Movies like Lightning (1989)
The best movies like Lightning (1989) are The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) and The Onion Movie (2008). If Lightning hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCoyote vs. Acme (2026)8.2/10 from 1,457 votes
- NewestCoyote vs. Acme (2026)Released 2026
The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
A series of loosely connected skits that spoof news programs, commercials, porno films, kung-fu films, disaster films, blaxploitation films, spy films, mafia films, and the fear that somebody is watching you on the other side of the TV.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPinocchio: Unstrung (2026)
Influenced by a sinister Cricket and created by Geppetto, Pinocchio launches a violent crusade to carve himself into a real boy like his brother James, one piece at a time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Onion Movie (2008)
Venerable newscaster Norm Archer reports the latest news in politics, health, culture and entertainment - such as an automotive recall of decapitation-inducing "Neckbelts" and a study finding that "depression hits losers hardest". This compilation of bogus news stories, celebrity profiles, movie trailers and skits come courtesy of the ace satirists at The Onion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCoyote vs. Acme (2026)
After Acme products fail him one too many times in his dogged pursuit of the Roadrunner, Wile E. Coyote decides to hire a billboard lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThank You for Smoking (2005)
Nick Naylor is a charismatic spin-doctor for Big Tobacco who'll fight to protect America's right to smoke -- even if it kills him -- while still remaining a role model for his 12-year old son. When he incurs the wrath of a senator bent on snuffing out cigarettes, Nick's powers of "filtering the truth" will be put to the test.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBurrow (2020)
A young rabbit embarks on a journey to dig the burrow of her dreams, despite not having a clue what she's doing. Rather than reveal to her neighbors her imperfections, she digs herself deeper and deeper into trouble. After hitting (bed)rock bottom, she learns there is no shame in asking for help.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPinocchio (1940)
When the gentle woodcarver Geppetto builds a marionette to be his substitute son, a benevolent fairy brings the toy to life. The puppet, named Pinocchio, is not yet a human boy. He must earn the right to be real by proving that he is brave, truthful, and unselfish.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTom and Jerry: Spy Quest (2015)
Two groups of classic cartoon characters come together in this fun-filled crossover with the popular action-adventure series Jonny Quest. Fans of all ages won't want to miss this heart-stopping romp as Tom and Jerry join Jonny Quest and his pal Hadji and embark on a dangerous spy mission in order to save the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Amazing Maurice (2022)
Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of self-taught talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents meet a bookworm called Malicia, their little con soon goes down the drain.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTom and Jerry: The Movie (1992)
The popular cartoon cat and mouse are thrown into a feature film. The story has the twosome trying to help an orphan girl who is being berated and exploited by a greedy guardian.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAm I Racist? (2024)
Matt Walsh goes deep undercover in the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prepare to be shocked by how far race hustlers will go and how much further Matt Walsh will go to expose the grift, uncovering absurdities that will leave you laughing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChicken Little (1943)
It's a peaceful day at the local poultry farm until Foxy Loxy happens along intent on a chicken dinner. He takes the advice of a book on psychology by striking "the least intelligent" first and convinces dim witted Chicken Little the sky is falling. Chicken Little spreads the word but when head man Cocky Locky proves the story to be false, Foxy Loxy spreads rumors that Cocky Locky isn't the smart chicken he appears to be, which leads to the ultimate undoing of the chickens at the hands of Foxy Loxy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSnoopy, Come Home (1972)
Snoopy receives a letter from a mysterious hospitalized girl named Lila. Alongside his bird friend Woodstock, Snoopy sets off on a cross-country journey to visit her, constantly facing strict "No Dogs Allowed" obstacles along the way. When it is revealed that Lila is actually Snoopy's original owner, the loyal hound faces a heartbreaking dilemma: stay with Charlie Brown or return to Lila.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry (2005)
After being evicted from their old house by Tom's owner for causing major damage, cat and mouse Tom and Jerry enter a race entitled the "Fabulous Super Race" to win a mansion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRecess: All Growed Down (2003)
T.J. and The Recess Gang are kidnapped by the Third Street School's kindergartners, who are in turn being bullied by a new kid in their class.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDennis the Menace (1993)
Mr. Wilson's ever-present annoyance comes in the form of one mischievous kid named Dennis. But he'll need Dennis's tricks to uncover a collection of gold coins that go missing when a shady drifter named Switchblade Sam comes to town.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
Bumbling lieutenant Frank Drebin is out to foil the big boys in the energy industry, who intend to suppress technology that will put them out of business.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Fox and the Hound 2 (2006)
Best friends Tod, a fox kit, and Copper, a hound puppy, visit a country fair when they see a band of dogs called "The Singin' Strays". The band has five members: Dixie, Cash, Granny Rose, and twin brothers Waylon and Floyd. It is important that they perform well because a talent scout is visiting.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarney's Version (2010)
The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIn the Loop (2009)
The US President and the UK Prime Minister are planning on launching a war in the Middle East, but—behind the scenes—government officials and advisers are either promoting the war or are trying to prevent it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like this
Like Lightning and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Lightning?
The closest matches to Lightning are The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) and The Onion Movie (2008). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Lightning?
Start with The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), the closest match to Lightning.
What is the highest-rated movie like Lightning?
Coyote vs. Acme (2026), rated 8.2/10 by 1,457 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Lightning?
Coyote vs. Acme (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Lightning chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Lightning, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.