Top 10 Discovery Dramas

Description: Werner Herzog's film about a 16th-century Spanish expedition led by the mad conquistador Lope de Aguirre in search of El Dorado, showcasing the madness and destruction that can come from the quest for discovery.

Fact: The film was shot in the Amazon jungle with a very small crew, and Herzog himself played a small role.

Description: This film tells the story of Bill Miner, a train robber who, after being released from prison, tries to start a new life in the early 20th century, only to be drawn back into crime. It's a tale of discovery in the context of personal reinvention.

Fact: The film was shot in British Columbia, Canada, and features a mix of historical accuracy and fictional elements.

Description: Set in the 18th century, this film follows a Jesuit priest's mission to protect a remote South American Indian tribe from Portuguese slavers, exploring themes of discovery, faith, and cultural clash.

Fact: The film's score by Ennio Morricone won the Golden Globe for Best Original Score.

Description: While not about physical exploration, this film explores the inner journey of Ramón Sampedro, a quadriplegic who fights for the right to end his life, discovering new depths of human spirit and determination.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Description: Terrence Malick's film explores the early days of the Jamestown settlement and the complex relationship between Captain John Smith and Pocahontas, offering a poetic look at the clash of cultures and the discovery of new worlds.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Virginia and England, with some scenes filmed at the actual site of Jamestown.

Description: Inspired by the memoir of Sławomir Rawicz, this film follows a group of prisoners escaping from a Siberian gulag and their epic journey to freedom across the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas.

Fact: The film's authenticity was enhanced by shooting in various harsh environments, including Bulgaria, Morocco, and India.

Description: Based on the real-life expedition of Thor Heyerdahl, this film depicts his daring 1947 voyage across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft to prove that South Americans could have settled Polynesia.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The raft used in the movie was built using traditional methods and materials.

Description: This documentary captures the historic first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, providing an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs of high-altitude exploration.

Fact: The film was made by the same expedition team that summited Everest, offering firsthand footage.

Description: This documentary recounts Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, where his ship, the Endurance, was trapped by ice, leading to an incredible tale of survival.

Fact: The film uses original footage from the expedition, which was miraculously preserved after being buried in ice for decades.

Description: This film follows the real-life journey of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in the Amazon while searching for an ancient lost city. It's a tale of obsession, family, and the allure of the unknown.

Fact: The film was shot in locations in Colombia, Northern Ireland, and England to replicate the Amazon jungle. Charlie Hunnam underwent extensive physical training to portray Fawcett.