Movies like The Work of Director Spike Jonze (2003)
The best movies like The Work of Director Spike Jonze (2003) are Live Aid (1985), Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) and Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011). If The Work of Director Spike Jonze hooked you with its documentary and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBillie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)8.2/10 from 353 votes
- NewestReflection, Improvisation (2026)Released 2026
Live Aid (1985)
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019)
Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, this film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMichael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011)
See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, his nephew Jaafar Jackson and niece Tahkyah brings plenty Jackson and Friends ends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and his 3 children and many more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Sparks Brothers (2021)
Take a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers Ron & Russell Mael, celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band’s favorite band.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRoger Waters: The Wall (2014)
A concert film that the former Pink Floyd singer-songwriter made on various tour dates between 2010 and 2013, when he was playing his former group's 1980 double-album in its entirety.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMoonage Daydream (2022)
A cinematic odyssey featuring never-before-seen footage exploring David Bowie's creative and musical journey.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThat's Entertainment, Part II (1976)
Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire present more golden moments from the MGM film library, this time including comedy and drama as well as classic musical numbers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarley (2012)
Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. Directed by Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), MARLEY is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpringsteen on Broadway (2018)
Bruce Springsteen shares personal stories from his life and acoustic versions of some of his best-known songs in an intimate one-man show.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWe Are Twisted Fucking Sister! (2016)
In 1984, American heavy metal band Twisted Sister became a global sensation. For 30 years, they been synonymous with hairspray, women's clothing and tasteless album covers. Until now. Ten years ago, director Andrew Horn was granted access to the archives of Twisted Sister founder Jay French and he explores the decade that preceded their breakthrough.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)
A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThat's Entertainment! (1974)
Various MGM stars from yesterday present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50 year history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBillie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)
This documentary offers a deeply intimate look at extraordinary teenager Billie Eilish. Award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler follows her journey on the road, onstage, and at home with her family as the writing and recording of her debut album changes her life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMetallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRite Here Rite Now (2024)
Whether you’re a devoted disciple looking to relive treasured memories of the GHOST live spectacle or among the curious uninitiated, RITE HERE RITE NOW will put you right there: putting your phones down and living in the moment—as a shadow of uncertainty looms—completely spellbound and in the thrall of this bombastic yet intimate cinematic portrait of GHOST.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisNo Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (2013)
A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like this42 Up (1999)
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAbove Majestic (2018)
A look at the origins, history and conspiracies behind the "Majestic 12", a clandestine group of military and corporate figureheads charged with reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this28 Up (1985)
Just two years away from turning 30, participants in Michael Apted's documentary series are facing serious questions of identity and purpose, wondering whether they've found their place in the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRainald Grebe: Der Tod im Leben. Unheilbar krank zum größten Auftritt (2025)
After suffering a stroke during a performance, cabaret artist Rainald Grebe faces up to his illness. A touching documentary about his return to the stage.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Reflection, Improvisation (2026)
A perspective and reflection on the work of Gabriel Ferrandini.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Ni Por Mil Puñados De Oro (2022)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Ian Dury: On My Life! (1999)
Autobiographical documentary in which Ian Dury, fighting a battle with cancer to which he would later succumb, recalls his life and career. With contributions from painter Peter Blake and members of Dury's band, the Blockheads.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Ian Dury and the Blockheads: Live at Luton (1999)
In one of his last gigs, Ian Dury performs in concert with The Blockheads at Venue 27 in Luton. Hits include Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3, Mash It Up Harry and Bus Drivers' Prayer. First broadcast 28 March 2004
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
The Groove Under the Groove (2026)
An intimate look at the life and career of Paulinho da Costa, the most recorded percussionist in music history. The documentary explores his unique rhythmic language and his collaboration with legendary icons.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Une histoire de la musique d'ascenseur : de la Muzak au streaming (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Mandá in lunga (2025)
the film „mandà in lunga“ follows a journey from Val Poschiavo, a valley in the Italian-speaking part of the Swiss canton of Grisons, up to the highest point of the Morteratsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Bernina Range. Shot entirely on 16mm film and edited in-camera, the film captures the changing landscapes and atmospheric shifts along the way. The journey is musically accompanied by the organ drones and violin sounds of Laura and Luzius Schuler.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
The Four Seasons: A Music Film (2025)
The Australian Chamber Orchestra has always forged its own path. With Artistic Director and violinist Richard Tognetti at the helm, the ACO has been producing films for over a decade, from their award-winning collaborations with BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom (‘Mountain’, ‘River’) to their acclaimed series of cinematic music films, ‘ACO StudioCasts’. Directed by Matisse Ruby, ‘The Four Seasons’ film release is the latest from this ground-breaking, world-renowned ensemble. Arguably the most popular and recognisable piece of classical music ever written, this performance directed by Richard Tognetti, highlights the profound symbiosis between Vivaldi’s Venice and the Middle East. Interspersing Vivaldi’s masterpiece with music by Australian-Egyptian composer and Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawardros, the film honours Vivaldi’s classic while giving it new life. A must-see for music lovers and cinephiles alike.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Song for My Children (2022)
An elderly choir group brings back erased violent history by singing songs that were written in prison and have been silenced for more than 50 years.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Work of Director Spike Jonze?
The closest matches to The Work of Director Spike Jonze are Live Aid (1985), Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) and Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Work of Director Spike Jonze?
Start with Live Aid (1985), the closest match to The Work of Director Spike Jonze.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Work of Director Spike Jonze?
Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021), rated 8.2/10 by 353 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Work of Director Spike Jonze?
Reflection, Improvisation (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Work of Director Spike Jonze?
Yes: Live Aid (1985), Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) and Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011).
How are movies similar to The Work of Director Spike Jonze chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Work of Director Spike Jonze, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.