Amazing Top Mount Everest Movies: Must-Watch Films & Documentaries

History of Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth, and it has always amazed people with its size and challenge. The first people to reach the top were Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Since then, Everest has become a goal for adventurers who want to push themselves to the limit. The mountain is 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) high, and many stories of success and sadness have happened on its slopes. Climbing Everest is hard because of the rough weather, dangerous paths, and the “Death Zone” above 8,000 meters, where there isn’t enough air to breathe without extra oxygen. So, we will be covering different Everest Movies and must-watch documentaries in this informative blog.

Why People Climb Everest

Everest attracts climbers from all over the world. For many, reaching the top is a lifelong dream. Climbing Everest isn’t just about being strong; it’s also about facing fears and finding personal strength. Every climb shows how determined people can be, as they take on both the beauty and danger of the high mountains.

Everest’s Cultural Importance

Mount Everest is more than just a mountain—it’s a symbol of human strength and bravery. Many people know about the mountain because of the incredible stories of those who tried to climb it. These stories of courage, sadness, and success have been shared through movies and documentaries, showing both the beauty and the risks of the mountain. These films celebrate the strength of the human spirit and the amazing journey of facing one of nature’s biggest challenges.

This blog post will share some of the best movies about Mount Everest. From exciting action films to real-life documentaries, these movies give a glimpse into the world of Everest. We’ll highlight popular movies and hidden gems that offer different views on the mountain and the people who climb it. Whether you’re a mountain lover or a movie fan, this guide will help you explore Everest’s story through film.

Classic Mount Everest Movies

Everest (2015)

• Director, Writers, Stars: Directed by Baltasar Kormákur. Written by William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy. Stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
• Rating & Genre: PG-13; Adventure, Drama, Thriller.
• Summary & Highlights: Everest tells the true story of the 1996 Everest disaster, where several climbers lost their lives trying to reach the summit. The movie shows the tough conditions and the personal struggles the climbers went through, with amazing visuals that make the danger and beauty of Everest feel very real.
• Why Watch It:
  • Realistic Experience: The movie does a great job showing what it’s really like to be on Everest with harsh weather and thin air.
  • Stunning Visuals: The film captures how beautiful and dangerous the mountain can be.
  • Emotional Story: You’ll see the personal journeys of the climbers, which makes the story even more touching.
• Ratings:
  • Rotten Tomatoes: 72% critics, 77% audience.
  • IMDb: 7.1/10.
• Behind-the-Scenes:
  • The Everest movie was filmed in Iceland, where the cast and crew faced really tough weather to make it feel like they were on Everest.
  • They worked with real Everest climbers to make the movie as realistic as possible.
• Comparison: Everest stands out because of its stunning visuals and emotional depth, while other movies like Into Thin Air focus more on the details of the story.

Mount Everest Movies – Into Thin Air: Death on Everest (1997)

• Director, Writers, Stars: Directed by Robert Markowitz. Based on the book by Jon Krakauer. Stars Peter Horton and Nathaniel Parker.
• Rating & Genre: TV Movie; Adventure, Drama.
• Summary & Highlights: This movie is based on Jon Krakauer’s book about the same 1996 Everest disaster. It focuses on the human mistakes and bad weather that led to the tragedy, making it a gripping story about what can go wrong on such a dangerous climb.
• Why Watch It:
  • Detailed Story: If you liked the book Into Thin Air, this movie does a great job bringing it to life.
  • Deep Look at Mistakes: The movie shows how human errors and tough weather combined to cause disaster.
  • Emotional Impact: It focuses on the emotions and fears of the climbers during the tragedy.
• Ratings:
  • IMDb: 7.4/10.
• Behind-the-Scenes:
  • The filmmakers worked closely with real mountain experts to make sure the movie felt accurate and real.
• Comparison: Unlike Everest, this movie spends more time on the story and the human mistakes that led to the tragedy.

