As a society, people have always found new and exciting ways to kill themselves. While we could easily spend our days lounging at home and reading articles on our favorite movie news websites, some people feel they have to put themselves in harm’s way to feel truly alive. These daring activities range from bungee jumping, skydiving, extreme sports and mountain climbing.
From the very first time a man saw a rocky surface going up into the sky and said, “I can climb it,” climbing has become a hobby. Whether it was climbing a rugged surface on a sheer cliff or hiking up a snow-covered mountain, people did it, and some even survived. Of course, the film industry had to take part in the adventurous test, and many feature films and documentaries about the deadly pastime were created.
“Free Solo” (2018)
documentary about Alex Honnoldattempting to become the first person to solo climb the famous 900-meter rock in Yosemite National Park, free solo is an extraordinary demonstration of the human spirit. In addition to showcasing the legendary ascent, the film also focuses on Alex and his friends and family in the months leading up to the event.
Many documentaries have been made about outstanding sporting achievements, but free solo is one of the best. While most viewers will have a hard time understanding Honnold’s desire to complete a task that most would consider suicide, his passion for achieving that one goal is something that can touch anyone.
free solo available to stream on Disney+.
‘Everest’ (2015)
Based on the real-life Everest disaster in 1996 that claimed the lives of eight climbers. Everest is a Hollywood adaptation of the events. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as well as Jason Clark as the two leaders of the expedition, the film follows the men and their comrades as they attempt to scale a frozen mountain.
There has been some debate about if Everest faithful to the real story, and if it embellishes certain events to serve the film’s narrative. Taking the basis of the film out of the equation in reality, Everest it’s still an enjoyable movie about people at the mercy of mother nature. Prepare warm snacks and a sweater.
‘Autumn’ (2022)
So, the mountain is only at the beginning of the movie, but fall still remains the most high-profile rock climbing film in recent years. Struggling with the death of her fiancée, former mountaineer Becky receives an invitation from her thrill-seeking best friend Hunter to climb an abandoned 2,000-foot radio tower in the middle of nowhere.
Upon reaching the top, the two women realize they are trapped and are desperate to survive. fall - a competent and tense thriller, from which every second seems impossible to escape. The film is based on performances Grace Caroline Kerry as well as Virginia Gardner and both actors breathe enough life into their characters to keep the audience’s attention.
‘K2’ (1991)
Based on the first two American climbers who climbed the legendary mountain, K2 stars Michael Bean as well as Matt Craven like best friends and avid climbers. After learning about the K2 expedition, the two men manage to talk themselves into joining the team, but they soon discover that their partners are less than capable.
While the film doesn’t bother to ask any philosophical questions about why people willingly put themselves in extreme danger, K2 still an enjoyable adventure film. Both Bean and Craven have lovable leads as they struggle to survive in the cold environment, with each new step bringing them closer to death.
‘High Lane’ (2009)
Someone once thought brilliantly: “What if wrong turn climbing?” and thus, high lane was born. When a group of young people decide to spice up their vacation by climbing a mountain path, they soon find themselves being hunted by a demented psychopath who calls the place home.
originally from France, high lane eschews the extreme violence of the New French Extremes movement to instead resemble an old-school slasher. Together with wrong turnit reminds The hills have eyes as teenagers are killed one by one in their unfamiliar and unforgiving environment, where suddenly falling off a cliff doesn’t seem so bad.
“The Ledge” (2022)
When best friends Kelly and Sophie decide to go rock climbing, their adventure vacation is interrupted by the arrival of four strange men. After the Cubs kill Sophie and Kelly captures it on camera, the killers chase her up a cliff, leaving Kelly forced to scramble for her life as the killers try to silence her.
While the plot is nothing new to the thriller genre, ledge manages to feel unique while adding extra stress to the rock climbing aspect. This is reminiscent of thrillers with a single setting, such as Phone booth as well as Buried as both the threat of Kelly’s pursuers and the harsh ground below beckon to end her life.
ledge available for streaming on Hulu.
“Vertical Limit” (2000)
One of the most popular films about rock climbing, Vertical Limit was the most notable film in the genre for many years. When a group of climbers are trapped on K2, they are rescued by a small rescue team. Among the rescuers Peter (Chris O’Donnell), whose sister is Annie (Robin Tunney) is one of the trapped climbers.
Also starring Bill Paxton as well as Scott Glenn, Vertical Limit more interested in adrenaline-fuelled thrills than realism. As the six-man team ascends the mountain, they face many deadly situations, creating a tense but interesting atmosphere as the climbers die one by one.
Vertical Limit available for streaming on Starz.
“Lonely Place to Die” (2011)
While climbing in the Scottish Highlands, a group of climbers discover a large box hidden in the ground. Shocked to discover that a young girl is in the container, the friends are pursued by deadly mercenaries who are trying to get the child to safety in an attempt to find out her identity.
Secluded place to die it’s a great thriller full of twists and turns as the main mystery of the film is gradually revealed. As the climbers struggle to survive, the film also shifts perspective to a small team of mercenaries exploring different sides of the conflict, helping to flesh out both the world and story of this underrated thriller.
Secluded place to die available for streaming on Shudder.
‘Rock Climber’ (1993)
Already fighting the Vietnamese army and Mr. T, Sylvester Stallone decided that his next opponent would be a mountain. rock climber Sly plays Gabe Walker, a ranger pursued by a failed rescue attempt. When a gang of outlaws take hostages on his mountain, he is finally given a chance at redemption.
While the film has been compared to the rest of Stallone’s The Hero Saves the Day filmography, its mountainous setting adds extra tension to the action, offering great cinematography. rock climber It’s the sort of cliched action movie that Sly’s fans have come to expect from him, but it remains one of his best standalone films.
rock climber available for streaming on Hulu and Tubi.
‘North Wall’ (2008)
Based on an attempt to climb the Eiger in 1936, north wall follows two German climbers as they compete to reach the top of one of the deadliest peaks in the world. The Germans are joined by an Austrian team, and as the rivals race to be there first, the deadly conditions may force them to work together to survive.
north wall is a reminder that even though we are almost a century away from these real events, people still use mountaineering as a way to go beyond human limits. However you feel about it, the film is a representation of how far a person can go to prove himself, even if it costs him his life.
north wall available for streaming on Tubi.
Source: Collider
