Movies like Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha
The best movies like Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha are Little Buddha (1993), Kundun (1997) and Tenzing (2026). If Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedTenzing (2026)8.2/10 from 278 votes
- NewestTenzing (2026)Released 2026
Little Buddha (1993)
After the death of Lama Dorje, Tibetan Buddhist monks find three children — one American and two Nepalese — who may be the rebirth of their great teacher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKundun (1997)
From childhood to adulthood, Tibet's fourteenth Dalai Lama deals with Chinese oppression and other problems.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTenzing (2026)
A determined man embarks on a high-stakes quest—and defies seemingly impossible odds—to fulfill his dream of being the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019)
The spectacular rise and scandalous fall of hot-yoga evangelist Bikram Choudhury is chronicled through archival footage and extensive insider interviews.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBruce Lee, the Legend (1984)
The Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHaunted (1995)
Professor David Ash exposes false spiritulists and mediums. He is invited to Edbrook to resolve the fears and torments within its secretive family. Soon after arriving Ash begins to doubt his own senses, and watching the strange behaviour of its residents does not make his task any easier. In time, he finds there's more to Edbrook than even he can debunk.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSeven Years in Tibet (1997)
Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer journeys to the Himalayas without his family to head an expedition in 1939. But when World War II breaks out, the arrogant Harrer falls into Allied forces' hands as a prisoner of war. He escapes with a fellow detainee and makes his way to Lhasa, Tibet, where he meets the 14-year-old Dalai Lama, whose friendship ultimately transforms his outlook on life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUncommon Valor (1983)
A group of Vietnam War veterans re-unite to rescue one of their own left behind and taken prisoner by the Vietnamese.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Po is finally living the dream as the Dragon Warrior—until a shadow from his past comes roaring back. When the ruthless peacock Lord Shen unleashes a devastating new weapon used to wipe out kung fu masters across the land, Po and the Furious Five race across China to put an end to his plans. But if Po is to have any hope of stopping him, he must first confront the truth of his origins—and find inner peace before his past tears him apart.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five (2008)
Ordered to teach a martial arts class of rambunctious bunny kittens, Po tells stories of each of the Furious Five's pasts.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
This film is a glimpse into the life, love and the unconquerable spirit of the legendary Bruce Lee. From a childhood of rigorous martial arts training, Lee realizes his dream of opening his own kung-fu school in America. Before long, he is discovered by a Hollywood producer and begins a meteoric rise to fame and an all too short reign as one the most charismatic action heroes in cinema history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYoung Woman and the Sea (2024)
This is the extraordinary true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the 21-mile trek from France to England.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Challenger (2015)
A legendary trainer comes out of retirement to help an underdog boxer fight his way to a better life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Fearless Vampire Killers (1967)
A noted professor and his dim-witted apprentice fall prey to their inquiring vampires, while on the trail of the ominous damsel in distress.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMortal Kombat (2021)
Washed-up MMA fighter Cole Young, unaware of his heritage, and hunted by Emperor Shang Tsung's best warrior, Sub-Zero, seeks out and trains with Earth's greatest champions as he prepares to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Outpost (2020)
A small unit of U.S. soldiers, alone at the remote Combat Outpost Keating, located deep in the valley of three mountains in Afghanistan, battles to defend against an overwhelming force of Taliban fighters in a coordinated attack. The Battle of Kamdesh, as it was known, was the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan War in 2009 and Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated units of the 19-year conflict.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBodycam (2026)
A call to a quiet suburban home unleashes unthinkable carnage when two officers mistakenly shoot a man and his infant child, spiraling the tragedy into a fierce, unrelenting fall into the unknown.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHard Target 2 (2016)
Forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse game, a disgraced mixed martial arts fighter is hunted through the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRobin Robin (2021)
A bird raised by mice begins to question where she belongs and sets off on a daring journey of self-discovery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon who conjures villains from the past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBuddha Wild: Monk in a Hut (2008)
