Standing tall at a majestic 8,848.68 meters above sea level, Mount Everest is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring peaks on Earth. It has stood firm for more than 60 million years – since the collision between India’s subcontinent and Eurasia created the Himalayas – but its size continues to grow by 44 millimeters each year!
For those who are fascinated by this incredible mountain, there’s no better way to learn about it than through documentaries that capture its beauty and history. Here we have compiled some of the best films about Mount Everest that will take you from base camp right up to its summit!
1. Eye To Eye With Everest: Death On A Mountain (2012)
Deep in the heart of the Himalayas, there is a mountain that has captured the imagination and awe of adventurers for centuries – Mount Everest.
2. Conquest of Everest (1953)
“Conquest of Everest” takes you on a breathtaking journey through the treacherous and unforgiving terrain of Mount Everest, following in the footsteps of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary as they conquer the world’s highest peak.
3. Accidental Climber (2020)
The quest to conquer Mount Everest has long captured our imagination, as we are drawn to the triumphs and tragedies of those who seek to reach its elusive summit. But when a 68-year-old great grandfather sets out on this perilous journey, no one could have predicted the horrors that were about to unfold.
4. Ultimate Survival Everest (2018)
Join the journey of a lifetime as seasoned Everest conqueror, Ben Webster, guides a group of aspiring climbers through the treacherous terrain of the world’s highest mountain. Witness every grueling challenge and triumphant moment in this unprecedented reality program, captured through the personal cameras of four brave individuals.
5. Everest: Beyond the Limit (2006)
The treacherous journey to the top of Mount Everest has been documented countless times, each with its own unique story to tell. With climbers hailing from all corners of the globe, this expedition is a testament to human willpower and determination in the face of extreme danger.
The 12 Best Free Documentaries About Mount Everest
1. Storm Over Everest (The 1996 Disaster)
The 1996 disaster on Everest was a storm of tragedy and tenacity. Makalu, Anatoli, and Charlotte are just some of the mountaineers who faced that storm head-on. This documentary tells their story – from clinging to life in the face of death to never giving up hope even when surrounded by despair. Join us as we explore the courage and resilience that these brave souls had during this fateful episode on Mount Everest.
2. The Dark Side on Everest
This BBC documentary takes you on a journey to Everest and reveals the potential challenges that climbers may face. It uncovers the dark side of this mountain, from extreme weather conditions to psychological effects on each climber’s mind. Every climber’s experience in reaching the summit is explored as well as how their own personalities can influence their success or failure. Watch this gripping documentary and uncover what it takes to reach the summit!
3. The Inside Story Of Mount Everest’s Deadliest Climbing Season
This documentary dives into the harrowing story of Mount Everest’s deadliest climbing season. We hear from young and old climbers as they recount their experiences on the mountain, and how overcrowding impacted their journey. The film also uncovers environmental issues that have long-lasting impact, and reveals why it is so important to be aware of these before attempting a climb like this one. Get an inside look at what happened during this fateful season with this powerful CNA documentary about Mount Everest!
4. Everest for Mountaineers
Are you a mountaineer looking to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Everest? Then this documentary is perfect for you! Patrick McKnight and Brendan Madden demonstrate how to prepare and make it to the world summit. From start to finish, viewers can learn a lot from this amazing journey. Every detail was explained in great detail so beginners will be able to understand what they need to do. Plus, their dedication is inspiring. So join them as they reach new heights!
5. The Mount Everest
The Mount Everest is one of the most fascinating places on Earth. Every year, more than a thousand climbers attempt to reach its summit, with only half succeeding. For the first time ever, this documentary reveals what it takes to be successful in reaching the top and gives an exclusive look into the secretive world of the Sherpa community who live behind this iconic mountain. Learn about their culture and experiences as you get enchanted by this amazing place!
6. The Biggest Climber Disaster
Jim Geiger, a 68-year-old man from Sacramento, California, is determined to become the oldest living American to summit Mount Everest. Watch this incredible documentary as Jim embarks on his journey and faces some of the biggest challenges he has ever encountered in his life. Follow him every step of the way as he pushes himself to reach new heights and make history!
7. Did 2019 Exploitation of Everest Reach its Peak?
The 2019 season of Mount Everest was marked by tragedy. 11 people lost their lives in pursuit of the world’s highest summit, and an image went viral showing hundreds of climbers bottlenecked on the summit ridge, all trying to take advantage of a narrow window to get to the top. This is a documentary exploring what happened that day, and asking whether stricter regulations are needed in order to prevent overcrowding and environmental exploitation on Mt. Everest. We tell the untold story behind this tragic event – what led up to it, how it unfolded, and what can be done in future seasons to ensure safety for those brave enough to attempt this incredible feat?
8. Miracle on Everest · The Lincoln Hall Story
Lincoln Hall’s miraculous survival on Mount Everest in 2006 is a story that will never be forgotten. After being left for dead at an altitude of 8700 meters, his Sherpa guides attempted to rescue him but were unsuccessful due to lack of oxygen supplies and snow blindness. However, the next morning he was found alive by a team making a summit attempt. What followed was an unprecedented rescue effort and Lincoln eventually walked down from the mountain with severe frostbite and cerebral edema. The case raised concerns around David Sharp’s death as no attempt had been made to save him while he was still alive – reminding us all that life should always come first over any other ambitions we may have.
9. Mind Over Mountain – Richard Parks on Mount Everest
In this extraordinary documentary, endurance athlete Richard Parks takes on the challenge of summiting Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen. Accompanying him is a team of scientists who are able to record valuable data about how the body and brain react to climbing in extreme altitudes. Along with providing amazing footage from one of nature’s most harsh environments, Parks’ journey demonstrates that exercise helps prevent dementia and provides insight into how our bodies can cope with such conditions. Join Parks as he attempts an incredible feat – Mind Over Mountain!
10. Mount Everest : Into the Death Zone
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, and every year hundreds of climbers attempt to reach its summit. However, many don’t make it back alive. In this 2012 documentary, Bob McKeown travels to Nepal and pieces together what happened with exclusive never-before-seen video of Shriya Shah-Klorfine’s final hours on Everest. Join us as we uncover startling information about her deadly climb into the icy oxygen-thin expanse of Everest known as the Death Zone. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first ascended Mount Everest almost 60 years ago – but since then hundreds have perished trying to follow in their footsteps. This inspiring story follows a young Canadian determined to reach its summit despite warnings from experienced sherpas that she may not survive the journey. Follow along as we explore what makes people risk their lives for such an incredible feat!
11. Scientists Terrifying New Discovery In The Mount Everest That Changes Everything!
Scientists have made an incredible discovery at Mount Everest that could change everything. In this documentary, we explore the treacherous terrain of the world’s highest peak and uncover a shocking find that could revolutionize our understanding of the mountain. From interviews with mountaineers to stunning footage from atop Everest, you won’t want to miss out on this captivating look into one of nature’s most mysterious places!
12. The master of high altitudes: starting a business on Mount Everest
Gurmen, a sherpa living in the Himalayan valleys of Nepal is widely respected for his high-altitude expertise. With dreams of a better future, he has an ambitious plan: to purchase and rent out a trained horse to tourists. In this documentary directed by Bernard Germain we follow Gurmen on his journey as he faces the dangers of the mountain while learning how to care for Karma, his new horse. Along their travels they encounter people who live, work and explore at great heights where mistakes can have grave consequences. Witness Gurmen’s unique story that showcases how trekking and tourism have benefited this region in Nepal through his enterprising spirit.
