Movies like Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew (2014)
The best movies like Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew (2014) are My Mom Jayne (2025), The Class of ‘92 (2013) and A Decade Under the Influence (2003). If Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBack in Time (2015)6.5/10 from 322 votes
- NewestTHIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE (2026)Released 2026
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 thisThe Class of ‘92 (2013)
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Decade Under the Influence (2003)
A documentary examining the decade of the 1970s as a turning point in American cinema. Some of today's best filmmakers interview the influential directors of that time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisA Toxic Love Story (2026)
A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAnna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)
From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDrew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013)
A documentary on legendary movie-poster artist Drew Struzan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016)
An intimate portrait of Hollywood royalty featuring Debbie Reynolds, Todd Fisher, and Carrie Fisher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLooking 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 thisI Am Chris Farley (2015)
I am Chris Farley tells his hilarious, touching and wildly entertaining story - from his early days in Madison, Wisconsin, to his time at Second City and Saturday Night Live, then finally his film career (which included hits like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep). The film showcases his most memorable characters and skits from film and television and also includes interviews and insights from his co-stars, family and friends - including the likes of Christina Applegate, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Saget and Adam Sandler.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNo 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 thisCome 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 thisMore Brains! A Return to the Living Dead (2011)
Retrospective documentary about the making of the horror cult classic "The Return of the Living Dead."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCharlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003)
Brilliant, long in-the-works story of the life and art of the world's greatest comedian and the cinema's first genius, Charlie Chaplin. Produced, written and directed by renowned film critic Richard Schickel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHalloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006)
Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local community. For the first time, cast, crew, critics and fans join together in the ultimate 'Halloween' retrospective.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSidney (2022)
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOrgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste (2022)
A sexual wellness company gains fame and followers, then members come forward with shocking allegations.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBeing Eddie (2025)
From teen comedian to Hollywood legend, Eddie Murphy revisits his extraordinary showbiz ride with raw honesty and humor.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBack in Time (2015)
Cast, crew and fans explore the "Back to the Future" time-travel trilogy's resonance throughout our culture, thirty years after Marty McFly went back in time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBeing James Bond (2021)
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFor Those That Lived There (2024)
Amidst the ivy-draped remnants of once-notorious public housing projects, FOR THOSE THAT LIVED THERE weaves a visual tapestry, navigating the poignant impacts of gentrification, the displacement of Black legacies, and the emergent migrant narratives. Against Chicago's ever-evolving skyline, this evocative exploration immerses audiences into the soul of a neighborhood transformed.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Share the Care (1941)
An anti-littering public service announcement from the Chicago Park District
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Boss and the Bulldozer (2023)
Chicago mayor Richard J. “Boss” Daley had a lofty vision for Chicago’s downtown. Over the course of his 21 years in office, Daley’s ambitious urban renewal initiatives were the foundation of the city’s infrastructure and at the same time displaced the poor and people of color while perpetuating racial segregation. Audio-narrated descriptions are available.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Crust Fund Pizza: The Motion Picture (TBA)
This documentary short profiles John Carruthers' Crust Fund Pizza project, which slings alley pizzas for the benefit of the people who make Chicago a better place to live. Benefiting a variety of local nonprofits, since August 2020 Crust Fund Pizza has raised more than $115,000–fueled by word of mouth, social media FOMO, and Chicagoans’ obsession with all things pizza.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (TBA)
In an age before online commerce and Amazon, the catalog was king – and two Chicago mail order giants were responsible for making goods and services accessible to the masses. Chicago Stories traces the histories of Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward and the rivalry between the two bold innovators who founded them and forever changed the way we shop. Audio-narrated descriptions are available.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
House Music: A Cultural Revolution (2025)
House music is a genre that connects, uplifts, and unites people. It resonates globally and is prevalent on the world’s biggest music stages. Born in Chicago, this sound developed during the turbulent 1970s when a group of predominantly gay Black artists, who faced constant harassment, pioneered a new type of dance music at underground venues. House music became the anthem of safe spaces, free from the racism and homophobia of the outside world, ultimately igniting a cultural and musical revolution.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Nine Miles West (TBA)
Separated by just a few stops on the green line, nine miles west of the bustling financial epicenter of the Chicago Loop is Austin, one of the most impoverished and underserved neighborhoods in the city. Surrounded by violence, gangs, guns and drugs in his daily life, a graduating high school senior reflects on his experience growing up in this neighborhood and how the traumas associated with it shaped his life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Some Day We’ll All Be Free: A Celebration of the American Dream (1976)
A student film about learning TV and radio production at Roberto Clemente High School in Chicago. From the Community TV Network (CTVN) collection.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE (2026)
silent short film, shot on 16mm Kodak T200 -- made possible by the Chicago Film Society's Intro to 16mm class. Featuring over 30 locations across the city of Chicago -- an unedited scan of the only, original print. created with a lot of love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Cliff Dwellers of America (1916)
The first picture of the new Paramount-Burton Holmes Travel pictures recount Mr. Holmes' motor trip of the summer of 1913 through the more picturesque and interesting portions of New Mexico. As the journey leads through the lands of the former cliff-dwellers and former and present occupants of these prehistoric apartment houses called pueblos, Mr. Holmes chose to begin his trip at Chicago, there to see the cliff-dwellers of today threading in countless throngs the deep "Canyons" flanked on each side by the abodes of the modern "Cliff-dwellers." This is but a momentary glimpse, as the train is seen taking the audience to Santa Fe. From Santa Fe the travelers are taken to the famous pueblo of Taos and thence to the even more celebrated pueblo of Acoma, which was just as old, to all appearances, when the Spanish Conquistadores came up out of Old Mexico in 1740, to convert the Indians and conquer the country in the name of their King...
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew?
The closest matches to Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew are My Mom Jayne (2025), The Class of ‘92 (2013) and A Decade Under the Influence (2003). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew?
Start with My Mom Jayne (2025), the closest match to Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew.
What is the highest-rated movie like Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew?
Back in Time (2015), rated 6.5/10 by 322 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew?
THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew?
Yes: My Mom Jayne (2025), The Class of ‘92 (2013) and A Decade Under the Influence (2003).
How are movies similar to Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Chicago in the Spotlight: A Retrospective with the Cast and Crew, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.