Movies like Papalotl (1979)
The best movies like Papalotl (1979) are Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011), El Santos vs la Tetona Mendoza (2012) and Judy & Punch (2019). If Papalotl hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Papalotl
Quick picks
- Highest ratedRadical (2023)8.3/10 from 523 votes
- NewestYou Can See Everything (2026)Released 2026
- In SpanishEl Santos vs la Tetona Mendoza (2012)Also in Spanish
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)
Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. Few people know his creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEl Santos vs la Tetona Mendoza (2012)
In a zombie-infested world, El Santos, an overweight pacheco fighter, has recently divorced La Tetona Mendoza, a voluptuous, wild female wrestler. To get out of his depression, Santos begins a campaign to help Sahuayo's zombie population. However, his philanthropy soon becomes a wild, profitable ride that causes an accidental genocide of zombies, causing Mexico's economy to bankrupt and for his ex-wife to assume the presidential title. In a country ruled by women, Santos must stop his wife and her female-dominated empire, and restore the zombies to the streets of Mexico.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJudy & Punch (2019)
In the anarchic town of Seaside, nowhere near the sea, puppeteers Judy and Punch are trying to resurrect their marionette show. The show is a hit due to Judy's superior puppeteering but Punch's driving ambition and penchant for whisky lead to an inevitable tragedy that Judy must avenge.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJim & Andy: The Great Beyond - Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton (2017)
Through the lens of his stunningly immersive performance as Andy Kaufman, Jim Carrey ponders the meaning of life, reality, identity and career.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFlamin' Hot (2023)
The inspiring true story of Richard Montañez, the Frito Lay janitor who channeled his Mexican American heritage and upbringing to turn the iconic Flamin' Hot Cheetos into a snack that disrupted the food industry and became a global pop culture phenomenon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisA Million Miles Away (2023)
The life of engineer and former NASA astronaut José M. Hernández, the first migrant farmworker to go to space.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Book of Life (2014)
The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLemonade (2016)
The second "visual album" (a collection of short films) by Beyoncé, this time around she takes a piercing look at racial issues and feminist concepts through a sexualized, satirical, and solemn tone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWho Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021)
Lupita Nyong'o narrates a documentary about Peanuts and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. Famous fans—including Drew Barrymore, Kevin Smith, and Al Roker—share its influence on them, and a new animated story finds Charlie Brown on a quest.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHalftime (2022)
Global superstar Jennifer Lopez reflects on her multifaceted career and the pressure of life in the spotlight in this intimate documentary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStrip Down, Rise Up (2021)
The feature documentary follows women of all walks of life, all ages and ethnic backgrounds, as they shed trauma, body image shame, sexual abuse and other issues locked in their bodies, and embark on a journey to reclaim themselves. The film also gives a rare window into the world of Pole artistry and expression.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHomo Argentum (2025)
The film consists of 16 shorts that explore, with humor and social criticism, the characteristics of the Argentine identity.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRadical (2023)
In a Mexican border town plagued by neglect, corruption, and violence, a frustrated teacher tries an unorthodox new method to break through his students’ apathy and unlock their curiosity, their potential... and perhaps even their genius.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisAquaman: Heroines of Atlantis (2019)
Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman discuss their characters Mera and Atlanna.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYou Can See Everything (2026)
Thirty-four days before she's sent to prison, notorious Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWild Tango (1993)
A biopic based on the life of one of the pioneer argentine rock stars 'Tanguito'. The movie tells the story of his rise and fall from grace, encompassed in violent times of a military regime.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPamela, a love story (2023)
In her own words, through personal video and diaries, Pamela Anderson shares the story of her rise to fame, rocky romances and infamous sex tape scandal.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBARDO, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022)
A renowned Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker living in Los Angeles, after being named the recipient of a prestigious international award, is compelled to return to his native country, unaware that this simple trip will push him to an existential limit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlue (1993)
Against a plain, unchanging blue screen, a densely interwoven soundtrack of voices, sound effects and music attempt to convey a portrait of Derek Jarman's experiences with AIDS, both literally and allegorically, together with an exploration of the meanings associated with the colour blue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Papalotl?
The closest matches to Papalotl are Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011), El Santos vs la Tetona Mendoza (2012) and Judy & Punch (2019). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Papalotl?
Start with Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011), the closest match to Papalotl.
What is the highest-rated movie like Papalotl?
Radical (2023), rated 8.3/10 by 523 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Papalotl?
You Can See Everything (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Spanish movies like Papalotl?
Yes: El Santos vs la Tetona Mendoza (2012), Homo Argentum (2025) and Radical (2023).
How are movies similar to Papalotl chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Papalotl, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.