Mount Everest Movies – The Wildest Dream (2010)

• Director, Writers, Stars: Directed by Anthony Geffen. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Features Conrad Anker and Ralph Fiennes.
• Rating & Genre: PG; Documentary, Adventure, Biography.
• Summary & Highlights: The Wildest Dream is a documentary about George Mallory’s attempt to climb Everest in the 1920s and the modern-day climbers searching for his body. It mixes old footage with new explorations to show how Everest has fascinated people for generations.
• Why Watch It:
  • History Lesson: It tells the story of one of the earliest climbers, George Mallory, and his mysterious disappearance.
  • Modern Exploration: You also get to see how climbers today continue to search for Mallory’s body and try to finish his mission.
  • Engaging Story: The movie has interviews and beautiful shots that make Everest’s history come alive.
• Ratings:
  • IMDb: 7.5/10.
• Behind-the-Scenes:
  • The documentary team faced many challenges, like the harsh environment, while following in Mallory’s footsteps.
• Comparison: While Everest and Into Thin Air focus on modern climbs, The Wildest Dream dives into the history of Everest, making it stand out as more historical and exploratory.

Hidden Gems and Documentaries

Poorna: Courage Has No Limit (2017)

• Director, Writers, Stars: Directed by Rahul Bose, starring Aditi Inamdar and Rahul Bose.
• Rating & Genre: Not Rated; Biography, Drama, Sport.
• Summary & Highlights: “Poorna” is the true story of Poorna Malavath, a 13-year-old girl from India who became the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest. It shows her journey from a small village, overcoming many personal and social obstacles to reach the world’s highest peak. The film is all about courage, determination, and the power of dreams.
• Why Watch It:
  • Inspiring Story: It’s a heartwarming tale about never giving up, no matter how hard things get.
  • Unique View: You get to see Everest through the eyes of a young girl from India.
  • Cultural Insight: The movie gives a glimpse into the struggles Poorna faced in her community and how she overcame them.
• Film Reviews:
  • IMDb: 7.9/10.
  • Reviewer Comment: “A feel-good film showing the strong will of a young climber who didn’t let anything stop her.”
• Behind-the-Scenes:
  • True to the Story: Director Rahul Bose worked closely with Poorna and her family to make sure the movie told her story just right.
  • Filming Challenges: The movie was shot in far-off places and with young actors, making it a little tricky to film.
• Comparative Analysis:
  • While other Everest Movies focuses on large groups of climbers, Poorna is a personal story about one girl’s incredible journey.

Mount Everest Movies – Sherpa (2015)

• Director, Writers, Stars: Directed by Jennifer Peedom, featuring Phurba Tashi Sherpa and Russell Brice.
• Rating & Genre: Not Rated; Documentary, Adventure.
• Summary & Highlights: Sherpa looks at the lives of Sherpas, the people who help climbers reach Everest’s peak. The movie focuses on the 2014 avalanche that killed many Sherpas and explores their essential but often overlooked role in Everest expeditions.
• Why Watch It:
  • Sherpa Stories: It gives a deep look at the lives of Sherpas and the dangers they face on the mountain.
  • Firsthand Experience: The film shows the 2014 avalanche from the Sherpas’ perspective, giving us a new view on Everest.
  • Cultural & Ethical Focus: It raises important questions about the dangers Sherpas take on for other climbers and how they’re treated.
• Film Reviews:
  • Rotten Tomatoes: 92% critic rating, 86% audience score.
  • IMDb: 7.7/10.
  • Reviewer Comment: “A powerful documentary that makes you think about the Sherpas’ sacrifices on Everest.”
• Behind-the-Scenes:
  • Gaining Trust: The filmmakers worked hard to build trust with the Sherpas and film in remote mountain areas.
  • Raising Awareness: After the movie came out, more people started talking about how Sherpas are treated on the mountain.
• Comparative Analysis:
  • Unlike other Everest Movies that focus on climbers, Sherpa is all about the people who help make the climbs possible but often aren’t in the spotlight.

Mount Everest Movies – The Summit (2012)

