There is something thrilling about tying up boots, loading up a backpack, and wandering into the remote trails of the Himalayas. While you can not escape to the outdoors in the blink of an eye. But the movies based on adventures and hiking expeditions can make you experience the buzz of venturing into the alpine landscapes while lounging at home. These films don’t just amuse, but they awaken the adventurous spirit and inspire to explore the magic of wilderness.
Through this blog, we are introducing you to 11 movies themed around adventures and trekking, each one a masterpiece in itself. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a digital nomad, these stories are set to uplift your soul to embark on a daring adventure in the near future.
Top Classic Adventure Films:
Everest (2015)
| Duration | 2 hrs 1 min |
| Release Date | 18th September, 2015 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Theme | Survival Attempts, Loss & Death, Helpfulness |
| Country | UK |
This thrilling movie is directed by Baltasar Kormakur, based on a true event of the 1996 disaster on Mt. Everest. The story kicks off with two men, Scott Fisher and Rob Hall, setting out with their groups toward the summit of the mountain. As their expedition ends and they begin descending, they encounter severe challenges, including harsh weather, freezing temperatures, overcrowding, a fight for survival, and such, which instantly turns their journey into a wild threat to their lives.
Everest offers its watchers themes like natural disaster and ecological tragedy, also showcasing human endurance throughout the storm. This film was inspired by one of the most disastrous happenings in mountaineering history. Despite such hardships, the two men influence many aspirants to fight until their bodies catch the frostbite and freeze to death.
Into the Wild (2007)
| Duration | 2 hrs 28 min |
| Release Date | 21st September, 2007 |
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Theme | Self-Reinvention |
| Country | USA |
Into the Wild is a life story film and a biopic of a man named Christopher McCandless, who, after abandoning his elite lifestyle, went in search of freedom and self-discovery. With a new name, Alexander Supertramp, the man embarks on his journey to the whole of the United States as planned, after donating all of his royalties to charities.
In the process, he meets distinct characters, including couples, a widower, and a farmer, and gains wisdom in several fields of life. As he ventures further into the wilderness of the Alaska region, he finds himself a bus to live in and calls it “The Magic Bus.”
He enjoys his isolation at the initial stage, but struggles when the weather gets harsh in the area and his survival supplements diminish. As days pass by, he gradually understands how even happiness sometimes comes with suffering. At its climax, we see how, in the lack of knowledge, he ingests a poisonous plant and dies on the bus alone.
However, the movie teaches that no matter what you have or do in your life, self-liberty and evolution should always be involved in nature.
Tracks (2013):
| Duration | 1 hr 52 min |
| Release Date | 10th October, 2013 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Theme | Solitude, Human Resilince |
| Country | Australia |
Tracks, similar to the above ones, is a biographical movie based on a memoir of Robyn Davidson, a role played by Mia Wasikowska. The movie represents her nine-month solo journey across 1,700 miles to the Australian deserts to the Indian Ocean, along with her Dog and four camels.
Throughout her expedition, she survives extreme physical and mental troubles and even loses her dear dog. Despite all the setbacks, Robyn ensured she remained courageous and completed her journey.
For adventure seekers, this is a highly suggested movie to watch. One must feel the edge of the film while watching, which displays the will to chase your dreams and to do whatever you’ve ever wished for. It captures the theme of solitude and human connection to wildlife as well as nature.
Recent Hits:
Unchai (2022)
| Duration | 2 hrs 53 min |
| Release Date | 11th November, 2022 |
| IMDB Rating | 7/10 |
| Theme | Adventure, Drama, Philosophy |
| Country | India |
Uunchai, the adventure-themed Hindi film directed by Sooraj Barjatya is not a typical mountain trek movie. It’s an emotional tale of aging, friendship, and courage to fulfill lifelong dreams. This heartfelt film is based on the story of three elderly people who embark on a thrilling trek to Everest for the sake of the last desire of their beloved friend Bhupen, who is no more in this world.
Everyone in the group is challenged by aging; still they pump themselves up for this journey into the wilderness of rugged mountains. This venture takes a philosophical turn and unfolds many life lessons when Mala, the love of Bhupen, joins them. Further, when they climb up, they encounter not only natural hurdles but mental ones too. Each of these members goes through a roller coaster journey of emotions.
What makes this film motivational is how it showcases resilience in the face of adversities. You will get a strong shot of inspiration when the great actor Amitabh Bachchan suffers a vulnerable episode of Alzheimer’s in the morning, and still he pushes himself to move forward.
During this time in the Himalayas, they push their limits and engage in deep conversations about life. Tackling the challenges of the outdoors at this age, they find out the true essence of life and friendship in this journey.
Filmed in the background of the Himalayas, this adventure-themed film is a perfect example of the famous saying that age is just a number. Moreover, watching this, you will be full of emotions, a philosophical understanding of life, and the courage to embark on an adventure.
Suzume (2022)
| Duration | 2 hr 2 min |
| Release Date | 11th November, 2022 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Theme | Mythological, Folklore, Nature, Supernatural |
| Country | Japan |
This animated movie follows the adventurous life of a 17-year-old girl, named Suzume Iwatoban, and a mysterious man, Souta Munakata. After meeting this man one morning, Suzume gets to know about the supernatural doors all across Japan that cause earthquakes when they release colossal worms.
