Movies like The Making of Playboy (2024)
The best movies like The Making of Playboy (2024) are The Untold History Of The United States (2012), Circus of Books (2019) and Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019). If The Making of Playboy hooked you with its documentary and history, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- NewestCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)Released 2025
The Untold History Of The United States (2012)
Oliver Stone charts the history of the United States from the Second World War to the present.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisCircus of Books (2019)
For decades, a nice Jewish couple ran Circus of Books, a porn shop and epicenter for gay LA. Their director daughter documents their life and times.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaking Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019)
The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Unknown Known (2013)
Former United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld discusses his career in Washington D.C. from his days as a congressman in the early 1960s to planning the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLos Angeles Plays Itself (2004)
From its distinctive neighborhoods to its architectural homes, Los Angeles has been the backdrop to countless movies. In this dazzling work, Andersen takes viewers on a whirlwind tour through the metropolis' real and cinematic history, investigating the myriad stories and legends that have come to define it, and meticulously, judiciously revealing the real city that lives beneath.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisInside Deep Throat (2005)
In 1972, a seemingly typical shoestring budget pornographic film was made in a Florida hotel: "Deep Throat," starring Linda Lovelace. This film would surpass the wildest expectation of everyone involved to become one of the most successful independent films of all time. It caught the public imagination which met the spirit of the times, even as the self-appointed guardians of public morality struggled to suppress it, and created, for a brief moment, a possible future where sexuality in film had a bold artistic potential. This film covers the story of the making of this controversial film, its stunning success, its hysterical opposition along with its dark side of mob influence and allegations of the on set mistreatment of the film's star.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like this9/11: Inside the President's War Room (2021)
Experience the events of September 11, 2001 through the eyes of President Bush and his closest advisors as they personally detail the crucial hours and key decisions from that historic day.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWelcome to Chechnya (2020)
This searing investigative work shadows a group of activists risking unimaginable peril to confront the ongoing anti-LGBTQ program raging in the repressive and closed Russian republic. Unfettered access and a remarkable approach to protecting anonymity exposes this under-reported atrocity–and an extraordinary group of people confronting evil.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisScotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018)
A deliciously scandalous portrait of unsung Hollywood legend Scotty Bowers, whose bestselling memoir chronicled his decades spent as sexual procurer to the stars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBiggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)
In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarvel's Behind the Mask (2021)
A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSidney (2022)
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisX-Rated 2: The Greatest Adult Stars of All Time (2016)
Documentary sequel that offers a close-up look into the personal lives of the legendary porn stars who've survived the test of time and influenced popular culture. Blends rare interviews with erotic clips and additional appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Soderbergh and a host of adult stars, directors and trendsetters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King (2020)
A tribute to Chadwick Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisPower of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2017)
This documentary looks to forge the greatest, most definitive, documentary on everything He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra, the live action movie, New Adventures of He-Man, the 200x series and much more! They delve into the toys, comics, cartoons, and movies from all eras by talking to the artists, creators, executives and actors who helped make it a reality.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Last Repair Shop (2024)
In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPlayboy Video Centerfold: Kara Monaco - Playmate of the Year 2006 (2006)
In 2004 Playboy traveled across the USA to find the hot, hotter and hottest Bartender Babes from your favorite hangouts. Lucky Orland, Florida, was where we found Kara Monaco and soon after that she became not only our DVD cover Model, but a featured cocktail shaker in Playboy’s pictorial ‘Women Behind Bars.’ 2005 was also a very good year for Kara when she was chosen Playboy’s Miss June – becoming a Centerfold darling and candidate for a certain other honor. No in 2006, we’d like to raise our glasses in a tantalizing toast to Miss Kara Monaco – Playmate of the Year. Wonder what 2007 will bring this breath taker?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Centerfold: Jodi Ann Paterson - Playmate of the Year 2000 (2000)
