History of rock climbing documentary. Balancing, leverage and grip strength are key.
History of rock climbing documentary They provide access to deep narrative journeys, showcase the incredible strength of the human spirit, and connect viewers intimately to the rich culture, history, and soul of climbing. Two new documentaries premiere this month Documentary that covers the famous and successful expedition of the Everest conquest by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, the first climbers to reach its peak. Valley Uprising charts the history of rock climbing in California’s Yosemite National Park. Human nature is to look up at these high places and dream of reaching them. From the Youtube description: “Narrated by Peter Sarsgaard, the film features digitally-animated archival photography, spectacular climbing footage and interviews with Yosemite greats—from Alex Honnold leads a six-week expedition in Eastern Greenland to attempt a first ascent of one of the highest unclimbed rock faces in the world. Documentary: VERTICAL FRONTIER A Character-Driven History of the Art, the Sport and the Philosophy of Rock Climbing in Yosemite Kristi Denton-Cohen, Producer (Running Time: 90:30) NARRATED BY: TOM BROKAW From John Muir in the 1860s to the super athletes of today, "Vertical Frontier" is the character-driven story of the art, sport and philosophy of climbing the legendary big walls of Yosemite Jan 13, 2025 · Here are the five climbing films we're excited about at AlpinFilm in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this year. Streaming climbing movies and more! Sep 2, 2023 · Experience the thrill and beauty of the world of climbing through the best documentaries about climbing. Sep 5, 2022 · The Guardian considers Touching the Void to be “the most successful documentary in British cinema history. The 50-year history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley is chronicled in this documentary charting the birth and rise of a rebellious counterculture. Though Apr 12, 2024 · The best climbing documentaries get you excited to go out and climb. Experience the thrill and risk of this extreme sport. Chai Vasarhelyi (“MERU”) and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin comes National Geographic Documentary Film’s FREE SOLO, a stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of the free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock the 3,000ft El The trailer of Valley Uprising, the documentary that retraces the history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, USA. [5][6] This article features the best rock climbing documentaries informing exercise, history and science-based reasons to pick up a pair of climbing shoes. However, this hour-long documentary follows a group of climbers who are exploring climbing options in the midwest and developing routes and boulder problems, both in the wilderness and in urban areas. It looks to be the most comprehensive (and awesome!) rock climbing documentary to date. Let's take a look back. Whether searching for safety, resources, or enlightenment, people have always climbed mountains and cliffs. May 15, 2025 · Experience the vicarious thrill of ascending towering heights through the best movies about climbing, following brave souls who scale formidable terrains, battling both internal and external challenges. Jul 23, 2024 · In 2018, Canadian rock and ice climber Marc-André Leclerc was killed in an avalanche while climbing the Mendenhall Towers in Alaska. Sep 19, 2024 · Discover the best climbing movies and documentaries on Netflix. Rock Climbing, as we know it today, developed from its ancient roots into Victorian-Era mountaineering, and then from early The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (SLCA), in partnership with the State of Utah and the Department of Heritage and Arts, is creating *Alpenbock*, a short documentary on the history of rock climbing in the Wasatch Front. Nov 24, 2022 · After all that we’ve found the best mountain climbing documentaries on Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. Climbing docs like Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard that rock climbing will be part of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo for the first time in history. This film is as much about his personality as it is about his extraordinary exploits - the psycho-gram of a controversial mountaineer. Rock climber Alex Honnold stands atop El Capitan after nearly four hours of climbing alone, without ropes or any other equipment or safety gear. Plus where to watch mountaineering documentaries. The result is a deeply personal rock climbing documentary that confronts the tension between outdoor conservation and the very industries that give us access to the wild. Sep 27, 2025 · Conclusion: Let the Credits Roll, Let the Inspiration Climb On Inspiring climbing films and documentaries offer much more than fleeting entertainment. Includes free streaming links and must-watch recommendations. The film was made to promote fundraising and encourage climbers to support their local coalitions. Learn climbing history, ethics and techniques. Experience the history, rebellion, and evolution of rock climbing at Yosemite. Aug 24, 2023 · Climbing Documentaries" offers a captivating collection of films showcasing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of rock climbing. The film highlights the early climbers of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, including pioneers