Mount Everest has been demanding the attention of the world for centuries. From the people living in Nepal and Tibet to the trekkers making bids for the summit, the tallest mountain in the world engulfs commands the thoughts of the onlookers. So much so that even cinematography has come to fall in love with producing movies about Everest.
People worship the gods that live hidden away in the mountains, and dream of the day they will be able to reach the top of the world. It is no wonder then, that even while people are sitting at home they search for movies about Everest. These films grip one’s fascination with their thrilling and adrenaline-fueled viewing story for hours.
So lace up your hiking boots, grab a Cliff Bar, relax and get ready for the top-rated movies about Everest. In this roundup, I will offer 7 different movies on Mt Everest!
If the blog does not scratch your mountain climbing itch, and you want some more information about Mount Everest, check out our other blogs, like Everest Base Camp Trek, and How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mount Everest.
Without further ado, here are our top 7 movies on Mt Everest!
Quick Facts of the top Movies about Everest:
The following table breaks down important information covering the nine best movies about Mount Everest. It provides information about the length, rating, release year, and if the Everest movie is available on Netflix or other streaming services.
| Everest Movie Title | Release Year | Movie Length | Rating Rotten tomatoes | Where to Watch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible | 2021 | 1hr 41m | 89% | Netflix |
| Everest (2015) | 2015 | 2hr 1m | 73% | Netflix and Amazon Prime |
| Beyond the Edge | 2013 | 1hr 30m | 69% | Amazon Prime |
| Everest (1998) | 1998 | 44m | 93% | Amazon Prime |
| Into Thin Air: Death on Everest | 1997 | 1hr 30m | 38% | Amazon Prime |
| Sherpa | 2015 | 1hr 36m | 98% | Amazon Prime |
| Death Zone: Cleaning Mount Everest | 2016 | 1hr 39m | N/A | Amazon Prime |
1. 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible – Movies about Everest
14 Peaks is a captivating and inspiring documentary that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Nims Purja. He is a fearless mountaineer on a mission to conquer all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just seven months. This documentary is a riveting exploration of determination, courage, and the relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible goal.
The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the raw beauty and brutal challenges of the Himalayan peaks. The documentary also delves into the intricacies of high-altitude climbing and the physical and mental challenges these climbers endure. It provides valuable insights into the world of mountaineering for those who may not be familiar with it. Furthermore, the movie provides insight into Nepali life and culture, as well as what it is like to be a Sherpa in a competitive climbing industry.
One of the standout aspects of “14 Peaks” is the camaraderie and teamwork exhibited by the mountaineers. Nims assembles a team of fellow climbers, and their mutual trust and support are palpable on screen. This adds depth to the documentary, as it’s not just about individual achievement but also about collective determination in the face of extreme adversity.
This is one of the best movies about Everest as it features more than 100 hours of footage shot by Jimmy Chin, Nims dai, and his team. With amazing coverage of mountains like Everest and Shishapangma, the film covers his travels across Nepal, Pakistan, and China.
You can find this film about Everest on Netflix as well as on Amazon Prime! The ratings for 14 Peaks can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| 89% | 7.7/10 | 97% of users liked the movie |
14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible Movie Trailer
2. Everest Movie (2015) – Movies about Everest
“Everest,” the 2015 film directed by Baltasar Kormákur, vividly recounts the fateful 1996 Mount Everest disaster, a real-life tragedy that unfolded on Everest. Also based on Jon Krakauer’s book “Into Thin Air,” the movie takes audiences on a chilling journey into the heart of the world’s tallest peak.
The film recreates the events of May 10-11, 1996 Disaster, when two commercial expedition teams, led by Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) and Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal), found themselves in the path of a severe and unexpected storm near the summit. This movie about Everest provides a great look into how the commercialization of how climbing Everest has forced people to take unnecessary risks to get their clients up the tallest mountain in the world. The film excels in conveying the physical and emotional challenges faced by the climbers, as well as the ethical dilemmas that often arise in such high-stakes situations.
It provides a balanced perspective on the different aspects of the disaster, allowing viewers to connect with the characters’ personal struggles while appreciating the broader context of the event. Everest is an intense and emotionally charged cinematic experience that immerses the audience in the extreme challenges of high-altitude mountaineering. It serves as a powerful and respectful tribute to the tragic events of 1996 on Mount Everest. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or simply seeking a gripping and visually spectacular drama based on real events, “Everest” is a must-watch that honors the memory of those who dared to conquer the world’s highest peak.
You can find this film about Everest on Netflix as well as on Amazon Prime! The ratings for Everest (2015) can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| 73% | 7.1/10 | 84% of users liked the movie |
Everest (2015) Movie Trailer
3. Beyond the Edge – Movies About Mt Everest:
If you are a history buff and want to watch a movie about Mount Everest that covers the very first ascent of Mount Everest, then you will want to check out Beyond the Edge. Beyond the Edge is a 2013 docudrama that covers the efforts of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary‘s historical ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
The movie about Everest as well as Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, recreates many of the difficulties that come with being the first climber to conquer Everest in Nepal. Moreover, the film also has original photos and footage from their Everest bid in 1953. You can also hear interviews from Sir Edmund Hillary himself throughout the movie. Also, John Hunt who was the expedition leader of the trek provides narration throughout the film.
If you would like to learn more about the ninth British expedition to Everest, and the first time anyone was ever able to climb Everest, this will be a good movie to check out. Additionally, it will give some insight about how mountaineering and climbing in Nepal, and around the world has evolved over the years! Whereas, what used to be a daunting task only for the bravest in the world, can now be bought and experienced from anyone.
