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Movies like 500 Days of Escobar (2023)

The best movies like 500 Days of Escobar (2023) are Long Shot (2017), Deliver Us from Evil (2006) and Dirty John: The Dirty Truth (2019). If 500 Days of Escobar hooked you with its documentary and crime, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. Long Shot (2017)

    When Juan Catalan is arrested for a murder he insists he didn't commit, he builds his case for innocence around unexpected raw footage.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  2. Deliver 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 crime & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Dirty John: The Dirty Truth (2019)

    John Meehan created a terrifying trap of seduction, deceit and betrayal for countless victims. The illuminating revelations into his backstory showcase a series of events that flipped switches to create a monster wired for psychopathy. Goffard exposes John’s troubled background that built the foundation for his ominous fantasy world of lies and manipulation. In addition to hearing the Newell family’s terrifying tale, John’s first wife Tonia Bales and her daughters Emily and Abigail Meehan speak out, along with other women from his past who were caught in his web of lies.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & crime

  4. Stolen: Heist of the Century (2025)

    Antwerp, 2003. A gang of thieves rob the impenetrable Diamond Center. Who was behind one of the world's biggest heists - and how did they pull it off?

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & crime

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. O.J.: Made in America (2016)

    A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & crime

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  6. The Class of ‘92 (2013)

    A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  7. Ronaldo (2015)

    Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving & fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triple Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career. From the makers of ‘Senna’ and ‘Amy’, Ronaldo takes audiences on an intimate and revealing journey of what it’s like to live as an iconic athlete in the eye of the storm.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  8. Avatar: 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 this
  9. Capital 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 this
  10. John Candy: I Like Me (2025)

    Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  11. Sidney (2022)

    This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  12. Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011)

    See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, his nephew Jaafar Jackson and niece Tahkyah brings plenty Jackson and Friends ends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and his 3 children and many more.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  13. Cuba and the Cameraman (2017)

    This revealing portrait of Cuba follows the lives of Fidel Castro and three Cuban families affected by his policies over the last four decades.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. Diego Maradona (2019)

    Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the personal life and career of the controversial football player Diego Maradona who played for SSC Napoli and Argentina in the 1980s.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. Seduced and Abandoned (2013)

    SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  16. The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

    A documentary on the life of John Lennon, with a focus on the time in his life when he transformed from a musician into an antiwar activist.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  17. El Pepe: A Supreme Life (2019)

    A documentary on the life of Uruguayan politician and former guerrilla fighter José Mujica.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Being 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 this
  19. Roman Polanski: A Film Memoir (2012)

    An interview with film director Roman Polanski conducted during his period of house arrest, discussing his life and work.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  20. Thriller 40 (2023)

    Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  21. Dangerous Play (2022)

    Copa Libertadores, 1989. A true story about football, corruption and the power of Pablo Escobar and his cartel, told by its protagonists: five referees who resisted the dramatic weight of an era.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  22. Cocaine: History Between the Lines (2011)

    Cocaine has always gotten a bad rap, and for a reason. It is a drug used by the rich and the poor legally and illegally, Mexican cartels fought over it with Colombia once associated with the brutal cocaine wars, and a source of tension between the American and Mexican borders on the people who are illicitly bringing in cocaine from one side of the border to another and will do anything to do it. So it can be surprising at times to the viewer throughout the course of the documentary special, that it was never always like this.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  23. Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion (2023)

    From humble origins to soccer legend, this documentary captures the rise of Colombia’s René Higuita, from iconic career to personal controversies.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. Stealing from Pablo (TBA)

    In the 1980s, Red, a teenager trapped in the foster care system, organizes an underground skate session inside an abandoned Florida mansion with his best friend Dylan. What begins as an adrenaline-fueled adventure turns into a nightmare when the boys discover the estate belongs to notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. As they are drawn deeper into Escobar’s violent criminal empire, they find themselves caught between his calculating accountant and his ruthless chief assassin.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime

  25. Narco Wars: In Their Own Words (2019)

    Narco Wars: In Their Own Words presents the inside story of how DEA agents and the Colombian National Police brought down the most vicious drug cartel in the world. This program combines never-before-broadcast recordings with rare archival footage, photos and interpretive re-enactments to tell the story of how Pablo Escobar’s massive billion-dollar drug empire was taken out.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. American Made (2017)

    The true story of pilot Barry Seal, who transported contraband for the CIA and the Medellin cartel in the 1980s.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  27. Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit 2001 (2001)

    Go where no one has gone with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Uncensored 2001. You'll be shocked to see what really goes on behind the scenes. Join the world's top models in the hottest suits from the 2001 Issue, shot in the world's most exotic locales.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. Cause of Death: Unknown (2017)

    After her sister died suddenly and unexpectedly while being treated with prescription antipsychotics, director Anniken Hoel begins a global investigation into the crimes of the pharmaceutical industry.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. The Typist (2015)

    From the archives of the “queer Smithsonian,” San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society, comes the forgotten history of a gay Korean War veteran tasked with writing the military discharges of outed gay seamen. The Typist details a conflicted clerk’s participation in discrimination and his divided allegiance to homosexuality and heroism.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. The Peter Kay Story (2016)

    Documentary tracing the remarkable career of one of Britain’s best-loved and most successful comedians. Charting Peter’s journey from humble beginnings to superstardom featuring contributions from people who know him or have worked with him, as well as his fans and biographers.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

Like 500 Days of Escobar and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like 500 Days of Escobar?

The closest matches to 500 Days of Escobar are Long Shot (2017), Deliver Us from Evil (2006) and Dirty John: The Dirty Truth (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after 500 Days of Escobar?

Start with Long Shot (2017), the closest match to 500 Days of Escobar.

What is the highest-rated movie like 500 Days of Escobar?

O.J.: Made in America (2016), rated 8.4/10 by 271 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like 500 Days of Escobar?

John Candy: I Like Me (2025) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there Spanish movies like 500 Days of Escobar?

Yes: El Pepe: A Supreme Life (2019), Dangerous Play (2022) and Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion (2023).

How are movies similar to 500 Days of Escobar chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside 500 Days of Escobar, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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