Movies like Death of a Rock Star (1981)
The best movies like Death of a Rock Star (1981) are When You're Strange (2010), La Bamba (1987) and Linkin Park and Friends Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington (2017). If Death of a Rock Star hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Death of a Rock Star
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCoco (2017)8.2/10 from 21,865 votes
- NewestFind Me Falling (2024)Released 2024
When You're Strange (2010)
The creative chemistry of four brilliant artists —drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Kreiger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Jim Morrison— made The Doors one of America's most iconic and influential rock bands. Using footage shot between their formation in 1965 and Morrison's death in 1971, it follows the band from the corridors of UCLA's film school, where Manzarek and Morrison met, to the stages of sold-out arenas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLa Bamba (1987)
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLinkin Park and Friends Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington (2017)
The tribute concert in memory of Chester Bennington at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisFind Me Falling (2024)
After a failed comeback album, a rock star retreats to a cliffside home on Cyprus, only to find his new life complicated by visitors — and an old flame.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPink Floyd: The Wall (1982)
A troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990)
To the Los Angeles elite, Ford Fairlane is known as "Mr. Rock 'n' Roll Detective." This loudmouthed ladies' man serves an exclusive rock star clientele, who depend on his keen eye and smug discretion. So when a heavy-metal musician dies mid-concert, Fairlane is on the case before the lights come up. But things turn shocking when radio personality Johnny Crunch hires Fairlane to find a missing groupie mere hours before he is electrocuted live on air.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisElvis (1979)
This biopic traces Elvis Presley’s life from his impoverished childhood to his meteoric rise to stardom to his triumphant conquering of Las Vegas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMichael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration (2001)
Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Michael Jackson's solo career, this legendary performance took place on September 10, 2001.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHow the Beatles Changed the World (2017)
The fascinating story of the cultural, social, spiritual, and musical revolution ignited by the coming of the Beatles. Tracing the impact that these four band members had, first in their native Britain and soon after worldwide, it reappraises the band and follows their path from young subversives to countercultural heroes. Featuring fresh, revealing interviews with key collaborators as well as a wealth of rarely-seen archival footage, this is a bold new take on the most significant band in the history of music and their enduring impact on popular culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMagical Mystery Tour (1967)
While on a coach tour, The Beatles and a few dozen friends experience strange happenings caused by magicians.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHelp! (1965)
An obscure Eastern cult that practices human sacrifice pursues Ringo after he unknowingly puts on a ceremonial ring (that, of course, won't come off). On top of that, a pair of mad scientists, members of Scotland Yard, and a beautiful but dead-eyed assassin all have their own plans for the Fab Four.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJames Dean (2001)
The man behind the legend and a knowing look at 1950s Hollywood are revealed in this dynamic biopic of the meteoric star whose troubled life echoed his gut-grabbing performances in East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGimme Shelter (1970)
A detailed chronicle of the famous 1969 tour of the United States by the British rock band The Rolling Stones, which culminated with the disastrous and tragic concert held on December 6 at the Altamont Speedway Free Festival, an event of historical significance, as it marked the end of an era: the generation of peace and love suddenly became the generation of disillusionment.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCoda (2020)
A famous pianist at the twilight of his career meets a free-spirited music critic who soon becomes his rock as his mental state deteriorates.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisConcert for George (2003)
As a memorial to George Harrison on the first anniversary of his passing, The Concert for George was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 29 November 2002 . Organized by Harrison's widow, Olivia, and son, Dhani, and arranged under the musical direction of Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne. A benefit for Harrison's Material World Charitable Foundation, the all-star concert took place on the day of the first anniversary of his death. Proceeds from the film also went to the Material World Charitable Foundation. The film was shot using discreet cameras from over twelve locations.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Great Buster: A Celebration (2018)
A celebration of the life and career of one of America's most influential and celebrated filmmakers and comedians—Buster Keaton—whose singular style and fertile output during the silent era created his legacy as a true cinematic visionary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAmerican Satan (2017)
A young rock band, half from England and half from the US, drop out of college and move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCoco (2017)
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWhiplash (2013)
A ferocious, bullying music teacher teaches a dedicated student.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDanny Collins (2015)
An ageing hard-living 1970s rock star decides to change his life when he discovers a 40-year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Death of a Rock Star?
The closest matches to Death of a Rock Star are When You're Strange (2010), La Bamba (1987) and Linkin Park and Friends Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington (2017). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Death of a Rock Star?
Start with When You're Strange (2010), the closest match to Death of a Rock Star.
What is the highest-rated movie like Death of a Rock Star?
Coco (2017), rated 8.2/10 by 21,865 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Death of a Rock Star?
Find Me Falling (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Death of a Rock Star?
Yes: When You're Strange (2010), La Bamba (1987) and Linkin Park and Friends Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington (2017).
How are movies similar to Death of a Rock Star chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Death of a Rock Star, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.