Movies like Release the Bats (2005)
The best movies like Release the Bats (2005) are The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle (1980), Jonas Brothers Family Roast (2021) and Windy City Heat (2003). If Release the Bats hooked you with its documentary and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedJackass: Best and Last (2026)7.3/10 from 296 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle (1980)
A rather incoherent post-breakup Sex Pistols "documentary", told from the point of view of Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, whose (arguable) position is that the Sex Pistols in particular and punk rock in general were an elaborate scam perpetrated by him in order to make "a million pounds."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJonas Brothers Family Roast (2021)
Kevin, Joe and Nick face down quick wits and deep cuts in this comedy special featuring Pete Davidson, John Legend and more. Hosted by Kenan Thompson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWindy City Heat (2003)
A man caught up in the glamor of being a Hollywood celebrity has no idea that the production he's in is a fake.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTropic Thunder: Rain of Madness (2008)
A behind-the-scenes mockumentary of Tropic Thunder.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJackass: Best and Last (2026)
The fifth and final installment to Jackass franchise where the crew go on one last insane crusade.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNitro Circus: The Movie (2012)
You will see Travis Pastrana and the whole Nitro Circus crew perform some of the most ridiculous, awe-inspiring, and simply insane stunts ever caught on camera. Coming to you in three dimensional glory, it will feel like you are there sitting shotgun with the crew.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmerican Pie: Revealed (2004)
Documentary about the making of American Pie (1999), American Pie 2 (2001) and American Wedding (2003).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJackass: The Movie (2002)
Johnny Knoxville and his band of maniacs perform a variety of stunts and gross-out gags on the big screen for the first time. They wander around Japan in panda outfits, wreak havoc on a once civilized golf course, they even do stunts involving LIVE alligators, and so on.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJustin 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 thisJonas Brothers: The Concert Experience (2009)
Grab a backstage pass to the Jonas Brothers' motion picture debut! Kevin, Joe and Nick are "Burning Up" the stage and inviting you inside their personal world for the adventure of a lifetime. This colossal movie event launches the world's hottest band straight into your living room – and includes guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift! Secure your VIP pass to a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Jonas Brothers. Get ready to hang out with this multitalented trio, and take an intimate look at what their lives are like offstage and behind the scenes. It's the music-filled movie event perfect for the whole family!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOasis: 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 thisSomething 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 thisEnd 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 thisThe 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 thisBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWestern 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 thisJackass 3D (2010)
Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Wee Man and the rest of their fearless and foolhardy friends take part in another round of outrageous pranks and stunts. In addition to standing in the path of a charging bull, launching themselves into the air and crashing through various objects, the guys perform in segments such as "Sweatsuit Cocktail," "Beehive Tetherball" and "Lamborghini Tooth Pull."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJackass Number Two (2006)
Jackass Number Two is a compilation of various stunts, pranks and skits, and essentially has no plot. Chris Pontius, Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Bam Margera, and the whole crew return to the screen to raise the stakes higher than ever before.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJackass Presents: Bad Grandpa .5 (2014)
Bad Grandpa .5 gives you a whole new perspective on the world of Irving Zisman with bonus scenes and pranks also featuring Spike Jonze as "Gloria" and Catherine Keener as Irving's wife "Ellie", plus a look at the evolution of Johnny Knoxville's naughty alter-ego, the makeup effects, and a behind-the-scenes peek at the idiocy it takes to make a hidden camera movie in public.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIron 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 thisBTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E DVD (2021)
BTS' concert "MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" was held on October 10 & October 11 in 2020 at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena and was streamed online through Weverse. The DVD consists of 3 discs, which include performances from both the days as well as behind-the-scenes content.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Julie (1972)
Writer/director Blake Edwards chronicles his wife Julie Andrews' decision to star in a TV variety show while balancing her home and family life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Vaundy LIVE in London (2024)
As a representative musician of the Reiwa era, Vaundy presents a brand new, original live concert footage recorded at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Royal Naval College in London, UK. This building, adorned with magnificent murals that took 19 years to complete, provided Vaundy with creative inspiration through its unique historical and aesthetic atmosphere. The film also includes precious, previously unreleased behind-the-scenes documentaries showcasing his daily life, creative process, and interviews. It allows the audience to feel his dedication to every single note and his immense talent. Vaundy, who continuously pushes his own boundaries, invites you to immerse yourself in this London music experience.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles (2003)
Twenty-three years after the release of the original Beatles mockumentary, 'The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash', famous artists, actors and musicians speak out on how The Rutles influenced them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & music
The Beatles: The Making of Sgt. Pepper (1992)
This was an official documentary shown on television featuring George Martin taking us through the album tracks and Paul, George and Ringo giving us their memories of the sessions. The Making Of Sgt. Pepper was transmitted in the UK on ITV on 14th June 1992 and featured separate interviews with Paul (filmed on 9th April 1992), George (12th April) and Ringo (19th April). The show also features George Martin playing some unreleased Sgt. Pepper's recordings directly off the original studio 4-track master tapes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
I Had Bad Milk in Dehradun (2017)
Short documentary about the making of Twin Peaks: The Return.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Tell It Martin (2017)
Short documentary about the making of Twin Peaks: The Return.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Number of Completion (2017)
Short documentary about Twin Peaks: The Return.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
See You on the Other Side Dear Friend (2017)
Short documentary about Twin Peaks: The Return.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers (2017)
Documentary about Twin Peaks: The Return.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Release the Bats?
The closest matches to Release the Bats are The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle (1980), Jonas Brothers Family Roast (2021) and Windy City Heat (2003). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Release the Bats?
Start with The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle (1980), the closest match to Release the Bats.
What is the highest-rated movie like Release the Bats?
Jackass: Best and Last (2026), rated 7.3/10 by 296 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Release the Bats?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Release the Bats?
Yes: The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle (1980), Jonas Brothers Family Roast (2021) and Windy City Heat (2003).
How are movies similar to Release the Bats chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Release the Bats, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.