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Movies like Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)

The best movies like Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008) are The Beach Boys (2024), The Sparks Brothers (2021) and The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026). If Anvil! The Story of Anvil hooked you with its documentary and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. The Beach Boys (2024)

    A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  2. The Sparks Brothers (2021)

    Take a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers Ron & Russell Mael, celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band’s favorite band.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)

    Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  4. Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)

    After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  5. Chasing Happiness (2019)

    From humble roots as pastor's sons in New Jersey, through their meteoric rise to fame, the Jonas Brothers' bond was unshakeable-until a surprising and painful breakup led Joe, Kevin and Nick down very different paths. With deeply personal interviews, previously unreleased footage and exclusive music, this is the Jonas Brothers as never seen before.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  6. The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)

    An exploration of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on glam metal. It features concert footage and interviews of legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and W.A.S.P..

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  7. Sympathy for the Devil (1968)

    While The Rolling Stones rehearse "Sympathy for the Devil" in the studio, an alternating narrative reflects on 1968 society, politics and culture through five different vignettes.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. The Velvet Underground (2021)

    Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  9. Milli Vanilli (2023)

    The story of Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan, who became fast friends during their youth in Germany. With Rob coming from a broken home and Fabrice having left an abusive household, they shared a similar upbringing, as well as a future goal: to become famous superstars. In a few short years, their dreams came true. Rob and Fab, better known as Milli Vanilli, became the world's most popular pop duo in 1990 and won the GRAMMY for Best New Artist. However, their ascension to success came with a devastating price that ultimately led to their infamous undoing.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  10. Bad Reputation (2018)

    The life and career of rock n' roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles "I Love Rock n Roll," and "Bad Reputation" Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  11. Gorillaz: Reject False Icons (2019)

    Focused on the life of the band and their collaborators over the 3 vital years in which they developed critically acclaimed albums, 'Humanz' and 'The Now Now', and undertook their most ambitious world tour to date.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  12. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)

    After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  13. Joy Division (2009)

    A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. American Hardcore (2006)

    Inspired by Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A tribal history" Paul Rachman's feature documentary debut is a chronicle of the underground hardcore punk years from 1979 to 1986. Interviews and rare live footage from artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and the Dead Kennedys.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  15. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019)

    Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, this film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  16. Beatles '64 (2024)

    Featuring never-before-seen footage of the band and the legions of young fans who helped fuel their ascendance, follow McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Starr as they land in New York City in February 1964 and solidify their status as the biggest band in the world.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  17. Biggie: 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 & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. The Filth and the Fury (2000)

    Julien Temple's second documentary profiling punk rock pioneers the Sex Pistols is an enlightening, entertaining trip back to a time when the punk movement was just discovering itself. Featuring archival footage, never-before-seen performances, rehearsals, and recording sessions as well as interviews with group members who lived to tell the tale--including the one and only John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)

    Hailed as one of the most innovative and intimate documentaries of all time, experience Kurt Cobain like never before in the only ever fully authorized portrait of the famed music icon. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen expertly blends Cobain's personal archive of art, music, never seen before movies, animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest friends.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)

    A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  21. Ian Dury - The Promo Videos and Songs (2007)

    The Blockheads are an English rock band formed in London in 1977. Originally fronted by lead singer Ian Dury as Ian Dury and the Blockheads or Ian and the Blockheads, the band has continued to perform since Dury's death in 2000. Song listing 1) Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, 2) What A Waste!, 3) Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, 4) Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3, 5) I Want To Be Straight, 6) Sueperman's Big Sister

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  22. Barbara ou ma plus belle histoire d'amour (1973)

    In the early 70s, Barbara discovered herself backstage on her French tour. The artist plays with intimacy and camera glances. Between concerts, she talks to herself and the men in her life.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  23. Pavement: Slow Century (2002)

    Documentary tracing the existence of noted rock band Pavement from 1989 to their final performance in late 1999. The first hour is the history of the band, the last 20 minutes is uninterrupted footage of the band’s final encore.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  24. ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025)

    Kicking off in Seoul in January 2024, ATEEZ’s monumental world tour, TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER, ignited Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond with unstoppable energy. Now, its breathtaking opening chapter returns, reborn on the big screen. From powerful performances of signature hits like "WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”)”, "Crazy Form", "Say My Name", and "Guerrilla" to mesmerizing unit and solo stages showcasing each member’s unique color, ATEEZ’s overwhelming energy takes over SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX where available. The voyage towards the light sets sail once again!