• Director, Writers, Stars: Directed by Nick Ryan, with Christine Barnes, Hoselito Bite, and Pat Falvey.
• Rating & Genre: Not Rated; Documentary, Adventure, Drama.
• Summary & Highlights: The Summit tells the story of the 2008 K2 disaster, when 11 climbers died trying to reach the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The documentary helps viewers understand the risks of climbing mountains like K2 and Everest and how dangerous these expeditions can be.
• Why Watch It:
  • Intense & Informative: The movie shows what went wrong during the K2 climb and compares the dangers of K2 and Everest.
  • Real Footage: It uses real videos and interviews to show just how risky high-altitude climbing can be.
  • Educational: You’ll learn a lot about what makes climbing K2 and Everest so dangerous.
• Film Reviews:
  • IMDb: 7.6/10.
  • Reviewer Comment: “A gripping look at the dangers of climbing high mountains, showing how quickly things can go wrong.”
• Behind-the-Scenes:
  • Challenges in Filming: The crew had a tough time getting real footage and interviewing survivors from the K2 disaster.
  • Powerful Storytelling: They used a mix of real clips and reenactments to make the film even more emotional and dramatic.
• Comparative Analysis:
  • The Summit doesn’t just focus on Everest but on K2 too, giving viewers a broader view of what it’s like to climb the world’s highest peaks. Other documentaries like Sherpa stick more closely to Everest.
  • These hidden gems and documentaries show different sides of climbing Everest and other high mountains, offering fresh insights into the risks, sacrifices, and human stories behind these incredible expeditions.

Recent Everest Movies

Mount Everest Movies – 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

• Directed by: Torquil Jones, featuring Nirmal Purja, Jimmy Chin, and Reinhold Messner.
• Genre & Rating: TV-14; Documentary, Adventure.
• Summary: This film follows Nirmal Purja as he sets out to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks (including Everest) in just seven months. It’s called “Project Possible” and shows his amazing strength and determination. You’ll see stunning shots of Everest and other big mountains, while also learning about Purja’s tough journey.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Inspiring Story: Purja’s courage and drive are truly motivating.
  • Beautiful Scenery: The movie shows breathtaking scenes of Everest and other mountains.
  • Personal Journey: Gives a close look at Purja’s struggles and victories.
• Ratings: IMDb: 8.2/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A visually stunning and emotionally powerful documentary celebrating human spirit and ambition.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Filming in such extreme conditions wasn’t easy, but the team came up with clever ways to capture Purja’s climbs.
• Comparison: Unlike other Everest Movies, this one doesn’t just focus on one mountain but covers all the 8,000-meter peaks Purja climbed.

Mount Everest Movies – The Climbers (2019)

• Directed by: Daniel Lee, starring Wu Jing, Zhang Ziyi, and Jing Boran.
• Genre & Rating: PG-13; Action, Adventure, Drama.
• Summary: This Chinese movie tells the story of the 1960 Chinese expedition to Everest, a less well-known but important event. The film shows the history and culture of this climb, giving a new perspective on Everest.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Unique Viewpoint: Offers a non-Western look at Everest’s history.
  • Historical Drama: Retells an often-overlooked story of Everest’s past.
  • Cultural Insight: Shows the importance of the Chinese expedition.
• Ratings: IMDb: 6.8/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A well-crafted historical drama that brings new insights into Everest’s mountaineering history.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • The film worked with historians to accurately show the 1960 expedition and recreated the 1960s climbing experience with big sets and detailed costumes.
• Comparison: “The Climbers” tells a historical story, unlike films like Everest and Poorna, which focus on personal experiences.

Mount Everest Movies – Finding Michael (2023)

• Directed by: Tom Beard, featuring Spencer Matthews.
• Genre & Rating: Documentary, Biography.
• Summary: This documentary follows Spencer Matthews as he searches for the body of his brother, Michael, who went missing on Everest in 1999. It’s a touching story about loss, family, and trying to find closure after tragedy.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Emotional Story: Shows the deep impact of Everest tragedies on families.
  • Personal Journey: Spencer’s search for his brother is heartfelt and human.
  • Insightful: Offers a rare look at how Everest’s dangers affect not just climbers, but their loved ones.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.9/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A moving documentary that explores the personal side of Everest’s tragedies.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • The film involved Spencer and his family, making the story feel real and emotional. Filming on Everest was difficult due to the conditions and the emotional weight of the story.
• Comparison: “Finding Michael” focuses on personal emotions and family loss, while films like Sherpa and The Summit look at broader mountaineering issues.

