Movies like You Had to Be There (2012)
The best movies like You Had to Be There (2012) are Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015), The Velvet Underground (2021) and The Last Waltz (1978). If You Had to Be There hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
You Had to Be There
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Last Waltz (1978)7.7/10 from 330 votes
- NewestThe Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)Released 2026
Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)
A portrait of Keith Richards that takes us on a journey to discover the genesis of his sound as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Velvet Underground (2021)
Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Last Waltz (1978)
Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other rock legends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFor 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 thisThe Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)
The story of the triumphs and hurdles of brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. The iconic trio, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs and have 20 No. 1 hits throughout their career, transcending more than five decades of changing tastes and styles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLet It Be (1970)
A documentary chronicling the Beatles' rehearsal sessions in January 1969 for their proposed "back to basics" album, "Get Back," later re-envisioned and released as "Let It Be."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisColdplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)
An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has endured through many highs and lows.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAvatar: 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 thisGilbert (2017)
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEnd of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)
A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 thisCameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff (2010)
In 2001 Jack Cardiff (1914-2009) became the first director of photography in the history of the Academy Awards to win an Honorary Oscar. But the first time he clasped the famous statuette in his hand was a half-century earlier when his Technicolor camerawork was awarded for Powell and Pressburger's Black Narcissus. Beyond John Huston's The African Queen and King Vidor's War and Peace, the films of the British-Hungarian creative duo (The Red Shoes and A Matter of Life and Death too) guaranteed immortality for the renowned cameraman whose career spanned seventy years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWhitney (2018)
Examines the life and career of singer Whitney Houston. Features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive recordings, rare performances and interviews with the people who knew her best.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChris Brown: Welcome to My Life (2017)
This compelling Documentary moves beyond the spotlight and past the attention-grabbing headlines to give pop superstar Chris Brown a chance to tell his own story. New interviews with the international phenomenon reveal long-awaited answers about his passion for making music, his tumultuous and much publicized relationships, and the pitfalls of coming of age in the public eye. Also included is new concert footage, behind-the-scenes access, and special interviews from Usher, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Mike Tyson, Jamie Foxx and others.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMarvel's Behind the Mask (2021)
A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAvatar: Creating the World of Pandora (2010)
The Making-of James Cameron's Avatar. It shows interesting parts of the work on the set.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMy 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 thisStruggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)
Artists in LA discover the work of forgotten Polish sculptor Stanislav Szukalski, a mad genius whose true story unfolds chapter by astounding chapter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)
Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLes Glucksmann, une histoire de famille (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Bala (1976)
A documentary about the aging prima ballerina Balasaraswati (popularly known as "Bala"), the most famous exponent of the Bharatanatyam dance.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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 documentary
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 documentary
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 documentary
Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story (2017)
Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story is a documentary about the life and work of Michael "Mick" Ronson, the guitarist, songwriter, producer and arranger who, in the early part of his career, performed with David Bowie as one of the 'Spiders from Mars'.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Holger und ich. (2025)
Holger Diekmann was a singer, bass player, and drummer in multiple local bands throughout his short life. Filmmaker Jonas Helmerichs sets out to learn what kind of person his late uncle was. Intimate family portrait and exploration of grief, depression, and death.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Sleeping Monster (2023)
Filmed in Melbourne during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sleeping Monster explores the prosaic beauty of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s studio routine. Featuring demos from the album "Changes", plus the track "Change" recorded live in the studio on film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
And There Was Israel (2018)
The film returns to the origins of the creation of the State of Israel (from 1896 to 1948) and highlights the responsibility of the Western World.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Ed Maverick: La nube en el jardín en vivo desde la Sala Nezahualcóyotl (2025)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like You Had to Be There?
The closest matches to You Had to Be There are Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015), The Velvet Underground (2021) and The Last Waltz (1978). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after You Had to Be There?
Start with Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015), the closest match to You Had to Be There.
What is the highest-rated movie like You Had to Be There?
The Last Waltz (1978), rated 7.7/10 by 330 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like You Had to Be There?
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like You Had to Be There?
Yes: Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015), The Velvet Underground (2021) and The Last Waltz (1978).
How are movies similar to You Had to Be There chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside You Had to Be There, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.