like former SLC Mayor Ted Wilson and George Lowe. A 6-part BBC TV series on the history of mountaineering, starting with the early 1900's and ending with modern day rock climbing and alpinism. It makes this documentary about his extraordinary achievements The Dawn Wall: Directed by Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer. Watch them for date night, in-office or when you’re just missing the mountains a bit too much. From rock-climbing to a deep dive into the history of the Calaveras frog jumping contest, you’ll learn something AND be entertained at the same time. What can you expect from these climbing movies? For one, you can expect to see spectacular scenery of rocks, motivations of climbers, their amazing feats, and genuine drama. This story Feb 22, 2020 · One of the most iconic climbing documentaries of all time, Valley Uprising represents a deep dive into the rich history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park. Explore awe-inspiring feats, safety precautions, and the boundless beauty of nature. From showcasing awe-inspiring ascents to delving into the minds of legendary climbers, these Jan 30, 2024 · Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures or a deeper understanding of the rock climbing community, these documentaries provide a thrilling and immersive experience. Narrated by Peter Sarsgaard, the documentary explores the larger than life characters that have These climbers were living outside the rest of society and went on to become the most influential figures in the history of British climbing. To get it out of the way first – we’re referring to mountain climbing documentaries. Nov 19, 2021 · Relax, watch, learn, and get motivation! Check out some of the must-see rock climbing documentaries to inspire your next rock climbing adventure. The film tells the stories of veterans and Jul 22, 2014 · Narrated by Peter Sarsgaard, the film features digitally-animated archival photography, spectacular climbing footage and interviews with Yosemite greats -- from pioneers like Yvon Chouinard, Royal Where did it all start? History of Rock Climbing People have always climbed mountains. In the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service. They feature the world's best climbers as well as the history of climbing. In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan. But this is much more than a climbing trip. Jun 13, 2025 · This list features the best rock climbing documentaries out there. Jun 4, 2022 · Free soloing means climbing with no rope, a genre that verged into American consciousness in the 1970s. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration with these thrilling and inspiring documentaries. May 20, 2020 · Climbing Documentaries and films are the best way to take you to the mountains without actually going. Through interviews and Sep 10, 2014 · Every film and interview over the last seven years has led Boulder’s Sender Films to “Valley Uprising,” its sweeping new documentary that tracks the 60-year evolution of culture-forging The 50-year history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley is chronicled in this documentary charting the birth and rise of a rebellious counterculture. I've seen some Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. Rock Climbing History Documentary. Oct 16, 2014 · The film explores one of the untold stories of American counterculture — the Yosemite Valley rock climbers. From action-packed films to heartwarming stories, find the right climb for your mood. Apr 23, 2015 · Valley Uprising, a 90-minute documentary by Sender Films, captures the history and evolution of rock climbing at the National Park in the Sierra Mountains, 200 miles east of San Francisco. Aug 17, 2023 · One of the best places in the world to experience climbing is Yosemite National Park. “The larger-than-life characters of Yosemite carved out an ‘extreme "Stoney Point: Portrait of an American Crag" is a one of a kind, feature documentary based on the unique climbing culture of a small city park on the outskirts of Los Angeles, California. Watch trailers & learn more. And with a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s safe to say that this is amongst the most critically acclaimed climbing movies on Netflix. It's a magical place and the interviews spin this incredible story from some of the earliest climbing days to the most recent. There have been many documentaries made about the amazing climbs that have taken place in Yosemite, capturing the beautiful scenery and thrilling adventures. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through some of the best rock climbing documentaries available on Netflix. When it comes to film genres, documentaries give us a chance to get a closer, more intimate look into places, people, or things that we normally wouldn’t have. Nov 19, 2025 · Our comprehensive list of Netflix rock climbing documentaries is sure to keep you stoked all year long. Jan 23, 2024 · Trying to find a top-rated documentary about climbing to watch? Check out this list of the best climbing documentaries! Feature documentary about mountaineering icon Reinhold Messner and how he became what he is. Small Walls When you think of rock climbing meccas, the American Midwest is definitely not the first place that comes to mind. With John Branch, Mike Caldwell, Terry Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell. This isn't a documentary about the climbers, it's a documentary about yosemite and all the amazing