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| A still from SKYWALKERS |
It’s the viral news of the moment. On July 1, 2026, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus scaled the Empire State Building to declare the love to the world and enjoy an adrenaline rush. Call it romantic, call it dangerous, call it illegal -- their pictures are plastered everywhere. People are captivated by this story for different reasons. Sure, their actions are mostly likely a bid for attention before some upcoming project, but you can’t deny the ruffle it’s made. If you want more gravity-defying stunts, acts of resistance, or couples who are crazy in love, what could you watch next? By all means, start with the documentary SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY on Netflix, which is about the couple in question. Here are some other contenders:
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| A still from MAN ON WIRE |
MAN ON WIRE (2008), directed by James Marsh
In 1974, Philippe Petit walked between the Twin Towers on a high wire. Filmed like a heist movie, this Oscar-winning documentary chronicles the preparation for the performance, the act itself, and its impact on accomplices and observers alike. And like Nikolau and Beerkus, Petit’s actions left the public feeling intrigued rather than incensed for breaking the law. Try MAN ON WIRE for another true story of a performer breaking laws and defying gravity while capturing the public’s heart. See also: Robert Zemeckis directed a fictional narrative on Petit’s walk titled THE WALK in 2015.  |
| A still from FALL |
FALL (2022), directed by Scott Mann
A year after her husband falls during a mountain climbing expedition, best friends Becky and Shiloh decide to reunite and overcome their fears by climbing a 2,000-foot retired TV tower to scatter Dan’s ashes. On their descent, a ladder breaks. With no cellphone service and no exit plan, Becky and Shiloh must work together to send for help. Cameras capture the queasy feeling of being elevated and afraid of the danger. Try FALL for a suspenseful thrill ride that takes place on top of a tower and hints at the complexity of human connections.  |
| A still from FIRE OF LOVE |
FIRE OF LOVE (2022), directed by Sara Dosa
If you are most captivated by the idea of couples in love and facing danger together, try this compelling, mixed-media documentary about Katia and Maurice Krafft, two volcano researchers who fell in love and devoted their lives to unearthing the secrets below the surface of the Earth. Narrator Miranda July matches lava-hot imagery with an engaging history of their work together, culminating in their death on June 3, 1991, working on-site at Mount Unzen, doing the thing they loved best in the world.  |
| Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise in KNIGHT AND DAY |
KNIGHT AND DAY (2010), directed by James Mangold
For even more romance and adrenaline, from many elevations, this piping hot action comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise is a fun romp. June meets Roy at the airport by happenstance. Through a combination of events, she ends up mixed up in his latest operation. He’s an agent (surprise, surprise), she’s a civilian, but they can’t seem to help ending up in close contact. Chemistry and kabooms are off the charts.  |
| Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton in LOVING |
LOVING (2016), directed by Jeff Nichols
Just like Nikolau and Beerkus, Mildred and Richard Loving rocked the world and the legal system with their love. In midcentury Virginia, anti-miscegenation laws declared interracial marriage to be illegal. The Lovings got married anyway and had children -- an even greater sin. This movie depicts their long-term battle to be seen as a legitimate couple. Sixty-some years later, their story is still a symbol of resistance and an inspiration to anyone seeking to love across cultural expectations. See also: Nancy Buirski’s 2011 documentary, THE LOVING STORY.
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Find the whole series. Feel free to recommend a new movie to match in the comments.
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