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Ski Lift Survival Horror ‘Frozen’ (2010) Is Still the Best Cinematic Homonym in the Game

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On Friday nights,  IndieWire After Dark  takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age. 

First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of  film  that deserves our memorializing. 

Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation .

The Pitch: Blonde Chick Underestimates Her Powers in Icy Tribute to Being Single

Whether it’s British spies vs. American superheroes in “The Avengers,” or Noah Baumbach’s “Kicking and Screaming” not starring Will Ferrell, movies that share the same title are fun oddities that recall anecdotes of auditoriums mistakenly shown the wrong films. (Shout out to the “Peter Rabbit” patrons who bore witness to a trailer for “Hereditary” in 2018; still beats me how that one happened.) Related Stories ‘Skincare’ Knows That, in the Right Light, Nothing Is Weirder Than 2013 Hollywood Martin Scorsese Pays Tribute to the ‘Extraordinary’ Gena Rowlands

To my knowledge, there isn’t a better case of films with the same title as the two “ Frozen ” movies: that’s writer/director Adam Green’s “Frozen” (2010) and Disney’s “Frozen” (2013). Both tell stories of blonde women suddenly cast into the icy tundra, forced to navigate their mortal fears, and coincidentally run from wolves, alongside their spectacularly inept love interests.

Without a princess in Green’s decidedly unromantic thriller, that’s about where the similarities stop. But there’s still a gleeful irony in pairing the permanently entangled but diametrically opposed “Frozen” films, released just three years apart and constantly at war for space in my mind, which is equally appreciative of animation and winter sports-related catastrophes.

The low-budget Sundance debut’s pacing leaves something to be desired (it somehow drags at just 93 minutes?), and its situation-based scares are nothing if not uneven. Still, one particularly hard to watch gross-out gag delivers a surprising amount of the film’s horror heft, and the small cast makes for a memorably awful trio to think of the next time you’re hitting the slopes.

“Frozen” fits the midnight movie classification if only because it’s a fringe fright fest that’s been hugely displaced by the House of Mouse. Plus, it takes big swings — riding its rickety premise to the end of its creative team’s abilities for an experience that’s memorable… if not one of a kind. —AF

The Aftermath: You’re Telling Me They Froze?! In ‘Frozen’?!

As any ski lift operator who has ever been graced with a $100 bribe from a young woman who was peer-pressured into conning him can attest, sometimes life just hands you an unexpected present. Such was the case when I watched “Frozen,” a movie that I enjoyed far more than I expected to.

I won’t vouch for every single aspect of “Frozen,” but I knew it was a midnight movie worthy of discussion from the moment a character said that there aren’t wolf attacks in New England because the region’s wolves are “pussies.” I figured it was some kind of unsubtle Chekov’s Gun for a movie that could only end in a handful of ways, but the blatant stupidity of the dialogue was so amusing that I decided I would gladly roll in whatever direction the film wanted to take me.

I was also predisposed to like this movie, because being trapped in a ski lift is an utterly terrifying scenario for me. I don’t like traveling in any kind of vehicle where I don’t personally know the person operating it, so roller coasters and airplanes are very much not my thing. My lack of skiing experience had prevented me from ever worrying about this specific scenario, but now I’ll have a new nightmare in the event that I ever give it a try. One thing is for certain though: I’m never planning a ski trip without first doing some research on the masculinity and assertiveness of the local wolf population. —CZ

Those brave enough to join in on the fun can stream “Frozen” (2010) on Tubi. In dieWire After Dark publishes midnight movie recommendations at 11:59 p.m. ET every Friday. Read more of our deranged suggestions…

• ‘Christmas Comes to Pac-Land’ Is the Chomp-Filled ’80s Christmas Relic You Never Knew You Needed
• The Late Julian Sands Blows the Lid Off Hulu’s Holiday Horror Comedy ‘A Nasty Piece of Work’
• ‘The Yattering and Jack’ Warns Against Satanic Turkey Preparation This Thanksgiving Eve

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FROZEN: One of the Most Unsettling & Effective Single-Location Horror Films

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* Editor’s Note: This editorial contains spoilers for Frozen . If you have not seen the film, consider bookmarking this page and revisiting it later.

In addition to being a jarring lesson on the importance of legitimately obtaining a lift ticket, Adam Green’s 2010 film, Frozen is also one of the most unsettling and effective single-location horror films of the past ten years.

Synopsis : As a winter storm approaches, three people become stranded on a chairlift high above the ground after a ski resort closes for the night.

Frozen stars Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, and Kevin Zegers.

After Hatchet (2006), audiences knew that Green was capable of telling a blood-soaked tale, reminiscent of the glory days of the slasher film. But with Frozen , the writer/director tells a very different story. This time around, Green opted to for a character-driven tale of survival over a flashy, effects bonanza that favors grotesque imagery above all else. The latter is certainly enjoyable but choosing the former really allowed Green to show versatility and growth as a filmmaker. And ten years after its initial release, the flick still evokes the same terror and sense of dread that it did the first time I watched it.

The thing that I love most about Frozen is that it is first and foremost a movie about the relationships between its three lead characters. None of them are a caricature or a stereotype. They don’t fit into conventional horror movie tropes like the sexually generous female or the douchey bro. They feel like real people and that connection is what elevates Frozen above enjoyable but perhaps less evocative horror fare.

You don’t mind spending time with these people. They are flawed and they say and do things to remind us of that. But that only adds to their humanity. And that is so important with a (primarily) single location horror film. If we have to spend ninety-minutes with these characters in a confined space, they need to be people that don’t make us want to get up and leave the room to get away from them. But Frozen goes a step beyond that and delivers characters with whom I actually enjoy spending time. In 2010, that wasn’t entirely commonplace in a horror picture. But as the genre continues to evolve and grow, we are seeing more and more of that, proving that Green was onto something.

