Imagine braving a steep assault to witness the glorious sunrise at the summit of a mountain. This is one of the many things that makes hiking so rewarding.

There’s a truckload of reasons why we go out to climb. For some, the trail offers a sense of solitude rarely found elsewhere. Others relish the challenge that comes with the intensity of testing one’s physical limits on a difficult trek.

And for most of us, going out on a trail or for a hike is just plain fun.

Whatever reason you might have for hiking, there are times when you need to seek some inspiration. Here are 12 of the best trail and hiking movies you can watch.

Also Read: 26 Best Underrated Travel Shows & Documentaries On Netflix

Best Trail and Hiking Movies - That Are Underrated

1. Wild (2014)

Based on the best-selling memoir by Cheryl Strayed, Wild is all about the redeeming power of long-distance hiking.

The film follows the author’s story as she hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), starting from the Mojave Desert up to Canada. She embarks on this long trek alone with nothing but a gigantic backpack to sustain her.

Long hikes leave you with plenty of time to think, which is exactly what happens in Wild.

The movie details Strayed’s reflections of her difficult past as she makes her way to Canada. Self-discovery is inevitably part of the process, with so much time to herself.

This is the film to watch if you’ve thought of embarking on a long-distance hike yourself and you want to be inspired, gripped, moved, and challenged.

2. 127 Hours (2010)

Though this is one of the more popular movies on this list, it certainly deserves mention.

Popularized by James Franco’s portrayal of hiker Aron Ralston, the movie revolves around a life-threatening predicament he experiences during a hike in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park.

It was probably thanks to this movie that many hikers decided not to go on solitary excursions anymore. Ralston ended up falling into a trap, and he had to sacrifice something great to escape.

More than just being about what you probably shouldn’t do on a hike, this movie also offers a riveting account of what people will do to survive.

3. Into the Wild (2007)

While it’s quite popular, Into the Wild is still pretty underrated. It’s an adaptation of author Jon Krakauer’s nonfiction work that follows the life of a young man named Christopher McCandless.

After graduating from Emory University, McCandless grew disillusioned with the modern world.

Choosing to live a more traditional lifestyle, he donated his possessions and life savings in embarked on a hitchhiking journey across the United States.

This pursuit of something greater than oneself is something that I have experienced myself during the climbs on my travels.

The movie continues with McCandless travelling through California, Arizona, and South Dakota.

Two years after his journey started, he finds himself at Alaska Denali National Park where he is left with minimal equipment and survival gear.

However, he remains optimistic about his ability to stay away from society and remain in one of the most beautiful yet treacherous natural environments to exist.

Eventually, McCandless realises that he can’t live in isolation after all. His journey turns into a struggle for survival, leaving the audience with a tear-jerking ending.

If you’re looking for another riveting yet touching movie while learning a thing or two about getting caught in hairy situations while hiking, then this is something I suggest you watch.

4. Edie (2017)

Edie is another inspiring movie about hiking, but it may not unfold as you expect. For starters, its main character is an elderly lady named Edie who decides to climb a mountain in the Scottish highlands.

This goes against her daughter’s advice to go into a retirement home instead.

It’s a heartwarming tale about defying the odds no matter your age, challenging your mortality and abilities, and continuing to live life with zest and enthusiasm.

Whoever watches this is sure to feel awestruck and a little bit braver about accomplishing hiking adventures, no matter their age.

Also Read: 10 Best Doable Mountains To Climb In The World

5. The Way (2010)

Sometimes hiking is a way for us to find ourselves, to soul-search. I’ve certainly had my fair share of trips where this was the case, and I can say there’s nothing like discovering your capabilities and limitations while on this type of adventure.

The Way is a go-to for hikers doing their bit of soul searching too. In this movie, Martin Sheen plays a grieving father named Tom whose son died trekking the Camino de Santiago.

He embarks on a journey to reclaim his son’s body by travelling to the French side of the Pyrenees mountain range, thus completing the pilgrimage that his son never finished.

What’s nice about this film is that it doesn’t explicitly tell the audience what each protagonist finds on their journey up the Camino de Santiago. This makes their internal transformation all the more real and, in some ways, relatable.

This movie is great for anyone who may be lost and searching for meaning, whether you go on the same pilgrimage or a different climb altogether.