You can find this film about Everest on Amazon Prime! The ratings for Beyond the Edge can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| 69% | 6.8/10 | 71% of users liked the movie |
Beyond the Edge Movie Trailer
4. Everest (1998) – Movies About Mt Everest:
Following the same events as the Everest movie from 2015, this film about Everest is a dramatic recount of the true events that happened on Everest in May of 1996. However, where these two films of Mount Everest differ, is this one focuses on a group of climbers that triumph through diversity after the death of their fellow climbers.
Just days after the death of their fellow climbers, this group of mountaineers were able to make a successful bid for the summit of Mount Everest. The movie focuses on the human spirit and how powerful it can be just days after the death of friends. With their friends fresh in their minds, this group of trekkers are able to pay respect for the fallen by climbing to the top of the mountain they love, and even fear.
The documentary was narrated by Liam Neeson, and the film was actually being filmed while the event of May 1996 was taking place. It includes footage of these events, and the dramatic, horrific conclusion.
You can find this film about Everest on Amazon Prime! The ratings for Everest (1998) can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| 93% | 7/10 | 85% of users liked the movie |
Everest (1998) Movie Trailer
5. Into Thin Air: Death on Everest – Mount Everest Movie
This Everest movie is based on the book, Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. This movie covers the events in May 1996 on Mount Everest. The film follows Jon Krakauer’s first hand experience of the events as he was a part of Rob Hall’s group on Everest.
If you have ever read (if you haven’t, go read it now!) Into Thin Air, you will love this movie. It does a good job of recounting the events of that day told by Krakauer. This Everest film tells the story about a true-life extreme, fight for survival on top of Everest. With the two highly experienced guides in Scott Fischer and Rob Hall leading their expedition campaigns, they suddenly find themselves in the middle of a storm. After questionable actions on the mountain, and neglect by some individuals, people are put into harm’s way, and have to fight for their lives to survive.
Although the film starts in an exciting and adventurous tone, it quickly turns to a sad and perilous recap of the last moments of eight people’s lives. This chilling thriller is a great movie about Everest to watch especially if you have enjoyed the book and are a mountain climber. Moreover, it provides a different perspective than the newer 2015 Everest movie.
If you have the time, and interest, I would strongly recommend watching Into Thin Air: Death on Everest as well as the 2015 Everest film as it shows how the narratives of the events in May 1996 have evolved over time.
You can find this film about Everest on Amazon Prime! The ratings for Into Thin Air: Death on Everest can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| 93% | 5.7/10 | 76% of users liked the movie |
Into Thin Air: Death on Everest Movie Poster
There does not seem to be any movie trailer for Into Thin Air: Death on Everest movie. I have included the movie poster for reference instead!
6. Sherpa – Movies on Mt Everest:
This film about Everest in Nepal, focuses on Phurba Tashi who climbed Mount Everest 21 times. Phurba is an expedition leader for a New Zealand company that escorts climbers and trekkers up the tallest mountain in the world, Everest. However, the Sherpa has family issues as his wife no longer wants him to continue to such a dangerous job just for the money.
Everest movies typically focus on the actual climbing aspect of the mountain. However this film provides an interesting perspective of the Sherpa lifestyle and their spiritual and deep connection with the mountain. Moreover, it discusses how Sherpas are overworked, the large toll they take on to be porters and guides, and all the safety risks they have to take on for foreign mountaineers.
Building on the issues that Sherpas face, the movie focuses on an avalanche that ends up killing 16 sherpas. Thereafter, some of the Sherpas stage a protest and do not want to climb the mountain, as they demand better working conditions and safety protocols.
I recommend this movie about Everest for anyone that wants to see and learn more about the dangerous lives Sherpas live, to support the demands of foreign clients. And to make money to support their families in a region that has limited economic opportunities in Nepal.
You can find this film about Everest on Amazon Prime! The ratings for Sherpa can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| 98% | 7.6/10 | 89% of users liked the movie |
Sherpa Movie Trailer
7. Death Zone: Cleaning Mount Everest – Mount Everest Movies
The final movie about Mount Everest is slightly different from the rest of the movies. Instead of covering the events of climbers and trekkers, this film focuses on the issues around cleanliness and trash on the mountain.
Over the years, as Mount Everest has continued to become more popular and commercialized, so has the issue with trash. With climbers living at Everest Base Camp, trash, empty oxygen tanks, and even dead bodies continue to pile up. Death Zone: Cleaning Mount Everest covers the efforts of 20 Nepali climbers to clean up the mountain and dispose of the trash (approximately 100,000 pounds) in order to restore the beauty and respect to their beloved mountain.
I recommend this film to anyone that wants to get a better understanding and perspective on what the commercialization of Mount Everest is doing to the environment. Moreover, as countless foreigners and foreign companies continue to flock to Everest for the thrill of climbing the mountain, they often forget about the damage they are doing to it once they leave. This documentary on Everest covers the battle of Nepal and especially the Nepali climbers to keep their sacred mountain clean.
You can find this film about Everest on Amazon Prime! The ratings for Death Zone: Cleaning Mount Everest can be seen in the table below:
| Rotten tomatoes | IMDb | Google Users |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | 7.3/10 | 91% of users liked the movie |
Death Zone: Cleaning Mount Everest Movie Trailer
Personal Overview on Movies on Everest
Each movies on Mount Everest collectively provide a captivating exploration of the world’s tallest peak and people’s will to conquer it. Whether through dramatic retellings or documentaries, these films offer diverse perspectives on the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs associated with Everest.
They delve into the physical and emotional struggles, the camaraderie among climbers, and the magnetic pull that the mountain exerts on adventurers. Whether it’s the heart-wrenching accounts of disasters or the historic achievements, these movies collectively offer a profound and thought-provoking journey into the extraordinary world of high-altitude mountaineering and the relentless pursuit of the summit. Happy watching! [: