Movies like Esmeraldero (2003)
The best movies like Esmeraldero (2003) are All That Breathes (2022), Van Gogh: Painted with Words (2010) and Héctor el Father: Conocerás la verdad (2018). If Esmeraldero hooked you with its drama and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- NewestIn Their Hands (2026)Released 2026
- In SpanishHéctor el Father: Conocerás la verdad (2018)Also in Spanish
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
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisVan 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
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHéctor el Father: Conocerás la verdad (2018)
This autobiography of Hector Delgado runs from his childhood to become one of the greatest exponents of the urban genre, but the results of that life did not please him and led him to try to take his life .After being victim of a firefight at a service station in Aguada, a city hall in Puerto Rico, he stopped earning at least two hundred American dollars for presentation and being "devout of Jesus"
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisTen Minutes Older: The Trumpet (2002)
Ten Minutes Older is a 2002 film project consisting of two compilation feature films entitled The Trumpet and The Cello. The project was conceived by the producer Nicolas McClintock as a reflection on the theme of time at the turn of the Millennium. Fifteen celebrated film-makers were invited to create their own vision of what time means in ten minutes of film.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWormwood (2017)
In this genre-bending tale, Errol Morris explores the mysterious death of a U.S. scientist entangled in a secret Cold War program known as MK-Ultra.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGringo: 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
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTyson (2008)
Director James Toback takes an unflinching, uncompromising look at the life of Mike Tyson--almost solely from the perspective of the man himself. TYSON alternates between the controversial boxer addressing the camera and shots of the champion's fights to create an arresting picture of the man.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe 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
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSidney (2022)
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisTo Kill a Tiger (2023)
Ranjit, a farmer in India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the victim of a brutal gang rape. His decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMcQueen (2018)
Alexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own world, both tortured and inspired, which celebrates a radical and mesmerizing genius of profound influence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Class of ‘92 (2013)
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisCharlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003)
Brilliant, long in-the-works story of the life and art of the world's greatest comedian and the cinema's first genius, Charlie Chaplin. Produced, written and directed by renowned film critic Richard Schickel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDavid Bowie: Five Years (2013)
Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in Berlin with the critically acclaimed album Heroes, his triumph with Scary Monsters and his global success with Let’s Dance. With interviews with all his closest collaborators, David Bowie - Five Years presents a unique account of why Bowie has become an ‘icon of our times’.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)
Hollywood veteran Bing Russell creates the only independent baseball team in the country—alarming the baseball establishment and sparking the meteoric rise of the 1970s Portland Mavericks.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStruggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)
Artists in LA discover the work of forgotten Polish sculptor Stanislav Szukalski, a mad genius whose true story unfolds chapter by astounding chapter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarvel Studios: Assembling a Universe (2014)
A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChildren of the Jungle (TBA)
Follows the June 2023 rescue of four indigenous children — Lesly, Soleiny, Tien, and Cristin — after forty days in the Colombian Amazon.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Last Flight Out (2004)
Hot-shot pilot Dan Hogan is sent deep into the Colombian jungle to rescue missionary doctor Ann Williams. Caught between innocent villagers and a ruthless drug lord, Ann won't abandon the people she has come to love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Colombie : la paix confisquée - Paroles d'otages (2024)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Amor (2023)
Based on the story "The monster in my room" by Miguel Angel López, a girl recounts living with her mother and a monster that stalks her at night.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
In Their Hands (2026)
Unable to return to Colombia, Francisco Godoy searches for belonging in the Netherlands. Alongside fellow newcomers Liu and Aleksandr, he rebuilds his life through friendship and the puppet theatre he once left behind.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Con su Música a otra parte (1984)
A young balladeer raised in the United States returns to Colombia to continue her career. Her plans do not align with her mother's, a famous singer of tropical music, and their clash is inevitable. The girl flees her home and frequents the spaces of musicians and artists with revolutionary tendencies.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Manos que hablan (2024)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Santi (2021)
A young Colombian man receives a voice message from home while grappling with cultural differences at a London dinner party with his new English girlfriend.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Colòmbia. L'hora de la veritat (2021)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The First Night (2003)
A couple of farmers have been displaced from their land, a jungle area, isolated from the world, where lived his childhood and youth, and was brutally thrown to face the streets of an unfamiliar city, huge and ruthless.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Esmeraldero?
The closest matches to Esmeraldero are All That Breathes (2022), Van Gogh: Painted with Words (2010) and Héctor el Father: Conocerás la verdad (2018). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Esmeraldero?
Start with All That Breathes (2022), the closest match to Esmeraldero.
What is the newest movie like Esmeraldero?
In Their Hands (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Spanish movies like Esmeraldero?
Yes: Héctor el Father: Conocerás la verdad (2018), Amor (2023) and Con su Música a otra parte (1984).
How are movies similar to Esmeraldero chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Esmeraldero, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.