Movies like Defining Shadows (2007)
The best movies like Defining Shadows (2007) are Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022), The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006). If Defining Shadows hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)7.1/10 from 294 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
Guillermo 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 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 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 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 thisThe Making of Star Wars (1977)
Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2 which includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBack in Time (2015)
Cast, crew and fans explore the "Back to the Future" time-travel trilogy's resonance throughout our culture, thirty years after Marty McFly went back in time.
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 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 thisEx Libris: The New York Public Library (2017)
A documentary about how a dominant cultural and demographic institution both sustains their traditional activities and adapts to the digital revolution.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisElstree 1976 (2015)
A documentary about ten very different lives connected by having appeared onscreen wearing masks or helmets in Star Wars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
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 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 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 thisWestern Stars (2019)
The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisDavid Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
A filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisMaria by Callas (2017)
Told through performances, TV interviews, home movies, family photographs, private letters and unpublished memoirs, the film reveals the essence of an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings in New York City to become a glamorous international superstar and one of the greatest artists of all time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Ties That Bind Us (2008)
A look at the subtle (and not so subtle!) links to the show's past and future contained within the story of The Five Doctors.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Scotch Mist in Sussex (2013)
Cast and crew look back at the making of Terror of the Zygons.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Podshock (2010)
The cast and crew of The Seeds of Doom look back on the making of this story.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Christopher Barry: Director (2010)
Director Christopher Barry, on location in the Wiltshire village of Aldbourne, talks about his career.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Tin Men and the Witch (2010)
The making of Revenge of the Cybermen, with director Michael E Briant, incoming producer Philip Hinchcliffe and outgoing producer Barry Letts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
A Weekend with Waterhouse (2019)
Toby Hadoke gets an insight into the life of Adric actor Matthew Waterhouse when he moves in for the weekend.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Direct Route (2021)
Doctor Who directors Michael Briant, Graeme Harper and Tim Combe take an epic road trip to all the filming locations from Season 8 as they discuss directing the show in the early 1970s.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Foe from the Future (2010)
A look at the unmade story, The Foe from the Future, which formed the basis of The Talons of Weng-Chiang.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Cybermen (2009)
A history of the Cybermen, presented by writer and broadcaster Matthew Sweet.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Earthshocked (2018)
Featuring cast and crew interviews, recreated sets, and newly shot 16mm film inserts starring the Cybermen.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Defining Shadows?
The closest matches to Defining Shadows are Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022), The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Defining Shadows?
Start with Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022), the closest match to Defining Shadows.
What is the highest-rated movie like Defining Shadows?
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012), rated 7.1/10 by 294 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Defining Shadows?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Defining Shadows?
Yes: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022), The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006).
How are movies similar to Defining Shadows chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Defining Shadows, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.