Because the characters feel like real people, the excruciating circumstances in which they find themselves (stuck on a ski lift after hours when the resort is closing for the next several days) are much more traumatic for the audience. As we get to know Parker (Emma Bell), Joe (Shawn Ashmore), and Dan (Kevin Zegers) we come to identify with their plight and legitimately want the best for them. Parker selflessly worrying about her puppy (who is stuck at home) over her own self-interests not only serves to humanize her but makes the audience want to see her make it out of this ordeal in one piece.

Also effective is the way that Parker and Joe really go deep and talk about pretty personal stuff when they are alone on the lift. It’s not small talk. These are two people that know they’re probably going to die and are trying to make the most of what could be their final moments on earth. They’re coming to terms with their mortality but still holding out a shred of hope. That’s exactly how I would expect someone might feel in that situation and it shows that Green really put an extra measure of thought into his script.

In addition to a great screenplay, Green also shows much restraint as a director. He even cuts away from the carnage of the wolf attack sequence, eschewing graphic visuals to instead amplify the intensity of the situation by focusing on the two characters watching their friend being eaten alive by a pack of hungry wolves. The intensity of their response is far more frightening than any arterial spray or limb ripping could have been. That sequence is so haunting. Watching as one of the characters lays on the ground, screaming into the night with no one to come to his rescue is a visual that is hard to sit through (in a good way).

As well as being noteworthy for a great core cast, the film also deserves props for some terrific cameos. Frequent Adam Green collaborator Ed Ackerman is pitch-perfect as the lift operator and we also get to see Kane Hodder and Joe Lynch popping up during the film’s first act. I really admire Green’s commitment to working with the same collaborators on different projects. I enjoy watching almost anything he puts out because his work feels like a labor of love made with his favorite people. And there’s something very comforting about that.

Aside from palpable tension and great casting choices, another reason Frozen stands out is that it never underestimates the audience’s intelligence. The film isn’t just 90-minutes of college kids sitting on a ski lift and screaming. The characters defy horror stereotypes by making smarter choices than what the audience is expecting. They use logic and common sense to try and improve their situation. That eliminates the need to question their every decision and frees the viewer up to enjoy the film without distraction.  

Adam Green proves his mastery of single location horror with tight shots and lots of close ups that make the viewer feel a sense of confinement and unease. He tells the story in such a way that I feel like I am trapped on that ski lift with the cast. Green engages his audience and takes them on an hour-and-half long ride that is likely to have viewers gripping their armrest. All in all, Frozen is a taut and suspenseful single location film that still gets under my skin ten years later.

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Frozen (I) (2010)

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Movie Review | 'Frozen'

A Nightmare on a Ski Lift

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By Jeannette Catsoulis

• Feb. 4, 2010

A minimalist setup delivers maximum fright in “Frozen,” a nifty little chiller that balances its cold terrain with an unexpectedly warm heart.

The location is a downscale New England ski resort, where three friends (Emma Bell, Kevin Zegers and Shawn Ashmore) are enjoying a weekend getaway. Eager for one last, ill-advised run before the slopes close for the week — night has fallen, and bad weather is approaching — the three are irritated when the chairlift grinds to a halt midway to their destination.

Their irritation rapidly turns to terror when they discover that frostbite, hypothermia and needle-sharp hail pale in comparison with the dangers lurking beneath them.

Assembled with greater economy than a Ralph Nader presidential campaign, “Frozen” gains traction from a credible premise, above-average performances and the kind of modestly intuitive editing (by Ed Marx) that showcases the story and not itself. Between jolts, the writer and director, Adam Green, establishes a relatable emotional dynamic that never feels like filler, bringing us as close to the film’s victims as time and the demands of genre allow.

Filming entirely in Utah, the director proves himself judicious with gore if reckless with everyone’s creature comforts. For Mr. Ashmore, the frigid high-wire shoot must have been particularly grueling: as Ice Man in “X2: X-Men United,” he probably learned never to underestimate the warm embrace of a studio — and the painlessness of computer-generated frost.

“Frozen” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). A peeking bra, a protruding bone and many gnashing teeth.

Opens on Friday nationwide.

Written and directed by Adam Green; director of photography, Will Barratt; edited by Ed Marx; music by Andy Garfield; production designer, Bryan A. McBrien; produced by Peter Block and Cory Neal; released by Anchor Bay Films. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes.

WITH: Emma Bell (Parker O’Neil), Shawn Ashmore (Joe Lynch), Kevin Zegers (Dan Walker), Ed Ackerman (Jason), Rileah Vanderbilt (Shannon) and Kane Hodder (Cody).

Screen Rant

Frozen (2010) ending explained.

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10 Best Winter Horror Movies (That Aren't About Christmas), According To Reddit

10 winter mystery movies to watch while you're snowed in, "i say this respectfully": saving private ryan's ending gets called out for 1 hollywood detail by ww2 historian.

• Frozen is a gripping thriller that explores survival instincts and the consequences of difficult decisions.
• Joe and Dan's attempts at self-rescue lead to their tragic demises, highlighting themes of desperation and the will to survive.
• Parker's fate is left ambiguous, leaving the audience to question whether she truly survives or succumbs to her injuries.

Frozen (2010) is a gripping thriller about friends trapped on a ski lift, and the Frozen ending is somewhat ambiguous. The film presents a starkly different narrative from the Disney animated feature of the same name, which often leads to confusion. Directed by Adam Green, this film is a nail-biting thriller set against a chillingly realistic backdrop. The story unfolds at a ski resort and follows three friends who find themselves trapped on a ski lift, suspended high above the ground with no immediate rescue in sight. As the resort shuts down for a week, the trio faces the harrowing reality of being left to endure the brutal winter elements.

