Movies like The Circus (1989)
The best movies like The Circus (1989) are The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), Heroic Losers (2019) and Will & Harper (2024). If The Circus hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
The Circus
Quick picks
- Highest ratedHeroic Losers (2019)7.5/10 from 638 votes
- NewestAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (2025)Released 2025
- In SpanishHeroic Losers (2019)Also in Spanish
The 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 thisHeroic Losers (2019)
In a town in the Northwest of the province of Buenos Aires, a group of neighbors is organized to recover the economy of the area, but when the corralito is implemented in the country and they suffer a fraud, their hopes disappear. Now, they will unite to recover the lost money and give the blow of their lives to their greatest enemy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWill & Harper (2024)
When Will Ferrell's good friend Harper comes out as a trans woman, they take a road trip to bond and reintroduce Harper to the country as her true self.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWedding Registry (2025)
Nicolás and Antonia plan a fake wedding to share the gifts and fund their dreams.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisHollywood or Bust (1956)
The last movie with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin together, is a satire of the life in Hollywood. Steve Wiley is a deceiver who cheats Malcolm Smith when he wins a car, claiming that he won it too. Trying to steal the car, Steve tells Malcolm that he lives in Hollywood, next to Anita Ekberg's. When Malcom hears that, they both set out for Hollywood and the adventure begins...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (2025)
Eleven-year-old Alexander and his family embark on a dream Spring Break vacation to Mexico City only to have all their plans go terribly wrong when they discover a cursed idol.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAna (2020)
Ana meets Rafa in a chance encounter and they embark on a road trip to try and save him from bankruptcy, or worse.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLeningrad Cowboys Meet Moses (1994)
After years of fame and misfortune in Mexico, the members of the Leningrad Cowboys decide to return to their native village. Their former manager Vladimir, who now calls himself Moses lead them on their way home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Tit and the Moon (1994)
A child does not stand the idea of having a new brother and dreams about drinking milk from the breasts of his mother again. The child asks the moon to bring him a tit only for him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Circus (1943)
A cobbler gets a job in a Circus as a janitor, recommended by the beautiful girl rider of the show. But later, he gets in trouble when he involves in dangerous acts, such as the trapeze. Obviously, our friend will risk his life by the love of his new girlfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Valley of Gwangi (1969)
A turn of the century wild west show struggling to make a living in Mexico comes into the possession of a tiny prehistoric horse. This leads to an expedition to the Forbidden Valley where they discover living dinosaurs. They capture one and take it back to be put on display, leading to inevitable mayhem.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Gumball Rally (1976)
A group of people from different backgrounds have one thing in common: when they hear the world "gumball" whispered by one of the others, they know that it's time for the Gumball Rally: a no-holds barred, secret, winner-take-all rally across the USA.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSummer of 69 (2025)
In an effort to land the guy she's been pining after since grade school, Abby hires a local stripper named Santa Monica to teach her everything she needs to know about confidence and sex.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKodachrome (2017)
Matt Ryder is convinced to drive his estranged and dying father Benjamin Ryder cross country to deliver four old rolls of Kodachrome film to the last lab in the world that can develop them before it shuts down for good. Along with Ben's nurse Zooey, the three navigate a world changing from analogue to digital while trying to put the past behind them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAbsolution (2024)
An aging ex-boxer gangster working as muscle for a Boston crime boss receives an upsetting diagnosis. Despite a faltering memory, he attempts to rectify the sins of his past and reconnect with his estranged children. He is determined to leave a positive legacy for his grandson, but the criminal underworld isn’t done with him and won’t loosen their grip willingly.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisDue Date (2010)
Peter Highman must scramble across the US in five days to be present for the birth of his first child. He gets off to a bad start when his wallet and luggage are stolen, and put on the 'no-fly' list. Peter embarks on a terrifying journey when he accepts a ride from an actor.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisThe (Almost) Legends (2023)
A colorful Mexican town. Two half brothers. Romeo and Preciado meet again to honor their dad's memory in a car rally full of adrenaline and banda music.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGeorgetown (2019)
Ulrich Mott is an eccentric and versatile social climber with grandiose plans to affect United States foreign policy. Encouraged in his attempts by his strategically chosen (and much older) wife, the well-connected journalist Elsa Brecht, Mott has a knack for making himself indispensable and impossible to ignore. The only one seemingly immune to his charms is Elsa's daughter Amanda, who might simply disapprove of her mother marrying a much younger man - or perhaps she senses something more sinister beneath the smooth-talking surface?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Circus?
The closest matches to The Circus are The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), Heroic Losers (2019) and Will & Harper (2024). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Circus?
Start with The Greatest Show on Earth (1952), the closest match to The Circus.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Circus?
Heroic Losers (2019), rated 7.5/10 by 638 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Circus?
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Spanish movies like The Circus?
Yes: Heroic Losers (2019), Wedding Registry (2025) and The Tit and the Moon (1994).
How are movies similar to The Circus chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Circus, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.