Movies like Sixteen Tons (2023)
The best movies like Sixteen Tons (2023) are Ghosts (1997), Anima (2019) and Loving You (1957). If Sixteen Tons hooked you with its music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedClouds (2020)8.2/10 from 1,072 votes
- NewestBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)Released 2026
Ghosts (1997)
In the town of Normal Valley, an eccentric magician named Maestro entertains the local children every day in his spooky mansion. One stormy night, the town's mayor leads a group of angry citizens to the mansion in an attempt to run Maestro out of town.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisAnima (2019)
In a short musical film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Thom Yorke of Radiohead stars in a mind-bending visual piece. Best played loud.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLoving You (1957)
Deliveryman Deke Rivers is discovered by publicist Glenda Markle and country-western musician Tex Warner who want to promote him to fame and fortune, giving him every break he deserves. Romantic complications arise as Susan, another singer in the group, offers him devoted admiration as Glenda leads him on with promises of a golden future.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisToo Late Blues (1961)
Ghost is an ideological musician and leader of a jazz band who would rather play his blues in the park to the birds than compromise himself. His peripatetic performances lead him to cross paths with a singer, while his masculinity is thrown into question following a violent brawl.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNeil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)
In March 2005, Neil Young was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Four days before he was scheduled for a lifesaving operation, he headed to Nashville, where he wrote and recorded the country folk album Prairie Wind with old friends and family members. After the successful operation and recovery period, he returned to Nashville that August to play at the famed Ryman Auditorium, once again gathering together friends and family for this special performance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHoneydripper (2007)
In 1950s Alabama, the owner of the Honeydripper juke joint finds his business dropping off and against his better judgment, hires a young electric guitarist in a last ditch effort to draw crowds during harvest time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
SnoozefestMovies like thisClouds (2020)
Young musician Zach Sobiech discovers his cancer has spread, leaving him just a few months to live. With limited time, he follows his dream and makes an album, unaware that it will soon be a viral music phenomenon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBeyond the Sea (2004)
Based on the life and career of legendary entertainer, Bobby Darin, the biopic moves back and forth between his childhood and adulthood, to tell the tale of his life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Can Only Imagine (2018)
Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son. Years later, Bart's troubled childhood and mended relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song "I Can Only Imagine" as singer of the Christian band MercyMe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRock Dog 2: Rock Around the Park (2021)
When Bodi and his band 'True Blue' leave Snow Mountain to tour with pop sensation Lil' Foxy, they learn that fame comes at a price.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStep Up (2006)
Delinquent Tyler Gage receives the opportunity of a lifetime after vandalizing a performing arts school, gaining him the chance to earn a scholarship and dance with up-and-coming dancer Nora.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStreetDance 3D (2010)
In order to win the Street Dance Championships, a dance crew is forced to work with ballet dancers from the Royal Dance School in exchange for rehearsal space.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAugust Rush (2007)
Evan, a musically gifted orphan, runs away from his orphanage and searches New York City for his birth parents. On his journey, he's taken under the wing of the Wizard, a homeless man who lives in an abandoned theater. After discovering his talent, the Wizard gives Evan the name "August Rush" and devises a plan to profit from his talent. Little does Evan know that his parents, Lyla and Louis, are searching for him too.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHannah Montana: The Movie (2009)
When Miley Stewart (aka pop-star Hannah Montana) gets too caught up in the superstar celebrity lifestyle, her dad decides it's time for a total change of scenery. But sweet niblets! Miley must trade in all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for some ol' blue jeans on the family farm in Tennessee, and question if she can be both Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Still Believe (2020)
The true-life story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss that looks to prove there is always hope.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFeel the Beat (2020)
After failing to make it on Broadway, April returns to her hometown and reluctantly begins training a misfit group of young dancers for a competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTaylor Swift: Speak Now World Tour Live (2011)
Recorded during her Speak Now World Tour in 2011, this live recording collects 18 performances from the country-pop starlet, including almost all songs from her 2010 studio album "Speak Now".
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisYou Got Served (2004)
At Mr. Rad's Warehouse, the best hip-hop crews in Los Angeles compete for money and respect. But when a suburban crew crashes the party, stealing their dancers — and their moves — two warring friends have to pull together to represent the street.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGrace Unplugged (2013)
A talented young singer and aspiring songwriter’s Christian faith and family ties are tested when she defies her worship-pastor father and pursues pop-music stardom in GRACE UNPLUGGED, a moving and inspiring new film that explores the true meaning of success.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJOE SD: Forever Young (Album Visuals) (2024)
The official visuals for JOE SD’s album “Forever Young”.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Death ...is just the beginning III (1995)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
David Bowie: Live by Request (2002)
"Live by Request" is a television show that aired on the A&E Network from 1996 to 2004. Hosted by Mark McEwen, the show featured notable artists holding concerts where the set list would be determined by viewer phone calls.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Billions Club Live with Ed Sheeran: A Concert Film (2026)
In this special Billions Club Live concert film, Ed Sheeran takes the stage in Dublin to perform his biagest sonas on Spotifv--each with over 1 billion streams--plus a couple far favorites. This special performance celebrates Ed's connection to Ireland, his impact on pop culture, his Billions Club milestones. and the fans who helped him reach them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026)
In 1976, radio station CFNY 102.1FM went on the air, broadcast live from a modest suburban house just north of Toronto, and went on to become one of the most influential punk, new wave and alternative radio stations in the world. This is the story of their mission to bring the most exciting music in the world to the masses. It's also a story of the personalities, lawsuits, bankruptcies, concerts, and listener protests that went along with it.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Marvin Gaye - Visionär des Soul (2026)
He was the gentle rebel of soul: Marvin Gaye, one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. With his unmistakable voice and hits, he left an indelible mark on American pop culture—one that endures to this day.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Rise & Decline of Punk Rock (TBA)
A group of young punk rockers get swept up into the surge of third wave emo. Spiraling through the fame, fun, & ultimately extreme fallout as the scene gives way to changing times when larger genres taint the shine of a well loved scene.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Paramore: Austin City Limits Music Festival 2022 (2022)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Readymade Screen Tests (2007)
DVD release of Karia Nomoto's "Ready Made Screen Test", it shows a series of short films. Includes the music videos for "The Night Is Still Young," "Jiyudo," and "Hitmoi no Naka no Mirror Ball," plus tons more footage of Karia.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Just released from prison, Jake Blues puts his old band back together with his brother Elwood to save the Catholic home where they were raised.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Sixteen Tons?
The closest matches to Sixteen Tons are Ghosts (1997), Anima (2019) and Loving You (1957). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Sixteen Tons?
Start with Ghosts (1997), the closest match to Sixteen Tons.
What is the highest-rated movie like Sixteen Tons?
Clouds (2020), rated 8.2/10 by 1,072 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Sixteen Tons?
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Sixteen Tons?
Yes: Ghosts (1997), Anima (2019) and Loving You (1957).
How are movies similar to Sixteen Tons chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Sixteen Tons, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.