Top 5 Must Watch Climbing Movies

Are you stoked about climbing? Maybe your Instagram feed is full of climbing content, or your YouTube search history is full of Climbing World Cup videos and Magnus Mitdbo. Whatever the case, it’s essential to fuel the stoke and keep it high. Check out this curated list of the Top 5 Must-Watch Climbing Movies.

Valley Uprising

Best movie on Climbing’s History in the U.S
Where to Watch: Tubi, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Pluto TV
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1h 43m
Synopsis: Take a trip back to the beginning of rock climbing in the United States. Featuring the stories of the pioneers of the sport who bolted routes, climbed hard, and remained prominent in the climbing community as either pro climbers or the CEOs of companies like Patagonia, North Face, and Black Diamond.

Free Solo

The movie every non-climber will want to talk to you about
Where to Watch: DIsney+, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1h 40m
Synopsis: The cinematic masterpiece capturing free climber Alex Honnold’s preparation for and attempt to free solo (climb without any safety gear) El Capitan in Yosemite. Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat, holding your breath as he tackles an incredible feat.

Cliffhanger

The best fictional climbing movie
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, Philo, fuboTV, The Roku Channel, SlingTV
Rating: R
Run Time: 1h 53m
Synopsis: Grab some snacks, have some friends over, and get ready to enjoy an action-packed heist that takes the characters through an adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

Dawn Wall

Best climbing documentary for sport climbers
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, The Roku Channel
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1h 40m
Synopsis: A classic documentary-style film mixed in with some GoPro footage from Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgenson climbers. Learn about Tommy’s past and what lead him to attempt to free climb (use ropes for safety, but not for assistance) the Dawn Wall in Yosemite with Kevin Jorgenson. Prepare for some intense moments, stories, laughs, and heartfelt moments.

North Face (Nordwand)

Best climbing movie you’ve never heard of
Where to Watch: YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, Philo, furboTV, PLEX, Crackle, Tubi
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2h 6m
Synopsis: North Face is about the true story of two German soldiers in Nazi-era Germany who set out to climb the most challenging face of the Alps. Filled with action, suspense, and outstanding cinematic quality, you’ll be glad for new climbing technology at the end of this one. For the authentic experience, watch it in German with subtitles!

While these five movies are a must-watch, some incredible climbing and mountaineering films were recently released. It’d be remiss not to mention those, so if you check off the top 5, definitely check out The Alpinist, 14 Peaks, and Meru (directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vaserahelyi, who co-directed Free Solo). The Alpinist and 14 Peaks are on Netflix and many of the same sites as the Top 5. While Meru is not currently on Netflix, you can find it on the same platforms as North Face.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep the stoke high, keep climbing, and finish off your day with one (or all) of these Top 5 climbing movies! Let us know if you watched a movie(s) from the list and what your favorite part about it was in the comments below!