Mount Everest, the highest summit on the planet, has become an enduring symbol of adventure and human capabilities. Its dangerous conditions and deadly allure have motivated filmmakers to explore the triumphs, tragedies, and enigmas surrounding the mountain. Films about the true story of Everest vary from thrilling fiction to gripping documentaries, each offering a distinct perspective on conquering the mountain or, sadly, succumbing to it. Through a blend of reenactments, personal accounts, and footage shot near the peak, these films bring audiences closer to the real dangers and motivations of those who aspire to reach the summit of Everest.
The best Mount Everest-related films are judged based on storytelling, emotional impact, and realism. The films span a wide range of genres with awe-inspiring visuals and elegant cinematography, featuring tales of personal triumph, historical expeditions, or hazardous rescues that could compare to some of the best disaster movies of all time. Each film showcases different facets of climbing the world’s tallest mountain, revealing the physical and mental demands of the climb, as well as the complex and hazardous nature of Everest as an endeavor shaped by socio-economic conditions. These are the best movies about climbing Mount Everest, ranked.
10 The Climbers (2019)
Chinese Adventure Film Directed By Daniel Lee And Written By Alai
The Climbers recounts the tale of the 1960 and 1975 Chinese expeditions that conquered the north face of Mount Everest. It focuses on the perseverance and resolve of the climbers who confront overwhelming odds in their quest for victory for their country. With a majestic musical score and intense action sequences, the movie heavily emphasizes themes of national pride while also portraying Everest’s physical and psychological toll on those who dare to climb it.
Before beginning filming, actor Wu Jing underwent a two-week training course for cold tolerance in Mount Gangshka, Qinghai Province in preparation for the production.
It presents stunning recreations of the mountain’s harsh landscape and beautiful sequences. However, The Climbers has an underlying nationalistic tone, which comes at the expense of learning about the climbers’ individual, personal stories. This stops it from reaching the emotional heights of other Everest narratives. Nevertheless, its portrayal of teamwork and the grueling realities of high-altitude mountaineering makes it a worthwhile watch for adventure enthusiasts and an excellent film overall.
9 Into Thin Air: Death On Everest (1997)
Based On The 1997 Bestselling Nonfiction Book By Jon Krakauer
Based on Jon Krakauer’s book, Into Thin Air: Death On Everest dramatizes the 1996 Everest disaster, during which multiple climbers lost their lives in a deadly storm. The film focuses on Krakauer’s perspective, following the climbers as their expedition turns from heroic to tragic. With the storm raging and supplies running low, the climbers must confront the harsh reality of life and death on the world’s highest mountain. The film serves as a tense survival drama, shedding light on how ambition and the desire for achievement in the most extreme of environments can quickly turn fatal.
Related Everest True Story: What Really Happened During The 1996 Disaster
The events of 2015’s Everest were based on the 1996 Mount Everest Disaster, largely adapting the events of a serious tragedy for the big screen.
Though produced for television, Into Thin Air effectively captures the harrowing conditions the climbers faced. The narrative is gripping, and the visuals are engaging throughout. However, with a limited budget and production values, it falls short of some other Everest films in fully realizing the magnitude of the disaster. Into Thin Air: Death On Everest remains an essential retelling of one of Everest’s deadliest situations and a fantastic survival film based on a true story that offers a closer look at the climbers’ mindsets and the fatal miscalculations that cost them their lives on a tragic day.
8 Beyond The Edge (2013)
First Entry Recounting Tenzing Norgay And Sir Edmund Hillary’s Ascent In 1953
This documentary-drama captures the historic first summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Through a combination of archival footage and reenactments, Beyond the Edge chronicles the climbers’ journey from base camp all the way to the summit, highlighting their perseverance in the face of extreme weather and becoming physically exhausted. The film brings to life one of the most iconic moments in mountaineering history, immersing viewers in the physical, mental, and emotional story of finally conquering Everest.
The staged climbing scenes in
Beyond The Edge
were filmed in the Southern Alps, with the iconic snow-laden landscape providing a similar appearance to Mount Everest in Nepal.
While Beyond the Edge may not have the raw emotional drama of other films, it excels in its historical accuracy and attention to detail. Using the available archival footage adds an authentic feel that is not easily replicated by a fiction movie, and the reenactments bring immediacy to Hillary and Norgay’s journey. Its focus on the climbers’ determination and the obstacles they overcame with rudimentary and limited equipment solidifies it as one of the best depictions of Everest’s early expeditions and one of the best mountain climbing documentaries ever.
