Documentaries That Push the Limits

Description: Although partly dramatized, this film is based on the true story of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat caught in the "perfect storm" of 1991. It's a tale of survival against the fury of nature.

Fact: The film uses real footage of the storm and interviews with survivors and experts.

Description: This film recounts the harrowing tale of two climbers on the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, where one falls into a crevasse, and the other must make a life-or-death decision. It's a testament to human survival against all odds.

Fact: The film uses interviews with the actual climbers and dramatic reenactments to bring the story to life. It won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film.

Description: Werner Herzog examines the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska for 13 summers, ultimately meeting a tragic end. It's a study in human nature and the extreme lengths one goes to connect with nature.

Fact: The film includes Treadwell's own footage, providing an intimate look at his life.

Description: This documentary exposes the annual dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan, where activists use covert tactics to reveal the brutal reality of the slaughter. It's an extreme situation not just for the dolphins but also for the activists risking their lives.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: Werner Herzog explores the aftermath of a triple homicide in Texas, delving into the minds of the perpetrators, victims' families, and those involved in the justice system. It's a profound look at crime and punishment in extreme circumstances.

Fact: Herzog's unique interviewing style brings out raw emotions and philosophical reflections.

Description: Follow three elite climbers as they attempt to summit the Shark's Fin on Mount Meru, one of the most coveted and dangerous peaks in the Himalayas. Their journey is a testament to human ambition and the will to conquer the unconquerable.

Fact: The film features stunning cinematography of the Himalayan landscape.

Description: Witness Alex Honnold's breathtaking free solo ascent of El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock face, without any ropes or safety gear. This documentary captures the essence of extreme climbing and the mental preparation required.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This documentary follows the Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop, around-the-world yacht race, where sailors face extreme conditions and isolation. It's a thrilling look at human endurance and the ocean's unpredictable nature.

Fact: The film captures the psychological and physical toll on the racers.

Description: Follow Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they attempt to free climb the seemingly impossible Dawn Wall on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. It's a story of obsession, friendship, and the pursuit of an impossible dream.

Fact: The film was shot over seven years, capturing the climbers' journey from the first attempt to the historic summit.

Description: This gripping documentary tells the story of the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, where a group of young footballers and their coach were trapped by rising floodwaters. It showcases the incredible teamwork and bravery of the rescuers.

Fact: The film includes never-before-seen footage and interviews with the divers who risked their lives.