Frozen is a great Adam Green movie that expertly weaves a tale of survival, fear, and the human instinct to persevere against all odds, as the friends ultimately have to decide between freezing to death or risk being torn apart by wolves. From the gripping setup to the suspenseful unfolding of events, Frozen offers a compelling exploration of survival instincts and the consequences of seemingly trivial decisions. The narrative's strength lies in its simplicity and plausibility, which makes the ordeal of the characters - Dan, Joe, and Parker - resonate deeply with the audience. The film challenges its characters - and viewers - with questions about what one might do in such a desperate situation.

These Redditors recommended some cozy winter horror movies that are great watches for the season but don't have anything to do with Christmas.

What Happens To Joe & Dan In Frozen (2010)?

In Frozen , the fates of Joe and Dan are marked by a series of desperate attempts to save themselves, ultimately leading to their tragic demise. The ordeal begins when they, along with Parker, are stranded on a ski lift, facing the harrowing reality of being suspended above a snowy abyss with no immediate rescue in sight. As the hours pass and the severity of their situation escalates, they grapple with the need to take action. Dan's attempt at self-rescue is the first pivotal moment in their struggle. Realizing that waiting on the lift could lead to a slow death, Dan decides to take the risk of jumping down .

The jump ends in disaster. Dan lands awkwardly, suffering severe injuries, and fracturing both his legs. Unable to move, Dan's left to the wolves, and Parker and Joe listen to the graphic noises of the wolves tearing Dan apart . Dan's fate is not just a physical loss but also a psychological blow to the remaining characters. Nevertheless, Joe's attempt to save himself and Parker follows. Driven by desperation and the need to avoid Dan's fate, Joe carefully plans his descent. His strategy is to slowly lower himself to minimize injury. However, the plan goes awry when he encounters a pack of wolves that have been attracted by the commotion.

The wolves, a lurking threat throughout their ordeal, become an immediate danger. Joe's encounter with the wolves is intense and terrifying, leading to a violent and fatal confrontation. Both Joe and Dan's attempts at self-rescue and their subsequent demises underscore the film's themes of desperation, the will to survive, and the unforgiving nature of their circumstances. Their tragic ends serve as a harsh reminder of the fragility of human life when pitted against the relentless forces of nature.

Instead of hoping for some cinematic escapism, why not embrace the winter season by watching these 10 chilling mystery thriller films.

Does Parker Survive In Frozen (2010)?

Parker's fate in Frozen stands as a poignant testament to human endurance, yet it is shrouded in ambiguity. After witnessing the tragic ends of Joe and Dan, Parker musters the courage to descend from the ski lift , embarking on a grueling journey for survival. Her resilience is palpable as she battles severe frostbite, exhaustion, and the psychological trauma of her situation. Her determination to survive is a focal point of the film's climax, showcasing a powerful depiction of human willpower in the face of overwhelming adversity.

However, the film's conclusion leaves Parker's ultimate fate open to interpretation. In the final scenes, Parker successfully climbs down the mountain and reaches a road, a display of sheer tenacity and survival instinct. Parker manages to flag down a car that takes her to the hospital , but the film introduces an element of ambiguity at this critical juncture. Parker's eyes closing as the film ends raises questions about her survival. This moment could be interpreted as a peaceful surrender to sleep after an exhausting ordeal, or it could signify something more dire, like succumbing to her injuries.

Moreover, the extreme conditions Parker endured, coupled with the trauma and exhaustion, open up the possibility of hallucinations. The appearance of the car could be a figment of Parker's strained and desperate mind , a last glimmer of hope imagined in her dire state. This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to the film's ending, leaving the audience to ponder the true outcome of her journey. Did Parker truly survive and get rescued, or is the film presenting a more nuanced and uncertain conclusion? This uncertainty deepens the film's impact, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer and inviting various interpretations of Parker's fate.

Emma Bell has a cameo as Parker in Hatchett II, hinting that the character does survive.

The Wolves In Frozen (2010) Are Real

Unlike the CGI-enhanced wolves in The Grey , " The wolves in Frozen are as real as the danger they represent ," asserts director Adam Green (via The Crimson ). Contrary to some critics' assumptions that the wolves were computer-generated, Green clarifies that they were indeed real animals, intensively trained for the film. " All the wolves are real ," he states. Green added:

Critics assume that they must be CGI. We had six weeks of training with a pack of wolves with the wolf man. This was the same wolf man who trained the wolves in Dances with Wolves and The Chronicles of Narnia. They are wild animals. They are unpredictable. At any moment, they could snap.

This choice to use real wolves adds a layer of authenticity to the film, heightening the sense of danger and unpredictability. The presence of these trained yet inherently wild creatures contributes significantly to the film's tense atmosphere, underscoring the harsh realities of the natural world and the primal fears it can evoke in humans.

Is Frozen (2010) Based On A True Story?

While Frozen is not based on a specific true story, its roots lie in the realm of plausible scenarios, drawn from director Adam Green's personal experiences and fears . Green revealed that he grew up with a deep awareness of the dangers associated with ski resorts and the mountains. This awareness, combined with his own fears, inspired the creation of Frozen . The film, therefore, while fictional, is grounded in a reality familiar to Green. The authenticity of the setting and the scenario resonate with anyone familiar with skiing or mountainous regions, lending the film an air of credibility that enhances its impact. Green recalled his fears from his youth, explaining:

I grew up skiing in the New England area and not being able to afford to go to the real mountains up North. Not exactly real mountain skiing. And in the time periods when they were only open Friday to Sunday, and you were on that last run, and you hear the lift stop, you always had that scary thought that you were stuck.

How Realistic Is Frozen (2010)?