things that it has and continues to offer to so many people. If you love rock climbing and would like to watch some of the best rock climbing documentaries and movies ever made, you’ve come to the right place. Even Hollywood is giving rock climbing its moment. Balancing, leverage and grip strength are key. BBC explores a history of one of the world's most challenging mountains, the Eiger, and its infamous North Face. From the motivations of climbers to the stunning landscapes they conquer, these films offer a captivating glimpse into this adrenaline-fueled passion for both enthusiasts and professionals. With their beautiful visuals, intricate storylines, and strong character development, these Dec 13, 2018 · From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. With Sep 9, 2022 · Stuck inside or been forced to take a rest day? Watch 17 of the best rock climbing documentaries available on streaming services right now! These climbing documentaries are sure to make you grab your gear, top up your chalk bag and get to the rock! Do you know what's the next best thing to having an epic climbing session? Mar 22, 2023 · Unlike climbing areas out west, most Southern climbing is on private property that needs to be purchased and protected to reduce the risk of deforestation and housing developments. Here is a list of our top 8 climbing documentaries and films guaranteed to make you feel like you’re in the mountains. Feb 22, 2020 · Documenting 50 years of climbing history and the raucous evolution of rock climbing in the climbing Mecca of the West, Valley Uprising is an entertaining and informative documentary sure to spark your adventurous spirit. Feb 4, 2020 · Need some inspiration from the comfort of your sofa? Here are 10 mountaineering documentaries to watch. For technical rock climbing (like Free Solo) check out the best climbing documentaries. There is a great arc to everything. Valley Uprising chronicles decades of daring climbers and cultural transformation. The 90-minute documentary examines Yosemite National Park’s 60-year legacy of revolutionary rock climbing and thriving counterculture. In 2018 it blew up, with Alex Honnold's mind-bending solo of El Capitan and the award-winning film that chronicled it. The film showcases the counterculture of climbers in the 60s and 70s, their conflicts with National Park authorities, and the evolution of climbing in one of the world’s most iconic climbing destinations. Gain insight into climbers’ passion, training and persistence. The film gets to the heart of one of Europe'. The History of Rock Climbing" is the first film chronicle of how rock climbing emerged and developed in Kazakhstan. Jul 8, 2024 · Immerse yourself in the world of mountain climbing with these 22 inspiring documentaries, showcasing breathtaking peaks, daring expeditions, and the spirit of adventure that will ignite your passion for conquering new summits. Sep 19, 2023 · Discover the best adventure climbing documentaries: 25 thrilling tall stories that will take you to breathtaking heights. Climbers use harnesses, ropes, shoes and chalk. Jan 30, 2024 · The Best Rock Climbing Documentaries to Watch If you’re a rock climbing enthusiast looking for some inspiration or just love watching thrilling adventures, then you’re in luck! In this article, we have curated a list of the best rock climbing documentaries that are bound to captivate and amaze you. Having watched both Free Solo and The Dawn Wall, Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen and Josh Lowell’s entertaining and accessible film really put the achievements of Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell into context. Jul 18, 2025 · Looking for the best climbing films and documentaries to stream? Check my list of favourites, including iconic classics to inspiring stories. “For the past 50 years, Yosemite’s massive cliffs have drawn explorers and madmen to leave materialism behind and venture onto the high, lonesome granite,” Reel Rock’s website states in describing the film. From […] Mar 9, 2023 · 9. The best climbing documentaries of all time, from free solo to mountain queen. Sep 6, 2022 · But in 2019 it happened: light stopped being the fastest thing in the universe, up became down, and a little rock-climbing film called Free Solo won the Best Documentary Oscar. Feb 13, 2024 · Valley Uprising is a documentary that delves into the riveting history of Yosemite Valley’s rock-climbing revolution. PBS featured the film in their list of the 100 greatest documentaries of all time. Jun 17, 2014 · Over seven years in the making, comes a documentary about the history of Yosemite rock climbing from Sender Films. An Accidental Life The documentary, ‘An Accidental Life’, about climber Quinn Brett who experienced one of the most traumatic accidents in the history of rock climbing, An Accidental Life details the recovery of alpinist and speed climber Quinn Brett who, while at the peak of her athletic career, experienced one of the most traumatic accidents in the history of rock climbing. This list of 5 California documentaries do just that about the High Sierra. The sport has entered the mainstream, and indoor climbing gyms are popping up with a frequency once reserved for coffee shops and craft breweries. Many climbers come from all over the world just to experience this incredible area for themselves. Whether you’re waiting for the weekend to arrive so you can get to your local crag or are looking to travel to a remote The documentary film "Line Up.