They both team up and set out on a mission to seal all these doors. On her journey, Suzume realizes that she is somehow connected to the other world and confronts her loss of her mother in the 2011 tsunami and earthquake. She moves further while healing from her part and finally embraces the new beginnings.
The film delves into the messages of Grief, acceptance, and hope. Even as a teen, she restores the balance between the two worlds, helping a stranger, and even in devastation, she keeps her hope alive.
Infinite Storm (2022)
| Duration | 1 hr 37 min |
| Release Date | 25th March, 2022 |
| IMDB Rating | 5.3/10 |
| Theme | grief, solitude, resilience |
| Country | USA |
Infinite Storm features the real-life story of Pam Bales, who was a professional climber and search and rescue volunteer. It begins when she embarks up toward Mount Washington, where a deadly storm is occurring. As she approaches further, some footprints come into her view, which later lead her to Mr. John, who is caught in the storm.
Pam decides to save his life and initiates descending, battling the harsh weather conditions. While coming down, Pam starts having shitty flashbacks of the time when she lost her daughters to a gas leak.
However, she overcomes her grief and doesn’t give up until they both come back safely. They reconnect after a long while, and then John reveals how he, too, lost his loved one to death.
Inspiring Documentaries
Free Solo (2018)
| Duration | 1 hr 40 min |
| Release Date | 28th September, 2018 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Theme | Respect for Nature, risk, fear |
| Country | USA |
Free Solo is again a biographical documentary, depicting the life of a professional rock climber, Alex Honnold. He decides to attempt the free Solo climb to a 3,200-foot vertical rock in Yosemite National Park wearing no gear and using no ropes.
The film displays all the challenges and mental and emotional breakdowns Honnold undergoes. It also showcases the concerns of his loved ones, including close friends and girlfriends about the risks involved in this expedition. However, they supported his decision. This gripping story is a portrait of fearlessness and determination toward an impossible task and achieving the goal.
The Long start to the journey (2015)
| Duration | 1 hr 10 min |
| Release Date | 23rd March, 2015 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.9/10 |
| Theme | Personal growth, Perseverance, Struggle |
| Country | USA |
Unlike other movies, this one is a little different and exciting. The filmmaker, Chris Gallaway himself, undertakes an adventurous trip to the Appalachian Trail, America’s greatest long trail, and encounters numerous challenges in different seasons.
This documentary film tells the history and amusing story of the trail and real-life troubles occurring while long-distance hiking. It will be such a relatable watch for those who seek outdoor adventures and personal growth around nature. Throughout the film, we understand the true sense of struggle and perseverance, loneliness, and so on. Overall, it is worth a watch.
Six Million Steps: A Journey Inward (2011)
| Duration | 1 hr 33 min |
| Release Date | 11th April, 2011 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Theme | self-discovery, |
| Country | USA |
This documented story follows the lives of hikers who embark on the Pacific Crest Trail hike. This trail spans around 2,650 miles, going from Mexico to Canada, and as they traverse forward through the different landscapes, they face extensive transformation and challenges.
It displays their motivation and endurance throughout the adventures to the last point. Their journey takes approximately 165 days and almost six million steps, as the name represents. Their hardships, hunger, and moments of joy are all depicted very well in the movie, a heaven-watch for the admirers of thrills and adventures.
Underrated Gems:
Touching the Void (2003)
| Duration | 1 hr 46 min |
| Release Date | 12th December, 2003 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Theme | Friendship, survival, human endurance, harshness, and the beauty of nature |
| Country | Uk |
Touching the Void is a film that explores the true story of two brave climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, who attempt to climb the west of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. They face no challenges while covering their journey till the summit; however, the real thrill starts during their descent due to bad weather, and when Simpson falls and hurts his leg badly.
This documentary chills down the spine as Simpson gets into more trouble due to the darkness and a fierce storm. Yates doesn’t give up and runs a rescue to save his companion; however, unable to do so, he saves himself and returns to the base camp, thinking Simpson is dead.
The movie later takes a turn and highlights how Simpson, despite frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion, crawls back to his base camp and survives the enduring pain.
The Summit (2012)
| Duration | 1 hr 44 min |
| Release Date | 4th October, 2013 |
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
| Theme | Tense, Frightening, harrowing true events |
| Country | USA |
This movie displays one of the deadliest events in the history of mountaineering, the 2008 K2 (the World’s second-highest mountain) disaster. It starts with 24 climbers from all over the world gathering at the base camp and hiking towards the summit. Within 2 days, they are found either dead or missing, marking it as the worst disaster happening on K2.
You will even get to see real footage shots by climbers and of several Sherpas who were present. Adding to its perilous legacy, the documentary shows the historical 1954 Italian expedition as well. It’s a must-watch as it presents the emotional account of human grief, tragedy, endurance, and the complications they face during high–altitude climbing.
The Final Word
In this blog, we have shared the best 11 films with common storyline of spine-tingling adventures. If you are the one who enjoys watching pulse-pounding and inspiring movies, then you can choose any of the above-mentioned ones. Along with thrill, these movies stand out in line of stunning visuals as well.
However, if you wish to experience such exciting challenges beyond the TV screen, then you have to come out of your comfort zone and plan an expedition to the breathtaking summits of the Himalayas. So now, when are you making this dream a reality?
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