Movies About Mountain Men

Updated May 1, 2024

So many films have reported on Movies About Mountain Men. We wrote about 15 of the best ones.

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 documentary film directed by Kevin Macdonald. Based on the book of the same name by Joe Simpson, the film tells the story of Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates, as they attempt to climb Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. After reaching the summit, Simpson falls and breaks his leg, and Yates is forced to abandon him and descend the mountain alone. In a desperate attempt to survive, Simpson must make a harrowing self-rescue down the mountain, leading to a gripping and emotional climax. The film combines the reenacted scenes with interviews of the two climbers, their friends, and their families, to provide an honest and gripping account of their harrowing experience.

Encounters at the End of the World (2007)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Werner Herzog, starring Werner Herzog, Scott Rowland, Stefan Pashov, Doug MacAyeal
Rated G

Encounters at the End of the World is a documentary film by director Werner Herzog that takes viewers on a journey to Antarctica. The documentary follows Herzog as he explores the continent, interviewing scientists and locals to gain an understanding of the lives and work they do in such an extreme environment. Along the way, Herzog also discovers the beauty of the continent and the unique creatures that inhabit it. The film is an exploration of humanity's relationship with nature and the planet as a whole, as well as a look at the importance of preserving the environment and its inhabitants.

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 documentary film directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi that follows three elite climbers—Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk—as they attempt to climb the Shark's Fin on Mount Meru, a 21,000-foot peak in the Indian Himalayas. The film documents the trio's treacherous journey up the sheer, icy face of the mountain, and their emotional struggle as they face extreme physical and mental challenges. Through interviews and visual footage, Meru reveals the grueling physical and psychological toll of the ascent, and the creative ways in which the climbers cope with their fears and doubts in order to make it to the top. Ultimately, Meru is a story of resilience, courage, friendship, and the power of the human spirit.

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 2010 biographical survival drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle, based on the memoir Between a Rock and a Hard Place (2003) by Aron Ralston. It stars James Franco as real-life mountain climber Aron Ralston, who becomes trapped by a boulder while canyoneering alone in Blue John Canyon, southeastern Utah, in April 2003. He must find a way to escape, but instead decides to amputate his own arm to free himself. The film also stars Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, and Clémence Poésy. Boyle also uses non-linear flashbacks to provide a more detailed perspective of Ralston's life, leading to his being trapped in the canyon. 127 Hours was nominated for several awards, including six Academy Award nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Franco, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Picture.

Sherpa (2015)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Jennifer Peedom, starring Russell Brice, Tim Medvetz, Pasang Tenzing Sherpa, Phurba Tashi Sherpa
Rated Not Rated

Sherpa is a documentary film that follows the 2014 Everest climbing season, and sheds light on the Sherpas, the indigenous people of the Himalayas who are essential to the success of any expedition up the mountain. Despite their integral role in the industry, the Sherpas are considered second-class citizens and often paid meager wages, with little regard for their safety or well-being. The film highlights the dangers they face, their struggle for fair wages, and the tragic events that unfolded in April 2014 when a group of Sherpas were caught in an avalanche and 16 were killed. In the face of tragedy and danger, the Sherpas remained determined to reach the summit and share their story with the world.