Vertical Limit

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2:01

Vertical Limit

PG-13

Released Dec 8, 2000

2h 6m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

49%

Tomatometer

111 Reviews

41%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Feeling responsible for his father's death, which occurred during a climbing expedition, Peter Garrett (Chris O'Donnell) has quit the pursuit in favor of photography, while his sister, Annie (Robin Tunney), has become a top climber. After Annie is hired by wealthy businessman Elliot Vaughn (Bill Paxton) to lead a trek, inclement weather causes the crew to become trapped. Facing his fears, Peter assembles a rescue team, including experienced climber Montgomery Wick (Scott Glenn), to save them.

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Critics Consensus

The plot in Vertical Limit is ludicrously contrived and cliched. Meanwhile, the action sequences are so over-the-top and piled one on top of another, they lessen the impact on the viewer.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Alternately generating adrenaline and ennui, Vertical Limit battles itself to a hard-earned draw.

Mar 6, 2018

Full Review

Peter Howell

Toronto Star

The pace of the movie rarely flags (neither does the idiocy, alas) and it's enough to warrant a marginal recommendation.

Dec 8, 2000

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Susan Stark

Detroit News

This is a movie that means to keep you involved and, preferably, gasping from start to finish . At that, it certainly does succeed.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 8, 2000

Full Review

Patrick Hicks

Feelin' Film Podcast

Despite an avalanche worth of cliches, the over-the-top nitroglycerin-fueled action and a dramatic rescue attempt premise allow for a big, fun movie experience set on the gorgeous but dangerous snowy peaks of Pakistan.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 16, 2024

Full Review

M. Faust

Common Sense Media

Mediocre disaster flick.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 2, 2011

Full Review

Bob Grimm

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

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Arthur M

The only thing less convincing than the plot is the green screen

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

Full Review

Alec B

Filled with clichés and it is disappointing to have the revenge subplot go nowhere however I appreciate that the movie hardly ever sags and that it lets you know immediately what the main character's tragic backstory is.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

caractacusrex

Works better as a comedy. Entertaining but ludicrous.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/22/23

Full Review

Glitched G

Vertical Limit struggles with a thin plot and badly written characters.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/04/23

Full Review

Bruce R

This movie officially surpassed Ishtar as possibly the worst movie of all time.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Along with the best in the genre, like Cliffhanger, worthy in your collection & rewatch list.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

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Martin Campbell

Director

Chris O'Donnell

Peter Garrett

Bill Paxton

Elliot Vaughn

Robin Tunney

Annie Garrett

Scott Glenn

Montgomery Wick

Izabella Scorupco

Monique Aubertine

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Wick's Revenge

2:55

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Turbulence & Terror

3:12

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - He's Going to Die

2:46

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Cut the Rope

3:38

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Collapsing Ledge

3:11

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Avalanche!

2:59

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Involuntary Sacrifice

2:58

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Are You Going to Kill Me?

2:54

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - Explosive Avalanche

2:50

Vertical Limit: Official Clip - The Blood Bag

2:53

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Vertical Limit: Trailer 1

2:01

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Synopsis

Feeling responsible for his father's death, which occurred during a climbing expedition, Peter Garrett (Chris O'Donnell) has quit the pursuit in favor of photography, while his sister, Annie (Robin Tunney), has become a top climber. After Annie is hired by wealthy businessman Elliot Vaughn (Bill Paxton) to lead a trek, inclement weather causes the crew to become trapped. Facing his fears, Peter assembles a rescue team, including experienced climber Montgomery Wick (Scott Glenn), to save them.

Director: Martin Campbell
Producer: Martin Campbell, Robert King, Marcia Nasatir
Screenwriter: Robert King, Robert King, Terry Hayes
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Video
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Global Entertainment Productions, Mountain High Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Life/Death Situations|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $68.5M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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