7 Everest (2015)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Robin Wright, Jason Clarke And Keira Knightly
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
Everest is a star-studded retelling of the 1996 disaster that claimed several climbers’ lives. The film follows two commercial expeditions as they attempt to summit the mountain, only to be caught in a deadly storm on their descent. Featuring performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, and Josh Brolin, the movie focuses on the group’s mental fatigue and logistical challenges of guiding clients to the top of Everest. The film combines stunning cinematography, an ensemble cast, and a gripping survival story, bringing the beauty and brutality of the mountain to life.
Everest
was a success commercially, grossing $203 million worldwide with a $55 million budget, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics.
The film performed extremely well at the box office, partly due to its visual achievements, incredible story, and a large cast of household names who all seamlessly played their parts. Although Jon Krakauer denounced the movie, it produces a realistic portrayal of the mountain’s deadly conditions and technical issues and offers a compelling glimpse into the perils of Everest expeditions. The film’s heart-pounding tension and striking landscape shots keep it engaging from the start to the ending of Everest.
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Everest PG-13ThrillerDramaAdventure
Released in 2015, Everest is a biographical survival movie boasting a star-studded ensemble cast. It tells the story of two expedition groups who find themselves in the midst of a violent storm while attempting to reach the peak of the titular mountain. Though they’re able to endure the initial onslaught, the harsh weather conditions force the climbers to dig deep in order to survive the descent.
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*Availability in US Director Baltasar Kormakur Release Date September 18, 2015 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers William Nicholson , Justin Isbell Cast Jason Clarke , Elizabeth Debicki , Robin Wright , Josh Brolin , Jake Gyllenhaal , Sam Worthington , Keira Knightley Runtime 121minutes Expand
6 The Porter: The Untold Story At Everest (2020)
Documentary Film Following The First Known American Porter
The Porter presents a fresh perspective on the Everest story, focusing on the often-overlooked Sherpas and porters who assist foreign climbers in their quest to reach the summit. This documentary follows American Nathaniel James Menninger as he attempts to become a Porter and sheds light on the true unsung heroes of Everest, emphasizing the daily risks and the financial issues that drive them to engage in such dangerous work. The film vividly depicts the lives of porters, highlighting their sacrifices and crucial role in the success of the expeditions they embark on.
|
Most Summits Of Everest: |
Climber: |
Nationality: |
|---|---|---|
|
30 |
Kami Rita Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
27 |
Pasang Dawa Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
24 |
Ngima Nuru Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
23 |
Ang Dorje Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
22 |
Dorje Gyalen Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
21 |
Apa Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
21 |
Phurba Tashi Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
19 |
Chhewang Nima |
Nepal |
|
19 |
Mingma Tsiri Sherpa |
Nepal |
|
18 |
Kenton Cool |
United Kingdom |
The Porter is notable for its humanizing portrayal of the individuals behind the scenes of Everest climbs. By shifting the focus away from the climbers, the film brings much-needed attention to the economic inequality and physical hazards that Sherpas and porters endure. The documentary adds further depth to the Everest narrative, prompting viewers to contemplate the ethics of commercial expeditions. While it may not be as action-packed as other films, its gritty realism, emotional impact, and social significance contribute to its high rating.
5 The Man Who Skied Down Everest (1975)
Won The Academy Award For Best Documentary Feature
This Academy Award-winning documentary chronicles the remarkable achievement of Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese mountaineer who became the first person to ski down the slopes of Mount Everest. The film captures Miura’s audacious descent, highlighting the technical obstacles and the danger of skiing on one of the world’s most treacherous mountain descents. With breathtaking footage of Everest’s icy slopes and Miura’s thrilling route, the documentary provides a rare glimpse into one man’s ambition and a combination of madness and genius.
The Academy Film Archive preserved
The Man Who Skied Down Everest
in 2010.
While The Man Who Skied Down Everest focuses more on skiing than traditional climbing, it is an essential addition to any Everest film collection. Its stunning cinematography and Miura’s groundbreaking accomplishments make it a standout documentary and one that has you on the edge of your seat. The film’s unique perspective on Everest offers an alternative to the typical climbing narrative, providing a fascinating look at the physical challenges involved in such a perilous endeavor to ski down a mountain that people die trying to climb.
