NO.001
Vertical Limit
Vertical Limit
United States / Germany2000
It tells us: life is tough and tenacious, life is great and priceless. This is a movie for mountaineers. Anyone who has climbed snow-capped mountains and experienced those extremely harsh weather conditions, where even breathing becomes almost uncontrollable, might love this film.
NO.002
Downhill Racer
Downhill Racer
United States1969
A story about chasing a skiing dream. The film’s poster is very famous. It narrates the rise to fame of a skier. Shot from the perspective of the athlete, it creates a unique visual effect—the sharp blades, the snowy peaks—that is truly captivating.
NO.003
Touching the Void
Touching the Void
United Kingdom2003
Follow the rules—the rules between people, the rules between humans and nature. Do what is most right. Beyond the thrilling survival story of this movie, the most debated topic is:Should Simon have cut the rope? Should he have abandoned his companion in that situation? It's not a simple choice—the two ends of the rope held two lives.
NO.004
The Eiger Sanction
The Eiger Sanction
United States1975
An assassination plot carried out on the snowy mountain.
Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this film. Though more than half of the movie is dedicated to mountain climbing, the climb is shot so realistically and thrillingly that it becomes the highlight of the entire film—largely thanks to the work of five cinematographers.
NO.005
Challenge of the Himalayas
Into Thin Air: Death on Everest
Czech Republic / United States1997
As the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest’s mystery has always attracted people from all over the globe to explore it.
This film is based on a true story. Jon Krakauer, the accompanying journalist at the time, published the book Into Thin Air after completing the Everest climb. The film realistically recreates the catastrophic events faced by two climbing teams in 1996 during their ascent, with a gripping and intense plot.After completing the Everest climb, Krakauer published the book *Into Thin Air*.The film realistically recreates the catastrophic events faced by two climbing teams on Everest in 1996, with a tense and gripping storyline.
NO.006
Peak Experience
Les Aiguilles rouges
France2006
People grow through experiences. A hiking trip can be a catalyst for growth. A group of12- to 16-year-old unruly patrol officers are sent to climb the 8,202-meter-high Mont Revard. Over the course of a three-day hike, they learn to yield to one another, adjust, gradually help each other, and begin to understand and forgive.
NO.007
Ice Rain
Ice Rain
South Korea2004
The first mountain film in Korean cinema history’. The film was shot on the main peak of a snow mountain in northern Japan, at an altitude of over 8,000 meters, and spent six months filming on-site at the Mount Asiak in Alaska, Canada. The actors endured temperatures as low as minus forty degrees without the use of body doubles during the mountain-climbing scenes.
NO.008
Snowy Peaks Flying Eagles
Feuer Eis&Dynamit
Germany1990
A grand collection of winter sports such as alpine downhill skiing, dam climbing, rafting, snowmobile rallies, and ice skating.
A comedy film produced in Germany in 1990. Beneath a series of thrilling and exhilarating ice and snow sports lies the burning passion of people, even touching on profound reflections about social and environmental issues. Although most scenes showcase spectacular snow sports, every activity is infused with ample comedic elements that are sure to make you laugh.
NO.009
Vertical Limit
K2
Japan, UK/USA1991
The moment of life and death is often the biggest highlight of mountaineering films—and this one does not disappoint. A realistic mountaineering film that accurately portrays everything from the graceful movements of climbing to the various unexpected situations climbers may face.
NO.010
Beyond the Clouds
The Climbers High
Japan2008
"Why climb a mountain at all?" "Because you have to come down." So-called "Climber’s High" refers to the extreme state of climbers—under extreme fatigue, the brain naturally secretes an anesthetic, making one euphoric, no longer feeling fear or exhaustion.
NO.011
Cliffhanger
Cliffhanger
France/Italy/USA1993
In this film, Sylvester Stallone’s free solo climbing scenes are more realistic than those in Mission: Impossible 2.The climbing visuals are thrilling. The film’s pacing and character development are well-executed, and the integration of action scenes with the plot is seamless. After this film, Stallone’s career began a sharp decline, with each subsequent work being less successful than the last.
