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50 hiking films that will send your soul on a journey

Hiking films are gripping and full of adventure: Hiking movies about adventure and the spirit of optimism allow you to immerse yourself in nature and experience deep personal discoveries. These films offer more than just stunning visuals—they inspire you to embark on your own journey.

hiking films

Kissing and Other Essential Things (2009)

IMDb rating : 6.2/10 | Length : 100 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : Two best friends, Ely and Lila, dream of a better life in Paris and are willing to do anything to be accepted into high society. Their quest tests their friendship and morals.


Into the Wild (2007)

IMDb rating : 8.1/10 | Length : 148 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : The true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who leaves everything behind after college to travel to the Alaskan wilderness. A journey of self-discovery that takes him on an emotional and dangerous trek across the United States.


Wild (2014)

IMDb rating : 7.1/10 | Length : 115 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : After the loss of her mother and the fall of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a 1,700-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to find herself and gain a new perspective on her life.


Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

IMDb rating : 7.1/10 | Length : 136 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : The Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer flees to Tibet during the Second World War. There he develops an unexpected friendship with the young Dalai Lama. The film tells a story about adventure, personal transformation and profound encounters in a foreign culture.


The Way Back (2010)

IMDb rating : 7.3/10 | Length : 133 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : Based on true events, this film follows the journey of a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian gulag and embark on an epic trek through the wilderness to gain their freedom.


Adventureland (2023)

IMDb rating : 6.3/10 | Length : 108 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, Google Play

Plot : Adventureland is about a man who, after losing his job and his relationship, takes a break and embarks on a journey to find himself. On this journey, he meets different people who offer him new perspectives and views on life, while he confronts his own fears and hopes in nature.


Picnic with Bears (2015)

IMDb rating : 6.3/10 | Length : 104 minutes

Available on : Netflix, Amazon Prime Video Plot : A humorous film in which a writer hikes the Appalachian Trail with an old friend. The journey is marked by profound moments and humorous encounters.


Camino de Santiago - A Journey on the Way of St. James (2015)

IMDb rating : 6.8/10 | Length : 82 minutes

Available on : Netflix

Plot : This documentary traces the spiritual journey of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, providing an in-depth look at Spain's diverse landscape as well as the personal transformations that take place on this famous route.


On the Way (2016)

IMDb rating : 6.8/10 | Length : 98 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : A film about a woman who, after the loss of her daughter, walks the Way of St. James with a group of pilgrims. On this journey, she confronts her grief and discovers new perspectives on life and the path to inner peace.


A Walk in the Woods (2015)

IMDb rating : 6.3/10 | Length : 104 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : Two older men embark on a hike along the Appalachian Trail, which leads to many humorous and profound moments.


I'm Off Then (2015)

IMDb rating : 6.5/10 | Length : 94 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : In this film adaptation of Hape Kerkeling's bestseller, the comedian goes on a pilgrimage along the Way of St. James. The journey becomes a spiritual and personal new beginning for Kerkeling, who comes to terms with his fears and inner conflicts.


Traces (2013)

IMDb rating : 7.1/10 | Length : 112 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : This film tells the true story of Robyn Davidson, who travels alone and with a camel train through the Australian desert to find herself. It is an adventure of self-discovery in which she overcomes her own limitations.


Gerry (2002)

IMDb rating : 6.6/10 | Length : 103 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : Two friends, lost in the Oregon desert, experience increasing despair on their journey. The film reflects on the relationship between the two and the existential questions of life.


Mile… Mile & a Half (2013)

IMDb rating : 7.2/10 | Length : 87 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, Vimeo

Plot : This documentary follows a group of filmmakers and hikers as they trek the John Muir Trail. The striking nature shots and personal stories make the journey an inspiring experience.


Via Alpina – Beyond The Trail (2018)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 92 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : A group of hikers embark on the Via Alpina, one of the most famous Alpine routes. The film documents both the physical and emotional challenges the hikers experience on their journey through the Alps.


Nothing Personal (2009)

IMDb rating : 6.8/10 | Length : 81 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : This moving drama is about the encounter between a lonely young woman and a man who lives on a remote island. Both have their own emotional wounds, and their time together leads to an intense confrontation with life, loneliness and the meaning of human relationships.


Edie – It's never too late for dreams (2017)

IMDb rating : 6.9/10 | Length : 102 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : After the death of her husband and the loss of her joy in life, 83-year-old Edie embarks on an exciting journey to the Scottish Highlands. There she faces a challenging mountain hike and discovers that it is never too late to realize your dreams and reinvent yourself.


Your Way (2010)

IMDb rating : 7.4/10 | Length : 123 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : A father sets out on the Camino de Santiago to honor the memory of his deceased son. This journey becomes a discovery of love, loss and the meaning of community.


