Best Hiking Movies That Will Have You Grabbing Your Pack and Boots
Are you looking for a list of the best movies about hiking? You know we’ve got a list! Here are some of the best movies that feature hiking as a major part of their plot with main characters who hit the trails. All of these films are available to stream online (affiliate links are included in this post).
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Sometimes You Just Need To Take A Hike
Who doesn’t dream of hiking the Scottish Highlands or the Peruvian Andes just to get away from it all?
If you are a lover of adventure and the great outdoors, these hiking movies (some based on true events!) will entice you to hit the trails.
With beautiful scenery and incredible locations like Yosemite National Park, you really can’t help but get swept up in the majesty of it all.
Itching for a long hike or maybe you’re a budding mountain climber, these movies are just the inspiration you need.
List Of The Best Movies About Hiking
1. Wild (2014)
This biographical drama is based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about her 1,100 mile solo hike as a young woman.
She trekked along the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995.
The film stars Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon and follows her character’s journey as she struggles with her past mistakes and finds strength in nature.
This is a great movie and lands high up on our list of favorite hiking movies.
Stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
2. Best Movies About Hiking: Into the Wild (2007)
This drama tells the story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man who gave away his savings and possessions before embarking on a two-year trek across America.
He eventually makes his way to Alaska, where he meets some interesting characters along the way.
This adventure film is available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
3. A Walk in the Woods (2015)
Based on Bill Bryson’s book of the same name, this comedy follows two old friends (Robert Redford and Nick Nolte) who decide to hike the Appalachian Trail after years apart.
The duo has plenty of obstacles thrown in their way during their journey including bears and bad weather conditions.
Stream on Amazon Prime, Netflix or buy it from Apple TV or Google Play.
4. Tracks (2013)
Tracks tells the true story of Robyn Davidson (Mia Wasikowska) who embarks on an epic nine-month trek across 1,700 miles of Australian desert with four camels and her dog as companions. Also stars Adam Driver.
Her incredible journey was documented by National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan for a feature story in 1977 that won him international acclaim.
Stream this on Amazon Prime, Hulu or buy it from Apple TV or Google Play.
5. Into Great Silence (2005)
This documentary follows a group of Carthusian Monks who live an isolated life in France’s Chartreuse Mountains while they devote themselves to prayer and meditation every day.
It offers viewers an intimate look into their daily lives as they hike through snow-covered trails during the winter months and explore nature during the summer months.
Watch Into Great Silence online at iTunes or Google Play Movies & TV stores.
6. Best Hiking Movies: 127 Hours (2010)
Based on a true story, 127 Hours tells the tale of Aron Ralston (James Franco)who goes on an outdoor adventure but gets trapped by a boulder while canyoneering alone in Utah’s Bluejohn Canyon.
In order to survive he must make unimaginable sacrifices which make for a thrilling adventure film.
The natural beauty of the rocks and canyon will sweep you away in this must-see movie.
Stream on Amazon Prime, Hulu or buy it from Apple TV or Google Play.
7. The Way Back (2010)
This biographical war drama recounts the incredible true story of seven prisoners escaping from brutal Siberian Gulag camps during World War II when they embarked on an arduous 4,500-mile journey across multiple countries to get home. Stars Ed Harris.
Stream on Hulu or get it from Apple TV or Google Play.
8. Best Movies About Hiking: Meru (2015)
Meru follows three mountaineers attempting to climb one of India’s most treacherous peaks called Meru Peak which rises 21000 ft above sea level.
Their breathtaking journey takes them over ice walls with deadly drops below making for an incredibly intense experience for the audience as well.
Stream on Amazon, Hulu or get it from Apple TV or Google Play.
9. The Way (2010)
This drama starring Martin Sheen follows his character’s journey along El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route after his son dies suddenly on the same trail.
Along his journey, he meets other travelers, all taking their own spiritual journeys, making for an inspiring experience that many people still take today too.
Stream this movie online at Netflix or buy it from Apple TV or Google Play.
10 Last Call At The Oasis (2012)
Last Call At The Oasis is a documentary about water scarcity around the world that features interviews with scientists, activists, and policymakers who discuss solutions needed to protect our planet’s precious resources before they run out completely.
Obviously, not strictly about hiking but it is about the world as a whole.
Watch this inspiring documentary online at Hulu Plus or get it from Apple TV or Google Play.
We hope this list of the best hiking movies and documentaries gave you something to think about on your next long trail through the Mojave Desert or along the John Muir Trail.
Wherever your next trek takes you, create your own true stories in the great outdoors of places in North America or Central Australia.
If you’re an experienced hiker, you can use some of these movies about hiking and trail movies to add to your bucket list!
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Patty Holliday is a parent movie reviewer, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
