Daredevil Docs & Films Like ‘Being Evel’

Description: A classic documentary that follows surfers chasing the perfect wave around the globe, embodying the adventurous and free-spirited ethos of pushing limits and living on the edge.

Fact: The film popularized surfing culture worldwide and introduced many to the idea of traveling to remote locations in search of the best waves.

Description: A dramatic retelling of a climber's survival story after a near-fatal accident in the Andes, emphasizing the resilience, determination, and sheer will to survive against all odds.

Fact: The film combines documentary interviews with reenactments to vividly portray Joe Simpson's incredible ordeal and miraculous survival.

Description: This documentary chronicles the evolution of big-wave surfing, showcasing the courage, innovation, and sheer audacity required to ride some of the largest waves on the planet.

Fact: The film features legendary surfers like Laird Hamilton and Greg Noll, who pioneered the sport and pushed its boundaries.

Description: This documentary explores the intense rivalry and passion within a niche subculture, much like the world of daredevil stunts. It captures the obsession, competition, and personal stakes involved in achieving greatness in an unconventional field.

Fact: The film follows Steve Wiebe's attempt to break the Donkey Kong high score record held by Billy Mitchell, sparking a dramatic and controversial showdown.

Description: A poignant look at the life of a professional snowboarder after a traumatic brain injury, exploring the risks, sacrifices, and personal struggles inherent in extreme sports.

Fact: The film documents Kevin Pearce's recovery and his difficult decision to retire from competitive snowboarding after his accident.

Description: A harrowing documentary about climbers attempting to conquer one of the most challenging peaks in the Himalayas, capturing the physical and mental endurance required for such a feat.

Fact: Meru Peak's Shark's Fin route had never been completed before the climbers featured in the film made their successful ascent.

Description: A tribute to the life of a pioneering skier and BASE jumper, celebrating his innovative spirit, fearless approach to extreme sports, and the legacy he left behind.

Fact: Shane McConkey is credited with inventing ski-BASE jumping, a combination of skiing and parachuting that pushed the boundaries of both sports.

Description: This film traces the history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, highlighting the rebellious spirit, camaraderie, and relentless pursuit of pushing the sport's limits.

Fact: The documentary covers decades of climbing culture, from the early pioneers to the modern-day athletes who continue to redefine what's possible.

Description: A gripping documentary about a high-wire artist's audacious and illegal tightrope walk between the Twin Towers, showcasing the thrill-seeking and boundary-pushing spirit of extreme performance.

Fact: Philippe Petit's 1974 walk was performed without a safety net and took six years of planning. The event is often described as the 'artistic crime of the century.'

Description: This film delves into the mind of a climber attempting to scale El Capitan without ropes, highlighting the extreme risks, meticulous preparation, and psychological toll of pursuing such a dangerous feat.

Fact: Alex Honnold's climb was the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock face in Yosemite National Park.