Movies like Happy Birthday Garfield (1988)
The best movies like Happy Birthday Garfield (1988) are Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021), Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis (2021) and Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy? (2013). If Happy Birthday Garfield hooked you with its documentary and animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)7.1/10 from 295 votes
- NewestS4: The Bob Lazar Story (2026)Released 2026
Who 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 · both documentary & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCamp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis (2021)
Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis, is a documentary short featuring animation that focuses on the story of a top secret POW camp that was classified for over 5 decades. In the midst of WWII, a group of young Jewish refugees are assigned to guard a top secret POW camp near Washington D.C. The Jewish soldiers soon discover that their prisoners are no other than Hitler's top scientists - What starts out as an intelligence mission to gather information from the Nazis, soon gets a shocking twist when the Jewish soldiers are tasked with a very different mission altogether. A mission that would question their moral values - exposing a dark secret from America's past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIs the Man Who Is Tall Happy? (2013)
A series of interviews featuring linguist, philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky done in hand-drawn animation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBeyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022)
Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye (2022)
Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King (2020)
A tribute to Chadwick Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Irishman: In Conversation (2019)
Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino in conversation about The Irishman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMy Mom Jayne (2025)
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSeven Up! (1985)
A group of British children aged 7 from widely ranging backgrounds are interviewed about a range of subjects. The filmmakers plan to re-interview them at 7 year intervals to track how their lives and attitudes change as they age.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Godfather Family: A Look Inside (1990)
A documentary on the making of the three Godfather films, with interviews and recollections from the film makers and cast. This feature also includes the original screen tests of some of the actors for "The Godfather" film, and some candid moments on the set of "The Godfather: Part III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJoker: Put on a Happy Face (2020)
Featuring interviews with filmmakers and industry legends, discover the origins and evolution of The Joker, and learn why The Clown Prince of Crime is universally hailed as the greatest comic-book supervillain of all time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisS4: The Bob Lazar Story (2026)
Over 35 years after Bob Lazar's revelations, this documentary exposes secrets of a facility the government still denies. Featuring Lazar's testimony, recreations, and new evidence, it reopens a case that continues to spark global curiosity
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSeduced and Abandoned (2013)
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisElstree 1976 (2015)
A documentary about ten very different lives connected by having appeared onscreen wearing masks or helmets in Star Wars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)
In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSerge Gainsbourg, les meilleures chansons (2021)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
She's Nobody's Baby: American Women in the 20th Century (1981)
This documentary goes back to the turn of the century to show how women shaped the nation’s history.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Les Héros de notre enfance (2022)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
It Started with Swap Shop (2006)
Noel Edmonds, Keith Chegwin, John Craven and Maggie Philbin reunite for a one-off edition of the Saturday morning classic Swap Shop to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Harry Styles at the BBC (2017)
The BBC has supported Harry since the beginning of his career as a solo artist and his time in One Direction. In a BBC Music exclusive, Harry Styles performs new tracks from his number one debut album as a solo artist, alongside covers of classic songs. He's accompanied by his band and performs in front of a live studio audience. Nick Grimshaw talks to Harry about his extraordinary career in music to date, his future ambitions and his debut acting role in Dunkirk. Harry and Grimmy also have some fun with some very special friends as they take time away from the studio to spend a day out in Manchester.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya: Vow in the Snow - Dark Sakura Room (2017)
Included with the limited edition BD of Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma☆Illya Movie: Vow in the Snow.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Young and Hooked on Chemsex (2021)
The chemsex scene is a subculture within the gay community where men mix drugs like methamphetamine & GHB with sex to maximize pleasure and decrease inhibitions. In this documentary, three young men from New Zealand share personal accounts of what it was like to be involved in the chemsex scene.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kids' TV: The Surprising Story (2022)
Konnie Huq celebrates the very best of British children’s television, with a dazzling array of clips from some of the most treasured programmes ever made and revealing chats with some of TV’s most beloved stars. But Konnie also tells a perhaps more surprising story: of how kids’ TV has frequently been at the forefront of social change, in terms of the stories it tells and the people who get to tell them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hacker's Birthday Bash: 30 Years of Children's BBC (2015)
It's 30 years since CBBC started airing short links between shows. To celebrate, Hacker has brought together the finest presenters, past, present and even a new one, to reminisce and laugh at a few bloopers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
One Piece "3D2Y": Overcome Ace's Death! Luffy's Vow to his Friends (2014)
The special takes place during the two year before the Straw Hats reunite on Sabody. Luffy is currently in Rusukaina training to get stronger to take on the New World. However the training is interrupted when Hancock's sisters, Marigold and Sandersonia, are kidnapped by the Byrnndi World, a pirate who was locked away on Level 6 of Impel Down but escaped during Luffy's invasion to save Ace, in order to lure Hancock to him and use her as a hostage against the World Government due to her Shichibukai status. Thus Luffy and Hancock head off to confront him and save Hancock's sisters.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Happy Birthday Garfield?
The closest matches to Happy Birthday Garfield are Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021), Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis (2021) and Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy? (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Happy Birthday Garfield?
Start with Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021), the closest match to Happy Birthday Garfield.
What is the highest-rated movie like Happy Birthday Garfield?
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012), rated 7.1/10 by 295 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Happy Birthday Garfield?
S4: The Bob Lazar Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Happy Birthday Garfield?
Yes: Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021), Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis (2021) and Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy? (2013).
How are movies similar to Happy Birthday Garfield chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Happy Birthday Garfield, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.