15 Best Outdoor Adventure Movies
Who doesn’t love a great movie? Who doesn’t love a great outdoor adventure movie? Outdoor enthusiasts, like myself, can’t help but continually search for the those movies that inspire us to get outside, do something dangerous and truly live. Finding a good survival movie and curling up on the couch is one of the best ways to spend a Friday night. These films collectively underscore the immense physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals in their quest to conquer nature and themselves. Each of these films not only highlights the physical trials of adventure but also delves deeply into the emotional and psychological journeys of its characters. In this post, I want to provide the 15 best outdoor adventure movies.
12 Best Outdoor Adventure Movies
2018
Free Solo
Summary: “Free Solo” is a gripping documentary that follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to achieve the first free solo climb of El Capitan’s 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park without any ropes or safety gear. The film captures the intensity, risks, and meticulous preparation involved in this breathtaking feat. Alongside the climb, it delves into Honnold’s personal life, exploring his motivations and relationships, especially with his girlfriend Sanni McCandless.
Directors
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Where To Stream
Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu and others
IMDB Rating
8.1
Cast
Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin
Rating
PG-13
1988
The Great Outdoors
“The Great Outdoors” is a comedy about Chicago man Chet Ripley, who takes his family on a lakeside cabin vacation in Wisconsin, only to have their peaceful retreat disrupted by his obnoxious brother-in-law, Roman Craig, and his family. The film explores the humorous clashes and antics that ensue between the two families, highlighting the chaos and camaraderie of family vacations.
Director
Howard Deutch
Where To Stream
AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
6.6
Cast
Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy
Rating
PG
2015
Everest
“Everest” is a dramatic recount of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, where a group of climbers from two expeditions face overwhelming challenges during their summit attempts. As a fierce storm hits, the climbers must endure extreme conditions and make harrowing decisions to survive. The film highlights the physical and emotional toll of mountain climbing, the unpredictable nature of Everest, and the human spirit’s resilience.
Director
Baltasar Kormákur
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
7.1
Cast
Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes
Rating
PG-13
2014
Wild
“Wild”, based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of the same name, follows the journey of Cheryl Strayed, who embarks on a solo 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to recover from recent personal tragedies, including the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage. Strayed faces numerous physical and emotional challenges along the way, reflecting on her past and finding healing and self-discovery through her arduous trek.
Director
Jean-Marc Vallée
Where To Stream
Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
7.1
Cast
Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski
Rating
R
2007
Into the Wild
“Into the Wild” follows the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his possessions, donates his savings to charity, and embarks on a journey to live in the Alaskan wilderness. After graduating from Emory University, he sets out on a two-year adventure across the United States, forming meaningful relationships along the way. Ultimately, McCandless’s journey leads him to Alaska, where he faces the harsh realities of living off the land.
Director
Sean Penn
Where To Stream
Paramount Plus, Amazon Video, Vudu
IMDB Rating
8.1
Cast
Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt
Rating
R
2013
All is Lost
“All is Lost” is a survival drama featuring Robert Redford as an unnamed sailor who faces life-threatening challenges while stranded alone in the Indian Ocean. After his yacht collides with a shipping container, he struggles with limited supplies, damaged navigation equipment, and worsening weather conditions. The film portrays his fight for survival against overwhelming odds, emphasizing themes of resilience and human endurance.
Director
J.C. Chandor
Where To Stream
Apple TV, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
6.9
Cast
Robert Redford
Rating
PG-13
2015
The Alpinist
“The Alpinist” is a documentary that chronicles the life of Marc-André Leclerc, a young and free-spirited Canadian alpinist known for his daring solo ascents. The film captures his remarkable climbs, often undertaken without cameras or support, showcasing his unique approach to the sport. Filmmakers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen follow Leclerc as he tackles some of the most challenging alpine routes, providing an intimate look at his philosophy and the risks he embraces.
Director
Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen
Where To Stream
Vudu, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store
IMDB Rating
7.9
Cast
Marc-André Leclerc, Brette Harrington, Alex Honnold
Rating
PG-13
2020
The Call of the Wild
“The Call of the Wild” is an adventure film based on Jack London’s 1903 novel. It tells the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose peaceful domestic life is turned upside down when he is stolen from his California home and sold as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery, ultimately finding his true place in the world as he answers the call of the wild and becomes a leader of a wolf pack.
Director
Chris Sanders
Where To Stream
Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
6.7
Cast
Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Dan Stevens
Rating
PG-13
1972
Jeremiah Johnson
Summary: “Free Solo” is a gripping documentary that follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to achieve the first free solo climb of El Capitan’s 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park without any ropes or safety gear. The film captures the intensity, risks, and meticulous preparation involved in this breathtaking feat. Alongside the climb, it delves into Honnold’s personal life, exploring his motivations and relationships, especially with his girlfriend Sanni McCandless.