Frozen's realism is a key factor that sets it apart from other thrillers. The film's depiction of the stranded trio, their reactions, and the ensuing survival struggle is grounded in a level of realism that is both believable and relatable. The characters' psychological and physical responses to their predicament are portrayed with an attention to detail that resonates with real-world survival scenarios. Furthermore, the use of a real ski resort and the incorporation of actual wildlife risks, such as the wolves, add layers of authenticity to Frozen's harsh winter setting . The film's setting, isolated and suspended in the icy wilderness, creates a plausible scenario that could conceivably occur in reality.

Frozen's simple premise makes it scary , as its adherence to realism not only enhances the film's suspense but also provokes a deeper emotional response from the audience, as the characters' fears and decisions mirror what many might feel and do in a similar situation.

The Real Meaning Of Frozen (2010)'s Ending

Frozen's ending carries a meaning beyond the immediate narrative of survival. It speaks to the human condition, the instinct for survival, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. Parker's survival serves as a powerful symbol of hope and the will to persevere. The ending is also a reminder of the respect one must have for nature and the unforeseen dangers it can present. Moreover, it underscores the psychological impact of traumatic experiences, suggesting a lasting effect on those who endure them. Frozen is not just a story of physical survival, but also a deeper commentary on the strength and vulnerability of the human psyche.

Where to Watch Frozen Source: The Crimson

Eric’s Review: Frozen (2010)

★★★★ out of ★★★★★ No not THAT Frozen!  A surprisingly solid under-the-radar survival horror piece, that has plausibility plastered all over it.  

Written and Directed by Adam Green

Frozen  has a promising young cast including Emma Bell (Amy from The Walking Dead Season 1), Shawn Ashmore (Somewhat ironically Ice Man from the X-Men franchise), and Kevin Zegers (Mel from Fear The Walking Dead ).  The three of them want to squeeze in one last run on the ski lift at a New England ski resort.  They bribe the lift operator to let them on, just as the resort is about to close, but in a terrible happenstance, there is confusion about how many people are on the hill, and the resort closes, with the three snowboarders stuck on the ski lift for what will be a five days (until the lift begins operations again the following Friday) in freezing winter conditions.

Some of the promotional material suggests that Frozen plays out like Jaws, which is thematically close in that it is a man vs. nature drama, but the movie lacks the gravitic heft of the Spielbergian classic.  The cast, as talented as it is, does not have the charisma or camaraderie of  the 1976 blockbuster .  I would suggest that the movie strongly resembles Open Water,  a much more modestly budgeted movie, and much more about a tale of survival against the odds, with mounting terrifying layers rather than an epic Melvillian hunt of a great monster.  It certainly isn’t a complicated plot, and I think the restraint in not trying to do too much with it plays in this film’s favor.

This to me is an example of how to do a young person in peril film correctly.   Take that handsome cast, put them up against something tangible to react to, and keep the story throughline direct and to the point.  You understand the stakes of the situation explicitly.  The protagonists are all relatable, and all of the actions taken can be seen through the lens of desperation, and the logic, though stretched, never completely falls apart. If you are an acrophobe, or if you ever had that nervous worry about getting onto a ski lift, this movie will touch a nerve, for sure. The fundamental design of this movie lines up with the following propositions:

• Oooooh, sucks to be them.
• That looks like it really hurt.
• How could this get worse?
• That got worse.  Now what?

It’s a simple tale, handled well.  And it reminds you sometimes that sometimes the simplest plots can be the scariest ones since they hit on core, primal fears.

Frozen is rated R, and is available streaming on Amazon.  This would make for a pretty good gateway film as a jump from PG-13 material.  Nothing really pushing the boundaries of offensive, except for some language, as it earns its rating primarily through intense drama.

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Home » Horror News » Frozen (2010) Revisited – Horror Movie Review

Frozen (2010) Revisited – Horror Movie Review

The new episode of the Best Horror Movie You Never Saw video series looks back at Adam Green’s 2010 film Frozen

As the United States continues to be battered with winter storms, this seemed like a good time to revisit a horror film with a wintry setting for the Best Horror Movie You Never Saw video series – and the movie we’ve decided to bring more attention to with the new episode is writer/director Adam Green’s 2010 film Frozen (watch it HERE )… a movie which was released just three years before an animated Disney film came along and took ownership of the title “ Frozen ” in the minds of most movie-goers. To hear about Adam Green’s Frozen , check out the video embedded above!

This Frozen has the following synopsis: As a winter storm approaches, three people become stranded on a chairlift high above the ground when a ski resort closes for the week .

The film stars Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, and Kevin Zegers, with an appearance by Green’s Hatchet franchise star Kane Hodder .

Our  Best Horror Movie You Never Saw  series is dedicated to highlighting horror films that, for one reason or another, don’t get as much love as we think they should. We know plenty of you horror hounds out there will have seen many of the movies we pick, but there will be plenty of you who have not.

The  Frozen  episode of  Best Horror Movie You Never Saw  was Written by Cody Hamman, Narrated by Jason Hewlett, Edited by Paul Bookstaber, Produced by John Fallon and Tyler Nichols, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.

Have you already seen  Frozen,  and if so, are you a fan of the movie? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.

A couple previous episodes of the  Best Horror Movie You Never Saw  series can be seen below. To see more, and to check out some of our other shows, head over to the  JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel  – and subscribe while you’re there!

About the Author

Cody is a news editor and film critic, focused on the horror arm of JoBlo.com, and writes scripts for videos that are released through the JoBlo Originals and JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channels. In his spare time, he's a globe-trotting digital nomad, runs a personal blog called Life Between Frames, and writes novels and screenplays.

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Frozen (2010) Movie Ending Explained: What Becomes of Dan, Joe, and Parker?

Imagine planning a ski adventure with your two best friends, unaware that this so-called adventure could turn into a colossal blunder of a lifetime. What was meant to be a delightful week-long retreat on the slopes quickly morphs into a bone-chilling nightmare for three friends: Joe, Parker, and Dan. All of this unfolds in the spine-tingling thriller dubbed “Frozen,” helmed by none other than Hatchet fame Adam Green.

