Everest Movie Collection: 10 Films to Inspire and Thrill

Description: While not specifically about Everest, this documentary recounts the harrowing survival story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates on Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, offering a parallel to the survival themes often encountered on Everest.

Fact: The film uses dramatic re-enactments to bring the story to life, making it feel like a feature film.

Description: This documentary reconstructs the tragic events of the 2008 K2 disaster, where 11 climbers died. While not directly about Everest, it provides insight into the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, making it a compelling addition to this collection.

Fact: The film uses a mix of archival footage, interviews, and re-enactments to tell the story, offering a unique perspective on the tragedy.

Description: This film focuses on the first successful ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, using archival footage and interviews to recreate their historic climb.

Fact: The film was made to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first successful summit.

Description: This film dramatizes the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, focusing on the perilous journey of two expedition groups as they face one of the worst storms in the mountain's history. It's a gripping tale of survival, teamwork, and the harsh realities of climbing Everest.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Nepal, including at Everest Base Camp, and used real climbers as extras. The cast underwent extensive physical training to prepare for the high-altitude scenes.

Description: This documentary explores the lives of the Sherpas, the indigenous people who guide climbers up Everest. It focuses on the aftermath of an avalanche that killed 16 Sherpas, highlighting their often overlooked role and the cultural and economic implications of Everest climbing.

Fact: The film was shot over several years, providing an intimate look at the Sherpa community and their relationship with Everest.

Description: This documentary captures the first successful summit of Everest, providing a historical record of the expedition led by Sir John Hunt, with Hillary and Norgay's ascent.

Fact: It was one of the first films to win an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This documentary tells the story of George Mallory, who attempted to climb Everest in the 1920s, and Conrad Anker, who found Mallory's body in 1999. It combines historical footage with modern-day exploration to explore the mystery of whether Mallory reached the summit.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Mallory's granddaughter, providing a personal touch to the historical narrative.

Description: Based on Jon Krakauer's best-selling book, this TV movie recounts the same 1996 Everest disaster as the film "Everest," offering a different perspective on the events through the eyes of Krakauer, who was part of the expedition.

Fact: The film was shot in Canada, using the Rockies to simulate the Himalayan environment.

Description: This short documentary follows the Sherpas known as the "Icefall Doctors," who prepare the route through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall for climbers each season, showcasing their indispensable role in Everest expeditions.

Fact: The film provides a rare look at the behind-the-scenes work that makes Everest climbing possible.

Description: This documentary explores the physiological effects of high altitude on the human body, using the 1996 Everest disaster as a backdrop to explain the dangers of the "death zone."

Fact: It features interviews with survivors of the 1996 disaster, providing firsthand accounts of the events.