Movies like Training Your Best Friend (1989)
The best movies like Training Your Best Friend (1989) are For the Love of Spock (2016), Pick of the Litter (2019) and The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019). If Training Your Best Friend hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedI Am Heath Ledger (2017)7.4/10 from 233 votes
- NewestTravis (2026)Released 2026
For the Love of Spock (2016)
The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPick of the Litter (2019)
Follows a litter of puppies from the moment they're born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ultimate canine career. Cameras follow these pups through a two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHeart 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 thisI 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 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 thisWhy We Fight: Prelude to War (1942)
Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the Axis Powers during World War II. This film examines the differences between democratic and fascist states.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)
A real-life undercover thriller about two ordinary men who embark on an outrageously dangerous ten-year mission to penetrate the world's most secretive and brutal dictatorship: North Korea.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove, 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 thisThe Secret (2006)
Interviews with leading authors, philosophers and scientists, with an in-depth discussion of the Law of Attraction. The audience is shown how they can learn and use 'The Secret' in their everyday lives.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNaqoyqatsi (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 thisAmerican Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince (1978)
Martin Scorsese spends an evening with larger-than-life raconteur Steven Prince—a former drug addict, road manager for Neil Diamond, and actor—as he recounts stories from his colorful life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDeliver Us from Evil (2006)
Documentary filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O'Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. Victims' stories and a disturbing interview with O'Grady offer a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining trust ... all the while betraying so many.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEarth: One Amazing Day (2017)
An astonishing journey revealing the awesome power of the natural world. Over the course of one single day, we track the sun from the highest mountains to the remotest islands to exotic jungles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNothing Like a Dame (2018)
BBC Arena's documentary on the Dames of British Theatre and film featuring Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench and Joan Plowright on screen together for the first time as they reminisce over a long summer weekend in a house Joan once shared with Sir Laurence Olivier.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRed Army (2015)
A documentary highlighting the Soviet Union's legendary and enigmatic hockey training culture and world-dominating team through the eyes of the team's Captain Slava Fetisov, following his shift from hockey star and celebrated national hero to political enemy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisOur Planet: Behind the Scenes (2019)
Years spent recording footage of creatures from every corner of the globe is bound to produce a bit of drama. Here's a behind-the-scenes look.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFollowing Flame (2025)
Seen from the dog Flame’s point of view, we experience how a “career change” from being a herding dog to being a specially trained service dog, allows her to positively transform the life of her veteran, who suffers from PTSD.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Whelp (2025)
Following a family of French Bulldog breeders in upstate New York, Whelp gives an intimate look into the breeding process against the polarized global debate surrounding this increasingly sought-after breed and the people who breed them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Secret Life of Dogs (2013)
The Secret Life of Dogs explores how man's best friend experiences the world. Tap into dogs' inner psyche in order to determine the true meaning behind various behaviors and body language. Delve deep into canine biology as it is studied through slow-motion footage, thermal images and macro photography, providing new insights into how dogs drink, shake off water, and whether your best friend is left or right pawed.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Travis (2026)
After surgery for a torn ligament, a dog named Travis begins a slow and painful recovery.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Wandsey (2025)
A mixed media film exploring the sweet & tender relationship between a family and their dog, Wandsey. Named after the borough of their home, Wandsworth, the film tenderly explores what home means, and how the presence & relationship of a pet can transform what home can be. With its scrapbook-like form, each memory turns like a page, as Gabby and her dad lovingly revisit the 17 beautiful years they shared with Wandsey. Softly and sweetly, the film asks what it means to love — and shows how the love we give & receive from our pets can truly transform a home.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Felix & Elle (1938)
A woman takes her black terrier out to the city center of Helsinki. They visit the Market Square and then get in a car on the Esplanade. The dog narrates the fim.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Fathers and Sons (2012)
"Fathers and Sons" is a short documentary project of Kaan Müjdeci that was shot in 2012 during the research for director's first feature film entitled SIVAS. Fathers and Sons tells the story of kangal dogs and their owners. Kangal is a breed of shepherd’s dog, unique to the land of Anatolia. The owners fight their kangals and make money off them from bettings. However, they treat and take care of their dogs like their sons, sometimes even better. Even though their sons may get hurt, a father still takes pride in having sent his son to the military, doesn’t he? Fathers and Sons is about the duality of this father-son relationship. But after all, every father would like to be proud of his son.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
And a Happy New Year (2023)
The animal experience of New Year's Eve fireworks is loud and clear, even without commentary. The increasing anxiety among animals as seen through the eyes of dogs sporting GoPro cameras.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
War Tails (2024)
The Russian invasion of Ukraine created an avalanche of abandoned dogs and cats that are now multiplying causing unforeseen consequences.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Year of the Dog (2022)
Follows musician and DJ Simone Marie Butler as she attempts to understand the life of homeless people and their dogs, and how the charity Dogs on the Street has helped them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Training Your Best Friend?
The closest matches to Training Your Best Friend are For the Love of Spock (2016), Pick of the Litter (2019) and The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Training Your Best Friend?
Start with For the Love of Spock (2016), the closest match to Training Your Best Friend.
What is the highest-rated movie like Training Your Best Friend?
I Am Heath Ledger (2017), rated 7.4/10 by 233 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Training Your Best Friend?
Travis (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Training Your Best Friend?
Yes: For the Love of Spock (2016), Pick of the Litter (2019) and The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019).
How are movies similar to Training Your Best Friend chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Training Your Best Friend, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.