Mount Everest Movies – Hidden Gems: Inspirational and Unique Everest Stories

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (2021)

• Directed by: Lucy Walker, featuring Lhakpa Sherpa.
• Genre & Rating: Documentary, Biography.
• Summary: This film tells the amazing story of Lhakpa Sherpa, a Sherpa woman who holds the record for the most climbs of Everest by a woman. It shows her life, her achievements, and the difficulties she faced in reaching the top of Everest many times.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Inspiring Story: Shows the remarkable achievements of a woman in a field usually dominated by men.
  • Strong and Determined: Highlights Lhakpa Sherpa’s strength and persistence, making it an uplifting watch.
  • Cultural Insight: Gives a better understanding of the Sherpa community’s important role in Everest climbs.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.6/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “An empowering documentary that highlights a Sherpa climber’s amazing achievements and the challenges she faced.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • The film includes personal stories from Lhakpa Sherpa and shows the tough conditions on Everest.
• Comparison: Unlike other Everest Movies, “Mountain Queen” focuses specifically on a female climber’s personal journey, offering a unique perspective compared to films like Sherpa and 14 Peaks.

Mount Everest Movies – The Man Who Skied Down Everest (1975)

• Directed by: Bruce Nyznik and Lawrence Schiller, featuring Yuichiro Miura.
• Genre & Rating: G; Documentary, Adventure, Sport.
• Summary: This film covers Yuichiro Miura’s daring attempt to ski down Everest in 1970. It blends the excitement of high-altitude skiing with the dramatic conditions of Everest.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Thrilling Adventure: Shows an unusual and exciting perspective of Everest through extreme skiing.
  • Oscar-Winning: Won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
  • Historical Context: Provides a look at a unique and risky Everest challenge from the past.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.9/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A groundbreaking documentary that captures the bold adventure of skiing down Everest, offering a thrilling view of the mountain.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Filming in the 1970s was challenging, with many technical difficulties due to the extreme skiing conditions.
• Comparison: This film stands out because it focuses on skiing rather than climbing, offering a different view of Everest compared to traditional climbing documentaries.

Mount Everest Movies – The Summit of the Gods (2021)

• Directed by: Patrick Imbert; an animated film based on a Japanese manga.
• Genre & Rating: PG; Animation, Adventure, Drama.
• Summary: This animated film is based on a Japanese manga and follows a journalist trying to uncover the mystery behind George Mallory’s 1924 Everest climb. It combines adventure with deep questions about climbing and obsession.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Stunning Animation: Offers a beautiful animated look at Everest, mixing great visuals with a compelling story.
  • Thought-Provoking: Explores deeper themes about human obsession and the allure of climbing.
  • Rich Storytelling: Brings the manga’s detailed story to life in a new way.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.7/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A visually captivating and thought-provoking animated film that explores the mysteries of Everest’s climbing history.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • The film uses advanced animation techniques to capture the grandeur of Everest and the manga’s story.
• Comparison: “The Summit of the Gods” offers a unique animated take on Everest, which is different from live-action films and documentaries.

Mount Everest Movies – Dying for Everest (2007)

• Directed by: Mark Gould.
• Genre & Rating: Not Rated; Documentary.
• Summary: This documentary examines the tragic 2006 incident where climber David Sharp was left to die by other climbers on Everest. It raises important questions about the ethics of climbing and the human cost of reaching the top.
• Why You Should Watch:
  • Ethical Issues: Provides a sobering look at the moral dilemmas faced by climbers in extreme conditions.
  • Tragic Event: Gives a detailed look at a specific Everest tragedy and the harsh realities of high-altitude climbing.
  • Critical Reflection: Encourages thought about survival and responsibility in mountaineering.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.5/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A poignant documentary that explores the ethical complexities and human cost of climbing Everest.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • The film involved detailed research and interviews to cover the sensitive and tragic nature of the event.
• Comparison: “Dying for Everest” stands out for focusing on ethical issues and the human cost, offering a different view compared to films that highlight achievements and adventure.

Additional Must-Watch Everest Movies

Mount Everest Movies The Porter: The Untold Story at Everest

This film shines a light on the Everest porters who are often overlooked. These workers help make climbing expeditions possible by carrying gear and supporting climbers. The movie shows their daily lives, the challenges they face, and how important they are for Everest climbs.

• Why Watch It:
  • Unsung Heroes: It gives you a look at the porters, who play a crucial role but often don’t get much attention.
  • Insightful View: You’ll see what it’s really like for these workers and learn more about their important role in Everest climbs.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.8/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “An eye-opening documentary that shows the vital yet often unseen work of Everest porters, giving a fresh look at high-altitude expeditions.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Personal Stories: Includes interviews with porters and their families, sharing their personal experiences.
  • Filming Challenges: Capturing the tough conditions faced by porters was a big challenge for the filmmakers.

