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Movies like W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree (2016)

The best movies like W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree (2016) are Naqoyqatsi (2002), Powaqqatsi (1988) and Come See Me in the Good Light (2025). If W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. Naqoyqatsi (2002)

    A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  2. Powaqqatsi (1988)

    An exploration of technologically developing nations and the effect the transition to Western-style modernization has had on them.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Come See Me in the Good Light (2025)

    In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  4. 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
  5. S4: The Bob Lazar Story (2026)

    Over 35 years after Bob Lazar's revelations, this documentary exposes secrets of a facility the government still denies. Featuring Lazar's testimony, recreations, and new evidence, it reopens a case that continues to spark global curiosity

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  6. 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
  7. Love, Marilyn (2013)

    Using the book 'Fragments', which collects Marilyn Monroe's poems, notes and letters, and with participation from the Arthur Miller and Truman Capote estates who have contributed more material, each of the actresses will embody the legend at various stages in her life.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022)

    A feature length documentary about the all-women team at the helm of Pixar's original feature, Turning Red. With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Director Domee Shi and her core leadership crew, this story shines a light on the powerful professional and personal journeys that brought this incredibly comical, utterly relatable, and deeply heartfelt story to the screen.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  9. The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)

    A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  10. Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King (2020)

    A tribute to Chadwick Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  11. I Am Heath Ledger (2017)

    The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  12. Seaspiracy (2021)

    Passionate about ocean life, a filmmaker sets out to document the harm that humans do to marine species — and uncovers an alarming global conspiracy.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  13. Heart of a Dog (2015)

    Musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother and her beloved dog.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  14. Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)

    Artists in LA discover the work of forgotten Polish sculptor Stanislav Szukalski, a mad genius whose true story unfolds chapter by astounding chapter.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (2013)

    A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  16. Tupac: Resurrection (2003)

    Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop MCs of all time.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  17. Buena Vista Social Club (1999)

    In this fascinating Oscar-nominated documentary, American guitarist Ry Cooder brings together a group of legendary Cuban folk musicians (some in their 90s) to record a Grammy-winning CD in their native city of Havana. The result is a spectacular compilation of concert footage from the group's gigs in Amsterdam and New York City's famed Carnegie Hall, with director Wim Wenders capturing not only the music -- but also the musicians' life stories.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Some Kind of Heaven (2021)

    Behind the gates of a palm-tree-lined fantasyland, three residents and one interloper at America's largest retirement community strive to find happiness.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  19. When You're Strange (2010)

    The creative chemistry of four brilliant artists —drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Kreiger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Jim Morrison— made The Doors one of America's most iconic and influential rock bands. Using footage shot between their formation in 1965 and Morrison's death in 1971, it follows the band from the corridors of UCLA's film school, where Manzarek and Morrison met, to the stages of sold-out arenas.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)

    Documentary about legendary Paramount producer Robert Evans, based on his famous 1994 autobiography.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  21. Wood Mountain Poems (1978)

    In this short documentary, Canadian poet Andrew Suknaski introduces us to Wood Mountain, the south central Saskatchewan village he calls home. In between musings on his poetry, which is tinged with nostalgia and the vast loneliness of the plains, the poet discusses the area’s multicultural background and Native heritage, as well as the customs and stories of these various ethnic groups.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  22. Esse poema vai se chamar: A gente tem mania de só olhar pra frente (2022)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  23. Alice Waters and Her Delicious Revolution (2003)

    Every great cook secretly believes in the power of food. Alice Waters just believes this more than anybody else. She is certain that we are what we eat, and she has made it her mission in life to make sure that people eat beautifully. Waters is creating a food revolution, even if she has to do it one meal at a time.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. No Regret (1993)

    Five gay Black men who are HIV-positive discuss how they are battling the double stigmas surrounding their infection and homosexuality.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  25. Aladyn (2011)

    Aladyn was one of those men who dedicated himself body and soul to experiencing poetry. He was born in Barinas and died in Mérida, Venezuela.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. Velintonia 3 (2025)

    The memory of the poet Vicente Aleixandre remains silent at No. 3 Velintonia Street. Home of a Nobel Prize in Literature 1977, it also recalls the joy of Lorca and other members of Generation´27, the pain of civil war and post-war, and became a meeting point for most writers in 20th century Spanish Literature, now is abandoned and for sale. This documentary recreates its story and spirit.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  27. Ana Enriqueta Terán (1996)

    Video-essay about poet Ana Enriqueta Terán.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. Cseh Tamás énekel (1980)

    Smoky little clubs, late nights, late nights of conversation over a glass of beer and a guitar. The lyricist Géza Bereményi and the composer-performer Tamás Cseh are the creators of the most topical and accurate songs of the 70s and 80s, expressing the mood of the "30s and 40s" of that time - a mood that was their own destiny. This stunning recording from 1980 includes songs like Tangó, Álomfejtés, Szabó Kálmán tegnap este..., A 100. éjszaka, A legjobb viccek, Születtem Magyarországon, A dédapa dala, Egy bogár, Krakkói vonat, Az ócska cipő, Filmdal.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. WARM PLACE LIVE AT GULLIVERS, 22/02/24 (2024)

    Documentary featuring the debut performance of WARM PLACE, the Manchester based four piece. Feature also contains samples of spoken word poetry by Lara Morton.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. Shaka: A Story of Aloha (2024)

    A documentary on the origin, meanings and uses of the gesture. The shaka sign is reputed to be over a century old, but its origins are the stuff of myths and legends. It turns out that kupuna (Hawaiian elders) have kept the story secret for almost a century. Why? They didn't want it told incorrectly or commercialized. But given advancing age and a world in need, they decided it was time to share the story.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree?

The closest matches to W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree are Naqoyqatsi (2002), Powaqqatsi (1988) and Come See Me in the Good Light (2025). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree?

Start with Naqoyqatsi (2002), the closest match to W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree.

What is the highest-rated movie like W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree?

Seaspiracy (2021), rated 7.8/10 by 488 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree?

S4: The Bob Lazar Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree?

Yes: Naqoyqatsi (2002), Powaqqatsi (1988) and Come See Me in the Good Light (2025).

How are movies similar to W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside W.S. Merwin: To Plant a Tree, 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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