6. A Walk in the Woods (2015)

No hiking and trail movie list would be complete without a film covering a climb up the Appalachian Trail.

Released in 2015, A Walk in the Woods follows the travels of Bill Bryson, who decides to walk the trail on a whim. This is one of those films that has a bit of grit and humor combined, so most audiences will enjoy it, even if they don’t go for long hikes.

Apart from being funny, the movie is also full of wisdom fitting for experienced hikers gain. One of the lessons it imparts is not biting off more than you can chew when going out on the trail.

It also explains to viewers why climbers should be well prepared for steep ascents and the importance of doing research.

It’s an easy movie to watch that highlights the importance of friendship and camaraderie during difficult hikes and about other challenging moments in life.

7. Wildlike (2014)

Wildlike isn’t a conventional hiking movie. It follows the story of a teenage girl named MacKenzie who gets sent to Alaska after a series of unfortunate events.

However, things take a turn for the worst when her uncle there becomes abusive. Naturally, she runs away and encounters a widowed backpacker. The two embark on a long trek across Alaska.

The movie explores contrasting themes such as tragedy against a backdrop of nature’s beauty as the story progresses.

Eventually, it ends with a glimmer of hope. It’s not what anybody would consider an easy watch, but it’s worth checking out for a hiking movie you won’t forget.

8. Appalachian Impressions (2005)

This is another movie about the Appalachian Trail that’s worth watching in my book. It’s a documentary-style film that covers pretty much everything about the hike up this trail, so it’s a great watch if you’re thinking of going yourself.

From the type of hiking shoes, you’ll need to wear to what you can expect in terms of weather, watching Appalachian Impressions is one way to prepare for this hike.

There’s so much to admire about the Appalachian Trail, and this documentary captures it perfectly. It shows the grand and more subtle sights you can find on the trail that will leave viewers feeling impressed.

9. It Is The People (2020)

My favourite hiking movies are those that motivate and inspire me to lace up my hiking boots and go on an adventure.

This is exactly what you’ll find in It Is The People, which is a short 20-minute film released in 2020.

This backpacking movie highlights one of the best parts of hiking: the encounters you’ll have along the trail.

It follows a young New Zealander who goes on the Pacific Crest Trail to have memorable experiences.

Shot beautifully and paired with a kicking soundtrack, this movie will make anyone want to grab their gear and go on a hike with friends.

10. Mile… Mile and a Half (2013)

Mile… Mile and a Half is a hiking documentary that narrates a group of friends’ journey on the John Muir Trail in California. The trail is a 211-mile stretch leading from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney.

Similar to It Is The People, this movie explores how relationships can develop through a mutual interest in hiking.

More specifically, it looks at the bond between the five friends who attempt to hike the entire trail in just 25 days and the other characters they meet along the way.

11. America Wild: National Parks Adventure (2016)

If you’re more interested in learning about America’s national parks, then this is the documentary for you.

It didn’t receive any major awards, but America Wild: National Parks Adventure is a fantastic documentary in its own right. It covers the creation of America’s National Park System.

The film starts with President Theodore Roosevelt’s three-day trip through the Yosemite wilderness in California with John Muir.

This experience eventually influenced the policies that help to protect the country’s land today.

Apart from being impressed with the historical perspective, I also found the cinematography to be really beautiful. I

t highlights some of America’s most majestic parks in such a way that any viewer of the film would want to explore these places.

Those who are passionate about preserving nature and want to add a few national parks to their hiking bucket list will surely enjoy this movie.

12. Tracks (2013)

Tracks is based on a true story, which follows an Australian woman named Robyn Davidson who attempts to trek 2,000 miles across central Australia with nobody but four camels and her beloved dog for company.

If you love a thought-provoking story and beautiful cinematography against the backdrop of perseverance and personal struggle, then this is the hiking movie for you.

Robyn Davidson’s story shows audiences what motivates some people to take risks and test their limits in pursuing self-discovery through hiking.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who has yet to step out onto a trail, getting acquainted with what’s out there is a must.

The best trail and hiking movies can serve as your dose of inspiration. From witnessing riveting storylines to admiring beautiful views, these films will surely have you reaching for your hiking gear more often!

Do you have a favourite trail or hiking movie? Share with me in the comments below!

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