Three Peaks (2017)

IMDb rating : 6.4/10 | Length : 93 minutes

Available on : Netflix

Plot : This emotional drama follows a man who travels to the Italian Alps with his girlfriend and her son. During the trip, they try to overcome their differences while the son questions his father's relationship with his mother. The natural setting, particularly the Three Peaks, becomes a metaphor for the challenges they face.


Wildlike (2014)

IMDb rating : 6.8/10 | Length : 95 minutes

Available on : Youtube, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : The film follows 14-year-old Mackenzie, who is sent to live with her uncle in Alaska after her mother dies. When she realizes he is abusing her, she flees and meets a former hiker named Rene, who helps her navigate the vast Alaskan wilderness. Her journey becomes a lesson in self-discovery and the will to survive.


Footprints – The Path of Your Life (2017)

IMDb rating : 6.7/10 | Length : 97 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : The documentary follows a man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery by completing one of the most challenging walks in the world, the Camino de Santiago. The film tells of his encounters with other pilgrims and the profound insights that the journey brings.


The Eyes of the Way (2016)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 84 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : The film tells the story of a man who sets out on the Way of St. James to overcome his past and gain new perspectives. On his journey he meets different people whose stories help him to understand and accept his own inner journey.


The Forgotten Way – Alpen Film Festival (2023)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 32 minutes

Available on : Youtube (free)

Plot : The Schober Group in the Hohe Tauern is a gem, wild and original - its mountain huts are run by people who can listen to the silence. "The Forgotten Path" tells the story of those who spend part of the year far away from any civilization.


The Lost City of Z (2016)

IMDb rating : 6.6/10 | Length : 141 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : British explorer Percy Fawcett embarks on a dangerous expedition into the Amazon to find a legendary lost city. Despite all the odds, he remains obsessed with his quest, which takes him deep into the jungle.


Byways in Bavarian (2014)

IMDb rating : 6.2/10 | Length : 105 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video

Plot : This humorous drama is about two men from Bavaria who, after a misunderstanding, embark on an unexpected journey along the back roads of life. Their journey takes them to remote places where they gain new perspectives and question their own identities. The film is an entertaining examination of the challenges of life and the importance of friendship and family.


Sherpa (2015)

IMDb rating : 7.6/10 | Length : 96 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : A documentary about the Sherpas on Mount Everest, which gives a voice to the unknown heroes of mountaineering and addresses their dangerous work at extreme heights.


My Dream of the Nile (2015)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 90 minutes

Available on : Arte (free)

Plot : Sarah Marquis undertakes a spectacular hike along the Nile, immersing herself in the culture and challenges of the regions she passes through on her journey.


Portugal – The Traveling Film (2019)

IMDb rating : 7.5/10 | Length : 75 minutes

Available on : YouTube (free)

Plot : A visual discovery of the most beautiful hiking trails in Portugal. The breathtaking shots and fascinating landscapes make the film a true feast for hiking enthusiasts.


Distant North – Hiking the Kungsleden (2016)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 62 minutes

Available on : YouTube (free)

Plot : A journey along the Kungsleden in Sweden, one of the country's most famous hiking trails. The documentary captures both the nature and the solitude of the Nordic terrain.


Jungle (2017)

IMDb rating : 6.7/10 | Length : 115 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : The true story of Yossi Ghinsberg, who struggles to survive in the Amazon rainforest after becoming separated from his group. A gripping adventure that explores the hardships of survival.


Apocalypto (2006)

IMDb rating : 8.0/10 | Length : 139 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : A young Mayan man is captured after an attack on his village and must escape through the jungle and the Mayan city. An epic adventure about the will to survive and the brutal rituals of the ancient Mayan civilization.


Call of the Wild (2020)

IMDb rating : 6.8/10 | Length : 100 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : John Thornton, played by Harrison Ford, travels to the Klondike during the Gold Rush and takes in a dog named Buck, who was abandoned by his original owner. The journey takes them both through the wild, untamed landscapes of Alaska, where they develop a deep bond.


Together Free (2021)

IMDb rating : 6.5/10 | Length : 80 minutes

Available on : Kino on Demand, RTL GEO, Netflix (in non-German speaking countries)

Plot : Two best friends, Kristin and Valerie, share an apartment in Hamburg for ten years and experience a deep emotional connection through their shared journey and life's challenges before their paths lead them to different corners of the world.


40 Days in the Desert (2015)

IMDb rating : 6.7/10 | Length : 120 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : In this drama, a man embarks on a journey into the desert to free himself from his personal demons and find a deeper meaning in life. During the 40 days in the desert, he must confront both his inner world and the external challenges of the extreme environment.

More films about hiking

Here you can find more films about hiking. In order not to overload the loading time of this article, I have integrated the trailers for the additional films as simple text links.