Despite hitting the silver screen more than a decade ago, this movie hasn’t lost its touch for sending shivers down your spine. Starring Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, and Kevin Zegers, “Frozen” is the kind of thriller that can make even the toughest cookie jump out of their seat. Adam Green, the director, enjoys a reputation for luring his audience into nerve-wracking situations. He’s like a puppeteer pulling the strings of discomfort, using tight spaces, confined locations, and the drama between his characters to make you squirm in your seat. This spine-chilling approach is also obvious in several of his other movies, such as “Victor Crowley” and “Digging Up the Marrow.”

Frozen (2010) Movie Synopsis & Plot Summary:

Stuck on a chairlift.

The movie begins with Joe and Dan twisting Parker’s arm into helping them score a discounted chairlift ride. Their ploy? A story about a group of girlfriends who’ve traveled from Salem State but had unfortunately left wallets behind at a gas station pit stop. After some initial skepticism, the resort employee gives in to her sob story, dishing out a hefty discount. Little did he know that Parker had lied, for she was flanked not by a group of gal pals but by two men. After having the time of their life, Dan and Joe decide it’s time to graduate from the bunny slopes and take on the mountain’s real challenges.

Yet, much to their chagrin, all chairlifts to the mountain are closed due to bad weather conditions. However, Joe and Dan are in no mood to back down and, thus, bribes Jason, one of the employees, to allow them one last run to the mountain, swearing on their skis that they’ll be back before the mountain’s lights flicker off. Unfortunately, the mountain is closed before their arrival, trapping them on the chairlift in freezing conditions. As the cold bites and the world turns white around them, the realization sinks in—they’re trapped 50 feet above the ground, with no means of contacting the people below.

Desperate Times Desperate Measures

Parker was the first one to lose control, crying and screaming in fear, considering the possibility of what would happen if they were stuck there for longer. Sharing the same fear, Dan attempted to soothe Parker’s escalating panic. He offered the thought that the chairlift had merely stopped due to a temporary power outage and would soon be back in motion once electricity was restored. But hope dwindled as the lights below them winked out one after another. This shattered Dan’s attempt at reassurance.

The truth became clear – they were trapped, suspended on this chairlift for a seemingly endless three days, with the mountain off-limits until Friday. The group became desperate with every passing second. Time seemed to stretch, each heartbeat echoing with anxiety. Soon, Dan’s thoughts took a desperate turn. The idea of jumping from the chairlift brushed against his mind.

The hope that survival might greet them at the bottom, however slim, manifests into his desperate thoughts. But as luck would have it, the group finds themselves faced with an icy blizzard that’s far colder than their foolish ideas. But that’s not all. The trio’s string of misfortunes doesn’t end there.  Hope pokes its head briefly when they spot Cody, down below in his truck, just passing by. Desperation fuels a frenzied attempt to catch his attention and signal for help, but luck’s not on their side either. Their signals go unnoticed, their pleas lost in the howling winds as Cody continues on his way, unaware of their dire situation.

Frozen (2010) Movie Ending Explained:

What becomes of dan, joe, and parker.

With no choice left, Dan jumps 100 feet below, only to be rendered incapacitated by the fall. The audience sees Dan’s bones soaked in his blood and sticking out of his body. Dan somehow manages to stop himself from bleeding out. Unfortunately, Dan is attacked and killed by the pack of wolves while his friends scream and cry helplessly. With Dan gone, Parker loses his cool and begins blaming Joe, asking why he let Dan jump.

Moreover, with Dan gone, Parker can’t help but think about the possibility that she might not make it till Monday. Parker cries in pain, thinking her little pup will starve to death if she doesn’t survive. The thought of her pet puppy waiting by the front door, cocking her little head out at every little noise she hears, burdens her heart. Joe tries calming her down, swearing that she will make it and will see her family and puppy. Joe also shares his story, saying he has been a douchebag all his life and has made many mistakes, but befriending Dan was the best decision he has ever made.

Both Joe and Parker realized that Dan didn’t sacrifice his life for them to accept their fate and die. Joe gathered what little strength he still had left and somehow managed to climb to the other chairlift while the wolves circled underneath, waiting for their next meal. Joe somehow reaches the surface and promises Parker that he will bring help as soon as possible. However, he soon finds himself under attack by a pack of wolves.

Hours turn into a whole night, and there’s no sign of Joe’s return. With desperation setting in, Parker realizes she can’t survive one more night. Despite the odds, she descends again, but the fall results in her losing her leg. Summoning all her strength, Parker drags herself to the road and encounters Joe’s mauled corpse. Struggling but determined, Parker inches closer to the roadside and eventually loses consciousness. Fortunately, a passing car stops and the driver rushes to help her and takes her to the hospital, marking the end of the movie.

Despite its genre, “Frozen” is about more than simply the horrors of survival. It focuses on the characters’ internal moral conflicts, the choices they make, and the repercussions of those choices. The movie does a good job of making you nervous, both because of the wolves and because of the protagonists’ own emotional state.

Read More: 10 Interesting Psychological Thriller Movies You Can Stream on Hulu Right Now

Frozen (2010) Movie Links: IMDb , Rotten Tomatoes , Wikipedia The Cast of Frozen (2010) Movie: Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Zegers, Emma Bell Frozen (2010) Movie Genre: Mystery & thriller/Horror, Runtime: 1h 33m

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• Common Sense Says
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Common Sense Media Review

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Frozen is a Disney animated musical that's likely to appeal to families with children of all ages. As in many Disney movies, the parents die, here leaving orphaned princesses who must find a way to survive. There are a few other violent scenes that involve men with weapons, snarling…

Why Age 5+?

When they're young, Elsa accidentally hits Anna with her freezing magic and ends

Nothing in the actual movie, but there are countless merchandise tie-ins with th

Champagne is served at a royal reception.

The trolls call Kristoff a "fixer upper" and recount some of his flaws (like bei

Princess Anna thinks that she's fallen in love with Prince Hans in just a few ho

Any Positive Content?

Themes include compassion, courage, integrity, communication, and self-control.

Anna is a brave, kind, and loving sister. She doesn't give up on her sister, eve

While the movie wasn't created with educational intent, it offers lessons on the

Violence & Scariness

When they're young, Elsa accidentally hits Anna with her freezing magic and ends up nearly killing her. Elsa and Anna's parents die in a shipwreck; the stormy sea/sinking boat and resulting mourning are briefly seen. Queen Elsa unleashes her magic on the kingdom and plunges it into eternal winter. Vicious wolves chase Anna and Kristoff on a sleigh. Elsa creates a very menacing snow monster and accidentally hurts Anna again. Men with guns and bows try to hurt Elsa. The queen is imprisoned and sentenced to be executed. Anna's heart begins to freeze, and it seems likely her whole body will turn to ice. A severe winter storm unleashed by Elsa's feelings could upset/alarm some younger kids.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Nothing in the actual movie, but there are countless merchandise tie-ins with the movie, from apparel and figurines to costumes, accessories, books, make-up, and games.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

The trolls call Kristoff a "fixer upper" and recount some of his flaws (like being "smelly" and his unnatural attachment to his reindeer). The visiting dignitaries call the Queen Elsa a "monster," an "evil sorceress," a "traitor," "murderer," etc.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Princess Anna thinks that she's fallen in love with Prince Hans in just a few hours (after some flirting and exchanging of favorite things) and ends up accepting his proposal. Then she spends time really getting to know Kristoff and actually falls in love. Two kisses at the end of the movie. Queen Elsa wears a tight sparkly dress with a high slit. The trolls want Anna and Kristoff to get married.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Themes include compassion, courage, integrity, communication, and self-control. Positive messages about not being afraid of your power and talents, not letting people you love run away, and the importance of figuring out that love demands selflessness and generosity. The love and bonds of sisterhood are emphasized, and the idea of true love taking time to develop is stressed.

Positive Role Models

Anna is a brave, kind, and loving sister. She doesn't give up on her sister, even when everyone else deems her a danger to the kingdom. Elsa, in turn, finally discovers that her power doesn't have to be destructive; it can bring joy, too. Kristoff and Anna teach other that finding the person you love takes more than just one day -- it means overcoming obstacles and sticking by each other during tough times. Olaf is cheerful and loyal.

Educational Value

While the movie wasn't created with educational intent, it offers lessons on the importance of family and loyalty, as well as the value of not jumping head first into a romantic relationship.

Parents need to know that Frozen is a Disney animated musical that's likely to appeal to families with children of all ages. As in many Disney movies, the parents die, here leaving orphaned princesses who must find a way to survive. There are a few other violent scenes that involve men with weapons, snarling wolves, a scary snow monster, a severe storm, and a character who nearly freezes to death. A character falls in love -- twice -- and ends up sharing two kisses at the end of the story. Messages include unconditional love between sisters after a long estrangement, being true to yourself, recognizing your gifts, and not being afraid of your power. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (202)
• Kids say (471)

Based on 202 parent reviews

Oh, come on people

Steer clear, what's the story.

FROZEN very loosely borrows from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of The Snow Queen : In a Scandinavian-like kingdom, two young princesses frolic in the first snowfall. Elder sister Elsa has the magical power to conjure ice, so she creates a winter wonderland for her adoring little sister, Anna. But when Elsa accidentally hurts Anna with her magic, their royal parents decide to shutter Elsa away from the kingdom. The sisters grow up separate from society -- and each other ... a strategy that works until the king and queen die in a shipwreck and Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel ) must be crowned the new queen. During the coronation festivities, Anna ( Kristen Bell ) falls for visiting Prince Hans (Santino Fontana) who immediately proposes. But when they ask Elsa for her blessing, she scoffs, loses control of her powers, runs up a mountain, and sends the kingdom into an eternal winter. Feeling guilty, Anna sets out to find Elsa with the help of unlikely allies -- a loner ice harvester Kristoff ( Jonathan Groff ), his loyal reindeer Sven, and a goofy, sentient snowman named Olaf ( Josh Gad ).

Is It Any Good?

Make room for two more wonderful princesses in this perfect combination of the best Disney has to offer. Frozen has catchy, show-stopping musical numbers, empowering heroines who discover the strength within themselves, stunning animated visuals, and scene-stealing sidekicks. There are worthy messages about everything from sisterly unconditional love to being true to yourself to not getting engaged to someone you literally just met. In addition to the the pithy songs like "For the First Time in Forever," "Let It Go," "In Summer," and "Fixer Upper" -- fabulously composed by couple Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez -- the sweet themes of sisterhood and self-identity make for a delightful tale.

Musical theater stars Menzel, Groff, Fontana, and Gad provide an awesome lineup of singers who make Frozen sound like it's already headed for Broadway. The always adorable Bell doesn't disappoint as the plucky and industrious Anna, who refuses to let Elsa stay away and believe herself a monster. Groff is perfectly cast as Kristoff, who challenges and surprises Anna -- and in turn is challenged and surprised by the brave princess. Their romance is a refreshing counterpoint to Anna and Hans' (which, as it turns out, isn't the swoon-worthy love-at-first-sight connection that she imagined) without taking away from the central storyline about the lovely sisters who discover their power.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Frozen 's message. What do Anna and Elsa learn over the course of the movie? Kids: How can you apply the movie's lessons to your own life?

What do you think of the act of love that saves the kingdom?

There's more music in Frozen than in recent Disney films. How does the soundtrack compare to other Disney movies?

