Movies like Jazz Daimyo (1986)
The best movies like Jazz Daimyo (1986) are Swing Girls (2004), Linda Linda Linda (2005) and Drumline: A New Beat (2014). If Jazz Daimyo hooked you with its music and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedSanjuro (1962)7.9/10 from 763 votes
- NewestClika (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseSwing Girls (2004)Also in Japanese
Swing Girls (2004)
A group of delinquent high school girls form a band when they accidentally poison their school's brass band and have to replace them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLinda Linda Linda (2005)
Only three days before the school festival, a newly formed high school band rushes to put together a set for their big show — including a hit single by '80s by the Japanese punk rock band The Blue Hearts.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDrumline: A New Beat (2014)
A girl from New York attends a college in Atlanta to join their once-famous marching band.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWild Rose (2019)
A young Scottish singer, Rose-Lynn Harlan, dreams of making it as a country artist in Nashville after being released from prison.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlue Giant (2023)
High school student Dai Miyamoto has his life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. Picking up a saxophone and leaving his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, Dai will find that the life of a professional musician isn’t for the faint of heart, as he must confront what it truly means to be great.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSwallowtail Butterfly (1996)
The struggles of a group of outcasts living in "Yentown", in an alternate-future Japan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTokyo Tribe (2014)
In an alternate Japan, territorial street gangs form opposing factions collectively known as the Tokyo Tribes. Merra, leader of the Wu-Ronz tribe of Bukuro, joins forces with heavy-hitting gangster Buppa of Buppa Town. With Buppa's support, Merra aims to initiate a gang war between the Wu-Ronz and the Musashino Saru, and in a confrontation between the two attempts to kill Kai of the Musashino Saru. The inadvertent murder of Kai's friend Tera (a Musashino Saru member beloved by all Tribes since before their formation) leads to the joining of forces between all of the Tribes in an all-out war against Merra and Buppa.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHana (2006)
In a poor district of Edo lives a young samurai named Soza. He has been sent by his clan to avenge the death of his father. He isn't an accomplished swordsman however, and he prefers sharing the life of the residents, teaching the kids how to write etc. When he finally finds the man he is looking for, he will have to decide whether he follows the way of the samurai or chooses peace and reconciliation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Colors Within (2024)
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the 'colors' of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn't play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInu-Oh (2022)
A cursed dancer and a blind musician — both ostracized by society — become business partners and inseparable friends as their larger-than-life concerts propel them to stardom in 14th century Japan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Piano Forest (2007)
Shuhei Amamiya transfers to Moriwaki Elementary filled with hope and ambition. But it doesn't take long before he gets picked on by the class bullies, and gets involved in a dare to play the mysterious piano in the forest. Igniting his meeting with an equally enigmatic child, Kai Ichinose, who seems to be the only one capable getting sound out of the thought to be broken piano.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Mambo Kings (1992)
The Mambo Kings tells the story of César and Nestor Castillo, brothers and aspiring musicians who flee from Cuba to America in search of the American Dream.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSanjuro (1962)
In this companion piece and sequel to "Yojimbo," jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan's evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its ear.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisToo Late Blues (1961)
Ghost is an ideological musician and leader of a jazz band who would rather play his blues in the park to the birds than compromise himself. His peripatetic performances lead him to cross paths with a singer, while his masculinity is thrown into question following a violent brawl.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDoraemon the Movie: Nobita's Earth Symphony (2024)
When a malevolent entity intent on eradicating music from the world surfaces, Nobita and his friends must unite with supernatural companions to safeguard the planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 · both music & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBob Marley: One Love (2024)
Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley overcomes adversity to become the most famous reggae musician in the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisClika (2026)
Aspiring small-town musician Chito is determined to make it big. When a clip of him performing one of his songs goes viral, he seizes the opportunity and pushes to carve out a place for himself in the new wave of Mexican-American music... and ultimately gets caught in a game more dangerous than anticipated.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLiz and the Blue Bird (2018)
In their last year of high school, two girls in the brass band club perform a song inspired by a fairy tale that parallels their friendship.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCOLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing (2025)
Ichika is a high school musician who can enter a mysterious place called “SEKAI,” where she and her friends express their innermost emotions through music alongside Hatsune Miku. One day after giving a live performance, Ichika meets a new Miku that she has never seen before. No matter how hard this new Miku tries to sing, she struggles connecting with the hearts of her listeners. Miku must rely on the help of others to find a way to sing again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisYellow Submarine (1968)
The wicked Blue Meanies take over Pepperland, eliminating all color and music. As the only survivor, the Lord Admiral escapes in the yellow submarine and journeys to Liverpool to enlist the help of the Beatles.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNew York, New York (1977)
An egotistical saxophone player and a young singer meet on V-J Day and embark upon a strained and rocky romance, even as their careers begin a long uphill climb.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMetallica: Lollapalooza Brazil 2017 (2017)
Metallica at Autódromo de Interlagos, São Paulo, Brazil on March 25, 2017. Setlist: Hardwired / Atlas, Rise! / For Whom the Bell Tolls / The Memory Remains / The Unforgiven / Now That We’re Dead / Moth Into Flame / Harvester of Sorrow / Halo on Fire / Whiplash / Sad but True / One / Master of Puppets / Fade to Black / Seek & Destroy / Battery / Nothing Else Matters / Enter Sandman
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Reprise (2006)
Fueled by literary aspirations and youthful exuberance, two competitive friends endure the pangs of love, depression, and burgeoning careers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCurdled (1996)
A death-obsessed cleaning woman uncovers a clue identifying a Florida bartender for a series of socialite murders.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisLove You More (2008)
Two teenagers are drawn together by the Buzzcocks' single 'Love You More' during the summer of 1978.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
María de la O (1939)
A famous painter returns to Spain under a false name as he once had to run away, to meet his half gypsy daughter, who has become a flamenco dancer. He offers her his house, making popular rumors take flight.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
新選組!! 土方歳三 最期の一日 (2006)
Follows the final days of the shogunate and Shinsengumi's Vice-Comander Hijikata Toshizo along with his fellow anti-imperialist group.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Who: Live at the Isle of Wight 2004 Festival (2017)
In 2004 The Who returned to the Isle Of Wight Festival for the first time since their legendary performance in 1970. After a long absence, the festival had been reborn in 2002 and continues to this day. Their UK concerts in 2004 were the first in their home country since the death of founder member John Entwistle. As the evening shadows lengthened across the festival site, The Who took to the stage and delivered an incendiary performance packed with hit singles and classic album tracks and the concert more than lived up to the fan s expectations and memories of 1970.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Jazz Daimyo?
The closest matches to Jazz Daimyo are Swing Girls (2004), Linda Linda Linda (2005) and Drumline: A New Beat (2014). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Jazz Daimyo?
Start with Swing Girls (2004), the closest match to Jazz Daimyo.
What is the highest-rated movie like Jazz Daimyo?
Sanjuro (1962), rated 7.9/10 by 763 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Jazz Daimyo?
Clika (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Jazz Daimyo?
Yes: Swing Girls (2004), Linda Linda Linda (2005) and Blue Giant (2023).
How are movies similar to Jazz Daimyo chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Jazz Daimyo, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.