Movies like Gladiators of the Desert (2017)
The best movies like Gladiators of the Desert (2017) are Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022), The Class of ‘92 (2013) and Seduced and Abandoned (2013). If Gladiators of the Desert hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedRonaldo (2015)7.0/10 from 433 votes
- NewestThe AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026)Released 2026
- In SpanishHugo Sánchez, the Goal and the Glory (2022)Also in Spanish
Avatar: 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 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 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 thisRonaldo (2015)
Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving & fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triple Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career. From the makers of ‘Senna’ and ‘Amy’, Ronaldo takes audiences on an intimate and revealing journey of what it’s like to live as an iconic athlete in the eye of the storm.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026)
A father-to-be tries to figure out what is happening with all this AI insanity, and explores the most powerful technology humanity has ever created... and what's at stake if we get it wrong.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSouth of the Border (2009)
A road trip across five countries to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media's misperception of South America while interviewing seven of its elected presidents.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaradona by Kusturica (2008)
A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMy Date with Drew (2005)
Ever since the second grade when he first saw her in E.T. The Extraterrestrial, Brian Herzlinger has had a crush on Drew Barrymore. Now, 20 years later he's decided to try to fulfill his lifelong dream by asking her for a date. There's one small problem: She's Drew Barrymore and he's, well, Brian Herzlinger, a broke 27-year-old aspiring filmmaker from New Jersey.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisSidney (2022)
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFyre Fraud (2019)
A true-crime comedy exploring a failed music festival turned internet meme at the nexus of social media influence, late-stage capitalism, and morality in the post-truth era.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both 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 thisThe Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man (2018)
One man’s journey to find meaning in Bill Murray’s many unexpected adventures with everyday people, rare and never-before seen footage of the comedic icon participating in stories previously presumed to be urban legend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe September Issue (2009)
A documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue.
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 thisScotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018)
A deliciously scandalous portrait of unsung Hollywood legend Scotty Bowers, whose bestselling memoir chronicled his decades spent as sexual procurer to the stars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisObi-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 Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)
A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarvel's Behind the Mask (2021)
A documentary special that explores the power of identity behind the iconic superheroes we know and love today. These legendary Marvel creations and stories have not only reflected the world outside our window – they have become a reflection of our own identities and who we truly are.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both 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 documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShowrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show (2014)
“Showrunners” is the first ever feature length documentary film to explore the fascinating world of US television showrunners and the creative forces aligned around them. These are the people responsible for creating, writing and overseeing every element of production on one of the United State’s biggest exports – television drama and comedy series. Often described as the most complex job in the entertainment business, a showrunner is the chief writer / producer on a TV series and, in most instances, the show’s creator. Battling daily between art and commerce, showrunners manage every aspect of a TV show’s development and production: creative, financial and logistical.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisVai Corinthians (2023)
The story of the Corinthians “invasion” during the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. This project aims to revisit moments surrounding the event, highlighting not only the arrival of over 30,000 Corinthians fans in Japan - who traveled there to watch the tournament matches - but also the impact this had on the Japanese people during those days of the competition.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Goal! (1966)
This entertaining documentary of the World Cup Soccer tournament of 1966 follows the 15 countries competing for the sport's most coveted prize. Nigel Patrick narrates, with commentary provided by Brian Glanville. The executive producer spent $336,000 on the production and used 117 cameras to record nearly 48 hours worth of action. Four editors were employed to create the final 108-minute feature.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Schwarz, Rot, Gold und Fußballfieber (2015)
Documentary about the German football team at the 1990's World Cup in Italy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hugo Sánchez, the Goal and the Glory (2022)
The definitive chronicle of the best Mexican athlete in history. From his beginnings in Mexico's university team, his transcendental time in Spain's Real Madrid, his international falls and his very personal obsession for success.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Worlds Greatest Goals (1989)
The Golden Age of Soccer. See the greatest players from the greatest 20 years of World Cup History. 141 non-stop goals from Charlton, Hurst, Pele, Cruyff, Eusebio, Muller, Moore, Kempes, Rossi, Maradona and more! "The World's Greatest Goals" brings you the highlights of the "Golden Age" - The World Cups from 1966-1986. The Saves, The Fouls, The Unique atmosphere and... The Goals... Compiled from the Official Films of The World Cup. Contains the FIFA 'Goal of the Century' This program is produced by the Makers of the Best Selling World Cup Films "Gole" and "Hero".
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Keepers of the Streak (2015)
The NFL has staged 48 Super Bowls. Four photographers have taken pictures at every one of them. In KEEPERS OF THE STREAK, director Neil Leifer tells the story of this exclusive club, made up of John Biever, Walter Iooss, Mickey Palmer and Tony Tomsic. With their cameras, they have captured football's biggest game of the year for almost five decades.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kickback (2022)
Kickback is a British documentary about the corruption within FIFA featuring the late investigative journalist Andrew Jennings.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Green Lions: Cameroon 90 (2022)
Green Lions tells the story of a team of amateurs who became heroes. Young men, and one veteran, who dared to dream, achieved the impossible and inspired a generation around the globe.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Last Taboo (2025)
Hard to imagine, but true: According to current estimates, out of 500,000 active male football professionals worldwide, under ten (10) are openly homosexual. While homosexuality hardly plays a role in other areas of life today, the topic seems to be completely taboo in professional football. The feature-length documentary THE LAST TABOO lets those who broke exactly this taboo tell their very personal stories alongside Thomas Hitzlsperger. Like the British professional footballer Justin Fashanu (*1961 in London; † 1998 in London), who broke this taboo for the first time in 1990 and paid for it with his life. His niece Amal tells his story. Marcus Urban, on the other hand, was about to make the jump to the Bundesliga as a teenager and, by deciding to come out, he also went against his big dream. The stories of the US professional Collin Martin and the British player-coach Matt Morton, on the other hand, suggest that normality is not far away.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Blue Dream - The Road to Wembley (2021)
A documentary film that traces the victorious journey of Mancini's Azzurri, from the opening match to the final against England. A crew spent a month with the Azzurri, bringing viewers inside the lives of the players and all the staff members, from training sessions to matches, travels, and celebrations. An adventure told through the voices of the protagonists, who confided their dreams, joys, sorrows, and hopes to the cameras. The final chapter of the Azzurri Dream at Euro 2020.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Gladiators of the Desert?
The closest matches to Gladiators of the Desert are Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022), The Class of ‘92 (2013) and Seduced and Abandoned (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Gladiators of the Desert?
Start with Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022), the closest match to Gladiators of the Desert.
What is the highest-rated movie like Gladiators of the Desert?
Ronaldo (2015), rated 7.0/10 by 433 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Gladiators of the Desert?
The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Spanish movies like Gladiators of the Desert?
Yes: Hugo Sánchez, the Goal and the Glory (2022).
How are movies similar to Gladiators of the Desert chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Gladiators of the Desert, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.