Movies like This American Life: Live at BAM (2014)
The best movies like This American Life: Live at BAM (2014) are Krush Groove (1985), School Dance (2014) and Grace of My Heart (1996). If This American Life: Live at BAM hooked you with its comedy and drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBo Burnham: Make Happy (2016)8.0/10 from 460 votes
- NewestBTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG (2026)Released 2026
Krush Groove (1985)
Russell Walker is a young, successful manager of rap performers, handling acts for the Krush Groove label, including Run-DMC and The Fat Boys. When Run-D.M.C. has a hit record and Russell needs more money to press more copies, he borrows it from a street hustler and soon regrets his decision.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSchool Dance (2014)
High schooler Jason has found his dream girl—the gorgeous Anastacia. There’s just one problem: she doesn’t know he exists. If he can win a spot on the school’s hottest dance crew, Jason might have a shot. But before he does, he’ll have to overcome his battle-ax of a mother, survive Anastacia’s gangsta brother, and pass the crew’s initiation—in this fresh, sexy, and outrageously funny comedy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGrace of My Heart (1996)
Philadelphia teenager Edna Buxton wins a talent contest during the early rock 'n' roll era, changes her name to Denise Waverly and moves to New York City to make it big. Though she flops as a recording artist, fast-talking record producer Joel Millner recognizes her songwriting talent and teams her with struggling songsmith Howard Caszatt.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFeel the Beat (2020)
After failing to make it on Broadway, April returns to her hometown and reluctantly begins training a misfit group of young dancers for a competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSunshine on Leith (2013)
Davy and Ally have to re-learn how to live life in Edinburgh after coming home from serving in Afghanistan. Both struggle to learn to live a life outside the army and to deal with the everyday struggles of family, jobs and relationships. Sunshine on Leith is based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, featuring music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOne Chance (2013)
This film follows the remarkable and inspirational true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like this10,000 Saints (2015)
A sweeping multigenerational story set against the backdrop of the raw, roaring New York City of the late 1980s; adoption, teen pregnancy, drugs, hardcore punk rock, the unbridled optimism and reckless stupidity of the young—and old—are all major elements in this heart-aching tale of the son of diehard hippies and his strange odyssey through the extremes of late 20th century youth culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
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 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 thisMoxie (2021)
Inspired by her mom's rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion - The Play (2002)
The fireworks begin when Madea’s family gathers for her granddaughter’s wedding. As usual, Madea rules the roost, as she and her neighbor, the wacky Mr. Brown, deliver nonstop laughs. Live, love, rejoice...it’s Madea’s Family Reunion!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBo Burnham: Make Happy (2016)
Combining his trademark wit and self-deprecating humor with original music, Bo Burnham offers up his unique twist on life in this stand-up special about life, death, sexuality, hypocrisy, mental illness and Pringles cans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBattle of the Year (2013)
A down-on-his-luck coach is hired to prepare a team of the best American dancers for an international tournament that attracts all the best crews from around the world, but the Americans haven't won in fifteen years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBo Burnham: What. (2013)
Left brain and right brain duke it out and then belt out a tune in comedian Bo Burnham's quick and clever one-man show. As intelligent as he is lanky, Burnham cynically pokes at pop entertainment while offering unadulterated showmanship of his own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJohn Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch (2019)
John Mulaney and his kid pals tackle existential topics for all ages with catchy songs, comedy sketches and special guests in a nostalgic variety special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWelcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008)
When a celebrated TV show host returns to his hometown in the South, his family is there to remind him that going home is no vacation!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBo Burnham: Words, Words, Words (2010)
Bo Burnham is back with a new one-man show full of his patented songs and wordplay, as well as haikus, dramatic readings, blasphemy, and so much more in his first hour-long special, shot live in his home town of Boston.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSubUrbia (1997)
A group of suburban teenagers try to support each other through the difficult task of becoming adults.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAdam Sandler: 100% Fresh (2018)
Adam Sandler takes his comical musical musings back out on the road, from comedy clubs to concert halls to one very unsuspecting subway station.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDon't Think Twice (2016)
An improv group deals with several crises, including the loss of their lease and one member hitting the big time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPump Up the Volume (1990)
Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLIVE 2017 Walküre ga Tomaranai at Yokohama Arena (2017)
DVD/Blu-ray release of the second live "Walküre ga Tomaranai" by Macross Δ Tactical Sound Unit Walküre held at Yokohama Arena on January 29, 2017.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG (2026)
BTS is back. The iconic group returns to the stage for a live reunion concert to perform legendary hits and unveil brand-new tracks.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (2014)
The 29th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The 2014 Ceremony was open to the public, as it had been for the Induction Ceremonies in Cleveland (2009, 2012) and Los Angeles (2013). This was the first time that the event was held in New York. With performances by Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, KISS, Nirvana, Linda Ronstadt, and Cat Stevens.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Tony Bennett: iTunes Festival 2014 (2014)
Legendary performer Tony Bennett made his appearance at London's iTunes Fest at the Roundhouse and this stellar performance features the multi-Grammy award winner performing his biggest hits, among them, 'The Best Is Yet To Come,' 'Fly Me to the Moon,' and his signature song 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco.'
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Leila Pinheiro: Nos Horizontes do Mundo - Ao Vivo (2007)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Radiohead | NorthSide 2017 (2017)
Radiohead performs at Denmark's NorthSide Festival on June 11, 2017.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Playing For Change Band – Live In Brazil (TBA)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
Monty Python perform many of their greatest sketches at the Hollywood Bowl, including several from pre-Python days.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStatus Quo - The Last Night of the Electrics (2017)
Live performance from legendary British rockers Status Quo recorded at London's O2 Arena in December 2016. The band perform a number of hit tracks including 'Down Down', 'Whatever You Want' and 'Rockin' All Over the World'.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Like This American Life: Live at BAM and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like This American Life: Live at BAM?
The closest matches to This American Life: Live at BAM are Krush Groove (1985), School Dance (2014) and Grace of My Heart (1996). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after This American Life: Live at BAM?
Start with Krush Groove (1985), the closest match to This American Life: Live at BAM.
What is the highest-rated movie like This American Life: Live at BAM?
Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), rated 8.0/10 by 460 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like This American Life: Live at BAM?
BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like This American Life: Live at BAM?
Yes: Krush Groove (1985), School Dance (2014) and Grace of My Heart (1996).
How are movies similar to This American Life: Live at BAM chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside This American Life: Live at BAM, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.