Man on Wire

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Man on Wire

PG-13

2008

1h 30m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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159 Reviews

87%

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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.

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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.

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Catherine Wheatley

Sight & Sound

Jul 6, 2010

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

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Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

May 7, 2009

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

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Jonathan F. Richards

Film.com

Nov 10, 2008

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.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 9, 2025

3/4

Present-day interviews and modern re-enactments provide the piece with its structure, but it's the awe-inspiring archival footage that makes this a giddy watch.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Oct 2, 2025

4/4

At the center of Man on Wire, aside from the bold recital of incomparable performance art, Petit is The Great Storyteller reeling us into his foolhardy personal adventure. We go willingly, joyfully, in awe.

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Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

Sep 27, 2021

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

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Stephen N

@Ste_nut Jan 9, 2026

A good documentary but not great. A story of a tight knit group of friends telling the tale of an incredible heist and feat but ends with a talented man finding fame and selling out those he once loved. Greatness let down by ego, left me feeling disappointed in humanity rather than amazed by what we can accomplish collectively. I doubt the film makers told this story with this narrative if the reviews are anything to go by if they did then genius. Still of documentary isn’t my fave, series of interviews telling of stories, some actual footage mixed with dramatization footage.

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Lorenz L

@Lorenz1060 Aug 29, 2025

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.

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Gareth v

@geewah Aug 5, 2025

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.

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Phillip D

@phildub Feb 25, 2025

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

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Geke g

@RT40239519 Jul 27, 2024

Remains speechless. Perfect directing skill.

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Munkhchimeg T

@RT64187897 Jul 27, 2024

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

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James Marsh

Director

Annie Allix

Self

Jean François Heckel

Self

Philippe Petit

Self

Simon Chinn

Producer

Nick Fraser

Executive Producer

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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

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