Movies like Ludwig II (2001)
The best movies like Ludwig II (2001) are Knightriders (1981), The Colors Within (2024) and City Lights (1931). If Ludwig II hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCity Lights (1931)8.2/10 from 2,591 votes
- NewestBalhae Blurred in Rain (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseThe Colors Within (2024)Also in Japanese
Knightriders (1981)
A medieval reenactment troupe struggles to maintain its family-like dynamic amid pressure from local authorities, interest from talent agents, and their so-called king's delusions of grandeur.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Colors Within (2024)
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the 'colors' of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn't play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCity Lights (1931)
A tramp falls in love with a beautiful blind flower girl. His on-and-off friendship with a wealthy man allows him to be the girl's benefactor and suitor.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Story of the Last Chrysanthemum (1939)
In late 19th-century Tokyo, Kikunosuke Onoue, the adopted son of a legendary actor, himself an actor specializing in female roles, discovers that the praise he receives is only due to his status as his father's heir. Devastated, he turns to Otoku, a servant of his family, for comfort, and they fall in love. Kikunosuke becomes determined to leave home and develop as an actor on his own merits, and Otoku faithfully joins him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)
After her father's ship is carried off by a sudden storm, the spunky Pippi Longstocking is stranded with her horse, Alfonso,and her pet monkey, Mr. Neilson, and takes up residence in the old family home, which is thought by neighborhood children to be haunted. Soon, two children, Tommy and his sister Anika, venture into the house only to meet up with Pippi. The three soon become friends and get into various adventures together, including cleaning the floor with scrubbing shoes, dodging the "splunks", going down a waterfall in barrels, and helping Pippi with the problem of having to go to an orphanage. Older children will probably get the most out of this movie.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Seymour works in a skid row florist shop and is in love with his beautiful co-worker, Audrey. He creates a new plant that not only talks but cannot survive without human flesh and blood.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSomewhere in Time (1980)
Young writer Richard Collier is met on the opening night of his first play by an old lady who begs him to "Come back to me". Mystified, he tries to find out about her, and learns that she is a famous stage actress from the early twentieth century. Becoming more and more obsessed with her, by self-hypnosis he manages to travel back in time—where he meets her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGnomeo & Juliet (2011)
A version of Shakespeare's play, set in the world of warring indoor and outdoor gnomes. Garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Court Jester (1955)
A hapless carnival performer masquerades as the court jester as part of a plot against a usurper who has overthrown the rightful king of England.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGhidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLittle Shop of Horrors (1986)
Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's, a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker, Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day, Seymour finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for its supper.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlue Giant (2023)
High school student Dai Miyamoto has his life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. Picking up a saxophone and leaving his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, Dai will find that the life of a professional musician isn’t for the faint of heart, as he must confront what it truly means to be great.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHer Blue Sky (2019)
High school student Aoi Aioi lives with her elder sister, Akane, after a tragic accident took their parents away 13 years ago. Because Akane has since been taking care of her single-handedly, Aoi wants to move to Tokyo after her graduation to relieve her sister's burden and pursue a musical career, inspired by Akane's ex-boyfriend Shinnosuke "Shinno" Kanamuro. Shinno was part of a band until he left for Tokyo to become a professional guitarist after the sisters' parents passed away, and he was never to be seen again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTom Thumb (1958)
A boy, no bigger than a thumb, manages to outwit two thieves determined to make a fortune from him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRe:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Memory Snow (2018)
Subaru finally gets to take a breather, but he does not waste any time as he prepares for a date with his beloved Emilia. He scouts the nearby village for the right dating spot, and with the help of the village children, he finds a wonderful location. With that, he is well prepared for his date! Unfortunately for Subaru, cold weather suddenly sweeps across Roswaal's mansion on his important day, leaving him with no choice but to postpone the date. Overnight, it becomes even colder and unbearable. Subaru must get to the bottom of this because, at this rate, his date will be the least of his worries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove Like the Falling Petals (2022)
Haruto Asakura falls in love with hairdresser Misaki Ariake and asks her out. Watching Misaki Ariake work hard to achieve what she wants, Haruto Asakura, who almost gave up his dream to become a photographer, begins to pursue his dream again, but Misaki Ariake is diagnosed with a disease that ages her 10x faster than normal.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Beaver (2011)
Suffering from a severe case of depression, toy company CEO Walter Black begins using a beaver hand puppet to help him open up to his family. With his father seemingly going insane, adolescent son Porter pushes for his parents to get a divorce.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Certain Magical Index: The Miracle of Endymion (2013)
