ruled by prehistoric monsters, the action moves to the neighboring Isla Sorna, where dinosaurs also roam free and humans dumb enough to visit must fight for survival.

Before we set sail for our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Isla de Muerta “Pirates of the Caribbean” (2003)
- Azkaban “Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
- Okishima Island “Battle Royale” (1996)
- Shutter Island “Shutter Island” (2010)
- Amity Island “Jaws” (1975)

Is it a figment of imagination, or a place outside of time? Viewers of this weekly mystery about passengers marooned on a strange island wondered about the truth behind it all. What is the smoke monster? How are there polar bears on a tropical island? Does the island have magical healing properties? What is the Dharma Initiative? When finally the series ended, audiences were just as confused. Many explanations were suggested: time travel, magic, insanity, purgatory – decide for yourself.

Do you agree with our list? What fictional island would you most like to be stranded on? For more epic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.