4 The Wildest Dream (2010)
Documentary Film About The British Climber George Mallory
The Wildest Dream recounts the story of George Mallory, one of the first explorers to attempt to summit Everest. The documentary follows modern climber Conrad Anker, who discovered Mallory’s body in 1999, as he retraces the steps of the ill-fated 1924 expedition that cost Mallory his life. Like Beyond The Edge, The Wildest Dream blends archival footage with modern reenactments, and the film explores the mystery of whether Mallory reached the summit before his death. The documentary also delves into Mallory’s personal life, offering insight into the man behind the legend.
Related The Sad Truth Of What Happened To Anatoli After The Events Of Everest
A group brave a harsh storm while making their way to Mount Everest’s summit. However, one character’s real-life fate is much worse than the movie’s.
The film’s emotional depth and stunning visuals make The Wildest Dream a captivating viewing experience. Intertwining the past and present, it provides a contemplative look at the enduring mystery of Mallory’s climb and his legacy in the climbing world. Anker’s journey adds a contemporary layer to the narrative, making the film both an exploration of history and a thoughtful look at the human spirit’s desire to conquer the unknown.
3 The Conquest Of Everest (1953)
Second Entry Recounting Sir Edmund Hillary And Tenzing Norgay’s Ascent In 1953
This documentary was released shortly after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s successful ascent. The Conquest of Everest documents the 1953 British expedition that resulted in the first confirmed summit of Everest, with recorded footage to prove it. The documentary features authentic footage from the climb, offering a firsthand look at the preparation and challenges the climbers encountered. The film is a historical gem, providing insight into the teamwork and perseverance that led to one of mountaineering’s greatest triumphs.
A Life Well Lived: Sir Edmund Hillary was a navigator with the New Zealand Royal Air Force during WWII and Queen Elizabeth II knighted him after reaching the top of Mount Everest, hence why he is often referred to as ‘Sir’.
What sets The Conquest of Everest apart is its genuine authenticity. The footage, filmed on the mountain itself, captures Everest’s unrefined beauty and danger like few films before it. Its historical significance and the intimate portrayal of Hillary and Norgay’s climb make it an indispensable documentary for anyone interested in the history of Everest expeditions or documentaries in general. The film is both inspiring and humbling, showcasing the climbers’ extraordinary achievements and emotions after the fact.
2 The Epic Of Everest (1924)
Documentary About George Mallory And Andrew Irvine’s Mount Everest Expedition
The Epic of Everest captures the perilous yet captivating essence of the mountain with early footage from an Everest expedition. It was filmed during the unsuccessful 1924 British attempt led by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. This silent documentary depicts the team’s arduous journey towards Mount Everest’s summit, showcasing the breathtaking Himalayan landscape with stand-out cinematography. The disappearance of Mallory and Irvine adds a sense of tragedy and enigma to the story overall.
Its raw, black-and-white imagery conveys the harshness and solitude experienced by early climbers, with the color of life quite literally being lost.
The historical importance of The Epic of Everest cannot be overstated, as it is one of the earliest insights into the daunting task of conquering the world’s highest peak, almost 30 years before Hillary and Norgay’s attempt. Its raw, black-and-white imagery conveys the harshness and solitude experienced by early climbers, with the color of life quite literally being lost. The film remains a poignant piece of visual history, capturing the grandeur of the mountain while serving as a reminder of the sheer amount of human lives lost in pursuit of its summit.
1 Sherpa (2015)
Filmed During The Tragic 2014 Mount Everest Ice Avalanche
Sherpa offers a distinct viewpoint of Everest, like The Porter: The Untold Story At Everest, by centering on the Sherpa community, whose contributions are vital for climbing expeditions. Set against the backdrop of the 2014 Everest avalanche that claimed 16 Sherpas lives, the documentary delves into the tensions between commercial climbing ventures and the local workers with the most significant risks and impact. The film provides a moving exploration of the socioeconomic hurdles faced by Sherpas, especially with the increasing number of foreign climbers on Everest.
Related Everest Cast & Real-Life Character Comparison
The 2015 movie Everest had several big-name actors added to its ensemble cast, all of them based on the real-life climbers of the 1996 Everest group.
What sets Sherpa apart is its departure from the conventional narratives of climbers to focus on the lives of the quiet heroes of Everest expeditions. The documentary vividly portrays the often-overlooked individuals who enable summits while highlighting the disparity between climbers’ rewards and spotlight, the dangers Sherpas face with each attempt, and their intimate relationship with the mountain that provides so much yet can also take everything. Its emotional depth and stunning cinematography establish it as the most engaging and crucial film about Mount Everest, which everybody should watch.