Movies like Mackin’ Ain’t Easy (2002)
The best movies like Mackin’ Ain’t Easy (2002) are The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019), The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends (2019) and Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022). If Mackin’ Ain’t Easy hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Last Waltz (1978)7.7/10 from 329 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
The 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 thisThe 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 thisEmbrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022)
A feature length documentary about the all-women team at the helm of Pixar's original feature, Turning Red. With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Director Domee Shi and her core leadership crew, this story shines a light on the powerful professional and personal journeys that brought this incredibly comical, utterly relatable, and deeply heartfelt story to the screen.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMore Brains! A Return to the Living Dead (2011)
Retrospective documentary about the making of the horror cult classic "The Return of the Living Dead."
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 thisJustin Bieber's Believe (2013)
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisCapital in the Twenty-First Century (2019)
Film adaptation of French economist Thomas Piketty's ground-breaking global bestseller of the same name: an eye-opening journey through wealth and power.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 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 thisHalloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006)
Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local community. For the first time, cast, crew, critics and fans join together in the ultimate 'Halloween' retrospective.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Irishman: In Conversation (2019)
Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino in conversation about The Irishman.
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 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 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 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 thisOne Soldier's Story: The Journey of American Sniper (2015)
Join director Clint Eastwood and his creative team, along with Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, as they overcome enormous creative and logistic obstacles to make a film that brings the truth of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle's story to the screen.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisAbove Majestic (2018)
A look at the origins, history and conspiracies behind the "Majestic 12", a clandestine group of military and corporate figureheads charged with reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisBringing Godzilla Down to Size: The Art of Japanese Special Effects (2008)
A look at the unrecognized work of the talented artists and craftsmen who've maintained the tradition of Japanese special-effects. Highlighted is Yasuyuki Inoue along with various crew members who crafted meticulously detailed miniatures and risked life and limb as suit actors. All done to bring to life some of film's most iconic monsters through a distinct Japanese artform.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Mary Poppins: From Page to Stage (2009)
Behind the scenes look at the creation of the stage musical. Filmed in the UK, France, and the United States, it features a series of conversations with many of the show's creators including producers Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher, composers George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Richard Sherman (who co-wrote music and lyrics for the original film), and set and costume designer Bob Crowley. The documentary also features a roundtable discussion at Sardi's restaurant between Schumacher and actors Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, who originated the roles of Mary Poppins and Bert in the Broadway production.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
John Wick Chapter 2: Wick-vizzed (2017)
A candid look at rehearsal footage in support of a focus on pre-viz.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCelling Out (2004)
Documentary exploring the history and cultural impact of cellphones featuring scientists, cultural critics, and filmmakers. Produced for the "Cellular" DVD.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Counting Out Time (2007)
The documentary features retrospective interviews with the lead actors and creative crew behind Sapphire & Steel. The participants discuss their experiences working on the cult-classic 1979–1982 television show, sharing behind-the-scenes memories, insights into the unique atmosphere of the series, and recollections about the production of the mysterious, time-defying extratemporal agents
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Dancing with the Devil: The Making of Sinners (2025)
A making-of documentary featurette found on the "Sinners" home video release.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Making of Ratchet & Clank (2002)
A documentary about Ratchet and Clank.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Stagecoach: A Story of Redemption (2006)
Short documentary about the making of the John Ford/John Wayne film "Stagecoach".
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Footloose: A Modern Musical (2004)
A behind-the-scenes documentary about the legacy of the 1984 dance drama Footloose.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Les Paladins by Jean-Philippe Rameau or Baroque that Rocks (2005)
Featurette from the Opus Arte DVD of Les Paladins by Jean-Philippe Rameau staged at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, 2004.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Mackin’ Ain’t Easy?
The closest matches to Mackin’ Ain’t Easy are The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019), The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends (2019) and Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Mackin’ Ain’t Easy?
Start with The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019), the closest match to Mackin’ Ain’t Easy.
What is the highest-rated movie like Mackin’ Ain’t Easy?
The Last Waltz (1978), rated 7.7/10 by 329 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Mackin’ Ain’t Easy?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Mackin’ Ain’t Easy?
Yes: The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019), The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends (2019) and Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022).
How are movies similar to Mackin’ Ain’t Easy chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Mackin’ Ain’t Easy, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.