Movies like The Real Thing (1996)
The best movies like The Real Thing (1996) are The Art of Flight (2011), Free Solo (2018) and Valley Uprising (2014). If The Real Thing hooked you with its adventure and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Dawn Wall (2017)8.0/10 from 378 votes
- NewestBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)Released 2026
The Art of Flight (2011)
Iconic snowboarder Travis Rice and friends redefine what is possible in the mountains. Experience the highs, as new tricks are landed and new zones opened, alongside the lows, where avalanches, accidents, and wrong-turns strike.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFree Solo (2018)
Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000 foot high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & adventure
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisValley Uprising (2014)
In the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service. And up on the walls, generation after generation has pushed the limits of climbing, vying amongst each other for supremacy on Yosemite's cliffs. "Valley Uprising" is the riveting, unforgettable tale of this bold rock climbing tradition in Yosemite National Park: half a century of struggle against the laws of gravity -- and the laws of the land.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Dawn Wall (2017)
In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & adventure
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSkyscraper Live (2026)
No ropes. No fear. Free solo legend Alex Honnold risks it all in a high-stakes, live ascent of one of the world's tallest skyscrapers in Taipei, Taiwan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Alpinist (2021)
The life of Canadian mountain climber Marc-André Leclerc as he pushes the boundaries of climbing while on an expedition to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMaidentrip (2014)
14-year-old Laura Dekker sets out on a two-year voyage in pursuit of her dream to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004)
A comprehensive 12-part documentary on the making of "Spider-Man 2," covering everything from pre-production to premiere.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisExplorer: The Last Tepui (2022)
This documentary starring climber Alex Honnold and famous biologist Bruce Means document their expedition to the South American sky islands in search of new species and discoveries. Follows elite climber Alex Honnold and a world-class climbing team led by National Geographic Explorer and climber Mark Synnott on a grueling mission deep in the Amazon jungle as they attempt a first-ascent climb up a 1000 foot sheer cliff.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like this14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)
In 2019, Nepalese mountain climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja set out to do the unthinkable by climbing the world’s fourteen highest summits in less than seven months. (The previous record was eight years). He called the effort “Project Possible 14/7” and saw it as a way to inspire others to strive for greater heights in any pursuit. The film follows his team as they seek to defy naysayers and push the limits of human endurance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMeru (2015)
Meru is the electrifying story of three elite American climbers—Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk—bent on achieving the impossible.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEverest (1998)
An international team of climbers ascends Mt. Everest in the spring of 1996. The film depicts their lengthy preparations for the climb, their trek to the summit, and their successful return to Base Camp. It also shows many of the challenges the group faced, including avalanches, lack of oxygen, treacherous ice walls, and a deadly blizzard.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)
A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHarmontown (2014)
A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAvatar: Creating the World of Pandora (2010)
The Making-of James Cameron's Avatar. It shows interesting parts of the work on the set.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMountain (2017)
An epic cinematic and musical collaboration between SHERPA filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, that explores humankind's fascination with high places.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInterstellar: Nolan's Odyssey (2014)
A look behind the lens of Christopher Nolan's space epic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMarvel's Behind the Mask (2021)
A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJackie Chan: My Story (1998)
Jackie Chan is one of the world's biggest action stars, famed for his wacky sense of humor, remarkable martial arts techniques, and willingness to perform incredible stunts without the use of doubles -- or a net. This video takes a personal look at Chan as he works on screen projects in Hollywood and Beijing and candidly discusses his life and work.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStars at Noon (1959)
Les Etoiles de Midi is an engaging docudrama about some of the more spectacular exploits of French mountain climbers over the last several decades. In one re-enacted story, there is a wartime escape through the mountains, and in another, a daring rescue of a pair of climbers who had been missing. The actors themselves are adept at the sport of climbing, and they give the scenes an immediacy and real daring that brings the stories alive. A combination of their acrobatics and skill and the outstanding episodes in the history of French climbing creates a winning 78 minutes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & adventure
Sulle orme del K2 (2025)
Eight women, 8,611 meters to climb. A feat that will go down in history. Seventy years after the first ascent of K2, an extraordinary all-female expedition—comprising Italian and Pakistani mountaineers—will aim to reach the coveted summit of K2 to celebrate a unique anniversary and make it truly memorable.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & adventure
