Movies About Climbing That Will Give You Vertigo

Climbing films play on our deep-seated fear of falling, but also celebrate the incredible strength of the human spirit. They transport viewers to breathtaking and dangerous heights – from towering mountains to skyscrapers – all from the comfort of their seats. The stunning visuals often create a dizzying, heart-pounding experience. Filmmakers use these risky environments to tell stories about overcoming challenges and the powerful drive to succeed. This collection includes both real-life documentaries and thrilling fictional stories that reach for the sky.

‘Free Solo’ (2018)

Alex Honnold’s incredible climb of El Capitan – without any ropes or safety equipment – is the focus of this documentary. The film shows the intense preparation he underwent and the worry his family and friends experienced. Cameras document every risky step as he scales the huge granite cliff in Yosemite National Park. It’s a gripping look at the extreme concentration and physical fitness needed to pull off such a daring and dangerous climb.

‘The Walk’ (2015)

Philippe Petit had a daring dream: to walk on a tightrope strung between the two World Trade Center towers. He gathered a team to secretly get the necessary equipment to the rooftops. The movie uses impressive visual effects to show just how high up he was and what it felt like to be above the city. Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives a committed performance as the unique artist, and the film vividly portrays the suspense of this audacious and illegal feat.

‘Fall’ (2022)

Two close friends attempt to conquer an old, unused TV tower, hoping to move past a painful event from their past. But their climb turns into a desperate fight for survival when the ladder breaks, leaving them stranded high above the ground with few resources. The film powerfully portrays their isolation and the sheer terror of the height, as they’re forced to rely on their wits and determination to survive.

‘Everest’ (2015)

The film tells the true story of two climbing teams caught in a dangerous storm while attempting to summit Mount Everest. It shows the brutal conditions climbers face – including extreme cold and lack of oxygen – and the perilous journey back down the mountain. The movie highlights the immense risks of high-altitude climbing and focuses on the courage and resilience of the individuals involved in the 1996 tragedy. It’s a story about the strength of the human spirit when faced with the power of nature.

‘Touching the Void’ (2003)

I first heard about Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ climb of Siula Grande years ago, and it completely blew me away. They were attempting this huge peak in the Peruvian Andes when Joe broke his leg on the way down. It put Simon in this impossible situation, forcing him to make a heartbreaking decision. The film about their ordeal is incredible – it mixes real interviews with dramatic recreations of everything that happened. It really gets into how much they suffered, not just physically, but mentally too, being so isolated and in so much pain. Honestly, it’s one of the most amazing stories of survival I’ve ever come across, and a real testament to human endurance in the face of extreme conditions.

‘The Alpinist’ (2021)

Marc-André Leclerc was a climber who preferred solitude and challenging routes, famously avoiding cameras and communication during his ascents. This documentary explores what drove him – his simple life and unwavering dedication to the sport. It features incredible footage of him climbing incredibly difficult ice and rock faces, and highlights the contrast between his down-to-earth personality and his daring solo climbs. Ultimately, the film is a celebration of a climber who prioritized the thrill of adventure over seeking recognition.

‘Meru’ (2015)

As a huge cinema fan, I was completely gripped by this documentary about three incredible climbers tackling the Shark’s Fin on Meru Peak. It’s a truly harrowing story of their attempt, battling brutal weather and running dangerously low on supplies. Conrad Anker, the team leader, really holds everything together as they face setback after setback, including some seriously close calls with injury and even death. What struck me most was how the film captured the incredible bond between these climbers – you really see how much they rely on each other while pushing themselves to the absolute limit. It beautifully illustrates the kind of obsession and unwavering determination it takes to achieve a first ascent – something no one had ever done on that route before.

‘127 Hours’ (2010)

A man canyoneering in a remote Utah slot canyon becomes pinned by a boulder. Over five days, trapped without food or water, he documents his fight for survival on camera, sharing his thoughts and memories. The film shows his increasingly desperate attempts to escape, powerfully brought to life by James Franco’s performance within the incredibly confined space. It’s a story about the strength of the human spirit when facing impossible challenges.

