20 Best Survival Movies Of All Time

Everest is one of the decades most devastating but oddly uplifting tales. Directed by Baltasar Kormakur and anchored by an incredible ensemble - led by Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal, amongst others - it was released in 2015 and shocked audiences worldwide.

Following two different climbing parties as they attempt to reach the mountain's summit, the film is based on the true story of the 1996 Mount Everest Disaster. Clarke plays Rob Hall, leader of the Adventure Consultants group, and Gyllenhaal plays Scott Fischer, leader of Hall's rival team. As the two converge on the top, a storm hits and the groups and split and scattered, with many lives lost.

The rest of the film is held by some stellar effects and effective performances from Clarke, Gyllenhaal, Brolin, Michael Kelly (who plays Into the Wild author and journalist Jon Krakauer, funnily enough) and Kiera Knightley. As the remaining climbers attempt to survive, search parties are sent after those who have lost communication with the base.

There are some seriously heavy moments throughout the drama, as is expected, but there is an air of hope and a sense that everything, no matter what, will be okay in the end. As with many biopics, it is respectful of those being portrayed but never strays from making the film both entertaining and visually stunning.

It may be over two hours long (few of it "fun"), but it's definitely worth sitting through this future classic.