Movies like Zen and Zero (2006)
The best movies like Zen and Zero (2006) are Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004), The Art of Flight (2011) and David Bowie: Five Years (2013). If Zen and Zero hooked you with its action and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDeliver Us from Evil (2006)7.2/10 from 215 votes
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004)
A comprehensive 12-part documentary on the making of "Spider-Man 2," covering everything from pre-production to premiere.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Art of Flight (2011)
Iconic snowboarder Travis Rice and friends redefine what is possible in the mountains. Experience the highs, as new tricks are landed and new zones opened, alongside the lows, where avalanches, accidents, and wrong-turns strike.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDavid Bowie: Five Years (2013)
Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in Berlin with the critically acclaimed album Heroes, his triumph with Scary Monsters and his global success with Let’s Dance. With interviews with all his closest collaborators, David Bowie - Five Years presents a unique account of why Bowie has become an ‘icon of our times’.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMaidentrip (2014)
14-year-old Laura Dekker sets out on a two-year voyage in pursuit of her dream to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)
In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHarmontown (2014)
A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Toxic Love Story (2026)
A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDeliver Us from Evil (2006)
Documentary filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O'Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. Victims' stories and a disturbing interview with O'Grady offer a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining trust ... all the while betraying so many.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRiding Giants (2004)
Riding Giants is story about big wave surfers who have become heroes and legends in their sport. Directed by the skateboard guru Stacy Peralta.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAtlantis Rising (2017)
James Cameron and Simcha Jacobovici go on an adventure to find the lost city of Atlantis by using Greek philosopher Plato as a virtual treasure map.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMarvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye (2022)
Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisVoyeur (2017)
Legendary journalist Gay Talese unmasks a motel owner who spied on his guests for decades. But his bombshell story soon becomes a scandal of its own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisFather Soldier Son (2020)
When Sgt. First Class Brian Eisch is critically wounded in Afghanistan, it sets him and his sons on a journey of love, loss, redemption and legacy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGilbert (2017)
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Last Repair Shop (2024)
In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Class of ‘92 (2013)
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
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 thisBillabong Odyssey (2003)
Action sports documentary that follows the industry's best big wave surfers as they travel the world searching for the largest waves that nature has to offer.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action & documentary
Sea Fever (2009)
Filmed over the course of two years to capture the mood of Irish surfing throughout the seasons. "Sea Fever" is an insight film into the surf culture developed in Ireland over the last 40 years. With dramatic footage from Ireland's giant wave Aileen's (Aill na Searrach) at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and close-up interviews with the troubadour surfers that brave these 40-50-foot waves to Kevin Cavey and the early pioneers of the 1960s and 1970s with their rudimentary equipment and spirit of adventure, "Sea Fever" sets out to capture the character and craic of Irish surfing. "Sea Fever" features John McCarthy, Mickey Smith, Sam Lamiroy, Mole Joel, Easkey Britton, Kevin Cavey, and Rod "dolphin man" Bennett.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Point of Change (2024)
An island community was dramatically changed forever by the discovery of the perfect wave in the 1970’s. This film chronicles the first surfers to ‘discover' this point at Nias Island, Indonesia, and the unintended dramatic consequences that followed: devastating social and ecological repercussions for the people, and place. This is a compelling and dramatic documentary feature film told through a unique blend of previously unseen super 8 archive, contemporary interviews and beautiful animation
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hot Buttered Soul: The Movie (2008)
The story of a free surfing dream that started with the evolution of the single fin surfboard. Starring Terry Fitzgerald and his extended surfing family enjoying classic waves over three and a half decades. The development and designs of HB surfboards built in the 70's stand the test of time when three originals are pulled out of the bag and taken to modern day Jeffreys Bay. Thirty years later those same boards draw lines and find speed like the day they were first launched. Cape St Francis is bigger than ever filmed providing a finale for an epic adventure through time.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Pacific Vibrations (1970)
Psychedelic surfer documentary. Also see http://encyclopediaofsurfing.com/entries/drugs-and-surfing
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Waveriders (2008)
Previously untold story of the unlikely Irish roots of the worldwide surfing phenomenom
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Gabriel Medina (2020)
The personal and professional evolution of Gabriel Medina, a boy without the traditional surfer stereotype who became one of the biggest names in surfing and world sport.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Shaka (2018)
Showcasing breathtaking footage of mountains and waves around the world, Shaka follows snowboarding world champion and renowned athlete Mathieu Crepel as he faces the biggest challenge of his life: to surf the legendary waves of Jaws Beach, Hawaii.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Current: Explore the Healing Powers of the Ocean (2014)
The story of individuals from all walks of life that have faced incredible obstacles, found the drive to overcome their disabilities, and have through water sports become real everyday heroes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Being Captain Zero (2009)
This is a dynamic documentary about two 1970s era marijuana smugglers who were forced to separate when they got too successful. Nothing could prepare them for what they saw when they reunited 20 years later. Based on the best selling book 'In search of Captain Zero'. Shot in 3 countries with beautiful production value.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Zen and Zero?
The closest matches to Zen and Zero are Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004), The Art of Flight (2011) and David Bowie: Five Years (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Zen and Zero?
Start with Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004), the closest match to Zen and Zero.
What is the highest-rated movie like Zen and Zero?
Deliver Us from Evil (2006), rated 7.2/10 by 215 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Zen and Zero?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Zen and Zero?
Yes: Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004), The Art of Flight (2011) and David Bowie: Five Years (2013).
How are movies similar to Zen and Zero chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Zen and Zero, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.