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Movies like Leaving California: The Untold Story (2023)

The best movies like Leaving California: The Untold Story (2023) are You Can See Everything (2026), Trainwreck: Balloon Boy (2025) and WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn (2021). If Leaving California: The Untold Story hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. You Can See Everything (2026)

    Thirty-four days before she's sent to prison, notorious Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  2. Trainwreck: Balloon Boy (2025)

    A homemade flying saucer lifts off, and a 6-year-old boy might be inside. National panic ensues — but what truly happened? This documentary investigates.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

  3. WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn (2021)

    Explore the rise and fall of one of the biggest corporate flameouts and venture capitalist bubbles in recent years – the story of WeWork, and its hippie-messianic leader Adam Neumann.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  4. Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)

    An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. Public Speaking (2011)

    Martin Scorsese’s portrait of writer and social commentator Fran Lebowitz, celebrated for her sharp wit and observations on modern life. Filmed at New York’s Waverly Inn and intercut with archival footage and interviews, the documentary captures Lebowitz’s distinctive worldview through her spontaneous monologues and public appearances.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  6. 49 Up (2006)

    49 Up is the seventh film in a series of landmark documentaries that began 42 years ago when UK-based Granada's World in Action team, inspired by the Jesuit maxim "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man," interviewed a diverse group of seven-year-old children from all over England, asking them about their lives and their dreams for the future. Michael Apted, a researcher for the original film, has returned to interview the "children" every seven years since, at ages 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and now again at age 49.In this latest chapter, more life-changing decisions are revealed, more shocking announcements made and more of the original group take part than ever before, speaking out on a variety of subjects including love, marriage, career, class and prejudice.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  7. Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)

    The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  8. 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
  9. In the Realms of the Unreal (2004)

    In the Realms of the Unreal is a documentary about the reclusive Chicago-based artist Henry Darger. Henry Darger was so reclusive that when he died his neighbors were surprised to find a 15,145-page manuscript along with hundreds of paintings depicting The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glodeco-Angelinnian War Storm, Cased by the Child Slave Rebellion.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  10. A 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 this
  11. As 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 this
  12. Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau (2014)

    The story of the insane scandals related to the remake of “Island of Dr. Moreau” —originally a novel by H. G. Wells—, which was brought to the big screen in 1996. How director Richard Stanley spent four years developing the project just to find an abrupt end to his work while leading actor Marlon Brando pulled the strings in the shadows. Now for the first time, the living key players recount what really happened and why it all went so spectacularly wrong.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  13. The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends (2019)

    This documentary focuses on the actors and their journey over two summers to create the remake to the original IT, by Stephen King. The documentary originally released as bonus material, bundled with IT: Chapter Two.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. Orgasm 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 this
  15. Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022)

    This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they create new heroes and villains that live alongside new incarnations of beloved Star Wars characters, and an epic story that dramatically bridges the saga films.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  16. South of the Border (2009)

    A road trip across five countries to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media's misperception of South America while interviewing seven of its elected presidents.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  17. Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story (2025)

    Unravel the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, whose child abuse arrest with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  18. Sherman's March (1986)

    Documentarian Ross McElwee originally set out to make a travelogue of sorts tracing General William T. Sherman's infamous scorched-earth march through the Confederacy in the latter stages of the Civil War. Instead, haunted by a recent breakup with a girlfriend, McElwee ends up documenting his progress -- or lack thereof -- in starting a new relationship. His journey then becomes one of self-reflection and self-discovery rather than a historical/sociological exploration.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. MoviePass, MovieCrash (2024)

    Exploring the company founding and the implosion of the business by outside investors who took over the company, left it bankrupt and under investigation.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  20. HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé (2019)

    This intimate, in-depth look at Beyoncé's celebrated 2018 Coachella performance reveals the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  21. California's Golden Beginning (1948)

    A description and enactment of the discovery of gold by James Marshall, and the role played by John Sutter. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  22. Riding Giants (2004)

    Riding Giants is story about big wave surfers who have become heroes and legends in their sport. Directed by the skateboard guru Stacy Peralta.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  23. Exodus ‎- Blood Upon the Goat: The Making of Blood In, Blood Out (2014)

    A documentary detailing the making of the American thrash metal band Exodus' tenth studio album, Blood In, Blood Out. Released as part of the deluxe compact disc format of the album.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. Dossier Zinfandel (2013)

    For years, there has been an effort to discover the exact origin of the most popular American grape variety and wine, Zinfandel. Thanks to modern technology, forensics, and DNA analysis, the collaboration between American and Croatian laboratories has born fruit: Zinfandel is the Croatian Crljenak Kaštelanski.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  25. Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story (2020)

    Exploring the rise and fall of the groundbreaking animated series ​Ren & Stimpy​ and its controversial creator, John Kricfalusi, through archival footage, show artwork and interviews with the artists, actors and executives behind the show.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. Sentinel - The West Face (1967)

    1967: Two of the world's best climbers, Yvon Chouinard and Royal Robbins, tackle the west face of Sentinel Rock, an iconic 2,100-meter granite peak located in Yosemite National Park, considered one of the most difficult in the world. The film's atmosphere is immersive, driven by a sober narrative that highlights the intimate relationship between man and the wall. The technical difficulty of the route, the prolonged physical effort, and the isolation reinforce the heroic dimension of this ascent. The documentary also reveals the essential solidarity between the climbers: each progression requires rigor, inventiveness, and total trust in both the equipment and the partner. This film is considered a benchmark in the history of mountain cinema. It testifies to the pioneering spirit of the era and the evolution of climbing techniques, perfectly illustrating the transition to a more athletic and thoughtful approach to large rock faces.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  27. Rebuilding Paradise (2020)

    ​On November 8, 2018, a spark flew in the Sierra Nevada foothills, igniting the most destructive wildfire in California history and decimating the town of Paradise. Unfolding during the year after the fire, this is the story of the Paradise community as they begin to rebuild their lives.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. The Beach Boys - California Surfin (2004)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. The Center Of The Universe (2004)

    The Center Of The Universe chronicles four days in the life of German climber Alexander Huber in Yosemite Valley, California. Living the typical Yosemite vagabond lifestyle, Alex reflects on his goal of successfully free-climbing "El Corazon" (35 pitches, 8a) on the famous El Capitan face, which is a combination of the historic routes "Salathé," "Albatross," "Son of Heart," and "Heart Route," connected by newly laid out sections. 35 challenging pitches, combining technicality, stamina, and commitment, with difficulty levels up to 8a. The film showcases the unique style of climbing in Yosemite, as well as a piece of history of the famous valley, narrated by Heinz Zak, Jim Bridwell, Lynn Hill, Alexander Huber, and Chongo Chuck themselves.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. Untold: Crime & Penalties (2021)

    They were the bad boys of hockey — a team bought by a man with mob ties, run by his 17-year-old son, and with a rep for being as violent as they were good.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Leaving California: The Untold Story?

The closest matches to Leaving California: The Untold Story are You Can See Everything (2026), Trainwreck: Balloon Boy (2025) and WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Leaving California: The Untold Story?

Start with You Can See Everything (2026), the closest match to Leaving California: The Untold Story.

What is the highest-rated movie like Leaving California: The Untold Story?

HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé (2019), rated 8.0/10 by 357 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Leaving California: The Untold Story?

You Can See Everything (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like Leaving California: The Untold Story?

Yes: You Can See Everything (2026), Trainwreck: Balloon Boy (2025) and WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn (2021).

How are movies similar to Leaving California: The Untold Story chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Leaving California: The Untold Story, 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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