Best Movies About Hiking

Updated May 1, 2024

Multiple creators have talked about Best Movies About Hiking. We wrote about 22 of the best ones.

Into the Wild (2007)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Into the Wild is a 2007 American biographical adventure drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Sean Penn. The film is based on the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer and is an expansion of a 9,000-word article by Krakauer on Christopher McCandless titled "Death of an Innocent", which appeared in the January 1993 issue of Outside magazine. The film follows the travels of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man from a well-to-do family who graduated from college in 1992 and gave away his savings of $24,000 to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Chris encounters a series of characters who shape his life. Ultimately, he seeks a raw, transcendent experience away from civilization. McCandless' adventures brings him face to face with the beauty of nature, but also the harshness of the wild. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $116.6 million on a $20 million budget. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Editing and Best Supporting Actor for Hal Holbrook.

Free Solo (2018)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, starring Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe
Rated PG-13

"Free Solo" is a 2018 documentary film directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. The film follows professional rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's El Capitan wall. The film follows Honnold as he mentally and physically prepares to complete the climb, as well as the emotions he and his friends and family experience as he attempts the dangerous feat. The film culminates in the actual climb, which is captured in breathtaking detail. The film is an inspiring story about courage, determination, and what is possible if we push ourselves to our limits.

Touching the Void (2003)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Kevin Macdonald, starring Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron
Rated R

Touching the Void is a 2003 British docudrama survival film directed by Kevin Macdonald about the real-life survival story of two mountaineers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates. The film is based on Simpson's 1988 book of the same name. It follows the story of Simpson and Yates's 1985 journey to Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. The two mountaineers have a successful ascent of the mountain, but during the descent, Simpson falls and breaks his leg. Yates, trying to help him, lowers him down a crevasse and Simpson is stranded hanging by a rope. Yates is unable to pull him up and ends up cutting the rope, leaving his partner to his death. Miraculously, Simpson survives the fall and is forced to make his way back down the mountain mostly alone with a broken leg and no supplies. The movie follows his harrowing journey back down the mountain, highlighting the physical and psychological struggles he endures in order to survive. It also features interviews with Simpson and Yates as they recall their experiences. Touching the Void is an inspiring story of human courage and determination, and examines the human capacity to survive against all odds.

Embrace of the Serpent (2015)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Ciro Guerra, starring Nilbio Torres, Jan Bijvoet, Antonio Bolívar, Brionne Davis
Rated Not Rated

Embrace of the Serpent is a 2015 Colombian drama film directed by Ciro Guerra. Set in the Amazon rainforest during the early 20th century, the film follows Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman, as he guides two European explorers on a search for a sacred plant. Along the way, the three men share stories and experiences, reflecting on the impact of colonialism on their respective cultures. The film explores the clash between spirituality and science, touching on themes such as greed and exploitation. Ultimately, the journey leads to a greater understanding of the need to protect the environment and the wisdom of ancient cultures.

Deep Water (2006)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell, starring Tilda Swinton, Donald Crowhurst, Ted Hynds, Robin Knox-Johnston
Rated PG

Deep Water is a 2006 British documentary film directed by Louise Osmond and Jerry Rothwell. The film tells the story of Donald Crowhurst and his ill-fated attempt to complete the first solo, non-stop, round-the-world sailing race in 1968–69. The film follows the story of how Crowhurst struggled with his mental health and financial problems as he attempted to complete the race. The film features interviews with those closest to him, and also includes archival footage and audio recordings of Crowhurst. The film also explores the reasons behind his disastrous decision to participate, and ultimately reveals a portrait of a man whose dream far outstripped his abilities, and who ultimately paid the ultimate price.

Meru (2015)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, starring Conrad Anker, Grace Chin, Jimmy Chin, Amee Hinkley
Rated R

Meru is a 2015 documentary film that follows the incredible story of three elite climbers and their quest to ascend the Shark's Fin on Mount Meru, the most technically challenging peak in the Himalayas. The film follows the climbers as they attempt to summit the 21,000-foot peak, facing dangerous terrain and unpredictable weather. They battle their physical and mental limits while attempting to reach the top, and the film shows the mental and physical toll the climb takes on them. Throughout the film they experience moments of success and failure, joy and despair, and ultimately discover the power of friendship and the strength of the human spirit.

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Torquil Jones, starring Nirmal Purja, Suchi Purja, Klára Kolouchová, Reinhold Messner
Rated TV-MA

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible is a 2021 documentary by director Torquil Jones. It follows the story of seven people who attempt to climb the fourteen highest peaks in Scotland in one single trip. The story follows their journey over six weeks as they climb the peaks, enduring harsh weather conditions and dealing with physical and mental exhaustion. The film showcases their perseverance and determination as they attempt to conquer a feat that has never been done before. The film is both an inspiring story of individual achievement and an exploration of the power of collective commitment.

127 Hours (2010)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Danny Boyle, starring James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Sean Bott
Rated R

127 Hours is a biographical drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle, based on the real-life events of Aron Ralston, an American hiker and mountaineer who was trapped in a remote canyon in Utah for five days in April 2003. The film stars James Franco as Ralston, who, after becoming trapped, is forced to resort to desperate measures in order to survive. In order to do so, he must amputate his own arm in order to free himself from the boulder that has trapped him. The film follows Ralston's journey from outgoing thrill-seeker and adventurer to a man who learns to be grateful for the life he has - and is ultimately able to save himself despite his dire circumstances. 127 Hours is a story of resolve, hope, and the will to survive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.