Almar – The Call of the Way of St. James (2021)

IMDb rating : 6.5/10 | Length : 95 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, Google Play

Plot : Almar, a young man, sets out on the Way of St. James to find himself and unravel the mystery of his origins. On his journey he meets different people and challenges that help him overcome his fears and discover inner strength.


Chumm mit – The Swiss Hiking Film (2021)

IMDb rating : 7.3/10 | Length : 90 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : This film is about a fascinating hiking trip through Switzerland. The film not only shows breathtaking landscapes, but also tells the personal experiences and challenges of the hikers who embark on this journey. The nature and culture of Switzerland are impressively portrayed through the eyes of the hikers.


Mourning Walk for Evelyn (2020)

IMDb rating : 6.3/10 | Length : 90 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video

Plot : After the loss of her mother, young woman Evelyn embarks on a journey to a remote mountain village to deal with her grief and find answers to unresolved questions from her past. The hike becomes a profound journey of discovery that not only leads her to herself, but also puts her relationships with the people in her life to the test.


Dog Gone (2023)

IMDb rating : 6.5/10 | Length : 95 minutes

Available on : Netflix

Plot : The film tells the true story of John (Rob Lowe), a father who embarks on a thrilling journey with his son to find their lost dog. The journey through the woods tests their relationship and fosters important lessons about family, loss and the meaning of responsibility.


Only my feet feel sorry for me (2015)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 98 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, Google Play

Plot : The film follows a group of hikers who embark on a long journey to walk the Camino de Santiago. While they face the physical and emotional challenges of the walk, they also have to battle their own fears and personal problems. The film impressively shows how the journey changes not only the body but also the mind.


My Lover, the Donkey & I (2010)

IMDb rating : 6.4/10 | Length : 94 minutes

Plot : A humorous and moving film about a man who, after a failed relationship, goes on a hike through the Spanish countryside with a donkey.


Kilimanjaro - Journey into Life (2017)

IMDb rating : 7.0/10 | Length : 90 minutes

Available on : ARD (free) Amazon Prime Video, iTunes

Plot : The film follows the story of two German friends who embark on a journey to Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey becomes an emotional and physical challenge that tests their friendship while also confronting them with their fears and dreams.


The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023)

IMDb rating : 7.2/10 | Length : 108 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video, Google Play

Plot : Harold Fry, a reclusive retiree, embarks on an unexpected pilgrimage from his hometown to the farthest reaches of the country to say once again to an old friend who is dying what he has never dared to say. On this journey he not only discovers himself, but also the deep meaning of friendship and forgiveness.


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

IMDb rating : 7.3/10 | Length : 114 minutes

Available on : iTunes, Google Play

Plot : Walter Mitty, an average office worker, embarks on an extraordinary journey to find a photograph for the latest issue of Life magazine. The film is a mixture of adventure and self-discovery.


The Desert Lives (2017)

IMDb rating : 7.2/10 | Length : 113 minutes

Available on : YouTube

Plot : A documentary about a hike through the largest desert in the world and its challenges to people and nature.


Finding Farley (2014)

IMDb rating : 7.2/10 | Length : 82 minutes

Available on : Amazon Prime Video

Plot : A documentary that follows a hiker on his journey through the Canadian wilderness to find the legendary Farley Mowat.


10 hiking films that will send your soul on a journey

Hiking films that will inspire you and delight you with breathtaking landscapes:

Kissing and Other Essential Things (2009)

Into the Wild (2007)

Wild (2014)

The Way Back (2010)

Picnic with Bears (2015)

Via Alpina – Beyond The Trail (2018)

On the Way (2016)

Traces (2013)

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

Portugal – The Traveling Film (2019)

hiking movies

10 Best hiking films

The big trip - Wild (2014)

Camino de Santiago – A Journey on the Way of St. James (2015)

Mile... Mile & a Half (2013)

The Way (2010)

Sherpa (2015)

My Dream of the Nile (2015)

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

The Way Back (2010)

Portugal – The Hiking Film (2019)

Distant North – Hiking the Kungsleden (2016)


Hiking movies conclusion

In conclusion, hiking films capture the beauty, challenges, and emotions of the trail, inspiring adventurers worldwide. Whether you're looking for the best hiking films or a captivating hiking film to watch, there are many great options. From epic thru hike movies to dramatic hiking movies, these stories bring the wilderness to life. If you love outdoor adventures, you’ll enjoy films with hiking that showcase breathtaking landscapes and personal journeys. For a relaxing evening, a hiking movie Netflix selection offers great choices to fuel your wanderlust.


As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback via one of my channels.



You are also welcome to leave me a comment here.

 
Hikingfex

A warm hello, I am Christian, chief globetrotter of this site and enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them and I like to share my acquired hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you will find tips for beginners and professionals on the biggest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as hikers, whether in the country, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you don't hike, you haven't seen the world yet.


On my blog I also write about hiking gear, proper summit training and nature conservation as well as tips and information on hiking.


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