Movies like Ongoing Smile (2013)
The best movies like Ongoing Smile (2013) are Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022), The Walking Dead: The Return (2024) and Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022). If Ongoing Smile hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMaking Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)8.0/10 from 241 votes
- NewestBehind the True Story of Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral (2026)Released 2026
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022)
This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they create new heroes and villains that live alongside new incarnations of beloved Star Wars characters, and an epic story that dramatically bridges the saga films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Walking Dead: The Return (2024)
Stars of "The Walking Dead," Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, walk down memory lane and visit iconic locations where pivotal moments between their characters, Rick and Michonne, were filmed.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEmbrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022)
A feature length documentary about the all-women team at the helm of Pixar's original feature, Turning Red. With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Director Domee Shi and her core leadership crew, this story shines a light on the powerful professional and personal journeys that brought this incredibly comical, utterly relatable, and deeply heartfelt story to the screen.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeing James Bond (2021)
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNever Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010)
For decades, Freddy Krueger has slashed his way through the dreams of countless youngsters, scaring up over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight terrifying, spectacular films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGame of Thrones: The Last Watch (2019)
For a year, acclaimed British filmmaker Jeanie Finlay was embedded on the set of the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones,” chronicling the creation of the show’s most ambitious and complicated season. Debuting one week after the series 8 finale, GAME OF THRONES: THE LAST WATCH delves deep into the mud and blood to reveal the tears and triumphs involved in the challenge of bringing the fantasy world of Westeros to life in the very real studios, fields and car-parks of Northern Ireland. Made with unprecedented access, GAME OF THRONES: THE LAST WATCH is an up-close and personal portrait from the trenches of production, following the crew and the cast as they contend with extreme weather, punishing deadlines and an ever-excited fandom hungry for spoilers. Much more than a “making of” documentary, this is a funny, heartbreaking story, told with wit and intimacy, about the bittersweet pleasures of what it means to create a world – and then have to say goodbye to it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpielberg (2017)
A documentary on the life and career of one of the most influential film directors of all time, Steven Spielberg.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMaking 'The Shining' (1980)
Directed and edited by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian Kubrick, this film offers a look behind the scenes during the making of The Shining.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals (2022)
Join director Chloe Zhao and the Cast of Eternals as they recount their experiences during the making of Marvel Studios’ most ambitious film to date. Discover how the ensemble cast felt stepping into their roles, filming in remote locations, and creating bonds that would help to create the on-screen relationships that span over 7,000 years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Making of Star Wars (1977)
Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2 which includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Director and the Jedi (2018)
An intimate documentary delving into Rian Johnson's process as he comes in as a director new to the Star Wars universe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJoker: Put on a Happy Face (2020)
Featuring interviews with filmmakers and industry legends, discover the origins and evolution of The Joker, and learn why The Clown Prince of Crime is universally hailed as the greatest comic-book supervillain of all time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMaking Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)
Go behind the scenes and witness how the "Squid Game"-inspired reality show transformed from a scripted drama to a cutthroat, nail-biting competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSeduced and Abandoned (2013)
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025)
The authorized documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors alongside Steven Spielberg, top shark scientists, and conservationists, the film uncovers the behind-the-scenes chaos and how the film launched the summer blockbuster, inspired a new wave of filmmakers, and paved the way for shark conservation that continues today.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMaking The Witcher (2020)
Journey into the extraordinary world of "The Witcher" — from casting the roles to Jaskier's catchy song — in this behind-the-scenes look at the series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPassage to Middle-Earth: The Making of 'The Lord of the Rings' (2001)
The making of Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's classic work.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Mon Clown (2008)
Documentary from French TV channel Canal+ about Marion Cotillard's road to the Oscar for her performance as French singer Édith Piaf in the 2007 film 'La Vie en Rose', also featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Face 'Caché' (2006)
A documentary on the shooting of Michael Haneke's movie 'Hidden' (Caché). Including interviews with Michael Haneke, Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Minecraft: The Story of Minecraft (2016)
Since its development in 2009, Minecraft has taken the digital world by storm. It’s now played by millions of people on a global scale. Its impact on the gaming community is unrivalled, so much so that Microsoft purchased Minecraft for an eye watering $2.5 billion. With new game modes being developed, there is every chance Minecraft will be the worlds No. 1 game for many years to come. With exclusive interviews from YouTube celebrities such as The Diamond Minecart and Ali A, as well as industry experts, this documentary takes an in depth look at how one game took over the gaming world. Get lost in a digital universe, follow the story of Minecraft.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Behind the True Story of Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral (2026)
Behind the True Story takes you behind the scenes of Vince Dixon's 'Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral', a short film based on Vince and his real-life experience of losing his sister Lauren to an overdose. Crowdfunded by his community and the addiction recovery networks, Vince was able to bring together a team of Los Angeles-based and Indianapolis-based creatives to film in his home community of central Indiana. The short film follows Max as he processes how to eulogize his sister Chloe, an experience that mirrors Vince’s own. This documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at the multi-day filmmaking process of the film and is a tribute to the real-life friends and family who helped Vince create this awareness film
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Chronicles of the Living Dead (2015)
The inside story of the important horror classic "Night of the Living Dead" as told by those who were there and those who were inspired by it. Including rare archival interviews, new interviews and visits to the original locations, "Chronicles of the Living Dead" also addresses the issue of the film's infamous copyright status, a legal debacle that continues to plague the original creators to this day. Named one of the 100 Most Important American Films by both the AFI and the BBC, "Night" is brought alive once again through the fond rememberances of the cast and crew.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Pianoforte (2023)
The world’s most talented young pianists compete in the International Chopin Piano Competition, held every five years in Warsaw, Poland. A rare behind the scenes look at the triumphant highs and crushing lows of competition, Pianoforte is both a testament to the remarkable power of music and an intimate coming-of-age portrait.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kortknäpp (1957)
Behind the scenes of Knäppupp's 1957 tour
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Guardians of the Galapagos (2025)
Go behind the scenes with the crew of Sea Lions of the Galapagos to showcase not just the production of a film, but the world that inspired it.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hannibal: This Is My Design (2014)
An in-depth look at the production of Hannibal season 2, including everything from location shoots to special effects.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Ongoing Smile?
The closest matches to Ongoing Smile are Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022), The Walking Dead: The Return (2024) and Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Ongoing Smile?
Start with Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022), the closest match to Ongoing Smile.
What is the highest-rated movie like Ongoing Smile?
Making Squid Game: The Challenge (2023), rated 8.0/10 by 241 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Ongoing Smile?
Behind the True Story of Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Ongoing Smile chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Ongoing Smile, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.