Man on Wire

Play trailer

Man on Wire

PG-13

Released Jul 25, 2008

1h 30m

Documentary

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

158 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Plotting his feat like a master cat burglar, Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

James Marsh's doc about artist Phililppe Petit's artful caper brings you every ounce of suspense that can be wrung from a man on a (suspended) wire.

Read Critics Reviews

Catherine Wheatley

Sight & Sound

The tension builds incrementally, reaching almost unbearable heights at its dizzying climax.

Jul 6, 2010

Full Review

Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

It all makes for an absorbing, mischievously amusing yarn, whose climax unfolds with unexpected emotional force.

May 7, 2009

Full Review

Jonathan F. Richards

Film.com

In this exhilarating, palm-moistening documentary by British filmmaker James Marsh (Wisconsin Death Trip), the twin towers are back to celebrate one of their finest moments.

Nov 10, 2008

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

Man On Wire is an astonishing, adorable, playful and absolutely unforgettable film.

Sep 27, 2021

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

Reminds us that dreams can come true and men can fly, through the heights of the imagination and the triumph of the human spirit - this a film for all those who ever dared to dream.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 7, 2019

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Some of the on-the-spot footage of the eccentric French thrillseeker's exploits truly boggle the mind (including a controversial stroll Petit once took across the Sydney Harbour Bridge).

Rated: 4/5

May 25, 2018

Full Review

Read all reviews

Lorenz L

I was there when it happened. I remember watching the news coverage on the little black-and-white TV in my bedroom. Somewhat ironically, I was also in NYC the day the towers were destroyed in 2001: after three months in Europe I had just landed at JFK Airport about 36 hours before the attack. This is just an incredible celebration of life. I have easily watched it 20 times and I cry like a baby during/after each screening at the utter joy it brings.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

Full Review

Gareth v

This is a breathtaking and poetic documentary that transcends its subject matter to become something deeply human, moving, and awe-inspiring. One of 2008's best movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

Full Review

Phillip D

Very good. Artsy but it didn’t lose me.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/25

Full Review

Gnr E

So exciting movie! I enjoyed it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/24

Full Review

Geke g

Remains speechless. Perfect directing skill.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/24

Full Review

Munkhchimeg T

Great, amazing and astonishing. How can human do this. Very good movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

James Marsh

Director

Annie Allix

Self

Jean François Heckel

Self

Simon Chinn

Producer

Nick Fraser

Executive Producer

Andrea Meditch

Executive Producer

Man on Wire: Official Clip - A New Life

2:02

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Live Your Life on a Tightrope

1:26

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Hide and Seek

2:09

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Walking on a Cloud

2:15

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Once in a Lifetime

1:59

Man on Wire: Official Clip - We Were Stars

2:13

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Once Upon a Time

2:06

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Nothing is Impossible

2:18

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Two Mischievous Kids

1:57

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Ageless Mask of Concentration

2:13

View more videos

Rize

84%

85%

Rize

Watchlist

Trumbo

84%

78%

Trumbo

Watchlist

Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot

72%

69%

Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot

Watchlist

Bigger, Stronger, Faster

96%

81%

Bigger, Stronger, Faster

Watchlist

The Cove

95%

94%

The Cove

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Jaws, Saving Private Ryan, Caddyshack, and More Certified Fresh Films on Netflix and Amazon Prime

Pan Gets Panned

Broadcast Film Critics Name Critics’ Choice Winners

View more photos

Synopsis

Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Plotting his feat like a master cat burglar, Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.

Director: James Marsh
Producer: Simon Chinn
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: UK Film Council, Discovery Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Some Nudity|Drug References)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 25, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 17, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.0M
Runtime: 1h 30m

Most Popular at Home Now