Movies like What We Started (2018)
The best movies like What We Started (2018) are Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story (2017), Copyright Criminals (2009) and Gary Numan: Android In La La Land (2016). If What We Started 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
- NewestLaurent Garnier: Off the Record (2022)Released 2022
Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story (2017)
A behind-the-scenes look at the prolific label's legacy and offer an in-depth look at the two-night anniversary extravaganza that took place last May at Brooklyn's Barclays Center in honor of the late rap great, The Notorious B.I.G.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Copyright Criminals (2009)
Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Gary Numan: Android In La La Land (2016)
The Godfather of electronic music is on a one-way trip to crack America, returning to the studio for the first time in nearly a decade. Android is a celebration of a music-making pioneer and the love story that helped him turn his life around.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011)
Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip hop bands of all time, the Queens NY collective known as 'A Tribe Called Quest' have kept a generation hungry for more of their groundbreaking music since their much publicized breakup in 1998. Michael Rapaport documents the inner workings and behind the scenes drama that follows the band to this day. He explores what's next for, what many claim, are the pioneers of alternative rap.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Art of Organized Noize (2016)
Organized Noize shaped the landscape of Hip Hop music with a distinct sound created in the confines of a dungeon. They're responsible for the careers of Outkast, CeeLo, Goodie Mob, and the Dungeon Family. This is the story of the Art of Organized.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Daft 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: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNot Afraid: The Shady Records Story (2015)
This documentary is an in-depth look into not only Eminem's career, but also the careers of the all the artists' who graced the label over the years. First and foremost, we spoke to Em and Paul, whose partnership and unique friendship is what made the label possible. But we also spoke to the man who helped turn Em into a superstar, Dr. Dre, and the man who Em helped turn into a superstar, 50 Cent. With additional interviews from Mr. Porter and Royce Da 5'9", this documentary is the definitive look into how one of the rap's greatest juggernauts came to be.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Carter (2009)
An in-depth look at the artist Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter Jr, proclaimed by many as the "greatest rapper alive" With comprehensive and personal interviews with Lil Wayne, this film will also feature insight from those that know him best. The world will finally get to know the history surrounding one of the most prolific artists of this generation.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Reincarnated (2012)
Evolution as an artist is often times what separates legends from the more mundane. After being heavily influenced by his experience in Jamaica – and his subsequent name change from Snoop Dogg to Snoop Lion – the LBC showman prepares his latest reggae-infused album Reincarnated. As part of the process, VICE followed Snoop to the island nation as he recorded various songs with backing from Diplo, Ariel Reichtshaid and Dre Skull of Major Lazer. Having grown tired of what rap provided him, the documentary reveals the rebirth and inspiration for his latest project.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisArtifact (2012)
Follow 30 Seconds to Mars as they record their latest album, This Is War, and their battle against record label EMI.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like this808 (2015)
The inspiring story of the Roland TR808, from the creation of Planet Rock which established it as a dynamic modern instrument, to how it defined hip hop and modern dance culture, through to its continued use today.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2016)
An energetic and fast-paced bio-doc that examines the story behind one of the most prolific and well-known DJs working today: Steve Aoki.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018)
Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLeave the World Behind (2014)
A music documentary following the breakup of Swedish House Mafia and their subsequent One Last Tour. The largest electronic tour in history, selling over 1 million tickets in one week. Director Christian Larson captures the band in a unique fly on the wall manner as they call it quits and seek closure by going on the tour they had always dreamed of. With breathtaking live moments, huge laughs and dark lows, the band start to unravel why they came to the decision to end the biggest achievement of their lives to date to save their friendship. The film maps out three of the biggest stars in a scene which has gripped youth the world over and the psychology of the band. A film not to be missed.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBad Rap (2016)
The lives and careers of four Asian-American rappers trying to break into a world that often treats them as outsiders. Sharing dynamic live performance footage and revealing interviews, these artists will make the most skeptical critics into believers.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & documentary
Nas: Time Is Illmatic (2014)
Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLook at Me: XXXTENTACION (2022)
Explore how Florida teenager Jahseh Onfroy became SoundCloud rapper XXXTENTACION, one of the most streamed artists on the planet. Through frank commentary from family, friends and romantic partners, and unseen archival footage, this documentary offers a sensitive portrayal of an artist whose acts of violence, raw musical talent and open struggles with mental health left an indelible mark on his generation before his death at the age of 20.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Laurent Garnier: Off the Record (2022)
A look into the life of Laurent Garnier, one of the godfathers of house music, from his emergence on the music scene in the 80's to now. The story of the last music revolution through the eyes of a pioneer.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay? (2018)
Run-D.M.C. DJ Jam Master Jay made a huge impact in music and his community. But friends and family still seek closure years after his unsolved murder.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
American Dream/American Knightmare (2018)
Documentary that delves deep into the life and storied exploits of the iconic Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight, as well as the volatile and highly influential era in gangsta rap he presided over. Through a series of interviewers face to face with director Antoine Fuqua, Knight reveals exactly how it all happened and why it all fell apart. Knight is currently in jail pending trial on murder, attempted-murder and hit-and-run charges.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
JAY-Z: Fade to Black (2004)
An intimate look at hip-hop artist Shawn Carter, Jay-Z, revealing the multiple Grammy Award winning artist as never before, from his background and rise to fame to the recording of his last album. The film chronicles the legendary concert of Jay-Z's performance at Madison Square Garden in November 2003. In an unprecedented event, a hip-hop artist sold out an arena in only two hours. Nearly one year later, fans and artists alike still reflect on this monumental musical night. The event was a spectacular culmination of Jay-Z's recording career prior to his self-proclaimed retirement from solo performing. Yet this one night also defined a musical generation, showcasing the evolution and reach of the world's most popular music genre. Guest performers included Jay-Z's closest friends and music industry colleagues: Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Foxy Brown, Pharrell, and Questlove and The Illadelphonics along with appearances by hip hop icons Damon Dash.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
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: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHigh Tech Soul: The Creation of Techno Music (2006)
HIGH TECH SOUL is the first documentary to tackle the deep roots of techno music alongside the cultural history of Detroit, its birthplace. From the race riots of 1967 to the underground party scene of the late 1980s, Detroit's economic downturn didn't stop the invention of a new kind of music that brought international attention to its producers and their hometown.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
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: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Man from Mo'Wax (2016)
An energetic and phenomenal presentation charting the life and career of DJ icon, music producer, and global trip-hop mogul James Lavelle.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & music
The Festival (2018)
After Nick's girlfriend dumps him, his best mate Shane has the perfect antidote to his break-up blues: three days at an epic music festival.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music
SnoozefestMovies 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 thisBeastie Boys Story (2020)
Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former grandfather, Spike Jonze.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisariana grande: excuse me, i love you (2020)
Ariana Grande takes the stage in London for her Sweetener World Tour and shares a behind-the-scenes look at her life in rehearsal and on the road.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like What We Started?
The closest matches to What We Started are Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story (2017), Copyright Criminals (2009) and Gary Numan: Android In La La Land (2016). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after What We Started?
People who watched What We Started most often go on to Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story (2017), Copyright Criminals (2009) and Gary Numan: Android In La La Land (2016).
What is the highest-rated movie like What We Started?
Avicii: True Stories (2017), rated 8.0/10 by 364 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like What We Started?
Laurent Garnier: Off the Record (2022) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like What We Started?
Yes: Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story (2017), Copyright Criminals (2009) and Gary Numan: Android In La La Land (2016).
How are movies similar to What We Started chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside What We Started, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.