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Movies like Death Metal: A Documentary (2003)

The best movies like Death Metal: A Documentary (2003) are Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) and Until the Light Takes Us (2008). If Death Metal: A Documentary 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

  1. Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026)

    With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

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

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  2. Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)

    Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  3. Until the Light Takes Us (2008)

    Chronicles the history, ideology and aesthetic of Norwegian black metal, a musical subculture infamous as much for a series of murders and church arsons as it is for its unique musical and visual aesthetics. This is the first film to truly shed light on a movement that has heretofore been shrouded by rumor and obscured by inaccurate and shallow depictions. Featuring exclusive interviews with the musicians themselves, Until the Light Takes Us explores every aspect of the controversial movement that has captured the attention of the world.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  4. Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)

    After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.

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

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  5. Justin Bieber's Believe (2013)

    A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  6. Hated: 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 this
  7. 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 this
  8. End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)

    A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  9. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005)

    The film discusses the traits and originators of some of metal's many subgenres, including the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, power metal, Nu metal, glam metal, thrash metal, black metal, and death metal. Dunn uses a family-tree-type flowchart to document some of the most popular metal subgenres. The film also explores various aspects of heavy metal culture.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  10. Rolling 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 this
  11. The Stone Roses: Made of Stone (2013)

    A documentary about the English alternative rock band, The Stone Roses. Meadows interweaves archive film, intimate behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen material, delivering the definitive account of the band and their music. He was also granted unprecedented access to their rehearsals for the summer 2012 Manchester concerts. A momentous occasion in modern music, these were the first gigs performed by The Stone Roses in 16 years.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  12. The Beach Boys (2024)

    A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  13. The Who: The Kids Are Alright (1979)

    Through concert performances and interviews, this film offers us a comprehensive look at the British pioneer rock group, The Who. It captures their zany craziness and outrageous antics from the initial formation of the group in 1964 to 1978. It notably features the band's last performance with long-term drummer Keith Moon, filmed at Shepperton Studios in May 1978, three months before his death.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. Western Stars (2019)

    The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. 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 & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  16. 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 & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  17. 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

    Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. The Last Waltz (1978)

    Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other rock legends.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  19. Michael 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 this
  20. The Velvet Underground (2021)

    Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  21. Gorefest: La Muerte (2005)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  22. Death Metal Murders (2005)

    Murder, rape, satanism and necrophilia is the staple diet of millions of teenagers who listen to the lyrics of extreme heavy metal music. This World investigates the potential links between "death metal" and a series of gruesome crimes around the world. In Italy a group of young death metal fans formed a satanic cult called the Beasts of Satan. At least four gruesome killings resulted. But death metal musicians deny that they have any responsibility for the actions of people who profess to be their fans. With exclusive access to the families, one of the killers and graphic police footage, the film tells the inside story for the first time. We hear from the musicians, the children and the parents from Oslo to California and ask just how far can music go in its ability to shock, and just how damaging might it be?

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  23. Cannibal Corpse: Live Cannibalism (2000)

    Live show filmed during the Death Metal Massacre tour on February 16, 2000 at the Rave in Milwaukee, WI. One of the most extreme heavy metal bands ever, Cannibal Corpse acknowledge no boundaries of speed, power, or "good taste" in this full-on concert video. Cannibal Corpse: Live Cannibalism features interviews with the members of the band and their loyal fans in between numbers, in which they tear through a range of classic tunes.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  24. Opeth: The Making Of Blackwater Park (2010)

    Studio documentary about the making of the 2001 album 'Blackwater Park'.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  25. BLOOD INCANTATION - All Gates Open: In Search of Absolute Elsewhere (2026)

    The film tells the story of Blood Incantation’s time in Berlin during the summer of 2023, recording “Absolute Elsewhere” at the legendary Hansa Studios.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  26. Hard 'N' Heavy: Grindcore (1991)

    Performances are bookended by interviews by the respective bands and Earache's Digby Pearson. 01. Napalm Death - If The Truth Be Known/Suffer The Children 02. Morbid Angel - Immortal Rites 03. Nocturnus - Lake of Fire 04. Paradise Lost - Dead Emotion 05. Prophecy of Doom - Rage Against Time 06. Godflesh - Christ Bait Rising 07. Cerebral Fix - Unity For Who/Enter The Turmoil 08. Sonic Violence - Manic 09. Bolt Thrower - Cenotaph 10. Vengeance Rising - Before The Time 11. Entombed - Left Hand Path 12. Carcass - Reek of Putrefaction

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  27. Extol: Of Light and Shade (2014)

    A documentary about the Norwegian Christian death metal band Extol.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  28. The Black Dahlia Murder: Yule em All! (2020)

    Detroit's Kings of the Underworld, The Black Dahlia Murder, present their "Yule 'Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza" program hosted by Neil Hamburger (Comedian, Actor). This feel-good metal holiday special contains live performances of 16 beloved tracks from the band's extensive catalog, original comedy skits featuring band members, and a special appearance by George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)! Raise your glass of eggnog and prepare to toast to the season's finest offering of Yuletide joy and laughter.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  29. Monstrosity - Live Apocalypse (2012)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  30. Babymetal: Live Legend I, D, Z Apocalypse (2012)

    LIVE ~LEGEND I、D、Z APOCALYPSE~ is the first video album by Japanese heavy metal band Babymetal. The album contains live footage of three shows, entitled Legend "I", Legend "D", and Legend "Z", respectively (spelling out the initials of "Ijime, Dame, Zettai"), performed in Tokyo from late 2012 to early 2013.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Death Metal: A Documentary?

The closest matches to Death Metal: A Documentary are Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) and Until the Light Takes Us (2008). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Death Metal: A Documentary?

Start with Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), the closest match to Death Metal: A Documentary.

What is the highest-rated movie like Death Metal: A Documentary?

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Death Metal: A Documentary?

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like Death Metal: A Documentary?

Yes: Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) and Until the Light Takes Us (2008).

How are movies similar to Death Metal: A Documentary chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Death Metal: A Documentary, 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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