While the wind chills are below freezing and snuggling up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa sounds like a great evening, pick from this list of movies we have put together! These outdoor movies always inspire us to get out or provide a fresh look at life, we hope they’ll hit you the same way!

180 Degrees South (2010)

One of our all time favorite documentaries. It follows the adventure of surfer and climber, Jeff Johnson, as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Follow along as he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs waves that never end, and makes an ascent of Cerro Corcovado. It’s loaded with beautiful scenery, wanderlust, and the importance of experiencing nature told by him, Chouinard, and Tompkins. This is sure to make you lust for more adventure in your life.

Rent it on Amazon

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

We don’t like this one just because the author of the book, Bill Bryson, is from Iowa, but we do love that! We love hiking on the Appalachian Trail so this movie really pulls at the heartstrings we have for it. A comical and fun tale of the journey along the ~2,200 mile trail.

Rent it on Amazon

Mile… Mile and a Half (2013)

Ever since seeing this movie we’ve wanted to hike the John Muir Trail…Nick tried one summer, but couldn’t get permits, so instead went to Banff. Anyways, this documentary showcases the trail in all it’s glory as 5 friends document the 25 day journey with beautiful cinematography. Follow along on the 211 mile trek stretching from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney as they prove the old adage – it’s about the journey, not the destination.

Rent from iTunes

MERU (2015)

Featuring three of the most badass climbers, two of them killer photographers and cinematographers, Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk. Watch them battle some of the harshest elements as they attempt the never summitted Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru. Often overlooked because it’s in the shadow of Everest, this is the most technically complicated and dangerous peak in the Himalayas, so buckle up for an intense journey of mountaineering, life, and death.

Watch it for free with Amazon Prime!

Into the Wild (2007)

Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless originally made famous by the book by Jon Krakauer (it’s a great read). Chris gives up everything: money, a bright future, and ties to his family to lead a solitary life of adventure in the wild. We’ve all dreamed it, giving up on the corporate 9-5 life and meaningless acquisition of junk in search of a life of real experiences. Nobody else has thought that? Maybe it’s just us…

Rent it on Amazon

The Way (2011)

A somewhat sad, but inspirational story about family, friends, and overcoming challenges. A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the “El Camino de Santiago” from France to Spain. The theme of the movie is spiritual awakening (whatever that means to you) and self-discovery, which if you get down to it, that’s what hiking is for a lot of people. The beautiful mountain scenery, dramatic skies, and ancient architecture are nice pieces of eye candy, too.

Rent it on Amazon

Wild (2014)

Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, Wild is a journey along the well known 1,100 mile Pacific Crest Trail. In the midst of death, hopelessness, and poor decisions, she resolves to solo hike from California to Washington, with no prior experience. It’s enjoyable for both nonhikers and hikers alike…it’s funny to the dramatization of her making some of the mistakes we’ve made.

Rent it on Amazon

Unbranded (2015)

Different from the rest of the movies, but still a fantastic documentary. Four cowboys ride 16 Mustangs 3,000 miles through some of the gnarliest terrain in the American West to inspire adoption of wild horses and burros living in government captivity.

Watch for free with Amazon Prime!

We’re always looking for new outdoor movies so please leave a comment if you have a recommendation!

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