Movies About Shackleton Expedition

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

Touching the Void is a 2003 British documentary directed by Kevin Macdonald. The film chronicles the true story of two British mountaineers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, who in 1985 attempted to summit the 21,000-foot Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. After reaching the summit, Simpson falls and breaks his leg, and the two men's descent quickly turns into a desperate, now one-way, struggle for survival. The film follows their journey as they each confront their own mortality and the power of friendship. Through flashbacks and interviews, Touching the Void reveals the physical and psychological effects of their daring adventure and celebrates the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

From George Butler, starring Liam Neeson, Julian Ayer, John Blackborow, David Cale
Rated G

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition is a 2000 documentary film directed by George Butler. It follows the incredible true story of the 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. This epic journey of survival and heroism began when Shackleton and his crew of 27 set out to cross the Antarctic continent. After their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the Antarctic ice, Shackleton and his men faced insurmountable odds as they braved frozen seas and fierce storms in an attempt to reach civilization. The Endurance follows the expedition from its failed mission to its incredible journey across the treacherous Southern Ocean to Elephant Island and beyond. With unprecedented access to the expedition's original photographs, footage and documents, the film brings this remarkable story of courage, determination and camaraderie to life.

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

Deep Water is a 2006 documentary film directed by Louise Osmond and Jerry Rothwell. The film tells the story of the first and only solo, non-stop, round-the-world sailing race, known as The Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. The race took place between 1968-69 and featured nine contestants from around the world. The film chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the race and follows the story of Donald Crowhurst, a British amateur sailor who takes up the challenge, despite his lack of experience. During the race, Donald struggles both mentally and physically and is eventually forced to face the harsh reality that he cannot complete the race. His story is intertwined with the tales of the other contestants, each with their own unique motivation to push forward. Deep Water ultimately serves as both a celebration of the courage of the sailors, as well as a cautionary tale of ambition and ambition's potentially devastating consequences.

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

Meru is a 2015 documentary directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. It follows the incredible story of three elite mountain climbers—Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk—as they attempt to conquer the Shark’s Fin on Mt. Meru in India. The team endures brutal conditions, treacherous terrain, and the threat of avalanches as they face the ultimate challenge of their lives. Through it all, they remain committed to their mission and committed to each other, which ultimately brings them closer together. Meru is an inspiring story of friendship, adventure, and perseverance in the face of impossible odds.

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

Encounters at the End of the World is a 2007 science-adventure documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog. The film follows Herzog to Antarctica, where he discovers a strange and foreign world full of unique characters and creatures, most notably the emperor penguins that have adapted to live in the isolated environment. Herzog's interviews with the scientists and adventurers living there are woven together to form a tapestry of human experience in this extreme and hostile land. Herzog also delves into a variety of topics, such as the effects of global warming, the impact of human encroachment on wildlife, and the possible implications of life on other planets. The film ultimately provides a captivating view of life at the End of the World.

From Werner Herzog, starring Werner Herzog, Graham Dorrington, Dieter Plage, Adrian de Schryver
Rated Not Rated

The White Diamond is a 2004 documentary directed by Werner Herzog. The film follows British engineer and adventurer Graham Dorrington as he attempts to build and fly a revolutionary airship in the rainforest of Guyana. With the help of the local Macushi tribe and the guidance of the eccentric German engineer Dieter Plage, Dorrington embarks on a journey to fulfil his lifelong dream. Along the way, he is faced with the harsh realities of the rainforest and its hostile environment, as well as the struggles of his own personal life. The film is a fascinating exploration of human ambition, perseverance and the unknown, as well as a beautiful portrait of the remote rainforest and its people.

From Directors: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg, starring Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo, Gustaf Skarsgård, Odd-Magnus Williamson
Rated PG-13

From Ron Howard, starring Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw
Rated PG-13

From James Gray, starring Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland
Rated PG-13