NO.012
Extreme Limits: The Essence of Adventure
Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk
Canada2002
"Fortune favors the bold" is an interpretation of being both daring and wise, while also rejecting timidity and indecision. An entrepreneur managing assets worth hundreds of millions is passionate about certain risky sports—this disregard for personal safety puzzles many. The courage of climbers comes from a strong physique and skilled mountaineering techniques. This film explores "what exactly is bravery."
NO.013
Fantastic Descent
First Descent
USA2005
This is the first film centered around snowboarding, encapsulating the entire history of the sport. Presented in documentary form and featuring only real professional snowboarders, it’s a great movie—or rather, documentary—for anyone who loves snowboarding. It helps you understand more about the sport you’re passionate about—snowboarding. —Snowboard.
NO.014
North Face
Nordwand
Germany/Austria/Switzerland2008
It encompasses the relationships and conflicts that make a compelling film, all portrayed with dramatic intensity. Based on a true event in Nazi Germany in 1936, it was awarded the Best Screenplay Prize by the German Film Critics Association. It provokes thought on themes such as the triumph of will versus the fury of nature, and the nobility of spirit versus the optimal principle of self-preservation. The film once again reveals the insignificance of humans and the indomitable will—a contradictory opposition, yet one that invites deep reflection. Based on real events in Nazi Germany in 1936, the film was awarded the Best Screenplay Prize by the German Film Critics Association. It provokes deep thought—such as the contrast between the triumph of will and the fury of nature, or the nobility of the spirit and the optimal principle of self-rescue. The movie once again reveals the insignificance of humanity and the indomitable will—a paradoxical opposition that is nonetheless worthy of our reflection.
NO.015
Return to Everest
RETURN TO EVEREST
USA1984
It tells the story of Sir Edmund Hillary’s journey to another spiritual peak in his life beyond mountaineering.On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Now, over thirty years later, Hillary and his climbing companions return to Everest to celebrate their historic achievement. This film is dedicated to those climbers and the Sherpas who helped these pioneers achieve their goal.
NO.016
Mount Everest: A Himalayan Journey
Team Everest:A Himalayan Journey
USA2007
Dreams are dreams
because they transcend all limitations, including the physical. This film tells the story of a team of disabled individuals attempting to climb the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. If they succeed, it will be the largest team of climbers, all of whom are disabled.
NO.017
Soul of the Snowy Peaks
Snowboarder
France / Switzerland2003
Stunning ski stunts – a must-watch film produced by Luc BessonBesson.This sports action film about skiing is written and directed by Les Barko, and produced by the renowned French director Luc Besson. One can’t help but feel that Europeans bring an especially meticulous and realistic touch to stunts in filmmaking.
NO.018
Extreme Peaks
Steep
USA2007
Extreme alpine skiing is not just a sport, but a way of life, a state of mind – almost reaching the level of faith. *Extreme Peaks* is a documentary about alpine skiing that showcases the adventure, beauty, and breathtaking moments on the slopes. It’s sure to move everyone who watches it with its deep sense of adventure and love for themountain.
NO.019
Extreme Summits
Everest
Canada2007
Watch how they overcome their greatest fears and conquer the forces of nature.
Based on a true story, four individuals from different places and professions come together to challenge the world’s tallest mountain –Mr. Everest. Can they rely on courage and determination to overcome all odds and set a record in this do-or-die expedition?
NO.020
Alps: The Giants of Nature
The Alps
USA2007
When you feel as if you’re standing atop cliffs as high as1800 meters, you realize how many things in life are worth cherishing and protecting. 1MAX Films followed American mountaineer John Harlin as he documented his climb up the Eiger via the north face. The film recreates the historic first ascent of the Matterhorn, and features a powerful score by the legendary rock band Queen, giving the film an epic and majestic feel.