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Seven Years in Tibet poster

Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

“At the end of the world his real journey began.”

7.2/10 · 3,213 votes 2h 16m pg-13 AdventureDramaHistory

#33 of 113 films from 1997 #436 of 1617 in adventure

Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud · Written by Heinrich Harrer, Becky Johnston

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer journeys to the Himalayas without his family to head an expedition in 1939. But when World War II breaks out, the arrogant Harrer falls into Allied forces' hands as a prisoner of war. He escapes with a fellow detainee and makes his way to Lhasa, Tibet, where he meets the 14-year-old Dalai Lama, whose friendship ultimately transforms his outlook on life.

Cast

Brad Pittas Heinrich Harrer
Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchukas Dalai Lama, 14 Years Old
David Thewlisas Peter Aufschnaiter
BD Wongas Ngawang Jigme
Makoas Kungo Tsarong
Lhakpa Tsamchoeas Pema Lhaki
Ingeborga Dapkūnaitėas Ingrid Harrer
Duncan Fraseras British Officer
Danny Denzongpaas Regent
Victor Wongas Chinese 'Amban'
Jetsun Pemaas Great Mother
Ama Ashe Dongtseas Tashi
Sonam Wangchukas Dalai Lama, 8 Years Old
Sonam Wangchukas Dalai Lama, 8 Years Old

Facts

Release dateSeptember 12, 1997
Runtime136 min (2h 16m) — longer as the 1997 average of 109 min
GenresAdventure, Drama, History
LanguageEN
Budget$70,000,000
Box office$131,457,682 (1.9× budget)
IMDbtt0120102

More from Jean-Jacques Annaud

The Name of the RoseThe Name of the Rose1986 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 10m Enemy at the GatesEnemy at the Gates2001 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 11m Two BrothersTwo Brothers2004 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 49m The BearThe Bear1988 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 37m Quest for FireQuest for Fire1981 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 40m The LoverThe Lover1992 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 55m

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Questions

How long is Seven Years in Tibet?
Seven Years in Tibet runs 136 minutes (2h 16m).
Is Seven Years in Tibet worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 3,213 votes, which places it #33 of 113 films released in 1997 in this index (top 72%) and #436 among 1617 adventure titles.
Who directed Seven Years in Tibet?
Seven Years in Tibet was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Name of the Rose (1986), Enemy at the Gates (2001), Two Brothers (2004).
Who stars in Seven Years in Tibet?
Brad Pitt as Heinrich Harrer; Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk as Dalai Lama, 14 Years Old; David Thewlis as Peter Aufschnaiter; BD Wong as Ngawang Jigme; Mako as Kungo Tsarong; Lhakpa Tsamchoe as Pema Lhaki.
What is Seven Years in Tibet rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Seven Years in Tibet?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/29220.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.