Are you ready to meet the first Playmate of the Year for the new millennium? We hope so because Jodi Ann Paterson is abut to explode on the scene with an abundance of talent and sensuality. We knew she was something special when we discovered her on our countrywide Playmate Search 2000. As pure as the snowy mountain peaks that surround the small North-western community where she spent her childhood, this Oregon State University grad toned her sultry figure as an avid snowboarder and exercised her intellect at Eugene's CBS affiliate KVAL-TV. No stranger to the limelight, Miss October 1999 is a veteran of the Miss Teen Circuit, where she won the hearts of the judges with her Indonesian-born exotic beauty. Now she has arrived in Hollywood, where we expect her impressive combination of beauty and brains will surely pave the way for a fantastic future. We're just happy to be along as Jodi begins her rise to the top!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Magazine, Volume 1 (1982)
Playboy Video Magazine was literally a video version of the publication. It included candid celebrity interviews, video editorials, the trademark playmate pictorials, interwoven with commercial parodies and short comedy sketches. The series also covered trends in media; sex, politics, culture, and pop culture.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Playmate Calendar 1987 (1986)
Profiles of Playboy Playmates. Features: Kathy Shower (Playmate of the Month, May 1985/Playmate of the Year), Cynthia Brimhall (POTM, October 1985), Barbara Edwards (POTM, September 1983/POTY), Rebekka Armstrong (POTM, September 1986), Dona Speir (POTM, March 1984), Carol Ficatier, (POTM, December 1985), Roberta Vasquez (POTM, November 1984), Donna Smith (POTM, March 1985), Sherry Arnett (POTM, January 1986), Pamela Saunders (POTM, November 1985), Julie McCullough (POTM, February 1986), & Cherie Witter (POTM, February 1985).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Playmate Calendar 1995 (1994)
Features Arlene Baxter, Julie Lynn Cialini, Shae Marks, Becky Delos Santos, Anna-Marie Goddard, Jennifer Lavoie, Jenny McCarthy, Elan Carter, Neriah Davis, Julianna Young, Carrie Westcott, and Elke Jeinsen.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Centerfold: Victoria Silvstedt - Playmate of the Year 1997 (1997)
A Playboy produced documentary style video based on the modelling career of former Miss Sweeden, Victoria Silvstedt. Victoria went on to become Payboy's December 1996 playmate of the month and 1997 Playmate of the year. She stars as herself in the video. Plus Playmate Bonus: Miss May, Shauna Sands
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Playmates of the Year: The 80's (1989)
Playmates of the 1980's.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy: Farmers' Daughters (1986)
Go country with five corn-fed cuties from the hometowns of America's heartland.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Centerfold: Colleen Shannon - 50th Anniversary Playmate (2004)
How would it feel to be in the company of Marilyn Monroe, Pamela Anderson and all of the beautiful centerfolds who have graced the pages of Playboy over the past 50 years? Just ask Colleen Shannon, Playboy's 50th Anniversary Playmate! We went to 20 cities and met 10,000 women, and now meet the girl who stood out from all the rest. As Playboy's 50th Anniversary Playmate, Coleen personifies today's girl-next-door. Beautiful, adventurous and athletic, she's the girl behind the turntable in the club and atop the snowboard barreling down the slopes. Glimpse every fun, spontaneous and irresistible moment in this sizzling addition to your collection.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Playboy Video Centerfold: Carmella DeCesare - Playmate of the Year 2004 (2004)
A sexy Italian/Puerto Rican model and college senior from Cleveland, Carmella first caught Playboy's eye as one of 12 finalists for the FOX-TV reality show Girl Next Door: The Search for a Playboy Centerfold. Although she dropped out of the competition early, Hugh Hefner recognized her potential and invited her to the Playboy Mansion. With the support of her mom, who auditioned for Playboy 20 years earlier. Carmella seized the opportunity to do a test shoot and her Playboy career skyrocketed from there - first as Playboy.com's February 2003 Cyber Girl of the Month, then PLAYBOY magazine's Miss April 2003, and ultimately our Playmate of the Year 2004! Carmella's natural radiance lights up the screen in this sensual look at our girl-next-door beauty. Discover Carmella's true charms as she shares a cab or the ride of a lifetime, then visits an Italian villa for a voyeuristic fantasy, and unleashes her most secret desires in a steamy dream sequence... and much, much more!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Making of Playboy?
The closest matches to The Making of Playboy are The Untold History Of The United States (2012), Circus of Books (2019) and Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Making of Playboy?
Start with The Untold History Of The United States (2012), the closest match to The Making of Playboy.
What is the newest movie like The Making of Playboy?
Come See Me in the Good Light (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Making of Playboy?
Yes: The Untold History Of The United States (2012), Circus of Books (2019) and Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019).
How are movies similar to The Making of Playboy chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Making of Playboy, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.