On the day Touma Kamijou and Index see Academy City's space elevator, Endymion in the distance, they meet a Level 0 girl with an amazing singing voice, Arisa Meigo. As the three enjoy their time together after school, magic-user Stiyl Magnus suddenly attacks them. His target: Arisa. Why would a girl from the science side be targeted by someone from the magic side, Touma wonders. In the chaos of Stiyl's attack, he tells Touma, Index and Arisa that she might cause a war between the magic side and the science side.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZambezia (2012)
Set in a bustling bird city on the edge of the majestic Victoria Falls, "Zambezia" is the story of Kai - a naïve, but high-spirited young falcon who travels to the bird city of "Zambezia" where he discovers the truth about his origins and, in defending the city, learns how to be part of a community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKokuho (2025)
Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, gifted Kikuo is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjirō Hanai. Alongside the great performer's only son, Shunsuke, he dedicates his life to the artform - a centuries-old Japanese theatrical tradition known for its costumes, elaborate makeup and innovative stagecraft.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRevue Starlight: Rondo Rondo Rondo (2020)
The franchise centers on "Starlight," a dance and dance troupe beloved the world over. Karen and Hikari promised each other when they were little that one day they would perform together on that stage. Time passes and now they are both 16 years old. Karen is very excited about the dance lessons she takes every day, keeping her promise close to her heart. Hikari changed schools and now lives far away from Karen. But the gears of fate bring them together again, destined to meet again. The two, along with other hopefuls, will compete in a mysterious audition to become part of this great company.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Masquerade Hotel (2020)
Nitta Kousuke, a police inspector in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force, is on the trail of a serial killer who leaves clues to the location of his next crime on his victims. Nitta uses the clues to discover that the Hotel Cortesia will be the site of the next killing, and goes undercover as a front desk clerk to help him unmask the killer. Yamagishi Naomi is the front desk clerk in charge of training him, and the two butt heads at every instance. Will they be able to unmask the killer before he strikes again?
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Applause Takarazuka! (2004)
A bright, fun, and spetacular revue showcasing the charms of the Takarazuka Revue in its 90th year.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The Great Ace Attorney -The Truth Comes Back to Life Anew- (2023)
Ryunosuke Naruhodo, a university student who aspires to become a lawyer, travels from the Meiji era Empire of Japan to the British Empire just before the World's Fair in order to learn about the latest judicial system. Ryunosuke gets involved in difficult cases one after another, and together with his legal assistant Satoshi Kotobuki, he stands up for his clients, but then the great detective of the century, Herlock Sholmes, shows up... From the famous line "I have an objection!" to an exciting court battle that overturns a desperate situation, a new truth will be brought back to life this summer!
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Balhae Blurred in Rain (2026)
Based on the life of Dae Inseon, the last king of Balhae.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Sanctuary (2014)
2015 Takarazuka Revue production of "Sanctuary," a dramatization of the early days of marriage between King Henri VI of France and Margot de Valois, filmed for television.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Jaguar Beat (2023)
JAGUAR BEAT is a story-based show that endeavors to add something fresh to the Takarazuka traditions. It depicts the life of the half-human, half-beast JAGUAR and the way he found love. Born in the jungle on an unnamed planet, JAGUAR falls for the beautiful CRYSTAL BIRD. Beckoned by her, he sets off on a journey into a mysterious world… This Mega Fantasy featuring powerful beats will showcase the many talents of Rei Makoto and the other members of Star Troupe.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Phantom (2006)
2006 Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe production of Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit's "Phantom."
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Gone with the Wind (2013)
It's 1862, one year since the start of the U.S. Civil War. After the death of her husband Charles from illness during the war, Scarlett goes to Atlanta, a hive of activity that is serving as a munitions base for the army of the South, to live with her sister-in-law Melanie and others. Scarlet has long been in love with Ashley, Melanie's husband. She had left her hometown in the hope of being reunited with Ashley, who had gone off to war, but now she has run into another man. This one is rumored to be a rogue who is making excessive profits by running the North's blockades, transporting military stores to the South. He is Rhett Butler, who had earlier spotted Scarlett secretly confess her love to Ashley at a party held at the Wilkes residence, also known as the "Oak Estate."
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Genroku Baroque Rock (2022)
Chuushingura is based on a true story from the Genroku era, and has been retold in all kinds of fiction. In this interpretation, this tale, which has been universally loved since time immemorial, is presented by the Takarazuka Revue of the love and fantasy-filled Reiwa Era in a way that’s sure to entertain. The times of Kuronosuke and Kira align, and love shines in the heart of Edo, in a clock romance ticking away in a world of baroque rock.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Ludwig II?
The closest matches to Ludwig II are Knightriders (1981), The Colors Within (2024) and City Lights (1931). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Ludwig II?
Start with Knightriders (1981), the closest match to Ludwig II.
What is the highest-rated movie like Ludwig II?
City Lights (1931), rated 8.2/10 by 2,591 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Ludwig II?
Balhae Blurred in Rain (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Ludwig II?
Yes: The Colors Within (2024), The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum (1939) and Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964).
How are movies similar to Ludwig II chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Ludwig II, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.