For those who love the great outdoors, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a challenging hike or climb. But when you can't get out into the wilderness, we are all for putting your feet up and watching a good adventure movie! These outdoor-themed movies, which range from gripping dramas to motivational documentaries, not only take us on a journey through some of the most breathtaking and dangerous landscapes in the world, but they also shed light on the human spirit and the lengths we'll go to in order to accomplish our goals.
So, grab some popcorn and get ready to be transported to the peaks of the Himalayas, the canyons of Utah, and beyond!
In no particular order, here are some of our faves. (Oh, and there may be some spoilers in here when describing some movies).
Into the Wild (2007)
Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who sets out on a journey to live in the Alaskan wilderness after graduation, it explores themes of self-discovery, freedom, and the search for meaning. With breathtaking cinematography and a powerful soundtrack, the film takes viewers on McCandless's journey from the cities of America to the remote wilderness of Alaska, where he lives off the land and immerses himself in nature. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters and faces numerous challenges, testing his resolve and forcing him to confront his own beliefs and values. "Into the Wild" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Meru (2015)
A documentary film that follows the journey of three elite mountain climbers - Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker, and Renan Ozturk - as they attempt to reach the summit of Meru Peak, one of the most challenging and difficult-to-climb peaks in the Himalayas.
With breathtaking cinematography and a heart-pounding soundtrack, the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the physical and mental preparations required to tackle such a monumental climb, and the trials and tribulations that come with it. Through their struggles and setbacks, the climbers show the incredible strength of the human spirit, and what can be achieved through determination and perseverance. "Meru" is a must-watch for any outdoor enthusiast or anyone seeking inspiration for their own personal challenges.
127 Hours (2010)
The film stars James Franco as Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah. With only his trusty video camera and limited supplies, Ralston must find a way to escape before he runs out of time. Over the course of five days, he recounts his life and experiences, faces his deepest fears and limitations, and ultimately, must make a life-or-death decision to save himself. "127 Hours" is a nail-biting and intense film that showcases the human spirit in the face of adversity and the power of the will to survive.
Touching the Void (2003)
A documentary film that recounts the incredible true story of two young climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, who attempted to summit the remote Siula Grande peak in the Peruvian Andes. The film, based on Simpson's book of the same name, combines reenactments with interviews of the climbers, their friends, and their families to bring the story to life. As they make their ascent, the climbers face one tragedy after another, including an accident that leaves Simpson seriously injured and the two men separated on opposite sides of the mountain. Through their sheer will to survive and the power of friendship, the two men must find a way to make it back to civilisation alive. "Touching the Void" is a gripping and emotionally charged film that showcases the incredible endurance of the human spirit.
Cliffhanger (1993)
Where do we start here?! A true classic!
An action-adventure film directed by Renny Harlin. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as Gabe Walker, a former mountain climber turned rescue worker who is pulled back into his old life when a group of criminals hijack a plane carrying a large sum of money, crashing it into the mountains. With a group of survivors in tow, Walker must navigate the treacherous mountain terrain to retrieve the stolen money and bring the criminals to justice. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles and battles the elements, showcasing his skills and determination in the face of danger. With high-stakes action, breathtaking cinematography, and pulse-pounding suspense, "Cliffhanger" is a must-watch for fans of action and outdoor adventure.
Free Solo (2018)
A documentary film that chronicles the journey of professional rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to free solo climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock face in Yosemite National Park, California, without any ropes or safety gear. With breathtaking cinematography and a captivating soundtrack, the film offers an intimate look at Honnold's intense physical and mental preparation for the climb, as well as the personal and relationship struggles he faces leading up to the climb. "Free Solo" is a heart-pounding and inspiring film that showcases the limits of human achievement and the power of the human spirit to conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is a must-watch for fans of outdoor adventure, sports documentaries, and anyone seeking inspiration for their own personal challenges.
The Alpinist (2021)
A documentary about mysterious young free solo mountain climber Marc-André Leclerc. In an effort to learn more about Leclerc, videographers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen reach out to him as online talk about his hair- and bar-raising climbs rises. The hunt is difficult since Leclerc, a genuine free-spirit, doesn't pursue popularity in the media or online, and he frequently hangs up on his phone. As they discover more about Leclerc's upbringing in British Columbia and his developing infatuation with hiking and climbing the Canadian Rockies, they ultimately manage to locate him just to misplace him once more in the middle of the filming.
After being diagnosed with ADHD as a youngster, Marc-mother André's Michelle supports him in discovering who he is and living out his passion for mountain climbing to the fullest. Through his girlfriend, Marc-André also discovers a soul mate. Leclerc chooses to attempt what was seen as an impossible climb: a winter solo ascent of 8800 feet to the peak of Tome Egger in the Andes Mountains in Patagonia. This is after successfully completing free solo mountain climbs that broke new standards and records in the sport. Leclerc finds joy and purpose in these climbs and a sense of living life to the fullest as he confronts death, although always being aware of the hazards associated with each ascent.
The Great Alone (2018)
Is a documentary film that follows the story of four-time Iditarod champion, Lance Mackey, as he trains for the 1,000-mile sled dog race across Alaska. With stunning cinematography and an intimate look at the life of a musher and his dogs, "The Great Alone" provides a glimpse into the harsh and beautiful world of Alaskan dog mushing.
The Iditarod Trail is the most difficult dog sled race in the world and is billed as "The Last Great Race on Earth." The race, which traverses the roughest tundra in the Arctic, is one of Alaska's most cherished customs, and Lance Mackey is its biggest victor. He is a person whose family has a long history of dog sled racing. He's also a man who has struggled with cancer, drugs, and homelessness yet always finds his way back to the sled.
From the gruelling training and preparation, to the intense physical and mental challenges of the race itself, the film showcases the unbreakable bond between man and dog and the power of the human spirit to endure. "The Great Alone" is a must-watch for fans of outdoor adventure and anyone looking to learn more about this unique and challenging sport.
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