10 Must-Watch Mountain Documentaries

Description: Based on Joe Simpson's book, this documentary recounts his harrowing survival after a climbing accident on Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. It's a tale of survival against all odds, showcasing human resilience and the will to live.

Fact: The film uses dramatic reenactments to illustrate the events, making it one of the most intense climbing documentaries. It was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best British Film.

Description: This gripping documentary recounts the tragic events of the 2008 K2 disaster, where 11 climbers lost their lives. It explores the decisions made, the heroism, and the harsh realities of climbing one of the world's deadliest mountains.

Fact: The film includes interviews with survivors and uses footage from the climbers' own cameras. It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Documentary.

Description: Follow the journey of three elite climbers as they attempt to summit the Shark's Fin on Meru, a peak in the Himalayas considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world. The film captures the essence of climbing, friendship, and the human spirit.

Fact: The film won the U.S. Documentary Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. The climbers, Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk, are all renowned mountaineers.

Description: This documentary focuses on the lives of the Sherpas, the unsung heroes of Everest, and their struggle for recognition and respect. It follows Phurba Tashi, one of the most accomplished Sherpas, as he decides whether to continue climbing after a tragic event.

Fact: The film was shot during the 2014 season, which was marked by a deadly avalanche that killed 16 Sherpas. It provides a rare insight into the Sherpa community's perspective on Everest climbing.

Description: This film traces the history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, from the 1950s to the present day. It captures the evolution of climbing culture, the development of new techniques, and the characters who shaped the sport.

Fact: The documentary was produced by Sender Films, known for their climbing documentaries. It features interviews with legendary climbers like Yvon Chouinard and Lynn Hill.

Description: Witness Alex Honnold's unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This documentary captures the preparation, mental state, and the actual climb, offering a heart-stopping look at one of the greatest feats in climbing history.

Fact: "Free Solo" won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This film tells the story of George Mallory's 1924 attempt to climb Everest, interweaving his historical expedition with a modern-day retracing of his steps by Conrad Anker. It explores the mystery of whether Mallory reached the summit before his death.

Fact: The film uses archival footage, letters, and reenactments to bring Mallory's story to life. It also features interviews with Anker, who found Mallory's body on Everest in

Description: This film follows a group of climbers as they attempt to summit K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, known for its deadly beauty. It's a poetic exploration of the mountain's allure and the climbers' personal journeys.

Fact: The film features stunning cinematography by Jimmy Chin, who also appears in the documentary. It was shot during the 2009 climbing season, capturing both the beauty and the peril of K

Description: Follow Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they attempt to free climb the Dawn Wall on El Capitan, a route considered impossible. This documentary captures their physical and emotional journey over years of preparation and the actual climb.

Fact: The Dawn Wall climb was the first free ascent of this route, taking 19 days to complete. The film was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Sports Documentary category.

Description: A comprehensive look at the Alps, this documentary series explores the history, culture, and natural beauty of this iconic mountain range. It covers everything from the geological formation to the human stories intertwined with the mountains.

Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and features breathtaking aerial footage of the Alps. It was part of the Natural World series, showcasing the world's most spectacular natural environments.