Movies like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979 (1996)
The best movies like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979 (1996) are Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995), Anima (2019) and Madonna: The Immaculate Collection (1990). If The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979 hooked you with its music, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedGhosts (1997)8.1/10 from 305 votes
- NewestApple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026)Released 2026
Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995)
This compilation features 10 of Michael Jackson's greatest video hits, including "Billie Jean," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Black or White," "Rock With You" and others. -Includes the never before seen 18 minute version of "Bad". Directed by Martin Scorsese. Featuring Wesley Snipes. -9:30 Long Version of "The Way You Make Me Feel". -"Black Or White"- short film "Panther" version -"thriller"- "monstrous masterpiece" the ultimate "music movie" 14 minutes of horrific fun by director John Landis. -"remember The Time"- directed by John Singleton (Higher Learning, Boyz N The Hood, Shaft),features Eddie Murphy and Magic Johnson.
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 thisMadonna: The Immaculate Collection (1990)
The Immaculate Collection is the first commercially released greatest videos compilation by singer Madonna. Released on November 13, 1990 to accompany the audio CD, it contained hits spanning 1983-1990. The collection won "Best Long Form Video" category at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards. Includes the following videos: 1. Lucky Star 2. Borderline 3. Like a Virgin 4. Material Girl 5. Papa Don't Preach 6. Open Your Heart 7. La Isla Bonita 8. Like a Prayer 9. Express Yourself 10. Cherish 11. Oh Father 12. Vogue 13. Vogue (1990 MTV Awards Show Performance)
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisApple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026)
For Apple Music Live, Gaga presents MAYHEM Requiem, a celebration and musical reimagining of MAYHEM.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBlack Is King (2020)
This visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of "The Lion King" (2019) for today's young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSturgill Simpson Presents Sound & Fury (2019)
In this anime visual album, a mysterious driver heads deep into a postapocalyptic hellscape toward a ferocious showdown with two monstrous opponents.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Rocker (2008)
In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's high school rock band.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGhosts (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 thisThe Work of Director Michel Gondry (2003)
A look at the work of director Michel Gondry, through his music videos, short films, and commercials.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKing of Jazz (1930)
A large-scale revue musical built around Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, presenting a series of musical performances, sketches, and staged tableaux in early two-color Technicolor, emblematic of Hollywood’s early sound-era “all-star” musical productions.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSoul Men (2008)
Two former backup soul singers, Louis and Floyd, have not spoken to each other in 20 years, and reluctantly agree to travel across the country together to a reunion concert to honor their recently-deceased lead singer. Cleo, a beautiful young woman who is believed to be Floyd's daughter, accompanies them as a new singer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHeavy Metal Mater (2010)
Mater and Lightning McQueen are ready to rock! When Mater's garage band, Mater and the Gas Caps, records a hit song, Mater becomes a rock legend. Then Lightning joins Mater's band for the rock concert of the century!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLet It Shine (2012)
A teenage rapper must use his musical talent to help a friend and win the girl of his dreams while overcoming self-doubt and the expectations of his strict religious parents.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUncle Peckerhead (2020)
When a punk band scores their first tour, life on the road proves tough when they are joined by a man-eating demon as a roadie.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMake Your Move (2013)
A pair of star-crossed dancers in New York find themselves at the center of a bitter rivalry between their brothers' underground dance clubs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
SnoozefestMovies like thisA Day at the Races (1937)
Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's sanitarium by winning a big race with a finicky horse owned by Judy's boyfriend Gil. There are a few problems. Hackenbush, who was recently put in charge of the sanitarium, isn't really a doctor, he's a veterinarian.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRock 'n' Roll High School (1979)
A group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, take over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJesus Christ Superstar - Live Arena Tour (2012)
This contemporary re-imagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's legendary rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar presents the story of the last seven days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Filmed as an arena rock opera, the performance features a star-studded line-up which includes award-winning musical comedian, Tim Minchin as the role of Judas Iscariot; pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C as Mary Magdalene; radio DJ Chris Moyles in his stage debut as King Herod; and Ben Forster, to take on the title role of Jesus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMichael Jackson: Dangerous - The Short Films (1993)
Michael Jackson's Dangerous album once again rocketed the global superstar to mega-platinum success! "Dangerous - The Short Films" captures the visual and musical highlights of his most recent string of hit singles. As well as extensive behind the scenes profiles of the making of Michael's state of the art short films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKeith 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 music
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979?
The closest matches to The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979 are Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995), Anima (2019) and Madonna: The Immaculate Collection (1990). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979?
Start with Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995), the closest match to The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979?
Ghosts (1997), rated 8.1/10 by 305 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979?
Apple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979?
Yes: Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995), Anima (2019) and Madonna: The Immaculate Collection (1990).
How are movies similar to The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979 chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.