The top 7 outdoor adventure documentaries to blow your mind
There is no lack of mind-blowing outdoor adventure documentaries – but these will truly leave you breathless! True stories of incredible people doing incredible things, and proving that true determination and heart can take you to incredible places!
The Dawn Wall (2018)
An incredible story of determination. This documentary follows Tommy Caldwell and his climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson, on their journey to scale the 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
The Dawn Wall was previously thought of as unclimbable until Tommy and Kevin faced the groundbreaking 19-day journey to change that. A memorable film with some of the most incredible shots of the impressive Yosemite National Park.
Whether you are climbing obsessed, or a complete non-climber, this documentary resonates with you as the physical challenge and personal struggles are tangible to all who watch it.
Touching The Void (2003)
In 1985, two climbers take on the frightening west face of the 21000ft Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. A harrowing and heart-stopping documentary that keeps you on the edge of your seat, not wanting to miss a single moment!
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are the two young British men who took on this insane challenge. A life-threatening accident leaves Yates having to make a gut-wrenching decision that changed both of their lives forever.
A visually impacting movie that shows the inspirational strength of human beings in the face of death and a decision that most climbers hope they never have to make.
Meru (2015)
This movie follows three professional climbers attempt to climb 21,000ft to the top of Himalayan Mount Meru, fondly named the “shark’s fin”. World-renowned alpinists Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk take on this incredible feat while fighting their own personal battles of loss and obsession.
Despite a previous failed attempt, Conrad Anker manages to convince his climbing partners to face the giant once more. This adventure documentary follows the trio as they face their inner demons while attempting the impossible.
The documentary is made that much more amazing when you realize they are not only tackling the mountain but filming it themselves as they climb! A fascinating true look into their world and the incredible sceneries experienced by professional climbers.
Free Solo (2018)
An amazing story of one man’s attempt to become the first free climber to conquer the previously mentioned 3,000ft El Capitan. Alex Honnold has been described as a “daredevil” and “spiderman”, for the mesmerizing free solo climbs he undertakes and seemingly without fear.
The documentary follows this extremely focused thrill-seeker as he scales the sheer cliff, without anything to save him from falling, and you watch as the ground gets further and further away. You’ll be on the edge of your seat holding your breath until the end.
A brilliantly created National Geographic documentary with visuals that truly takes your breath away and give you a close look into the world of free climbing.
The Summit (2012)
A true mystery that remains on K2 – 25 climbers headed up the mountain and only 14 returned. A movie created as a combination of reenactments, interviews with the survivors and found footage that lays out the events of August 1st and 2nd, 2008.
Despite these pieces of evidence, what really happened on that mountain remains unknown. Information is contradictory and nothing seems to make sense to explain the series of accidents that left 11 people dead.
The Summit is a frightening look into the nightmares and chaos faced on K2 by these climbers. It will most likely leave you with more questions than answers, and the true story will forever ly on the mountain.
The Fourth Phase (2016)
Following Travis Rice, a legendary snowboarding thrill seeker, you’ll watch him on a multi-year journey to follow the North Pacific Gyre’s flow.
A force to be reckoned with, Travis is a determined and passionate person who gets things done and he pulled together the troops to put together an incredible snowboarding film that features some of the most daredevil riding out there.
A movie with thrilling action scenes and breathtaking scenery that brings you closer to the world’s most remote mountain environments!
K2: Siren of the Himalayas
In 2009, a group of climbers took on the challenging climb of K2 in the Himalayan mountain range. They would face the task on the 100th anniversary of its landmark expedition.
Known to be deadlier than the famous Mount Everest, K2 has a death rate of 25 percent. If you are a mountain enthusiast then this is the outdoor adventure documentary for you!
If you are considering a climb like this, definitely check out this movie as Dave Ohlson (director) thoroughly provides the best information on climbing K2. Another great depiction of the determination of these mountain climbing enthusiasts to reach the top, no matter the risk.
