If you’re a fan of the gripping documentary genre, then you’ve probably been captivated by the daring exploits of Philippe Petit in Man on Wire. This film, which chronicles Petit’s high-wire walk between the Twin Towers, is a masterclass in tension and storytelling. If you’re craving more films that evoke similar thrills and emotions, here are 17 movies you should definitely check out.
1. Free Solo
Free Solo follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale El Capitan without any ropes or safety gear. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, this film dives deep into the psychological and physical challenges of extreme sports.
2. The Walk
The Walk is a dramatized retelling of Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film combines breathtaking visual effects with a compelling narrative to bring Petit’s story to life.
3. Touching the Void
Touching the Void recounts the harrowing tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates as they face near-death experiences in the Peruvian Andes. This documentary-drama hybrid, directed by Kevin Macdonald, is a testament to human endurance and survival.
4. Meru
Meru follows three elite climbers—Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk—as they attempt to conquer Mount Meru. This film, directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, showcases the physical and emotional toll of high-stakes mountaineering.
5. 127 Hours
127 Hours tells the true story of Aron Ralston, a hiker who becomes trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon. Starring James Franco and directed by Danny Boyle, this film is a gripping portrayal of survival and self-rescue.
6. Man on Wire
Man on Wire is the award-winning documentary that recounts Philippe Petit’s audacious wire walk between the Twin Towers. Directed by James Marsh, this film combines archival footage with reenactments to create a thrilling narrative.
7. Grizzly Man
Grizzly Man explores the life and tragic death of Timothy Treadwell, a bear enthusiast who lived among grizzlies in Alaska. Directed by Werner Herzog, this documentary delves into the complex relationship between humans and nature.
8. The Summit
The Summit investigates the mysterious deaths of 11 climbers on K2 in 2008. Directed by Nick Ryan, this documentary combines interviews, reenactments, and real footage to unravel the events that led to the tragedy.
9. Riding Giants
Riding Giants is a documentary about the history and culture of big wave surfing. Directed by Stacy Peralta, the film features legendary surfers like Laird Hamilton and Greg Noll, capturing the thrill and danger of riding massive waves.
10. Into the Wild
Into the Wild tells the story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons his possessions to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Directed by Sean Penn and starring Emile Hirsch, this film is a poignant exploration of freedom and isolation.
11. Everest
Everest is a dramatization of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, where climbers faced a deadly storm. Starring Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, and Jake Gyllenhaal, this film, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, captures the peril and majesty of the world’s highest peak.
12. The Dawn Wall
The Dawn Wall follows climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they attempt to scale the seemingly impossible Dawn Wall of El Capitan. Directed by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer, this documentary highlights their determination and teamwork.
13. Solo
Solo is a documentary that chronicles the solo sea kayaking expedition of Andrew McAuley across the Tasman Sea. Directed by David Michôd and Jennifer Peedom, this film is a gripping tale of adventure and resilience.
14. The Great Alone
The Great Alone follows the life of Iditarod champion Lance Mackey as he battles personal and professional challenges. Directed by Greg Kohs, this documentary provides an intimate look at the world of dog sled racing.
15. Valley Uprising
Valley Uprising explores the history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park. Directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen, this documentary features legendary climbers and showcases the evolution of climbing culture.
16. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young
The Barkley Marathons is a documentary about an ultra-marathon held in Tennessee, known for its grueling course and low completion rate. Directed by Annika Iltis and Timothy James Kane, this film captures the spirit of endurance and perseverance.
17. The Alpinist
The Alpinist profiles climber Marc-André Leclerc, known for his daring solo ascents. Directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen, this documentary delves into the life and climbs of one of the most enigmatic figures in the climbing world.
