The sense of adventure is always a feeling that draws people in. Many adventure enthusiasts engage in various extreme sports to satisfy this craving for excitement. One of these is mountaineering. Watching climbers struggle against harsh weather conditions and the merciless slopes of mountains as they try to reach the summit and "touch the sky" will take your breath away. Here are the best mountaineering films…
TOUCHING THE VOID (2003)
In the mid-1980s, two young climbers, Simon and Joe, begin climbing Siula Grande in Peru, considered almost impossible to summit. After days of adventure, they manage to reach the top.
However, on the way back, Joe falls and breaks his leg. Simon tries to help his friend by tying him to a 300-meter rope and bringing him down together. But Joe gets caught in a way that leaves Simon no choice but to cut the rope. Accepting his friend's apparent death, Simon continues his journey. Yet Joe survives a crevasse fall and descends the mountain alone.
THE CLIMB (1986)
A true story of Austrian climber Hermann Buhl, who achieved the first successful ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953 under extremely difficult conditions.
EVEREST (2015)
Two groups of climbers attempting Everest face a powerful snowstorm, marking the start of a major disaster. Based on real events from 1996, the film is directed by Baltasar Kormákur, portraying a life-or-death struggle against extreme weather.
MERU (2015)
This US-India co-production documentary follows three climbers on their journey to Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu mythology, regarded as a meeting place and refuge of the gods.
VALLEY UPRISING (2014)
Valley Uprising tells the thrilling and unforgettable story of Yosemite National Park’s bold rock climbing tradition and a half-century-long battle against authority driven by the allure of the cliffs.
THE DAWN WALL (2017)
The legendary climber Tommy Caldwell’s ascent of the seemingly impossible 914-meter El Capitan “Dawn Wall.”
FREE SOLO (2018)
This film tells the story of Alex Honnold, who achieved one of the greatest feats in climbing history: the first free solo climb of Yosemite’s 914-meter El Capitan without any safety equipment or ropes.
The Free Solo documentary by National Geographic won the 2019 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
NORDWAND / NORTH FACE (2008)
Unlike classic anti-Nazi propaganda films, North Face depicts the events of 1936 Nazi Germany where “reaching the summit” becomes a passionate challenge. Several climbers set aside differences to tackle one of Europe’s most difficult peaks.
Based on real events, the plot shows Nazi Germany as a backdrop, highlighting the regime’s pursuit of power and prestige.
ALIVE (1993)
Based on the true story of the Uruguayan rugby team, the film focuses on their struggle for survival after their plane crashes in the Andes mountains.
Team members do everything they can to survive the harsh conditions. Some succumb to the extreme weather and terrain, while others rely on faith and the hope of returning to their families.
K2 (1991)
Lawyer Taylor and his physicist friend Harold are exhilarated by mountains. Fearlessly confronting danger, they encounter another climbing group preparing for an expedition in Alaska. When two members of that group die in an avalanche, Taylor and Harold decide to take their place.
127 HOURS (2010)
Young climber Aron Ralston becomes trapped by a giant boulder in Utah's Moab region during a solo trip. Over five days, Aron struggles to survive, with no one to rescue him. The only way out depends on himself…
BLINDSIGHT (2006)
Six young Tibetan climbers attempt to summit Lhakpa-Ri, despite being blind. Their lack of sight does not hinder their passionate adventure. Veteran climber Erik Weihenmayer, who has summited peaks across all continents, guides and climbs with them.
THE WILDEST DREAM (2010)
1920… Everest, still one of the world’s greatest mysteries, captures attention. George Mallory and his team volunteer for this challenging mission, but Everest’s harsh climate and unknown dangers claim many lives. Mallory eventually returns, but years later, climber Conrad Anker investigates Mallory’s fate in a breathtaking documentary.
VERTICAL LIMIT (2000)
Peter and Annie are siblings and professional climbers. After losing their father in an accident, Annie continues climbing, while Peter pursues photography. Years later, they reunite at K2 base camp, facing dangerous conditions during a commercial expedition, leading Peter to organize a daring rescue.
THE SUMMIT (2012)
A documentary about the tragic deaths of 11 climbers attempting K2, considered one of the world’s most dangerous mountains, during the 2008 expedition. It showcases the extreme risks faced by alpinists.
THE MOUNTAIN (1956)
Based on Henri Troyat’s novel, this film tells the story of a man drawn into a mountain rescue mission after a plane crashes during a trip to Paris. Filmed in the Italian Alps, it offers insight into climbing films from 40 years ago with a compelling cast.
THE EIGER SANCTION (1975)
Jonathan, a university professor and professional climber, is secretly an assassin for the government. When his close friend is killed, he leaves a quiet retirement to track the killer in the Swiss Alps, joining a climbing group for a thrilling adventure.
NANGA PARBAT (2010)
The dramatic story of the Messner brothers… In 1970, Reinhold and Günther Messner attempt a climb that ends in tragedy. Günther dies in an avalanche, leaving many questions unanswered. Nanga Parbat, at 8,126 meters, is the ninth-highest mountain in the world. The film highlights Reinhold Messner’s legendary achievements.
DEVIL'S PASS (2013)
In 1959, a group of professional climbers set off to camp in the Ural Mountains. Their mysterious deaths shortly afterward became a legend. Years later, American students investigate the incident, but the journey turns into a terrifying nightmare filled with strange occurrences and harsh conditions.
A LONELY PLACE TO DIE (2011)
A group of young climbers ventures into the Scottish Highlands for a new adventure. What starts as a normal climb turns dangerous when they discover a girl held captive in the mountains. Rescuing her, they find themselves facing a deadly adventure.
SHERPA (2015)
This documentary focuses on Sherpas, the climbers’ support team who face life-threatening risks. Based on the April 18, 2014 avalanche that killed 18 Sherpas on Everest, the film highlights the unfair treatment they endured and immortalizes the tragedy.
