Encounters at the End of the World
“Off the map, things get strange.”
Synopsis
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog travels to Antarctica, where he finds a desolate, beautiful landscape, largely untouched by human hands, and a group of truly unique people who risk their lives to study it. Centered at McMurdo Station, the United States' largest Antarctic research center, Herzog explores the minds of the scientists willing to abandon civilization and endure volatile conditions to learn more about the continent's wildlife and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2011-09-29
Top Cast
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Werner Herzog
Narrator (voice)
Clive Oppenheimer
Self - Volcanologist
Scott Rowland
Self - Transportation Dept
Stefan Pashov
Self - Philosopher, Forklift Driver
Doug MacAyeal
Self - Glaciologist
Ryan Andrew Evans
Self - Filmmaker, Cook
Kevin Emery
Self - Survival School Instructor
Olav T. Oftedal
Self - Nutritional Ecologist
Regina Eisert
Self - Physiologist
David R. Pacheco Jr.
Self - Journeyman Plumber
Samuel S. Bowser
Self - Cell Biologist
Jan Pawlowski
Self - Zoologist
William Jirsa
Self - Linguist, Computer Expert
Karen Joyce
Self - Traveler, Computer Expert
Libor Zicha
Self - Utility Mechanic
Ashrita Furman
Self - Multiple World Record Holder
David Ainley
Self - Marine Ecologist
William McIntosh
Self - Volcanologist, Geochronologist
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 18, 2008
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 26, 2010
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Werner Herzog
- Screenplay & Story
- Werner Herzog
- Original Score
- David Lindley, Henry Kaiser
- Original Title
- Encounters at the End of the World
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 39m
- Production Studios
- Discovery Films, Creative Differences Productions, Discovery Communications
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog
David Lindley, Henry Kaiser
Peter Zeitlinger
Joe Bini
Henry Kaiser, Andrea Meditch, Julian P. Hobbs
Department Leadership Roster
Werner Herzog
Director
Werner Herzog
Writer
Joe Bini
Editor
Henry Kaiser
Producer
Peter Zeitlinger
Director of Photography
Julian P. Hobbs
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 0 — Approved without age restriction.
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Encounters at the End of the World.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Letterboxd's Top 250 Documentary Films
Letterboxd's official Top 250 documentary feature films, ranked by average member rating. Letterboxd 官方 Top 250 最佳纪录长片榜单： 根据平台用户的平均评分进行排序的纪录长片精选榜单。 *(Updated via Automated ETL Pipeline: 2026-10-18 07:36:46 UTC+8)*
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Frequently Asked Questions About Encounters at the End of the World
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Encounters at the End of the World about?
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog travels to Antarctica, where he finds a desolate, beautiful landscape, largely untouched by human hands, and a group of truly unique people who risk their lives to study it. Centered at McMurdo Station, the United States' largest Antarctic research center, Herzog explores the minds of the scientists willing to abandon civilization and endure volatile conditions to learn more about the continent's wildlife and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Who directed Encounters at the End of the World?
Encounters at the End of the World was directed by Werner Herzog.
Who stars in Encounters at the End of the World?
The principal cast of Encounters at the End of the World includes Werner Herzog, Clive Oppenheimer, Scott Rowland, Stefan Pashov, Doug MacAyeal.
When was Encounters at the End of the World released and how long is it?
Encounters at the End of the World was released in 2008 with a total runtime of 1h 39m.
Who composed the musical score for Encounters at the End of the World?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Encounters at the End of the World was composed by David Lindley, Henry Kaiser.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Encounters at the End of the World?
Encounters at the End of the World holds official age classifications: DE: 0 (FSK 0 — Approved without age restriction.); US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).