- The Cave (2005)
- The Descent (2005)
- Sanctum (2011)
- Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
- The Cave of Swallows (2013)
- The Lost World of the Maya (2015)
- The Underworld: Exploring the World's Deepest Caves (2016)
- Cave Diving: The Deepest Frontier (2017)
- The Cave Temples of Dunhuang (2019)
- The Cave of the Crystal Maiden (2020)
Caves have always fascinated humanity with their mysterious allure, hidden depths, and the secrets they hold from the past. This curated list of documentaries delves into the world of spelunking, showcasing the beauty, the danger, and the scientific marvels of cave exploration. From the vast underground networks to the smallest, most intricate formations, these films offer a window into a world that is both alien and intimately connected to our own. Whether you're an avid caver or simply curious about the subterranean wonders, these documentaries will take you on an unforgettable journey beneath the Earth's surface.

The Cave (2005)
Description: Although not a documentary, this film inspired by real cave diving experiences, provides a thrilling look at the dangers and beauty of underwater cave exploration, making it a must-watch for those intrigued by the subject.
Fact: The film was shot in Romania, using real cave locations to add authenticity to the underwater scenes.


The Descent (2005)
Description: While a horror film, it captures the claustrophobic and perilous nature of cave exploration, offering a dramatic portrayal of what can go wrong in the depths of the Earth.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in Scotland, providing a realistic setting for the story.


Sanctum (2011)
Description: Inspired by true events, this film follows a cave diving team trapped in an underwater cave system, showcasing the extreme conditions and the human spirit's resilience in the face of nature's wrath.
Fact: The film was co-written by Andrew Wight, who was part of the real-life expedition that inspired the story.


Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Description: Werner Herzog takes viewers into the Chauvet Cave in France, revealing some of the oldest known human paintings, dating back 32,000 years. This film explores not just the art but the very essence of human creativity and the passage of time.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D to capture the depth and texture of the cave art. Herzog was granted exclusive access to the cave, which is usually closed to the public to preserve the fragile art.


The Cave of Swallows (2013)
Description: This documentary explores one of the largest known cave shafts in the world, located in Mexico, where BASE jumpers leap into the abyss, providing breathtaking visuals and insights into extreme sports.
Fact: The cave is so deep that it takes over 10 seconds for a person to reach the bottom when jumping.


The Lost World of the Maya (2015)
Description: This documentary uncovers the ancient Mayan cave systems, revealing their religious significance, the artifacts found within, and the engineering feats of the civilization.
Fact: The film features the exploration of the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, known for its skeletal remains and pottery.


The Underworld: Exploring the World's Deepest Caves (2016)
Description: This documentary series follows cavers as they explore some of the deepest and most challenging cave systems around the globe, from Mexico to Slovenia, showcasing the technical aspects of cave exploration.
Fact: The series includes footage from the Krubera Cave, one of the deepest known caves in the world.


Cave Diving: The Deepest Frontier (2017)
Description: This film delves into the world of cave diving, exploring the psychological and physical challenges faced by divers as they navigate through underwater cave systems.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with some of the world's leading cave divers.


The Cave Temples of Dunhuang (2019)
Description: This documentary explores the Mogao Caves in China, showcasing the Buddhist art and the preservation efforts of these ancient cave temples.
Fact: The caves contain over 2,000 sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals.


The Cave of the Crystal Maiden (2020)
Description: This documentary focuses on the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave in Belize, known for its archaeological significance, where a young woman's skeleton, known as the "Crystal Maiden," was found.
Fact: The skeleton is believed to be over 1,000 years old and was discovered in
