Tenzing (2026)

Apple TV’s new biographical drama Tenzing has become a streaming sensation, claiming the No. 1 spot worldwide on FlixPatrol and dominating the U.S. and dozens of other markets. The film debuted on the platform on October 16 after a limited theatrical run, and its star‑studded lineup—Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay, Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary, and Willem Dafoe as expedition leader John Hunt—has helped it capture audiences hungry for high‑stakes adventure. Tenzing chronicles the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest, focusing on the often‑overlooked Sherpa who helped secure the summit alongside Hillary. Director Jennifer Peedom, known for her mountaineering documentaries, and screenwriter Luke Davies weave a personal narrative that delves into Norgay’s relationship with his wife Dawa, his struggle to join the British expedition, and the teamwork that made history possible. Critics have lauded the film’s empathetic storytelling, giving it a near‑perfect 98% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96% audience score. Reviewers from the New York Times and the San Jose Mercury News praise Tenzing for finally giving its titular hero the headline treatment he deserves, turning a classic mountaineering tale into a character‑driven drama that resonates far beyond the summit.

Apple TV’s latest biopic, Tenzing, has already become a streaming hit after a brief theatrical run, and it does so by shifting the spotlight onto the often‑overlooked Sherpa who helped plant the first human flag on Everest. Genden Phuntsok leads the film as Tenzing Norgay, while Tom Hiddleston steps into Sir Edmund Hillary’s boots, delivering a story that leans heavily on first‑hand accounts to stay true to the historic climb. One of the film’s most striking choices is the decision to show Hillary and Tenzing reaching the summit together, walking side‑by‑side rather than debating who stepped onto the peak first. The visual reinforces the movie’s core theme: the ascent was a joint achievement, a partnership that transcended the race for glory. The filmmakers also trim some of the darker introspection that Hillary expressed in his own writings. In the real account, he paused to wonder whether the lost climbers Mallory and Irvine had ever stood on the summit. Tenzing replaces that moment with a more celebratory exchange between the two men, aligning with the film’s optimistic tone and its focus on Tenzing’s perspective. Even with its dedication to accuracy, the movie takes liberties with certain characters. Colonel John Hunt, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, is shown at times dismissing Tenzing’s climbing expertise, relegating him to load‑carrying duties—a portrayal that diverges from historical records of Hunt’s respect for the Sherpa’s skill. These nuanced adjustments keep the narrative tight while still honoring the spirit of the 1953 expedition.

Apple TV+’s Tenzing has vaulted to the top of the platform’s global movie charts within a day of its debut, buoyed by a near‑perfect 98% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. The biopic, which dramatizes the historic 1953 summit, stars Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary, Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay, and Willem Dafoe in a supporting role, and marks director Jennifer Peedom’s first foray into narrative filmmaking after acclaimed mountain documentaries like Sherpa and Mountain. The film’s reception isn’t just critical—it’s breaking personal milestones. Hiddleston’s 98% rating eclipses his previous best, surpassing even Avengers: Infinity War’s 92% audience score, while Dafoe’s performance lands the movie as his fifth‑highest‑rated project. Audiences are echoing the critics, giving Tenzing a 95% audience rating, positioning it among Apple TV’s most beloved feature‑length releases of the year. What sets Tenzing apart is its focus on the Sherpa perspective, highlighting the socio‑political hurdles and spiritual bond Tenzing Norgay had with Everest. Phuntsok’s emotionally charged portrayal, paired with Hiddleston’s restrained turn, brings a fresh, humanizing lens to a story often told from the climbers’ side. The film’s stunning visuals and visceral mountain sequences, praised by reviewers, further immerse viewers in the perilous beauty of the world’s highest peak. Following a strong premiere at Telluride and word‑of‑mouth buzz, Tenzing surged to No. 4 in the U.S. and claimed the No. 1 spot worldwide on Apple TV+. With executive production by Norgay’s son Norbu Tenzing and a screenplay by Luke Davies, the biopic not only celebrates a historic ascent but also cements its place as a streaming sensation poised to attract even more viewers ahead of Hiddleston’s return as Loki.