Movies like Rude Boy (1980)
The best movies like Rude Boy (1980) are The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), Hated: GG Allin and The Murder Junkies (1993) and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018). If Rude Boy hooked you with its drama and music, these 28 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Elephant Man (1980)8.0/10 from 4,125 votes
- NewestMilli Vanilli (2023)Released 2023
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
An exploration of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on glam metal. It features concert footage and interviews of legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and W.A.S.P..
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHated: GG Allin and The Murder Junkies (1993)
An overview of the life of the most shocking, vile, and notorious of punk rock legends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMatangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018)
Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMilli Vanilli (2023)
The story of Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan, who became fast friends during their youth in Germany. With Rob coming from a broken home and Fabrice having left an abusive household, they shared a similar upbringing, as well as a future goal: to become famous superstars. In a few short years, their dreams came true. Rob and Fab, better known as Milli Vanilli, became the world's most popular pop duo in 1990 and won the GRAMMY for Best New Artist. However, their ascension to success came with a devastating price that ultimately led to their infamous undoing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDig! (2004)
A documentary on the once promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols. The friendship between respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor, escalated into bitter rivalry as the Dandy Warhols garnered major international success while the Brian Jonestown Massacre imploded in a haze of drugs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOne More Time with Feeling (2016)
Andrew Dominik's One More Time With Feeling is a remarkable black and white documentary which chronicles the creation of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' album Skeleton Tree. Originally a performance based concept, the film evolved into something much more significant as Dominik delved into the tragic backdrop of the writing and recording of the album. The result is stark, fragile and raw, and a true testament to an artist trying to find his way through the darkness. It documents the writing, recording and performing of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ sixteenth studio album, Skeleton Tree.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWoodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation (2019)
50 years after the legendary fest, Barak Goodman’s electric retelling of Woodstock, from the point of view of those who were on the ground, evokes the freedom, passion, community, and joy the three-day music festival created.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNotes on Blindness (2016)
After losing sight in 1983, John Hull began keeping an audio diary, a unique testimony of loss, rebirth and renewal, excavating the interior world of blindness. Following on from the Emmy Award-winning short film of the same name, Notes on Blindness is an ambitious and groundbreaking work, both affecting and innovative.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDie Toten Hosen - 3 Akkorde für ein Halleluja (1989)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
The New York Hardcore Chronicles Film (2017)
Director Drew Stone’s The New York Hardcore Chronicles Film is an incredible journey through the community and culture of the iconic New York hardcore scene. Not the typical history of a local music scene but so much more. Shot in an episodic format, the film contains over 60 interviews, never before seen footage, photos and a blazing soundtrack. With appearances by Roger Miret & Vinnie Stigma (Agnostic Front), Lou Koller, Craig Setari (Sick Of It All), Ray Cappo (Youth Of Today), Billy Graziadei (Biohazard), Billy Milano (S.O.D. / M.O.D.) and Mike Judge (Judge). The film addresses the community, culture, straight edge and DIY ethic of the hardcore scene in the greatest city in the world that is still vibrant, relevant and going strong to this day.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
The Elephant Man (1980)
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPersepolis (2007)
In 1970s Iran, Marjane 'Marji' Satrapi watches events through her young eyes and her idealistic family of a long dream being fulfilled of the hated Shah's defeat in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. However as Marji grows up, she witnesses first hand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny on its own.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKerrang! Video Kompilation 4 (1989)
The fourth installment of Kerrang's Video Kompilation series, featuring: Black Sabbath - The Headless Cross, Little Angels - She's A Little Angel, Onslaught - Let There Be Rock, Yngwie Malmsteen - Heaven Tonight, Gary Moore - Ready For Love, Saraya - Love Has Taken Its Toll, The Quireboys - There She Goes Again, Cinderella - The Last Mile, T.N.T. - Tonight I'm Falling, Helloween - I Want Out, The Dogs D'Amour - How Comes It Never Rains, The Grip - Teenage Bride, Kingdom Come - Do You Like It?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Kerrang! Video Kompilation 5 (1990)
The fifth and final installment of Kerrang's Video Kompilation series, featuring: Bruce Dickinson - Dive! Dive! Dive!, Thunder - She's So Fine, Whitesnake - Now You're Gone, Megadeth - Holy Wars.....The Punishment Due, Dread Zeppelin - Heartbreaker, Vain - Who's Watching You?, The Electric Boys - All Lips And...Hips, No Sweat - Heart And Soul, Faith No More - Epic, Little Angels - She's A Little Angel, Slaughter - Up All Night, Vixen - Love Is A Killer, Magnum - Rockin' Chair
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Whitesnake: Live At Donington 1983 (1983)
British rock legends Whitesnake, recorded live at the Monsters Of Rock Festival, Donington Park on August 20th 1983. Featuring: Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues, Rough N`Ready, Ready An` Willing, Guilty Of Love, Here I Go Again, Love Hunter, Mistreated, Soldier Of Fortune, Ain`t No Love In The Heart Of The City, Fool For Your Loving
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Kerrang! Video Kompilation 1 (1985)
