What to Watch on Rest Days: The Best Climbing Documentaries

On your days off from climbing, you may want to just lay back and relax with a good movie on the couch. Get inspired and motivated with some of our favorite climbing documentaries that will make you want to get back out there and climb the very next day!

Meru (2015)

If the famous Shark’s Fin intrigues you, this is the perfectly captivating film for your movie day. The infamously and nearly impossible Shark’s Fin located in the Himalayas is a daunting task that is a huge goal for the individuals this documentary follows.

The film is directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, who also directed Free Solo. Learn about these climber’s backgrounds and pitfalls while seeing them climb one of the most challenging peaks out there.

Touching the Void (2003)

If your looking for a film that will have you anxiously on the edge of your seat, Touching the Void will do just that. The film follows Joe Simpson and Simon Yates on their journey of Siula Grande in Peru. The two became the first to reach the summit, but most of their difficulties begin on the way down.

Simpson was injured on the descent, resulting in a broken leg. Yates decides to cut his robe, as he wasn’t able to hold his friends weight. We will leave you with that cliffhanger – watch this film to find out what happens next. If your looking for a plot that will mentally challenge you, and inspire you with it’s amazing persistence, rent this one today.

North Face (2010)

This German film is worth the subtitles with its incredible acting and gravitating plot. The film is based on the true story of climbers Toni Kurz and Andi Hinterstoisser as they attempt to scale the North Face of the Eiger, making them the first to do so.

If you want to learn more about the early era of climbing, you will be able to with this film. Experience all the challenges early climbers faced with their minimal equipment, that will make you thankful for modern climbing tools. The film also focuses on the intense media frenzy that followed the climbers and their story, as they attempt to do the impossible.

Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey (2017)

This is a great choice if you’re looking for a film that focuses on the life and legend of famous climbers like Fred Beckey. As one of the best early climbers, Beckey, born in 1923 was a personality.

The film focuses on Beckey’s life both as a climber and as an eccentric. Based in the ’80s, the film follows Beckey as he works to achieve his goals of climbing impressive routes in hopes of writing a guidebook. For an inspirational and fun-loving film, anyone can love, check this one out.

You’re Set for a Day Full of Climbing Documentaries!

There’s something here for whatever you’re in the mood for with these climbing documentaries. Spend a day getting inspired by these documentaries and films depicting true stories of famed climbers and their impressive yet harrowing adventures.

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