How do the characters in Frozen demonstrate courage , self-control , and integrity ? What about communication and compassion ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 27, 2013
• On DVD or streaming : March 18, 2014
• Cast : Jonathan Groff , Josh Gad , Kristen Bell
• Directors : Chris Buck , Jennifer Lee
• Inclusion Information : Female directors, Gay actors, Middle Eastern/North African actors, Female actors
• Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
• Genre : Family and Kids
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Brothers and Sisters , Fairy Tales
• Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Self-control
• Run time : 102 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : some action and mild rude humor
• Award : Kids' Choice Award
• Last updated : June 8, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

What to watch next.

The Little Mermaid

The Princess and the Frog

Princess movies, musicals for kids, related topics.

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Frozen Reviews

The plot is thin, the characters...are annoying, and their motivations are puzzling...It does not help that the "villain" here is vague, and the benevolent characters never complete their "hero’s journeys".

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 12, 2024

Ten years later, Frozen remains one of the iconic films in the Disney library and can hold its own against any of the Disney Renaissance films or earlier classics.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 14, 2023

I wish exposition wasn’t overused, and that more risks were taken concerning the screenplay, but as a Disney animated flick, it meets the company’s standards.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Jul 24, 2023

While trying to please everyone, Disney speaks to the lowest common denominator instead of setting itself apart.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 19, 2022

It's genuinely a delightful experience; full of memorable songs and fun moments & lots of dry humour.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 16, 2021

Frozen has all the elements of classic Disney.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 1, 2021

I felt like Frozen was a mixed bag: not as bad as I feared it would be, but not as fun to watch as Tangled or as subversive as Brave.

Full Review | Jan 20, 2021

The story occasionally transforms around the musical numbers, but they're of notably momentous design.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 3, 2020

It is one of 2013's most immersive and enjoyable animated features.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 8, 2020

Frozen in parts was entertaining and fine as a feature film but its not consistent enough to grab my attention for long periods of time.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jul 15, 2020

Frozen is the best of Disney's princess films since Beauty and the Beast.

Full Review | Jun 30, 2020

Sparkling with wonder, is magical. Won't Oscar gold look beautiful glistening in Elsa's ice palace!

Full Review | Jan 7, 2020

Frozen is a bit childish, but that's okay. Its level of sophistication isn't Pixar-ian, but that wasn't its aim. This was an attempt to travel back to mermaids, little and beasts, beautiful. And by and large, it does just that.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Aug 27, 2019

Frozen is, above all, an entertaining and charmingly poignant tale about love overcoming fear.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 31, 2019

Disney still has the magic and charm to turn out something wonderful, and Frozen is a delightful animated treat for the whole family.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 9, 2019

There are laughs aplenty, memorable tunes galore, and enough subversions of old tropes to make Frozen fresh.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 8, 2019

As animated features go, "Frozen" is a visual feast, a beautifully designed film that perfectly captures this magical world.

Full Review | Apr 9, 2019

It's Bell's infectious performance as Anna that's easily the standout here though, the actress instilling the young princess with a tender core that makes her easy to root for.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 6, 2019

It is a seminal movie in the Disney Canon for me.

Full Review | Original Score: 9/10 | Feb 6, 2019

A consistently delightful animated feature, action-packed, beautiful to watch and studded with strong show tunes, Frozen harks back to the Disney classics.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jan 19, 2019

The 10 Best Movies Like 'Frozen'

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Walt Disney Studios's Frozen is not only one of the defining animated movies of the 2000s but one of the defining movies in general. Releasing just in time for the holiday season of 2013, families across the world fell in love with the story of an optimistic princess, her ice-selling companion, snowman friend, and misunderstood ice queen sister. As "Let It Go" became an international earworm, Frozen became the highest-grossing animated film of all time , at the time of release, and was honored with multiple accolades, including Grammys, Academy Awards, and Golden Globes.

Focusing on themes of family and friendship, and deliberately straying from typical Disney romance storylines in favor of highlighting Anna and Elsa's sisterhood, Frozen has become nothing short of a pop culture phenomenon loved by many viewers. While it is difficult to emulate the enjoyment that Frozen has brought audiences, viewers can find the same heartwarming feeling in many other on-screen adventures , outside of Frozen 's sequel and spin-offs.

Not available

10 'Enchanted' (2007)

Directed by kevin lima.

Like Frozen, Disney's 2007 live-action adventure Enchanted is a fish-out-of-water story . The movie follows Princess Giselle, a redheaded optimist, much like Frozen 's Anna, who is thrust into the real world from her animated fairytale kingdom and must navigate New York City. Struggling to adapt to the city's customs, including the likes of public transport, universal pessimism, and a serious lack of singing to animals, Giselle sets out to show Robert, a Manhattan divorce attorney, that he can find magic in his life.

While Anna and Giselle are similar characters in terms of their attitudes and beliefs, their situations are entirely different. Anna is forced to battle against those who are opposed to her sister and her powers, whilst Giselle only has to contend with "average" people from the real world. However, both manage to change the lives of those they come in contact with for the better, opening them up to love.

9 'Secret of the Wings' (2012)

Directed by peggy holmes.

Disney's Tinker Bell film series is incredibly underrated, going unnoticed by many general film fans, yet it gives popular side character Tinker Bell, of Peter Pan , her own personality and story. One of the biggest developments in her backstory and character development comes in the fourth franchise installment Secret of the Wings .

In Secret of the Wings, Tinker Bell discovers the identity of her twin sister, Periwinkle, a frost fairy who lives a very different life to Tinker Bell. The narrative shares many similarities to Frozen, from the focus on developing a newfound sisterhood to the winter/snowy aesthetics and the general perception that those with frost powers pose a threat to the general way of life. Secret of the Wings is a fun family adventure that is perfect for Frozen fans.

Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings

8 'how to train your dragon' (2010), directed by chris sanders and dean deblois.