Buddhist monks open up about the joys and challenges of living out the precepts of the Buddha as a full-time vocation. Controversies swirling within modern monastic Buddhism are examined, from celibacy and the role of women to racism and concerns about the environment.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The King and I (1956)
Widowed Welsh mother Anna Leonowens becomes a governess and English tutor to the wives and many children of the stubborn King Mongkut of Siam. Anna and the King have a clash of personalities as she works to teach the royal family about the English language, customs and etiquette, and rushes to prepare a party for a group of European diplomats who must change their opinions about the King.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRed Zone (TBA)
"Red Zone" is an International Feature Film in English language created by the Award Winning Film Maker Sunil Babbar. It is based on Buddhism. The film reflects the mysterious life journey of a revered Buddhist Monk, who wishes to achieve the Buddhahood in his present life, but falls down when a mysterious girl enters his life. Shot on the beautiful locales of Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, it presents the journey of two different persons belonging to two different Worlds, exhibiting their pains, agonies and their quest to achieve Buddhahood.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The Life of Buddha (2007)
Over 2,500 years ago, one man showed the world a way to enlightenment. This beautifully produced Buddhist film by the BBC meticulously reveals the fascinating story of Prince Siddhartha and the spiritual transformation that turned him into the Buddha.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The King and I (1999)
Widowed Welsh mother Anna Loenowens becomes a governess and English tutor to the wives and many children of the stubborn King Mongkut of Siam. Anna and the King have a clash of personalities as she works to teach the royal family about the English language, customs and etiquette, and rushes to prepare a party for a group of European diplomats who must change their opinions about the King.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Buddha (2010)
This documentary for PBS by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere, tells the story of the Buddha’s life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world’s greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha’s life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Join the conversation and learn more about meditation, the history of Buddhism, and how to incorporate the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and mindfulness into daily life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Siddharta (2010)
“Siddharta” is a landmark contemporary ballet by Angelin Preljocaj, created for the Paris Opera Ballet and inspired by the spiritual journey of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha. Set to an original score by Bruno Mantovani, this production fuses philosophical narrative with avant-garde choreography and striking visual design by Claude Lévêque. The piece explores themes of desire, suffering, and transcendence, following Siddharta’s path from royal privilege through temptation and enlightenment. The work stands out for its blend of spiritual intensity, physical virtuosity, and the grandeur of Paris Opera’s leading dancers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
777 Na Chali Ti (2019)
Based on the history of Phra Siwalee, one of the apostles of the recluse Gotama Buddha. It was broadcasted on 3-9 January 2019, a total of 7 days, 7 branches.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The Story of Mahajanaka (2014)
There was a king, Mahajanaka, of Mithila in the kingdom of Videha. He had two sons, Aritthajanaka and Polajanaka. When the old king died, the elder brother, Aritthajanaka, became king, and the younger brother his viceroy. In time the new king became suspicious of his brother's popularity with the people and, fearful for his throne, had Polajanaka put in chains. But when Polajanaka proclaimed his innocence, miraculously his chains fell off and he was able to escape to a small village near the frontier of the kingdom. Since he was a strong leader, he attracted many followers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Bones of the Buddha (2013)
Bones of the Buddha is a 2013 television documentary produced by Icon Films and commissioned by WNET/THIRTEEN and ARTE France for the National Geographic Channels. It concerns a controversial Buddhist reliquary from the Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh, India. It was released in May, 2013, and was broadcast in July 2013 in the US on PBS as part of the Secrets of the Dead series.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha?
The closest matches to Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha are Little Buddha (1993), Kundun (1997) and Tenzing (2026). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha?
Start with Little Buddha (1993), the closest match to Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha.
What is the highest-rated movie like Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha?
Tenzing (2026), rated 8.2/10 by 278 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha?
Tenzing (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha?
Yes: Little Buddha (1993), Kundun (1997) and Tenzing (2026).
How are movies similar to Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Guru Padmasambhava: The Second Buddha, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.