Movies like Babalu (1980)
The best movies like Babalu (1980) are Nacho Libre (2006), The Brother from Another Planet (1984) and Friday (1995). If Babalu hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Babalu
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBound by Honor (1993)8.2/10 from 1,670 votes
- NewestWonka (2023)Released 2023
Nacho Libre (2006)
Ignacio, a disrespected cook at a Mexican monastery, can barely afford to feed the orphans who live there. Inspired by a local wrestling hero, he decides to moonlight as the not-so-famous Luchador "Nacho Libre" to earn money for the monastery -- not to mention the admiration of beautiful nun Sister Encarnación.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Brother from Another Planet (1984)
A mute alien with the appearance of a black human is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFriday (1995)
Craig and Smokey are two guys in Los Angeles hanging out on their porch on a Friday afternoon, smoking and drinking, looking for something to do.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEncanto (2021)
The tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family—every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family's last hope.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Book of Life (2014)
The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Mask (1994)
Timid bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss discovers a magical mask infused with the spirit of the Norse god Loki. Donning it transforms him into an unrestrained, green-faced, cartoon-like wild man. While the mask grants him the confidence to woo a local singer, it also makes him the target of a ruthless mobster.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
A visiting city reporter's assignment suddenly revolves around the murder trial of a local millionaire, whom he befriends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChupa (2023)
While visiting family in Mexico, a lonely boy befriends a mythical creature hiding on his grandfather's ranch and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSorry to Bother You (2018)
In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, black telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success – which propels him into a macabre universe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnnie (2014)
Annie is a young, happy foster kid who's also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they'd be back for her someday, it's been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan. But everything's about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks—advised by his brilliant VP and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor—makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he's her guardian angel, but Annie's self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it's the other way around.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA King in New York (1957)
A recently-deposed "Estrovian" monarch seeks shelter in New York City, where he becomes an accidental television celebrity. Later, he's wrongly accused of being a Communist and gets caught up in subsequent HUAC hearings.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Emperor's New Groove (2000)
When the self‑absorbed Emperor Kuzco is accidentally transformed into a llama, he must rely on a humble villager to survive the jungle and reclaim his throne.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEl Cantante (2006)
The rise and fall of salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993), as told from the perspective of his wife Puchi, who looks back from 2002.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Super (1991)
Louie Kritski is a heartless landlord who has been so negligent in keeping up his ghetto apartment that he is threatened with jail time. The judge gives him another option -- he must live in his rat-infested hell hole until he brings it up to liveable standards.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisDirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)
In pre-revolution Cuba, Katey Miller is about to defy everyone's expectations. Instead of a parent-approved suitor, Katey is drawn to the sexy waiter, Javier, who spends his nights dancing in Havana's nightclubs. As she secretly learns to dance with Javier, she learns the meanings of love, sensuality and independence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
A hapless inventor finally finds success with a flying car, which a dictator from a foreign government sets out to take for himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBound by Honor (1993)
Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on half-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBananas (1971)
When a bumbling New Yorker is dumped by his activist girlfriend, he travels to a tiny Latin American nation and becomes involved in its latest rebellion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWonka (2023)
Willy Wonka – chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time – is proof that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBarbie (2023)
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Babalu?
The closest matches to Babalu are Nacho Libre (2006), The Brother from Another Planet (1984) and Friday (1995). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Babalu?
Start with Nacho Libre (2006), the closest match to Babalu.
What is the highest-rated movie like Babalu?
Bound by Honor (1993), rated 8.2/10 by 1,670 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Babalu?
Wonka (2023) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Babalu?
Yes: Nacho Libre (2006), The Brother from Another Planet (1984) and Friday (1995).
How are movies similar to Babalu chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Babalu, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.