Movies like James Brown Live At The Apollo '68 (2008)
The best movies like James Brown Live At The Apollo '68 (2008) are Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown (2014), Beat Street (1984) and Apple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026). If James Brown Live At The Apollo '68 hooked you with its music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedTaylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour (2018)8.2/10 from 442 votes
- NewestApple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026)Released 2026
- In ItalianViva I Romantici: Il Sogno (2011)Also in Italian
Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown (2014)
James Brown changed the face of American music forever. Abandoned by his parents at an early age, James Brown was a self-made man who became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, not just through his music, but also as a social activist. Charting his journey from rhythm and blues to funk, MR. DYNAMITE: THE RISE OF JAMES BROWN features rare and previously unseen footage, photographs and interviews, chronicling the musical ascension of “the hardest working man in show business,” from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBeat Street (1984)
An aspiring DJ, from the South Bronx, and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business by exposing people to hip-hop music and culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisRespect (2021)
The rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Glenn Miller Story (1954)
A vibrant tribute to one of America's legendary bandleaders, charting Glenn Miller's rise from obscurity and poverty to fame and wealth in the early 1940s.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHoney (2003)
Honey Daniels dreams of making a name for herself as a hip-hop choreographer. When she's not busy hitting downtown clubs with her friends, she teaches dance classes at a nearby community center in Harlem, N.Y., as a way to keep kids off the streets. Honey thinks she's hit the jackpot when she meets a hotshot director casts her in one of his music videos. But, when he starts demanding sexual favors from her, Honey makes a decision that will change her life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMichael Jackson's This Is It (2009)
A compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Beatles: Get Back - The Rooftop Concert (2022)
On the 30th of January, 1969, the Beatles performed an unannounced concert from the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters at Savile Row, within central London's office and fashion district. Experience the final and unforgettable iconic performance of The Beatles in a special 60-minute presentation, digitally remastered into the image and sound quality of IMAX DMR technology.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWhitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
The joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Five Heartbeats (1991)
In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, however, the guys learn many hard lessons about the reality of the music industry.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Direction: Where We Are - The Concert Film (2014)
Where We Are: Live from San Siro Stadium features the entire 23 track concert filmed at San Siro Stadium in Milan in June 2014, as well as 24 minutes of bonus content including backstage footage of One Direction and their crew.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSparkle (2012)
Musical prodigy, Sparkle struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother, she tries to balance a new romance with music manager Stix while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTaylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour (2018)
Taylor Swift takes the stage in Dallas for the Reputation Stadium Tour and celebrates a monumental night of music, memories and visual magic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKing Creole (1958)
Delinquent Danny Fisher flunks out of high school, quits his job as a nightclub busboy, and one night gets the chance to perform. Success is imminent and local crime boss Maxie Fields wants to hire him to perform at The Blue Shade. Danny declines, but Fields won't take no for an answer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRoger Waters: The Wall (2014)
A concert film that the former Pink Floyd singer-songwriter made on various tour dates between 2010 and 2013, when he was playing his former group's 1980 double-album in its entirety.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisA Complete Unknown (2024)
New York, early 1960s. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAdele: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2011)
On September 22nd 2011, Adele played The Royal Albert Hall in London. A dream come true moment and a highlight of her record breaking year with the album '21'.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisShine a Light (2008)
Martin Scorsese’s electrifying concert documentary captures The Rolling Stones live at New York’s Beacon Theatre during their A Bigger Bang tour. Filmed over two nights in 2006 with an all-star team of cinematographers, the film combines dynamic performances with archival footage and rare glimpses behind the scenes, offering a vibrant portrait of the band’s enduring energy and legacy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisInterstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (2003)
Four talented alien musicians are kidnapped by a record producer who disguises them as humans. Shep, a space pilot in love with bass player Stella, follows them to Earth. Reprogrammed to forget their real identities and renamed The Crescendolls, the group quickly becomes a huge success playing soulless corporate pop. At a concert, Shep manages to free all the musicians except Stella, and the band sets out to rediscover who they really are — and to rescue Stella.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisViva I Romantici: Il Sogno (2011)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG (2026)
BTS is back. The iconic group returns to the stage for a live reunion concert to perform legendary hits and unveil brand-new tracks.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisToto: 35th Anniversary Tour - Live in Poland (2014)
This spectacular live concert sees Toto celebrating their 35th Anniversary at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland during their 2013 World Tour. The show epitomises the combination of craft, heart and drive that has been Toto s trademark throughout their career in a set packed with hits and classic album tracks. The individual band members have played on many of the best known and most successful records in history but when they come together as Toto they create music that is uniquely special. This is Toto at their very best.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Billy Elliot (2000)
County Durham, England, 1984. The miners' strike has started and the police have started coming up from Bethnal Green, starting a class war with the lower classes suffering. Caught in the middle of the conflict is 11-year old Billy Elliot, who, after leaving his boxing club for the day, stumbles upon a ballet class and finds out that he's naturally talented. He practices with his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson for an upcoming audition in Newcastle-upon Tyne for the royal Ballet school in London.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Blues Brothers (1980)
Just released from prison, Jake Blues puts his old band back together with his brother Elwood to save the Catholic home where they were raised.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJames Brown: Soul Survivor (2003)
James Brown's legacy has influenced rap, soul, funk and R&B. But along with his huge talent, there's a dark side to Brown's success that includes stints in prison and unceasing tabloid speculation. This in-depth documentary takes a look at the meteoric highs and deep lows of Brown's career, offering some fascinating insights from the Godfather of Soul himself, as well as interview footage with Chuck D, Little Richard, Wyclef Jean and many others.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Cincinnati's Rock 'N Roll Legends (1995)
An excellent comprehensive look at all the music that came out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati "Rock Legends" "James Brown" "King Records" "Pure Prairie League" "Lemon Pipers" "Syd Nathan" WEBN "Bootsy Collins" "Lonnie Mack" "The Who concert 1979" "Rick Derringer"
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Emma Bunton: Live at MCM Café (2001)
Emma Bunton live at MCM Café, Paris, France.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies (2025)
A true story about the unreal life of an unsung country music hero. Ben Dorcy, aka Lovey, the first and oldest roadie, is recognized by the cultural icons who depend on him just as he’s losing his independence. Having outlived all his relatives, Ben learns he can rely on his music family. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Knoxville, Kinky Friedman, Jamey Johnson, Ann-Margret, and more come together to honor this legend among legends who, unbeknownst to many, shaped Texas and American music history. “King of the Roadies” celebrates all who work to keep the wheels turning behind-the-scenes; and reminds us that with spirit, passion and perseverance, our best days may still be ahead of us if we continue doing what we love. “It’s one thing to have a bunch of good ideas, but to make them work and to put them into action, you need someone like Ben to do it, and he never failed.” – Willie Nelson
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
311 Pow Wow Festival - August 6th, 2011 (2011)
LIve video from August 6, 2011 at the 311 Pow Wow Festival in Live Oak, Florida where they played Transistor in its entirety for the first time live.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like James Brown Live At The Apollo '68?
The closest matches to James Brown Live At The Apollo '68 are Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown (2014), Beat Street (1984) and Apple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after James Brown Live At The Apollo '68?
Start with Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown (2014), the closest match to James Brown Live At The Apollo '68.
What is the highest-rated movie like James Brown Live At The Apollo '68?
Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour (2018), rated 8.2/10 by 442 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like James Brown Live At The Apollo '68?
Apple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Italian movies like James Brown Live At The Apollo '68?
Yes: Viva I Romantici: Il Sogno (2011).
How are movies similar to James Brown Live At The Apollo '68 chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside James Brown Live At The Apollo '68, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.