Movies like Swimming with Butterflies (2024)
The best movies like Swimming with Butterflies (2024) are A LEGO Brickumentary (2014), Rising Phoenix (2020) and Murderball (2005). If Swimming with Butterflies hooked you with its family and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedAthlete A (2020)7.5/10 from 299 votes
- NewestHold On, Until the End (2026)Released 2026
A LEGO Brickumentary (2014)
A look at the global culture and appeal of the LEGO building-block toys.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisRising Phoenix (2020)
Elite athletes and insiders reflect on the Paralympic Games and examine how they impact a global understanding of disability, diversity and excellence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMurderball (2005)
Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAquaman: Heroines of Atlantis (2019)
Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman discuss their characters Mera and Atlanna.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSpider-Man: All Roads Lead to No Way Home (2022)
JB Smoove and Martin Starr host a celebration of 20 years of "Spider-Man" movies, from the Sam Raimi trilogy to Marc Webb's movies and the trio from Jon Watts.
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 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 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 thisAthlete A (2020)
Follow the Indianapolis Star reporters that broke the story about USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse and hear from gymnasts.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Walking Dead: The Return (2024)
Stars of "The Walking Dead," Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, walk down memory lane and visit iconic locations where pivotal moments between their characters, Rick and Michonne, were filmed.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisQuay (2015)
In 2015, Christopher Nolan curated a selection of short films by the surrealist animators the Quay Brothers to be distributed as a touring 35mm presentation. The three films—"In Absentia" (2000), "The Comb" (1991) and "Street of Crocodiles" (1986)—were accompanied by this brief portrait of the brothers at work in their London studio.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMarvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Join visionary director Sam Raimi and the cast of the film as they recount their experiences bringing Marvel’s darkest story to life. From world-building to universe-building, hear first hand accounts from the cast and crew on what it took to design, create and make each universe unique and believable.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisInterstellar: Nolan's Odyssey (2014)
A look behind the lens of Christopher Nolan's space epic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022)
Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisObi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022)
This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they create new heroes and villains that live alongside new incarnations of beloved Star Wars characters, and an epic story that dramatically bridges the saga films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Final: Attack on Wembley (2024)
As England reach the final of the Euros at last, 6,000 ticketless football fans storm Wembley stadium, leaving destruction in their wake.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUnknown: Killer Robots (2023)
What happens when a machine makes life-or-death decisions? This documentary explores the dangers of artificial intelligence in military application.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSecrets of the Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey (2016)
An inside look at the making of the movie Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), featuring footage and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers.
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 thisPlating Blind (2020)
Nathan Quinell is a fully trained chef… he also happens to be legally deaf and blind. That’s never stopped him from chasing his dreams to become a full-time cook, but now Nathan must prove himself to his peers, his students and potential employers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Alex Lewis Mountain (2023)
Quadruple amputee Alex Lewis sets out to prove to his son that anything is possible by attempting to cross the Simien Mountain wilderness and climb Ethiopia's highest peak using the world's first solar-powered, mobility hand-cycle.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hold On, Until the End (2026)
Claire Ghiringhelli, a Swiss Paralympic athlete, faces sacrifices and challenges in pursuit of her dream to represent Switzerland in rowing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The documentary captures her dedication, physical and mental struggles, and the determination that drives her to overcome every obstacle on the path to the most significant achievement of her career.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Faut qu'on parle (2021)
Three women, three men, all very high level athletes, Olympic medalists, world champions in basketball, judo, rugby, fencing, swimming and figure skating have agreed to testify in a documentary. For the first time, they publicly reveal their homosexuality.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Float (2015)
Float is an artistic 4-5 minute film shot completely underwater of trans folks swimming naked set to music by trans musician Rae Spoon.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Beyond Limits (2025)
A compelling British documentary following ten amateur athletes as they train for and compete in Ironman 70.3 Swansea. With themes of resilience, inclusion, and mental strength, the film is directed by Raymond Mouzon and edited by 18-year-old autistic filmmaker Sean Smith.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth: Malibu Timmy (1995)
Timmy and his friends go to the beach, but there is just one problem: Timmy cannot swim, and neither can Waxie! Timmy then imagines himself as a lifeguard, and his friends are competing in a surfing competition against the notorious cheater Goon Doggy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Touch the Wall (2014)
Swimming superstar Missy Franklin was destined for greatness at an early age, but it wasn't until the arrival of Veteran Kara Lynn Joyce that those sky-high expectations began to take shape.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Original Mermaid (2002)
Story of Annette Kellerman, the international swimming vaudeville and silent screen star whose life story inspired the MGM classic Million Dollar Mermaid starring Esther Williams, which featured lavish Busby Berkeley scenes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Swimming with Butterflies?
The closest matches to Swimming with Butterflies are A LEGO Brickumentary (2014), Rising Phoenix (2020) and Murderball (2005). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Swimming with Butterflies?
Start with A LEGO Brickumentary (2014), the closest match to Swimming with Butterflies.
What is the highest-rated movie like Swimming with Butterflies?
Athlete A (2020), rated 7.5/10 by 299 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Swimming with Butterflies?
Hold On, Until the End (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Swimming with Butterflies?
Yes: A LEGO Brickumentary (2014), Rising Phoenix (2020) and Murderball (2005).
How are movies similar to Swimming with Butterflies chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Swimming with Butterflies, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.