Lost on Everest (2020)

This National Geographic film follows a modern expedition to find the body of Sandy Irvine, who went missing in 1924 while climbing Everest with George Mallory. It mixes adventure with historical research to solve one of Everest’s greatest mysteries.

• Why Watch It:
  • Historical Mystery: Combines the excitement of adventure with the quest to solve an old Everest mystery.
  • New Insights: Offers fresh perspectives and findings about Sandy Irvine and George Mallory.
• Ratings: IMDb: 8.2/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A compelling documentary that offers new insights into one of Everest’s biggest mysteries, blending historical research with modern adventure.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Expedition Footage: Shows dramatic footage from the search for Irvine’s remains.
  • Historical Context: Features interviews and analysis of the 1924 expedition.

The Dark Side of Everest (2003)

This film explores the mental and ethical challenges climbers face in the “Death Zone” above 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are very low and survival is extremely tough.

• Why Watch It:
  • Psychological Insight: Provides a deep look into the mental struggles and ethical decisions climbers make in extreme conditions.
  • Critical Examination: Highlights often-overlooked aspects of high-altitude climbing that affect climbers’ choices and survival.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.4/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “An insightful documentary that reveals the deep psychological and ethical challenges of climbing Everest, offering a serious look at high-altitude climbing.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Climbing Interviews: Features honest interviews with climbers and experts about their experiences in the Death Zone.
  • Survival Stories: Shares personal stories of survival and the tough decisions made in critical moments.

Mount Everest Movies – Blindsight (2006)

This inspiring film follows six blind Tibetan teenagers who try to climb Lhakpa Ri, a peak near Everest, with the help of blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer. It shows their amazing journey and the challenges they overcome.

• Why Watch It:
  • Inspirational Journey: Highlights the incredible achievements of blind climbers and their determination to overcome big obstacles.
  • Human Spirit: Offers a powerful look at human spirit and adventure despite significant challenges.
• Ratings: IMDb: 8.3/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “A deeply moving documentary about blind climbers, capturing their determination and the inspiring climb to Lhakpa Ri.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Climbers’ Training: Shows footage of the climbers’ tough training and preparation.
  • Guidance from Erik Weihenmayer: Features insights from Weihenmayer on guiding blind climbers.

Mount Everest Movies – Everest: The Death Zone (1998)

This documentary looks at the “Death Zone” above 8,000 meters on Everest, focusing on the severe physical and mental effects of climbing at such high altitudes. It shows the harsh impact climbing Everest has on climbers.

• Why Watch It:
  • Detailed Analysis: Provides a close look at the extreme conditions and their effects on climbers’ bodies and minds.
  • Educational Value: Offers valuable information about the challenges of high-altitude climbing and what the human body can handle.
• Ratings: IMDb: 7.6/10.
  • Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes: “An informative documentary that shows the harsh realities of Everest’s Death Zone, offering a detailed look at the extreme challenges faced by climbers.”
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Climbing Conditions: Features footage and interviews showing the tough conditions in the Death Zone.
  • Scientific Insights: Includes expert commentary on the effects of high-altitude environments.

Conclusion About Mt Everest Movies

We’ve looked at some amazing Everest movies about Mount Everest. These Everest Movies show different sides of the mountain, from dramatic stories about climbing struggles to inspiring documentaries and hidden gems. They capture the bravery, hard work, and dreams of those who face Everest’s challenges. Whether it’s a climber’s fight for survival, the incredible journey of blind adventurers, or the important but often unnoticed work of Everest’s porters, each movie gives us a special look at the world’s tallest mountain.

We want to hear from you! Have you seen any of these Everest movies? Which one touched or inspired you the most? Let us know your thoughts and favorite Everest films in the comments below!

Mount Everest still fascinates us, both in Everest movies and in real life. These films show not just the tough climb but also the bigger themes of dreams, survival, and pushing limits. Watching these stories helps us understand and appreciate the amazing effort and sacrifice involved in reaching the top of the world. Everest continues to inspire and move us through these powerful stories.