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Movies like The Rise of K-Pop (2020)

The best movies like The Rise of K-Pop (2020) are The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020), Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018) and Marvel's Behind the Mask (2021). If The Rise of K-Pop hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)

    The story of the triumphs and hurdles of brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. The iconic trio, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs and have 20 No. 1 hits throughout their career, transcending more than five decades of changing tastes and styles.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  2. Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018)

    Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Marvel's Behind the Mask (2021)

    A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  4. Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)

    An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has endured through many highs and lows.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. 35 Up (1991)

    Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  6. Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes (2021)

    Serial killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his life and horrific crimes via a series of chilling audiotapes recorded from his jail cell.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  7. Daft Punk Unchained (2015)

    Daft Punk Unchained is the first film about the pop culture phenomenon that is Daft Punk, the duo with 12 million albums sold worldwide and seven Grammy Awards. Throughout their career Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have always resisted compromise and the established codes of show business. They have remained determined to maintain control of every link in the chain of their creative process. In the era of globalisation and social networks, they rarely speak in public and neither do they show their faces on TV. This documentary explores this unprecedented cultural revolution revealing a duo of artists on a permanent quest for creativity, independence and freedom.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  8. Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)

    Featuring never-before-seen footage, this documentary delivers a startling new look at the Peoples Temple, headed by preacher Jim Jones who, in 1978, led more than 900 members to Guyana, where he orchestrated a mass suicide via tainted punch.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  9. Whitney (2018)

    Examines the life and career of singer Whitney Houston. Features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive recordings, rare performances and interviews with the people who knew her best.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  10. The Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)

    A real-life undercover thriller about two ordinary men who embark on an outrageously dangerous ten-year mission to penetrate the world's most secretive and brutal dictatorship: North Korea.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  11. Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022)

    Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  12. Gilbert (2017)

    The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  13. My Mom Jayne (2025)

    Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  14. Biggie & Tupac (2002)

    In 1997, rap superstars Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (aka Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G.) were gunned down in separate incidents, the apparent victims of hip hop's infamous east-west rivalry. Nick Broomfield's film introduces Russell Poole, an ex-cop with damning evidence that suggests the LAPD deliberately fumbled the case to conceal connections between the police, LA gangs and Death Row Records, the label run by feared rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  15. Looking for Richard (1996)

    Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  16. 21 Up (1977)

    After another 7 year wait, director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born children from Seven Up! and 7 Plus Seven. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  17. Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated (2017)

    A personal and intimate look into Demi Lovato's life as not only a regular 25 year old, but also one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Harmontown (2014)

    A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. One of Us (2017)

    Penetrating the insular world of New York's Hasidic community, focusing on three individuals driven to break away despite threats of retaliation.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  20. Lemmy (2010)

    Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  21. Rinaldi - Instrumental Transcommunication to The Other Side (2022)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  22. Heartbeat of a Nation (2022)

    A short documentary that celebrates Dene cultural reclamation and revitalization, in which a father passes on traditional knowledge to his child through the teachings of a caribou drum.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  23. The Promise of Music (2008)

    The documentary accompanied the work of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025)

    Kicking off in Seoul in January 2024, ATEEZ’s monumental world tour, TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER, ignited Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond with unstoppable energy. Now, its breathtaking opening chapter returns, reborn on the big screen. From powerful performances of signature hits like "WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”)”, "Crazy Form", "Say My Name", and "Guerrilla" to mesmerizing unit and solo stages showcasing each member’s unique color, ATEEZ’s overwhelming energy takes over SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX where available. The voyage towards the light sets sail once again!

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  25. Coldplay x BTS Inside ‘My Universe’ Documentary (2021)

    Coldplay front runner Chris Martin takes us inside the Bighit studio in Seoul, South Korea as he directs the production of “My Universe” — the new single from Coldplay’s new album. A moment of collaboration from two of the biggest bands in the world.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. When It Breaks (2020)

    When It Breaks is the inspiring story of Special Education teacher Konrad Wert and his personal journey to avoid becoming another victim of teacher burnout. Stepping away from the classroom, Wert turns to his musical side career as a means to tour the country with his family and engage teachers, parents, and audiences in a conversation about the current state of Public Education, and specifically Special Education. As opportunities arise, Konrad must decide how his service is most effective- as an advocating artist or as a teacher in the classroom.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  27. Radical Harmonies (2002)

    Interviews and performance footage are used to provide an overview of the women's music scene.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. The Four Seasons: A Music Film (2025)

    The Australian Chamber Orchestra has always forged its own path. With Artistic Director and violinist Richard Tognetti at the helm, the ACO has been producing films for over a decade, from their award-winning collaborations with BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom (‘Mountain’, ‘River’) to their acclaimed series of cinematic music films, ‘ACO StudioCasts’. Directed by Matisse Ruby, ‘The Four Seasons’ film release is the latest from this ground-breaking, world-renowned ensemble. Arguably the most popular and recognisable piece of classical music ever written, this performance directed by Richard Tognetti, highlights the profound symbiosis between Vivaldi’s Venice and the Middle East. Interspersing Vivaldi’s masterpiece with music by Australian-Egyptian composer and Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawardros, the film honours Vivaldi’s classic while giving it new life. A must-see for music lovers and cinephiles alike.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. EPIK HIGH 20 THE MOVIE (2024)

    The iconic Korean hip-hop group Epik High debuted in 2003 and has since captivated fans worldwide with their exceptional lyricism and evocative music videos. Now, their 20th-anniversary concert comes to life in a stunning documentary, capturing the raw passion and emotions of these hip-hop poets on stage. Joined by their devoted fans, "High Skool," Epik High sets their sights on an even greater future together.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. Patchwork Family (TBA)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

Like The Rise of K-Pop and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like The Rise of K-Pop?

The closest matches to The Rise of K-Pop are The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020), Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018) and Marvel's Behind the Mask (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after The Rise of K-Pop?

Start with The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020), the closest match to The Rise of K-Pop.

What is the highest-rated movie like The Rise of K-Pop?

Whitney (2018), rated 7.3/10 by 212 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like The Rise of K-Pop?

My Mom Jayne (2025) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like The Rise of K-Pop?

Yes: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020), Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018) and Marvel's Behind the Mask (2021).

How are movies similar to The Rise of K-Pop chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Rise of K-Pop, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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