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Movies like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America (2008)

The best movies like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America (2008) are Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021) and Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019). If The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America 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. 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
  2. Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)

    Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. 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
  4. Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly (2019)

    While crafting his Grammy-nominated album "Astroworld," Travis Scott juggles controversy, fatherhood and career highs in this intimate documentary.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  5. 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
  6. Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012)

    SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP is a feature length performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Rap music. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is the film's director and interviewer Ice-T. Taking us on a deeply personal journey Ice-T uncovers how this music of the street has grown to dominate the world. Along the way Ice-T meets a whole spectrum of Hip-Hop talent, from founders, to new faces, to the global superstars like Eminem, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kanye West. He exposes the roots and history of Rap and then, through meeting many of its most famous protagonists, studies the living mechanism of the music to reveal 'The Art Of Rap'. This extraordinary film features unique performances from the entire cast, without resorting to archive material, to build a fresh and surprising take on the phenomenon that is Rap.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  7. Joy Division (2009)

    A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  8. 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
  9. Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)

    A portrait of Keith Richards that takes us on a journey to discover the genesis of his sound as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  10. Bad Reputation (2018)

    The life and career of rock n' roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles "I Love Rock n Roll," and "Bad Reputation" Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  11. Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)

    A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.

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

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  12. I Called Him Morgan (2016)

    Part jazz history, part true-crime tale, Kasper Collin’s new documentary employs extensive archival footage and new interviews to tell the tragic story of the magnificently talented trumpeter Lee Morgan and his common-law wife Helen, who murdered him in a New York bar in 1972.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  13. Chasing Happiness (2019)

    From humble roots as pastor's sons in New Jersey, through their meteoric rise to fame, the Jonas Brothers' bond was unshakeable-until a surprising and painful breakup led Joe, Kevin and Nick down very different paths. With deeply personal interviews, previously unreleased footage and exclusive music, this is the Jonas Brothers as never seen before.

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

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  14. Halftime (2022)

    Global superstar Jennifer Lopez reflects on her multifaceted career and the pressure of life in the spotlight in this intimate documentary.

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

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  15. Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now (2023)

    An intimate, all-access documentary that will chronicle Lewis Capaldi's journey from a scrappy teen with a viral performance to a Grammy-nominated pop star.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  16. 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
  17. Let It Be (1970)

    A documentary chronicling the Beatles' rehearsal sessions in January 1969 for their proposed "back to basics" album, "Get Back," later re-envisioned and released as "Let It Be."

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Roger Waters: Us + Them (2019)

    Filmed in Amsterdam on the European leg of his 2017 – 2018 Us + Them tour which saw Waters perform to over two million people worldwide, the film features songs from his legendary Pink Floyd albums (The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Animals, Wish You Were Here) and from his last album, Is This The Life We Really Want?

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  19. Prince: Sign 'o' the Times (1987)

    In 1987, to capitalize on his growing success in Europe, Prince toured extensively to promote the album of the same name and sales increased accordingly. However, the United States remained resistant to his latest album, and sales began to drop; it was at this point that Prince decided to film a live concert promoting the new material, for eventual distribution to theaters in America. Featuring the band that accompanied Prince on his 1987 Sign o' the Times Tour, including dancer Cat Glover, keyboardist Boni Boyer, bassist Levi Seacer, Jr., guitarist Miko Weaver, drummer Sheila E. and former member of The Revolution keyboardist Dr. Fink, the film sees the group perform live on stage (although "U Got the Look" is represented by its promotional music video).

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. Gorillaz: Reject False Icons (2019)

    Focused on the life of the band and their collaborators over the 3 vital years in which they developed critically acclaimed albums, 'Humanz' and 'The Now Now', and undertook their most ambitious world tour to date.

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

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  21. Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All (2024)

    An intimate look into the lives of one of the most iconic folk-rock bands in America - the Indigo Girls. With never-before-seen archival and intimate vérité the film dives into the songwriting and storytelling of the music that transformed a generation.

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

  22. Do You Believe in Magic: The Music of John Sebastian & The Lovin' Spoonful (2007)

    Pop sensations the Lovin' Spoonful perform their biggest hits in this collection of television appearances from the 1960s and '70s. Lead singer and songwriter John Sebastian discusses the band, their music and their legacy. Songs include "Summer in the City," "She's Still a Mystery," "Nashville Cats," the hit theme to the sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?" and "Do You Believe in Magic?"

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

  23. The Weavers: Wasn't That a Time (1982)

    Documentary about the blacklisted folk group The Weavers, and the events leading up to their triumphant return to Carnegie Hall.

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

  24. The Songpoet (2021)

    Eric Andersen is widely regarded as one of the most poetic songwriters that sprang from the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s. His artful mélange of love, despair, hope and stirred memory has earned him a passionate international following and the respect and admiration of artists ranging from Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen to Lou Reed and Wyclef Jean. The Songpoet offers a look into the mind, soul and creative process of this multifaceted, complex and singularly driven artist whose career saw great expectations waylaid by misfortune.

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

  25. Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound (2009)

    Following folk musician Joan Baez on her extensive 2008-2009 tour, this film commemorates her career, which has spanned five decades. It includes concert and archival footage as well as interviews with such disparate colleagues, friends and admirers as Bob Dylan, Jesse Jackson and David Crosby. In addition to the music, it also touchs upon Baez's long history of global social activism.

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

  26. Neil Young: Don't Be Denied (2009)

    This television special is a first for the reclusive singer with the BBC documentary gaining new interviews with Young, nine months apart in New York and California. The documentary also looks back over the singer's archives, with some never-seen-before material.

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

  27. The Three Pickers (2003)

    For one historic evening, American music legends Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Ricky Skaggs joined forces as The Three Pickers, to film a concert for public television. The music they made before a North Carolina audience is as relaxed as a front porch picking session. Informed by the skill and good humor of the three master musicians who contributed so much to the creation and evolution of bluegrass music. With special guest Alison Krauss.

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

  28. Ingebjørg Bratland og KORK – Live i marka (2024)

    The popular singer and folk musician Ingebjørg Bratland performs her music on the Frognerseteren Amfi in Oslo, August 11th 2023.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  29. Steve Goodman: Live from Austin City Limits... and More (2003)

    This program collects a number of the late singer/songwriter Steve Goodman's appearances on the classic AUSTIN CITY LIMITS television series. Probably best known for his song "City of New Orleans", Goodman's catalog of songs have earned him a large cult of fans, including luminaries such as John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, and Arlo Guthrie, all of whom appear here, talking about Goodman and his music. Containing a wealth of live material along with rare interview footage, this program is an excellent retrospective of a great career.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  30. Boomerang (2025)

    Boomerang is a short film set in a post-collapse Berlin 50 years into the future: Raven finds an old diary from a 2020s pro Palestine activist and gets inspired to try some of its "recipes for disaster". Shot in an ASMR-style this experimental film is filled with sneaky folk songs leading Raven to turn their sadness into rage, and their rage into action. It's an attempt at making a piece of agit prop directed at passive "allies" and liberals who are too busy protecting their cushy lives, to realise their inactivity is making them complicit. It’s a film about the process of changing your mind, about what you’re gonna do, when presented with new information.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

Like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America?

The closest matches to The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America are Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021) and Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America?

Start with Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), the closest match to The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America.

What is the highest-rated movie like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America?

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

What is the newest movie like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America?

Boomerang (2025) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America?

Yes: Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021) and Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019).

How are movies similar to The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Folk Singer: A Tale of Men, Music & America, 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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