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  25. Classic Albums: Cream - Disraeli Gears (2006)

    This addition of Disraeli Gears to the acclaimed Classic Albums series features brand new interviews with Clapton, Baker and Bruce, along with lyricist Pete Brown, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, John Mayall and Manfred Mann. Also included on the DVDare acoustic performances, original studio tracks and archival live footage. Included are additional interviews and analysis of the tracks, Exclusive acoustic performances, exclusive solo piano performance and previously unreleased full live performances. Though they were only together for two brief years (1966-1968), the London-based power trio Cream changed the face of rock with their jazz-schooled psychedelic blues--and never more so than on their 1967 classic DISRAELI GEARS. This program offers a critical review of the landmark album through archival footage, rare live performance clips, and interviews with rock critics, musicologists, and band members.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  26. Classic Albums: The Doors (2008)

    A future classic was unleashed in January 1967 as the Doors released their eponymously titled debut album. This documentary in the Classic Albums series takes an in-depth look at the album, with commentary from Bruce Botnick, who worked on the album, and the three remaining Doors--guitarist Robbie Krieger, keyboard player Ray Manzarek, and drummer John Densmore. The three band members also play some of their instrumental parts from the album, offering invaluable insight into how the songs were constructed.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  27. Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story (2017)

    Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story is a documentary about the life and work of Michael "Mick" Ronson, the guitarist, songwriter, producer and arranger who, in the early part of his career, performed with David Bowie as one of the 'Spiders from Mars'.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  28. The Four Seasons: A Music Film (2025)

    The Australian Chamber Orchestra has always forged its own path. With Artistic Director and violinist Richard Tognetti at the helm, the ACO has been producing films for over a decade, from their award-winning collaborations with BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom (‘Mountain’, ‘River’) to their acclaimed series of cinematic music films, ‘ACO StudioCasts’. Directed by Matisse Ruby, ‘The Four Seasons’ film release is the latest from this ground-breaking, world-renowned ensemble. Arguably the most popular and recognisable piece of classical music ever written, this performance directed by Richard Tognetti, highlights the profound symbiosis between Vivaldi’s Venice and the Middle East. Interspersing Vivaldi’s masterpiece with music by Australian-Egyptian composer and Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawardros, the film honours Vivaldi’s classic while giving it new life. A must-see for music lovers and cinephiles alike.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  29. Rockers (2003)

    Guitarist Ko-chan is a mess of sexual repression after a childhood at the mercy of two elder sisters eager to use him as a guinea pig for their make-up skills. Bassist Gaku-chan keeps a bucket in the wings for whenever his nerves get the better of him, and drummer Momo-chan is doomed to forever carrying the botched childhood attempts at self-tattooing. It's not until this foursome is forced to look for an additional guitar player after Jin's dad burns his Stratocaster, that attitude and musical ability enter into the equation. Leather-clad, shade-wearing Tani (Tamaki), inseparable from his black Les Paul, is introduced as the king of R'n'R cool and Jinnai keeps him firmly seated on his throne throughout the film, retroactively proclaiming the guitarist, rather than himself, as the band's true hero.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  30. Tchernobyl : nuage radioactif sur la France (2026)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Anvil! The Story of Anvil?

The closest matches to Anvil! The Story of Anvil are The Beach Boys (2024), The Sparks Brothers (2021) and The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Anvil! The Story of Anvil?

Start with The Beach Boys (2024), the closest match to Anvil! The Story of Anvil.

What is the highest-rated movie like Anvil! The Story of Anvil?

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Anvil! The Story of Anvil?

Tchernobyl : nuage radioactif sur la France (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like Anvil! The Story of Anvil?

Yes: The Beach Boys (2024), The Sparks Brothers (2021) and The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026).

How are movies similar to Anvil! The Story of Anvil chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Anvil! The Story of Anvil, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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