Directors
Sydney Pollack
Where To Stream
Amazon Video, YouTube, Microsoft Store
IMDB Rating
7.6
Cast
Robert Redford, Will Geer, Delle Bolton
Rating
PG
2010
127 Hours
“127 Hours” is a biographical survival drama based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who becomes trapped by a boulder in an isolated canyon in Utah. With limited supplies and no one knowing his whereabouts, Ralston spends five days reflecting on his life and summoning the courage to perform a desperate act of self-amputation to free himself. The film portrays his intense struggle for survival and his determination to live.
Director
Danny Boyle
Where To Stream
Disney+, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
7.6
Cast
James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn
Rating
R
2015
The Peanut Butter Falcon
“The Peanut Butter Falcon” is a heartwarming adventure film about Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who escapes from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Along the way, he meets Tyler, a small-time outlaw on the run, who becomes his unlikely coach and ally. Together, they embark on a journey across the American South, encountering various challenges and forming a deep bond.
Director
Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
IMDB Rating
7.6
Cast
Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, Zack Gottsagen
Rating
PG-13
2010
180 Degrees South
“180 Degrees South” follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, to Patagonia. Along the way, Johnson faces numerous challenges, including being shipwrecked on Easter Island. The film captures his encounters with the natural world and his heroes, delving into themes of environmental conservation and the spirit of adventure. The journey culminates in an attempt to climb the Corcovado volcano in Patagonia, emphasizing the connection between personal exploration and environmental activism.
Director
Chris Malloy
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Free
IMDB Rating
7.5
Cast
Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Jeff Johnson
Rating
PG
1992
A River Runs Through It
“A River Runs Through It” is a period drama based on the semi-autobiographical novella by Norman Maclean. The film follows two brothers, Norman and Paul Maclean, who grow up in 1920s Montana under the stern guidance of their Presbyterian minister father. The brothers’ lives diverge as Norman pursues a career in academia while Paul becomes a rebellious journalist. Throughout their lives, fly fishing in the Blackfoot River serves as a metaphor for the complexities of life and the bonds of family.
Directors
Robert Redford
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes
IMDB Rating
7.2
Cast
Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt
Rating
PG
2005
Grizzly Man
“Grizzly Man” is a documentary film that chronicles the life and tragic death of bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell. For thirteen summers, Treadwell lived among grizzly bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, capturing extensive footage of his interactions with the bears and the wilderness. The film, directed by Werner Herzog, combines Treadwell’s video footage with interviews from friends, family, and experts, exploring Treadwell’s passionate yet controversial approach to wildlife conservation and his ultimate fate when he and his girlfriend were killed by a grizzly bear.
Director
Werner Herzog
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy, Tubi TV, Roku Channel
IMDB Rating
7.8
Cast
Timothy Treadwell (self, archival footage), Amie Huguenard (self, archival footage), Werner Herzog (self)
Rating
R
2003
Touching the Void
“Touching the Void” is a docudrama that recounts the harrowing true story of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates as they attempt to scale the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. The film combines dramatizations with interviews of the real-life climbers. After a successful ascent, disaster strikes when Simpson falls and breaks his leg. Yates, believing his friend dead, is forced to cut the rope connecting them to save his own life. Miraculously, Simpson survives the fall into a crevasse and embarks on a grueling journey back to base camp, battling extreme injuries and the harsh elements.
Director
Kevin Macdonald
Where To Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes
IMDB Rating
8.0
Cast
Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron, Ollie Ryall
Rating
R
Wrapping Up the Best Outdoor Adventure Movies
Sir Edmund Hillary. The John Muir Trail. Mark Twain. Appalachian Trail. Sierra Nevadas. These names are synonymous with adventure. I have learned a great deal about survival skills simply by watching some of the best outdoor movies. Adventure movies provide the true spirit of adventure, especially the best outdoor adventure movies listed above. They have the underdog trying to seek safety against forces attempting to provide their demise.
When we desire to truly live, we embark on journeys we never thought possible. We may end up in a treacherous situation from time to time, but through grit and determination we come out on the other side. I wish you the best of luck in your pursuits to find adventure in everyday life! Hopefully, with the list I’ve provided, you are able to find inspiration for your next adventure!
About the Author
John Claborn
Hi! I’m John. Author of the post you just read. I like to write about all things adventure. Mostly things to help people live more adventurous lives and care for their families in a more meaningful way. By day, I’m a COO. By night, I’m a rad dad of 4 kids that I don’t deserve and a husband to a woman I can’t understand how I got. My goal is to show freedom to people through adventure and experiences.
