Already made your way through our best climbing movies round-up and need an activity change? Or maybe you’re just looking for an extra bit of motivation for your next hike. Either way, we all need adventure inspiration every now and then, and movies are a perfect way to provide just that.  

With a focus on hiking, trekking and long-distance walks; we’ve gathered some of our favourite movies on Netflix at the moment. There’s a big mix of genres here featuring the likes of Mads Mikkelson, Sherpa Phurba Tashi, Dakota Johnson and many more. The landscape settings are similarly eclectic and include the subtropical climate of North Carolina, the extreme conditions of the Arctic Circle, as well as the grand wilderness of Alaska. 

From nail-biting dramas and hard-hitting documentaries to adventure epics and funny quests; these films will keep you busy on those lazy days inside, when you’re longing for the great outdoors.  

Sherpa

Release Date: 7th June 2015
Rating: 8/10 

Filmed during the 2014 Mount Everest ice avalanche, this documentary follows Sherpa Phurba Tashi reflecting on his career as an experienced mountaineer and his decision as to whether or not to retire for his own safety. To give you an idea of just some of Tashi’s achievements, he has made a whopping 21 ascents of Everest in his life, as well as five on Cho Oyu, two on Manaslu and one each on Shishapangma and Lhotse.  

The film, however, takes a devastating turn when an ice avalanche kills 16 Sherpas on the western shoulder of the mountain. Following protests and responses (or lack thereof) from the Nepalese government, the Sherpas have to decide what to do next.  

Whether you’re an avid alpinist or not, this documentary is a must-watch. It provides valuable insights into the life of a Sherpa, their connection to the mountains, as well as their complex relationships with the people they risk their lives to guide. 

Into The Wild

Release Date: 21st September 2007
Rating: 8/10 

Maybe it’s a bit of a cliché at this point, but it’s hard to think of an outdoors enthusiast who hasn’t seen this film. It’s a go-to-‘I want to escape modern life’ classic.  

In case you’ve haven’t, however, ‘Into The Wild’ is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless as he hikes across North America and into the Alaskan wilderness in the 1990s. Seeking to escape his family ties, consumerist America and the monotony of modern life, Chris donates most of his savings to charity and heads north to find a true wilderness where he can be at one with nature. Far from just hiking, this film also features some immense river rafting, the harrowing reality of hunting gone wrong and insights into the lives of ‘rubber tramps’.  

Related: Buyer’s Guide To Packrafting

Aside from the beautiful shots, and the awesome story-telling, another thing to note is the cracking soundtrack. It’s all done by Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, except this time he’s solo and much more acoustic. Great music for an adventure, that’s for sure.  

Everest

Release Date: 18th September 2015
Rating: 6/10 

Based on the events of the 1996 Everest disaster, this film is a dramatic retelling of the tragedy where eight climbers sadly lost their lives while descending from the summit. Featuring a star-studded cast and a $55,000,000 budget, it’s not necessarily the most accurate account of the story but it’s got the epic visuals and nail-biting tension to make up for it.  

From blizzards and frostbite to rescue missions and snow-capped peaks for miles; this movie will take you on a wild ride. We actually featured ‘Everest’ in our adventure movies round-up too. Check it out here if you fancy some more movie options.