Movies like R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged (1991)
The best movies like R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged (1991) are Western Stars (2019), David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) and OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022). If R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged hooked you with its music and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedAvicii: True Stories (2017)8.0/10 from 364 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
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 thisDavid Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
A filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022)
Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow Olivia along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAvicii: True Stories (2017)
Documentary about the arena-packing Swedish DJ, chronicling his explosive rise to fame and surprising decision to retire from live performances in 2016.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Up in Smoke Tour (2000)
The Up in Smoke Tour is a West Coast hip hop tour in 2000 featuring artists Ice Cube, Eminem, Proof, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, D12, MC Ren, Westside Connection, Mel-Man, Tha Eastsidaz, Doggy's Angels, Devin The Dude, Warren G, TQ, Truth Hurts and Xzibit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLive Aid (1985)
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 thisColdplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)
An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has endured through many highs and lows.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)
The story of the triumphs and hurdles of brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. The iconic trio, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs and have 20 No. 1 hits throughout their career, transcending more than five decades of changing tastes and styles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Beatles: Get Back - The Rooftop Concert (2022)
On the 30th of January, 1969, the Beatles performed an unannounced concert from the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters at Savile Row, within central London's office and fashion district. Experience the final and unforgettable iconic performance of The Beatles in a special 60-minute presentation, digitally remastered into the image and sound quality of IMAX DMR technology.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDaft Punk Unchained (2015)
Daft Punk Unchained is the first film about the pop culture phenomenon that is Daft Punk, the duo with 12 million albums sold worldwide and seven Grammy Awards. Throughout their career Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have always resisted compromise and the established codes of show business. They have remained determined to maintain control of every link in the chain of their creative process. In the era of globalisation and social networks, they rarely speak in public and neither do they show their faces on TV. This documentary explores this unprecedented cultural revolution revealing a duo of artists on a permanent quest for creativity, independence and freedom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisWe Are Twisted Fucking Sister! (2016)
In 1984, American heavy metal band Twisted Sister became a global sensation. For 30 years, they been synonymous with hairspray, women's clothing and tasteless album covers. Until now. Ten years ago, director Andrew Horn was granted access to the archives of Twisted Sister founder Jay French and he explores the decade that preceded their breakthrough.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisElvis on Tour (1972)
This documentary captures Elvis Presley on his 1972 American tour and includes rehearsals, interviews, archival television appearances and backstage moments. With Elvis at his most flamboyant, the film features well-known hits and cover songs showcasing his country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues influences.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAdele One Night Only (2021)
A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey from her rose garden, in Adele’s first televised wide-ranging conversation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020)
The cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” delivers an abundance of feel-good holiday cheer as they perform their favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s songs and share their fondest holiday memories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThriller 40 (2023)
Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLemmy (2010)
Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisPoison: MTV Unplugged (1990)
The consummate hard rock quartet of Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett and C.C. DeVille get back to basics with acoustic renditions of "Talk Dirty To Me" from their first album and "Look What The Cat Dragged In", "Your Mama Don't Dance" and "Every Rose Has A Thorn" from their second release plus "Open Up And Say ... Ahh!" and "Good Love," "Let It Play" and "Unskinny Bop" off their Flesh and Blood album. Recorded 11/19/90 at National Video - NYC. Set List: 1. Your Mama Don't Dance; 2. Good Love; 3. Every Rose Has Its Thorn; 4. Let It Play; 5. Poor Boy Blues; 6. Unskinny Bop; 7. Talk Dirty to Me
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
The Cranberries: MTV Unplugged (1995)
Since their 1993 debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, the Irish quartet, the Cranberries, have been captivating audiences with their unique sound. The band is comprised of frontwoman/lyricist Dolores O'Riordan, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Feargal Lawler. For their debut performance on "MTV Unplugged," The Cranberries performed material off their debut album and No Need To Argue. Recorded 14 February /95 at Brooklyn Academy of Music - Brooklyn, NY. Set List: 1. Dreaming My Dreams; 2. Ode to My Family; 3. Linger; 4. Free to Decide; 5. I'm Still Remembering; 6. Empty; 7. Zombie; 8. Yesterday's Gone; 9. No Need to Argue
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Acústico MTV: Zeca Pagodinho (2003)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Acústico MTV: Capital Inicial (2000)
Acústico MTV é o álbum acústico da banda brasileira Capital Inicial, lançado em formato CD e DVD. Ele faz parte da série Acústico MTV da emissora MTV Brasil. Foi lançado em 2000. O álbum fez grande sucesso e emplacou seis músicas nas paradas musicais (Tudo Que Vai, Primeiros Erros, Natasha, Cai a Noite, Independência e Fogo), consagrando o ressurgimento estrondoso da banda, que teve início no álbum Atrás dos Olhos, lançado em 1998. Os convidados especiais para esta performance foram: Kiko Zambianchi (que, em nota, afirmou à Revista MTV que fora convidado porque "ninguém na banda sabia tocar violão") e Zélia Duncan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Gilberto Gil: Unplugged (1994)
This performance by Gilberto Gil was recorded live at Estúdio Frame in São Paulo on January 18, 1994, as part of the MTV Unplugged series. It was originally broadcast on MTV later that year and released in 1994 on CD, LP and cassette. In 2001, the concert was also issued on home video DVD. The set featured songs such as "A novidade", "Drão", "Expresso 2222", "Aquele abraço", "Palco" and "Tempo Rei". Gil (vocals and acoustic guitar) was accompanied by Arthur Maia (acoustic bass guitar and double bass), Jorginho Gomes (drums and mandolin), Celso Fonseca (acoustic guitar), Marcos Suzano (percussion) and Lucas Santtana (flute).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Acústico MTV: O Rappa (2005)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Acústico MTV: Roberto Carlos (2001)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Acústico MTV: Engenheiros do Hawaii (2004)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Lenny Kravitz: MTV Unplugged (1994)
Multi-talented singer/songwriter/musician Lenny Kravitz taped this Unplugged special for MTV in April of 1994. Kravitz performs material from his release Are You Gonna Go My Way and his previous album, Mama Said. Selections included "Are You Gonna Go My Way," "Let Love Rule," "Always on the Run" and "Believe." Lenny was supported by the Washington Temple Concert Choir. Recorded 14 March 1994 at Sony Music Studios - New York City. Set List: 1. Are You Gonna Go My Way?; 2. Believe; 3. Flowers for Zoe; 4. Rosemary; 5. Sister; 6. Just Be a Woman; 7. Always on the Run; 8. My Precious Love (with choir); 9. Let Love Rule (with choir)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Tim Maia: In Concert (2007)
Video extracted from the TV show "Tim Maia in Concert", performed at the Hotel Nacional in Rio de Janeiro in March 1989, produced and broadcasted in Brazil by Globo TV.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged?
The closest matches to R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged are Western Stars (2019), David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) and OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged?
Start with Western Stars (2019), the closest match to R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged.
What is the highest-rated movie like R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged?
Avicii: True Stories (2017), rated 8.0/10 by 364 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged?
Yes: Western Stars (2019), David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) and OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022).
How are movies similar to R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside R.E.M.: MTV Unplugged, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.