While it may not be the most obvious or natural comparison in the world, there are many similarities to be drawn between Frozen 's Queen Elsa, and How to Train Your Dragon 's Toothless. The 2010 DreamWorks animation depicts a fictional Viking village in which the young, scrawny Hiccup pursues his dream of becoming a dragon slayer. However, when the time comes, he is unable to kill the injured dragon Toothless, and instead befriends him.

Within both movies, Elsa and Toothless are dehumanized and seen as the opposition, purely due to misunderstanding and fear. However, Anna and Hiccup are able to convince their people that neither the Queen nor the dragon harbor any malice towards anyone. Both movies promote themes of unity and working towards understanding those who are different from the general populace.

How to Train Your Dragon

7 'anastasia' (1997), directed by don bluth and gary goldman.

If viewers are looking for a movie that emulates the beautiful winter aesthetic of Frozen , then they should look no further than the 1997 animated classic Anastasia . The movie tells an alternate timeline account of the life of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov , who many believed to have escaped when her family was killed by Bolsheviks in 1918.

After suffering from amnesia and believing herself to be a poor young woman named Anya, Anastasia joins two con men on a journey to discover who she really is, going toe to toe with the likes of the undead Grigori Rasputin and his bat companion Bartok. Both Anastasia and Frozen took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song , for "Journey to the Past" and "Let It Go" respectively.

Anastasia (1997)

6 'the princess and the frog' (2009), directed by john musker and ron clements.

Disney's The Princess and the Frog takes the classic German Folktale and adapts it to a 1920s New Orleans setting. The movie follows Tiana, an incredibly committed and hardworking woman, who dreams of opening the restaurant she and her father planned together before his death. However, the dream is put on hold when she kisses the frog prince Naveen and turns into the animal herself. This leads her on a journey of self-discovery as she, and the loveable characters she meets along the way, attempt to return to their human selves.

Despite being depicted as a frog for a large portion of the runtime, The Princess and the Frog was praised for its depictions of Tiana's celebration of her family's culture, and the bustling scenes in New Orleans during the time period. Despite being loosely adapted from older source materials, both Frozen and The Princess and the Frog, celebrate the music, aesthetics, and language of real cultures.

The Princess and the Frog

5 'rise of the guardians' (2012), directed by peter ramsey.

Releasing just a year apart, audiences have frequently drawn parallels between Frozen 's Elsa and Rise of the Guardian 's Jack Frost. Whilst the two embark on very different journeys throughout their movies' narratives, they share many similar traits and abilities.

Rise of the Guardians follows Guardians Santa Claus, Jack Frost, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny, who attempt to protect the innocence of childhood from an evil darkness. Like Elsa, Jack Frost is severely misunderstood and falls into the background when it comes to the more well-known personalities around him . Similarly, his rule-breaking and obligation-shirking tendencies are something that Elsa finds momentarily solace in when she leaves the castle. In the end, both characters are able to use their powers for good and to bring joy into the lives of others.

Rise of the Guardians

4 'brave' (2012), directed by mark andrews and brenda chapman.

Pixar's Brave made history as the first animated movie from the studio to feature a female protagonist, the fiery redhead, Princess Merida. The movie follows the Scottish Princess as she attempts to carve out her own path, separate from tradition, and break a curse that has been placed upon her family.

The film's lack of a typical love story, with Merida refusing to give in to tradition and be married to the son of an allied clan, is somewhat unique amongst Disney Princess properties. However, both Brave and Frozen were praised for their focus on familial relationships, especially those between women . Where Frozen depicts a sisterly bond, Brave shows how a mother and a daughter, who have been raised with different ideals, can come to understand one another.

3 'Tangled' (2010)

Directed by nathan greno and byron howard.

With catchy songs, charming animal sidekicks, and a princess trying to find out who she really is, Disney's Tangled is the perfect movie for any Frozen fan. Based on the story of Rapunzel, Tangled follows the Princess, who was taken from her parents as a baby and kept hidden within a tower by her believed Mother Gothel, as she ventures out into the world for the first time. Accompanied by thief Flynn Rider, her pet chameleon Pascal , and Palace horse Maximus, Rapunzel uncovers her true identity and experiences the happiness and hardship of the real world.

Rapunzel's journey follows one not dissimilar to Anna of Frozen, as she longs to experience the world outside her home , but when she does, she must contend with both the positives and negatives of life in general society. Overall, both princesses learn to embrace the good and the bad as a small price to pay for freedom and family.

2 'Moana' (2016)

Disney's Moana has become one of the most beloved animated movies of the last decade, with perfect music by Lin Manuel Miranda , stunning animation, and memorable vocal performances from Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson .

Taking inspiration from Polynesian myth, Moana follows the title character, who longs to break out of the confines of a coastal village and explore the ocean. When she is chosen by the ocean to reunite the Goddess Te Fiti with a mystical relic, she sets sail to find the Demigod Maui so he can assist her on her quest. As seen in Frozen, there are hugely prominent themes of devotion to family, duty, and breaking out of the confines of a life that was decided before birth. Like Frozen, audiences eagerly await the next installment in Moana and Maui's adventures .

1 'Encanto' (2021)

Directed by jared bush and byron howard.

Like Frozen, Disney's Encanto had its moment at the very forefront of pop culture in 2021 and 2022. While the film wasn't the biggest box office earner, it jumped up in popularity and presence when it dropped on the studio's streaming platform Disney+, and was introduced to a wider audience.

Encanto follows the Madrigals, a large Columbian family, who possess magical gifts. However, protagonist Mirabel never received hers and is forced to fight to earn respect from the matriarch of her family, whilst keeping the Madrigals safe from potential harm. Similar to "Let It Go," Encanto 's soundtrack, particularly the songs "Surface Pressure" and "We Don't Talk About Bruno," became a sensation amongst audiences, shooting to the tops of charts across the world.

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