Movies like Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023)
The best movies like Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023) are IMAX Hubble (2010), Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds (2020) and Space Station 3D (2002). If Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest rated14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)7.3/10 from 413 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
IMAX Hubble (2010)
An IMAX 3D camera chronicles the effort of 7 astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds (2020)
This remarkable journey across our planet and universe explores how meteorites, shooting stars, and deep impacts have awoken our wonder about other realms—and make us rethink our destinies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSpace Station 3D (2002)
Some 220 miles above Earth lies the International Space Station, a one-of-a-kind outer space laboratory that 16 nations came together to build. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this extraordinary structure in this spectacular IMAX film. Viewers will blast off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center and the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Russia for this incredible journey -- IMAX's first-ever space film. Tom Cruise narrates.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlack Holes: The Edge of All We Know (2020)
Black holes stand at the limit of what we can know. To explore that edge of knowledge, the Event Horizon Telescope links observatories across the world to simulate an earth-sized instrument. With this tool the team pursues the first-ever picture of a black hole, resulting in an image seen by billions of people in April 2019. Meanwhile, Hawking and his team attack the black hole paradox at the heart of theoretical physics—Do predictive laws still function, even in these massive distortions of space and time? Weaving them together is a third strand, philosophical and exploratory using expressive animation. “Edge” is about practicing science at the highest level, a film where observation, theory, and philosophy combine to grasp these most mysterious objects.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Beautiful Planet (2016)
A breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. Made in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the film features stunning footage of our magnificent blue planet — and the effects humanity has had on it over time — captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)
In 2019, Nepalese mountain climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja set out to do the unthinkable by climbing the world’s fourteen highest summits in less than seven months. (The previous record was eight years). He called the effort “Project Possible 14/7” and saw it as a way to inspire others to strive for greater heights in any pursuit. The film follows his team as they seek to defy naysayers and push the limits of human endurance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Trip to Infinity (2022)
Does infinity exist? Can we experience the Infinite? In an animated film (created by artists from 10 countries) the world's most cutting-edge scientists and mathematicians go in search of the infinite and its mind-bending implications for the universe. Eminent mathematicians, particle physicists and cosmologists dive into infinity and its mind-bending implications for the universe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNational Geographic: Journey to the Edge of the Universe (2008)
In one single, epic camera move we journey from Earth's surface to the outermost reaches of the universe on a grand tour of the cosmos, to explore newborn stars, distant planets, black holes and beyond.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Captains (2011)
The Captains is a feature-length documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. The film follows Shatner as he interviews the other actors who have portrayed starship captains in the Star Trek franchise.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisElstree 1976 (2015)
A documentary about ten very different lives connected by having appeared onscreen wearing masks or helmets in Star Wars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)
Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Last Repair Shop (2024)
In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIn the Shadow of the Moon (2007)
Archival material from the original NASA film footage – much of it seen for the first time – plus interviews with the surviving astronauts, including Jim Lovell, Dave Scott, John Young, Gene Cernan, Mike Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Edgar Mitchell, Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this1 (2013)
Set in the golden era of Grand Prix Racing '1' tells the story of a generation of charismatic drivers who raced on the edge, risking their lives during Formula 1's deadliest period, and the men who stood up and changed the sport forever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisApollo: Missions to the Moon (2019)
National Geographic's riveting effort recounts all 12 crewed missions using only archival footage, photos and audio.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIt Might Get Loud (2008)
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Brief History of Time (1991)
Partly adapted from cosmologist Stephen Hawking's popular book about his theories of the universe, this in-depth documentary also presents Hawking's daily life as he deals with the ALS that renders him virtually immobile and unable to speak without the use of a computer. Hawking's friends, family, former classmates and peers are interviewed about not only his theories but the man himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022)
Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow Olivia along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPowaqqatsi (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 thisIlyes Djadel : en vrai de vrai (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
300 ans des 4 saisons de Vivaldi (2025)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Work of Director Anton Corbijn (2005)
Legendary photographer and director Anton Corbijn is responsible for many of the most indelible and important images of the past two and a half decades. His recently released book U2 & I is a photographic retrospective of his 25 year collaboration with U2. Later this year, Anton will direct his first feature film, Control, based on the life of the late Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
I Love/Hate The Aide (2026)
A night with the boisterous, Norwich based post-punk band "The Aide." Love them or hate them, they have a movie now.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Porto Rotondo. The Invented Village (2024)
On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of Portorotondo (1964 – 2024), the documentary tells the story of this locality established by two Venetian brothers, Nicolò and Luigino Donà dalle Rose. Enamored with Poltu Ridundu, they transformed a perfectly round body of water into one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the world. Through interviews with illustrious figures such as writer Marcello Fois, Nicola Pietrangeli, Enrico Vanzina, and Carolina Rosi, the documentary explores the social, economic, and cultural revolution that completely transformed Gallura during the years of the economic and tourist boom.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Centralia: Pennsylvania's Lost Town (2017)
A small town is overcome by a massive underground coal fire in 1962. As a result hundreds of residents had to be relocated.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Leaving Neverland: The Aftermath (2019)
An investigation into the allegations made in Leaving Neverland (2019).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Natascha Kampusch: The Whole Story (2010)
At the age of 10, Natascha Kampusch was kidnapped and held captive for eight years by a deranged man. In 2006, she managed to escape, and the world discovered an astonishingly articulate and intelligent young woman. Not only did Peter Reichard film 14 hours of conversations with Kampusch, but he was also the very first filmmaker to obtain exclusive access to the house where she was imprisoned. This is the most complete, explicit and revealing documentary in which Kampusch has participated.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
La couleur de Réal (2026)
An ocean separates them, the Atlantic. A granddaughter sets out to trace her grandfather's footsteps. She saw him often, but they never really met. At 91, Réal Arsenault has a life worth telling. A painter who left his mark on the history of contemporary art in Quebec, he was also very active in politics, working alongside supporters of a free and independent Quebec. This film will pay tribute to his life and his art, but it will also question what we leave behind on Earth, the legacy we pass on to our children and grandchildren, and the importance of communication within a family.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
When You Listen to This Song (2025)
In August 2021, writer Lola Lafon spent a night alone in the Annex of the Anne Frank Museum, where the young girl and her family hid from 1942 to 1944. This experience gave rise to a book, Quand tu écouteras cette chanson, and now its documentary adaptation. Over the course of a night, the author revisits her story. An inner journey around the figure of Anne Frank and the power of writing in the face of oblivion.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?
The closest matches to Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine are IMAX Hubble (2010), Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds (2020) and Space Station 3D (2002). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?
Start with IMAX Hubble (2010), the closest match to Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine.
What is the highest-rated movie like Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021), rated 7.3/10 by 413 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?
Yes: IMAX Hubble (2010), Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds (2020) and Space Station 3D (2002).
How are movies similar to Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.