Movies like Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus
The best movies like Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus are One from the Heart (1982), The Greatest Showman (2017) and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952). If Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Greatest Showman (2017)7.9/10 from 10,326 votes
- NewestAnimal Crackers (2018)Released 2018
One from the Heart (1982)
In a dazzling, dreamlike Las Vegas, longtime couple Hank and Frannie break up on their fifth anniversary and each pursue the fantasy of new love over one neon-soaked night—he with a free-spirited acrobat, she with a seductive musician. But as illusion and reality blur, both must decide whether passion or devotion truly defines the heart.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Greatest Showman (2017)
The story of American showman P.T. Barnum, founder of the circus that became the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
To ensure a full profitable season, circus manager Brad Braden engages The Great Sebastian, though this moves his girlfriend Holly from her hard-won center trapeze spot. Holly and Sebastian begin a dangerous one-upmanship duel in the ring, while he pursues her on the ground.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCircus World (1964)
Circus owner Matt Masters is beset by disasters as he attempts a European tour of his circus. At the same time, he is caught in an emotional bind between his adopted daughter and her mother.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAt the Circus (1939)
Jeff Wilson, the owner of a small circus, owes his partner Carter $10,000. Before Jeff can pay, Carter's accomplices steal the money so he can take over the circus. Antonio Pirelli and Punchy, who work at the circus, together with lawyer Loophole try to find the thief and get the money back.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLili (1953)
Members of a circus troupe "adopt" Lili Daurier when she finds herself stranded in a strange town. The magician who first comes to her rescue already has romantic entanglements and thinks of her as a little girl. Who can she turn to but the puppets, singing to them her troubles, forgetting that there are puppeteers? A crowd gathers around Lili as she sings. The circus has a new act. She now has a job. Will she get her heart's desire?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (1996)
A 1968 event put together by The Rolling Stones. The film is comprised of two concerts on a circus stage and included such acts as The Who, Taj Mahal, Marianne Faithfull, and Jethro Tull. John Lennon and his fiancee Yoko Ono performed as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac, along with Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell, and Keith Richards.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAnimal Crackers (2018)
A family must use a magical box of Animal Crackers to save a rundown circus from being taken over by their evil uncle Horatio P. Huntington.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like this7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)
An old Chinese man rides into the town of Abalone, Arizona and changes it forever, as the citizens see themselves reflected in the mirror of Lao's mysterious circus of mythical beasts.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSomething Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
In a small American town, a diabolical circus arrives, granting wishes for the townsfolk, but twisted as only the esteemed Mr. Dark can make them. Can two young boys overcome the worst the devil himself can deal out?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDavid Blaine: Beyond Magic (2016)
In his most revealing performance yet, the one-hour special features an exploration into Blaine’s trademark style of street magic as he once again stuns his audience.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZiegfeld Follies (1945)
The late, great impresario Florenz Ziegfeld looks down from heaven and ordains a new revue in his grand old style.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMadagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)
Animal pals Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria are still trying to make it back to New York's Central Park Zoo. They are forced to take a detour to Europe to find the penguins and chimps who broke the bank at a Monte Carlo casino. When French animal-control officer Capitaine Chantel DuBois picks up their scent, Alex and company are forced to hide out in a traveling circus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Original Kings of Comedy (2000)
The house is rockin' and the laughs are rollin' as comedians Steve Harvey (The Steve Harvey Show), D.L. Hughley (The Hughleys), Cedric The Entertainer (The Steve Harvey Show) and Bernie Mac (Life) meet in this riotously comedy summit directed by Spike Lee.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBronco Billy (1980)
An idealistic, modern-day cowboy struggles to keep his Wild West show afloat in the face of hard luck and waning interest.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
After a carnival troupe saves his life, a man agrees to help its immortal leader collect five souls and win a bet with the devil.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain (2011)
Experience the show that quickly became a national phenomenon. Get an up-close and personal look at Kevin back in Philly where he began his journey to become one of the funniest comedians of all time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTaylor Swift: Speak Now World Tour Live (2011)
Recorded during her Speak Now World Tour in 2011, this live recording collects 18 performances from the country-pop starlet, including almost all songs from her 2010 studio album "Speak Now".
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisNitro Circus: The Movie (2012)
You will see Travis Pastrana and the whole Nitro Circus crew perform some of the most ridiculous, awe-inspiring, and simply insane stunts ever caught on camera. Coming to you in three dimensional glory, it will feel like you are there sitting shotgun with the crew.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKevin Hart: What Now? (2016)
Comedian Kevin Hart performs in front of a crowd of 50,000 people at Philadelphia's outdoor venue, Lincoln Financial Field.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus?
The closest matches to Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus are One from the Heart (1982), The Greatest Showman (2017) and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus?
Start with One from the Heart (1982), the closest match to Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus.
What is the highest-rated movie like Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus?
The Greatest Showman (2017), rated 7.9/10 by 10,326 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus?
Animal Crackers (2018) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus?
Yes: One from the Heart (1982), The Greatest Showman (2017) and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952).
How are movies similar to Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Emmett Kelly Jr.'s Circus, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.