Climb When Ready - A Course in Rock Climbing (2005)
Offers a course in Rock Climbing on a 100-minute DVD, produced by UIAA International Rock Climbing Instructors. This film covers climbing techniques, roped climbing, belaying, protection, lead climbing, abseiling, top rope climbing, bouldering, guidebooks, ratings and equipment. It is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced climbers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Masterclass Part 1: Technique & Training (2005)
IMPROVE YOUR CLIMBING WITH NEIL GRESHAM Are you tired of burning out on steep routes and unsure whether it’s due to lack of strength or poor technique? Do you still feel nervous about pushing above bolts or trusting your feet on slabs? If you’re fed-up with making the same old mistakes then why not settle the score using this two-part instructional video series, hosted by Britain’s leading climbing coach Neil Gresham. Whether you climb F5 or F7c, these films are packed with tips to help you improve every aspect of your climbing performance. Part 1 shows you how to develop your technique and how to train more productively and Part 2 shows you how to put it all together and get the most from yourself on the cliffs. There are right and wrong examples to help you identify your weaknesses and case studies from some of Britain’s best climbers. Those dream routes may be closer than you think and watching these films might be all you need to turn them into a reality.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Wall Rats (2006)
Two teenagers try and become the youngest people to conquer El Capitan's 3,000' face. Teenage sport climbers Tori Allen and Scott Cory attempt to become the youngest people to climb Yosemite's El Capitan. However, they've never been more than 100' off the ground. How they'll respond to a multi-day adventure up a 3,000 foot wall is anybody's guess. With very little planning, they embark on a 5-day adventure into history.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
George Smith's UpsideDown Wales (2008)
From filmmaker Alun Hughes, Upside Down Wales is a window into the world of 3D and upside down climbing guru George Smith and his obsession with climbing overhanging rock in North Wales. A film with plenty of character that doesn't take itself too seriously. Features interviews with Welsh climbing legends Joe Brown and John Redhead, and younger climbers like Pete Robins and Dave Noden.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Winter Sessions (2006)
Winter Sessions provides a playful yet compelling bouldering film about the unique and intense world of peak gritstone bouldering. From the many colourful and interesting players in this game to the magical landscapes of the Peak District National Park, this film portrays the essence of a scene which is often bewildering, frustrating and satisfying all rolled into one. Using footage gathered over two winters it includes a diverse range of stories set to an awesome soundtrack. Highlights include Ben Moon's first ascent of Voyager (8b) followed by fifteen year old protege Tyler Landman's second ascent. Also featuring Sam Whittaker, Jerry Moffatt, Jon Fullwood, Ben Bransby, Adam Long and many more.. Winter Sessions is a feast for the eyes and ears as these climbers set about repeating old classics (The Ace, The Joker, Deliverance to name but a few) and establishing new instant classics.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Memento - A Boulder Life Line (2006)
What happens when a crazy filmmaker meets a crazy boulder and they decide to make a film together? It could be called pre-programmed chaos or the beginning of a common vision. After nearly two years of work, the film is finished, pure soul has come out! Camera and direction show boulders in a unique style. The philsophy and climbing art of Bernd Zangerl set the crown on the film. The locations were Ticino, Magic Wood and the mountains of the Silvretta. Each area has its own character, its own style and ambience. 'Every centimeter has its meaning. As with Humbold's natural vision, thought and feeling merge, and here the symbiosis of man and rock, man's stone, humanized petrified. " The film shows Bernd Zangerl, Barbara Zangerl and Thomas "Steini" Steinbrugger during bouldering at Magic Wood, Silvretta and Ticino. The best and most beautiful first visits by Bernd Zangerl are documented as well as spectacular highballs and low water soloing.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Friction Addiction (2003)
Friction Addiction rock climbing video brings you an amazing summer of daring run outs and highball first ascents from the sharp end of South Dakots's Black Hills. Filmed entirely in crystal clear digital, and set to an original soundtrack by Underground Chuck, this film raises the bar of the rock climbing video genre to dangerous new heights.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Welsh Connections (2009)
A cocktail of diverse climbing, from hard trad onsights and first ascents, to intense limestone sport, slate, bouldering and deep water soloing. Historic routes like Jerry Moffatt's Liquid Ambar and Johnny's The Quarryman as well as the new generation of test pieces. Line up of climbers includes Pete Robins, Tim Emmett, James McHaffie, Johnny Dawes, Pete Whtitaker, Nick bullock and Paul Pritchard.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both adventure & documentary
Like The Real Thing and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Real Thing?
The closest matches to The Real Thing are The Art of Flight (2011), Free Solo (2018) and Valley Uprising (2014). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Real Thing?
Start with The Art of Flight (2011), the closest match to The Real Thing.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Real Thing?
The Dawn Wall (2017), rated 8.0/10 by 378 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Real Thing?
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Real Thing?
Yes: The Art of Flight (2011), Free Solo (2018) and Valley Uprising (2014).
How are movies similar to The Real Thing chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Real Thing, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.