‘North Face’ (2008)

In 1936, two German climbers raced to conquer the treacherous North Face of the Eiger, a legendary challenge in the Alps. Their attempt became entangled with Nazi propaganda, and when the weather turned deadly, their climb transformed into a desperate struggle to survive. The film realistically portrays this harrowing event, capturing the mountain’s chilling atmosphere and the tragic history surrounding this infamous climb.

‘Vertical Limit’ (2000)

A climber races against time on K2 to rescue his sister and others who have fallen into a deep crack in the ice. The rescue team risks everything, carrying dangerous nitroglycerin to blast a path through the ice and reach the trapped survivors. The movie is packed with exciting and dramatic scenes of avalanches and explosions, though it focuses more on thrills than accurate mountain climbing. Despite this, it remains a well-loved example of a survival action film.

‘Cliffhanger’ (1993)

A mountain ranger finds himself battling criminals in the Rocky Mountains who are after hidden money. The film features Sylvester Stallone performing incredible and dangerous stunts on cliffs and in the snow. He’s forced to use his expert climbing abilities to find the stolen cash, which is scattered throughout the mountains. Expect thrilling action sequences with helicopters and fights on treacherous peaks. It’s a blend of a heist movie and an exciting outdoor adventure.

‘The Dawn Wall’ (2017)

The documentary follows Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they try to free climb a seemingly impossible section of El Capitan. It shows the weeks they spent living on the cliff face, and explores Caldwell’s personal story and the challenges he faced before this climb. The film vividly captures the physical toll the climb took on them, as their fingertips became raw from repeated attempts. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of dedication and pushing the boundaries of rock climbing.

‘Man on Wire’ (2008)

This documentary tells the story of Philippe Petit’s incredible and illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers. Through interviews, it shows the detailed planning and close calls that happened during the event. Using original footage and photos from 1974, the film vividly recreates the experience without relying on modern reenactments. It portrays Petit’s daring act as a remarkable artistic achievement, filled with both suspense and awe, and delves into what motivated him to take such a risk.

‘K2’ (1991)

Two friends team up to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. Despite their different approaches and personalities, they face a perilous climb together. The mountain throws difficult technical challenges and brutal weather at them, pushing their friendship to its limits. The story explores how both competition and teamwork are essential for surviving such a dangerous, high-altitude adventure, and details the specific threats of this incredibly challenging peak.

‘The Eiger Sanction’ (1975)

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this thrilling story about a retired assassin and art professor who’s pulled back into the world of espionage for one final, dangerous mission – a climb up the treacherous Eiger mountain. The film features stunning, real climbing footage shot on location, adding to the suspense and realism as spy intrigue combines with the extreme challenges of mountaineering.

‘Sherpa’ (2015)

This film offers a new look at Mount Everest, focusing on the Sherpa people who guide climbers rather than the Western climbers themselves. It tells the story of the devastating 2014 icefall accident and the disagreements that followed, revealing the dangers Sherpa guides face to provide for their families. The documentary also raises important questions about whether commercial climbing is ethical on a mountain considered sacred, and offers a perspective rarely seen in other films about mountaineering.

‘Skyscraper’ (2018)

A security expert risks everything to rescue his family from a massive, burning skyscraper. Dwayne Johnson performs incredible stunts, scaling the outside of the world’s tallest building in a visually stunning display. The movie features over-the-top action sequences that push the boundaries of reality as he maneuvers through a construction crane and the collapsing tower. The film relies heavily on special effects to create a terrifying sense of height and danger, delivering a thrilling, modern disaster experience centered around the threat of falling from extreme altitudes.

‘The Summit’ (2012)

This documentary recounts the tragic 2008 K2 disaster, in which eleven climbers died. Through a combination of recreated scenes and interviews with those involved, the film unravels the complex events that unfolded on that fateful day. It examines the choices made by the climbers as they faced the extreme dangers of the mountain’s ‘death zone,’ and stunning aerial footage highlights the immense size and remoteness of K2. Ultimately, the film is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in high-altitude climbing.

Please share which of these climbing films terrified you the most in the comments.

2025-11-28 08:46