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Movies like Perfect Life (2009)

The best movies like Perfect Life (2009) are Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee (2016), All That Breathes (2022) and Van Gogh: Painted with Words (2010). If Perfect Life hooked you with its documentary and drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee (2016)

    The strange story of John McAfee, who went from millionaire software mogul to yogi, Kurtz-like jungle recluse to potential murderer, and most recently a prospective presidential candidate for the American Libertarian Party.

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

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  2. All That Breathes (2022)

    Against the darkening backdrop of New Delhi's apocalyptic air and escalating violence, two brothers devote their lives to protecting one casualty of the turbulent times: the bird known as the black kite.

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

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  3. Van Gogh: Painted with Words (2010)

    A drama-documentary presented by Alan Yentob, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. Every word spoken by the actors in this film is sourced from the letters that Van Gogh sent to his younger brother Theo, and of those around him. What emerges is a complex portrait of a sophisticated, civilised and yet tormented man.

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

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  4. In the Realms of the Unreal (2004)

    In the Realms of the Unreal is a documentary about the reclusive Chicago-based artist Henry Darger. Henry Darger was so reclusive that when he died his neighbors were surprised to find a 15,145-page manuscript along with hundreds of paintings depicting The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glodeco-Angelinnian War Storm, Cased by the Child Slave Rebellion.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  5. Deliver Us from Evil (2006)

    Documentary filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O'Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. Victims' stories and a disturbing interview with O'Grady offer a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining trust ... all the while betraying so many.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  6. Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream (2013)

    Life Is But a Dream is a HBO documentary about the life of US singer Beyoncé Knowles during the years 2011 and 2012 and on the recording of her fifth album. The film was directed by Beyoncé herself. The film shows Beyoncé from intimate moments of her pregnancy to behind the scenes and rehearsals of the main concerts of that time.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  7. Heart of a Dog (2015)

    Musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother and her beloved dog.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  8. Love, Marilyn (2013)

    Using the book 'Fragments', which collects Marilyn Monroe's poems, notes and letters, and with participation from the Arthur Miller and Truman Capote estates who have contributed more material, each of the actresses will embody the legend at various stages in her life.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  9. The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)

    A musical study of Los Angeles in the late 90s, where homeless teens roam the streets and profess to live a punk lifestyle of music, drugs, and flouting authority.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  10. Halftime (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 · both documentary

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  11. As 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

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  12. Katy 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

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  13. She's Beautiful When She's Angry (2014)

    A documentary that resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women's movement from 1966 to 1971.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  14. Love, Gilda (2018)

    Diaries, audiotapes, videotapes and testimonials from friends and colleagues offer insight into the life and career of Gilda Radner -- the beloved comic and actress who became an icon on Saturday Night Live.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  15. Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction (2013)

    An impressionistic portrait of the iconic actor Harry Dean Stanton comprised of intimate moments, film clips from some of his 250 films and his renditions of American folk songs.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  16. The Cheshire Murders (2013)

    In the early-morning hours of July 23, 2007, in Cheshire, Conn., ex-convicts Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky broke into the family home of William Petit, his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Michaela, 11, and Hayley, 17. Dr. Petit was beaten and tied to a pole in the basement. The three women were bound in their bedrooms while the men ransacked the house. The brutal ordeal continued throughout the morning, ending with rape, arson and a horrific triple homicide.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  17. ReMastered: Tricky Dick & The Man in Black (2018)

    This documentary chronicles Johnny Cash's 1970 visit to the White House, where Cash's emerging liberal ideals clashed with Richard Nixon's policies.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  18. Frida (2024)

    An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo. Told through her own words for the very first time — drawn from her diary, revealing letters, essays, and print interviews — and brought vividly to life by lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  19. The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)

    A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  20. Seduced 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

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  21. American Splendor (2003)

    An original mix of fiction and reality illuminates the life of comic book hero everyman Harvey Pekar.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  22. Typhoid Mary (1993)

    Story of Mary Mallon. Typhoid fever carrier

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  23. Lessons for Zafirah (2011)

    A metaphor of the Flood in our times, The Flood is the rain of violence that washes over us. Noah´s Ark is the train that runs through Mexico toward the United States and migrants are the species attempting to save their lives. For the directors, cinema moves people not just by condemnation, but by confronting and fostering emotions which lead to new, constructive ideas. This documentary became a cinematographic diary for their first viewer, their three-year-old daughter, Zafirah.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. Isolde (1989)

    After librarian Isolde attempts suicide, she leaves her politician husband for a younger student with a dark past. Isolde's former husband, however, has something else in mind for the young man.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

  25. That Lovely Girl (2014)

    Moshe and Tami are a couple, Moshe is in his fifties and Tami is in her early twenties. They live together in a cruel and violent relationship, from which Tami seems unable to set herself free. Tami and Moshe are father and daughter...

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

  26. Across My Land (2017)

    Father and son 'minutemen' patrol the American/Mexican border near their home in Nogales, Arizona.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

  27. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

    In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

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  28. Berthe Morisot (2012)

    At 25, Berthe dreams of making a living from her painting, never to marry, and to always stay with her sister Edma. Her parents do not see things from the same angle. Then Berthe meets Edouard Manet, who takes an interest in this young artist apprentice whose face inspires him.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

  29. Letter to America (1999)

    Two friends from Odesa try to compose a video message to their pals, emigrants to the United States. One of them rents his apartment to a tricky girl who invents various excuses not to pay the rent. An exceptional story about people on the verge of despair who nonetheless manage to enjoy life, even if these joys are beyond good and evil.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

  30. A Poet in New York (2014)

    In 1953 Dylan Thomas went to New York for the last time, his marriage a wreck, his drinking out of control. He was on his way to meet Stravinsky and to wallow in New York acclaim - but what was he escaping? How did such a triumph become a requiem? The last days of a great poet.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama

Like Perfect Life and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Perfect Life?

The closest matches to Perfect Life are Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee (2016), All That Breathes (2022) and Van Gogh: Painted with Words (2010). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Perfect Life?

Start with Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee (2016), the closest match to Perfect Life.

What is the highest-rated movie like Perfect Life?

Deliver Us from Evil (2006), rated 7.2/10 by 216 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Perfect Life?

Frida (2024) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there Chinese movies like Perfect Life?

The closest matches are in other languages.

How are movies similar to Perfect Life chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Perfect Life, 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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