The first installment of Kerrang's Video Kompilation series, featuring: Iron Maiden – Aces High, Whitesnake – Slow An' Easy, Helix – Gimme Gimme Good Lovin', Wendy O. Williams – It's My Life, Warrior - Fighting for the Earth, Marillion – He Knows You Know, Motörhead – Killed by Death, Scorpions – Rock You Like a Hurricane, Mama's Boys – Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Robin George – Heartline, Twisted Sister – We're Not Gonna Take It, Gary Moore – Shapes of Things, W.A.S.P. – Love Machine, Queensrÿche – Queen of the Reich, Armored Saint – Can U Deliver, Madam X – High in High School, Alcatrazz – God Blessed Video, Bon Jovi – Runaway, Triumph – Follow Your Heart, Kiss – Heaven's on Fire
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Earth, Wind & Fire (2004)
One of the hottest R&B groups of all time, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire in concert define excitement. Captured live on their remarkable 1994 sell-out tour of Japan, this performance showcases the band's distinctive style and raw energy and marks Maurice White's last taped appearance with the group in concert. Always dynamite on stage with their unmistakable sound and electrifying showmanship, Earth, Wind & Fire combine all the greatest elements of rock and soul! 1. September 2. Let Your Feelings Show 3. Let's Groove 4. Runnin' 5. Boogie Wonderland 6. Can't Hide Love 7. Fantasy 8. Kalimba Interlude 9. Evil 10. Shining Star 11. Keep Your Head To The Sky 12. Reasons 13. Sing A Song 14. That's The Way Of The World 15. Wouldn't Change A Thing About You 16. After The Love Is Gone 17. System Of Survival
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Beach Boys - California Surfin (2004)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Our Mother's House (1967)
Seven children bury their mother and hide her death - until their long-lost father returns.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlondie : Greatest Hits - Sound & Vision (2005)
1. In the Flesh - 2. X Offender - 3. Denis – 4. Detroit 442 – 5. (I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear - 6 . Picture This - 7 . Hanging on the Telephone - 8. Heart of Glass - 9. Dreaming - 10. The Hardest Part - 11. Union City Blue - 12. Atomic - 13. The Tide Is High - 14. Rapture - 15. Island of Lost Souls - 16. Maria - 17. Good Boys
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
B. Monkey (1999)
When wistful introvert Alan Furnace meets quick-witted bombshell Beatrice, he has no idea of her secret life as "B. Monkey" -- the top thief-for-hire in London's criminal underworld. Charmed by Furnace's innocent and chivalrous ways, Beatrice resolves to reform. But to cash in on her first chance at real love, she must escape her former partner in crime, the ruthless Paul Neville -- and a dark past that seems to haunt her every step.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisWhat a Girl Wants (2003)
American Daphne Reynolds heads to Europe in search of the father she's never met. But instead of finding a British version of her boho mother, she learns the love of her mom's life is an uptight politician. The only problem now is that her long-lost father is engaged to a fiercely territorial social climber with a daughter who makes Daphne's life miserable.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Years after his father disowns his adopted brother for marrying a woman of lower social standing, a young man goes on a mission to reunite his family.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Ragman's Daughter (1972)
Based on the Alan Sillitoe short story. The film tells the story of the ill-fated love between Tony, a petty thief from a working-class family, and Doris, the daughter of an upwardly mobile scrap dealer.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Best of Siouxsie & The Banshees (2002)
Career-spanning retrospective of Siouxsie & The Banshees' video output
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Never Mind the Wall (2001)
Germany 1982: The country is divided into two parts. Nele, coming from West-Germany, travels to East-Germany where she meets Captain, singer of a band. They fall in love with each other, but the regime "takes care" of their relationship, meaning: They can not see each other again. Germany 1990: The country is reunited. Nele starts searching their lost love...
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Art as a Weapon (2014)
Street art, creativity and revolution collide in this beautifully shot film about art’s ability to create change. The story opens on the politically charged Thailand/Burma border at the first school teaching street art as a form of non-violent struggle. The film follows two young girls (Romi & Yi-Yi) who have escaped 50 years of civil war in Burma to pursue an arts education in Thailand. Under the threat of imprisonment and torture, the girls use spray paint and stencils to create images in public spaces to let people know the truth behind Burma's transition toward "artificial democracy." Eighty-two hundred miles away, artist Shepard Fairey is painting a 30’ mural of a Burmese monk for the same reasons and in support of the students' struggle in Burma. As these stories are inter-cut, the film connects these seemingly unrelated characters around the concept of using art as a weapon for change.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
My travels London through my eyes (TBA)
This is Part 2 of the My travels short documentary films by Jana Angelova. Exploring the history, architecture and interesting facts about the city of London.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Rude Boy?
The closest matches to Rude Boy are The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), Hated: GG Allin and The Murder Junkies (1993) and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018). Below are 25 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Rude Boy?
Start with The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), the closest match to Rude Boy.
What is the highest-rated movie like Rude Boy?
The Elephant Man (1980), rated 8.0/10 by 4,125 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Rude Boy?
Milli Vanilli (2023) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Rude Boy?
Yes: The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), Hated: GG Allin and The Murder Junkies (1993) and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018).
How are movies similar to Rude Boy chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Rude Boy, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.