Movies like Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. (2017)
The best movies like Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. (2017) are Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021), Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024) and Who Shot Biggie & Tupac (2017). If Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedI Am Heath Ledger (2017)7.4/10 from 233 votes
- NewestOl' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024)Released 2024
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOl' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024)
The untold story of the man and the musician who made an immense cultural impact across just a few short years. Having gained exclusive rights to a never-before-seen personal archive shot by his wife alongside access to his closest friends and family, the doc is described by the filmmakers as a culture-defining special that humanizes ODB as a man, a father and a husband like never before. It explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol' Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Who Shot Biggie & Tupac (2017)
An investigative crime special examining two of the greatest murder mysteries in pop culture history, digging deep into the entangled murders of hip-hop’s most legendary adversaries – rappers Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
DMX: Don't Try to Understand (2021)
A focus on a year in the life of rapper Earl “DMX” Simmons as he is released from prison in early 2019 and attempts to rebuild his career in the music industry and reconnect with family and fans.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Eminem: A Shady Story (2019)
Marshal Bruce Mathers III, better know by his stage name Eminem and his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter, and actor. His somewhat humorous songs combined with dark and edgy lyrics give detailed accounts of his troubled upbringing, and feature all the personal struggles he went through on his journey to superstardom. Eminem recently released the much hyped and anticipated album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, a sequel to the recordbreaking and multi platinum album The Marshall Mathers LP. There is quite simply no other Hip Hop artist like Eminem, he has been on top of the game since his debut album The Slim Shady LP, and he shows no signs of letting up. This is the story of how a poor kid from Detroit rose to become a Hip Hop Legend. This is….A Shady Story.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Biggie & Tupac (2002)
In 1997, rap superstars Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (aka Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G.) were gunned down in separate incidents, the apparent victims of hip hop's infamous east-west rivalry. Nick Broomfield's film introduces Russell Poole, an ex-cop with damning evidence that suggests the LAPD deliberately fumbled the case to conceal connections between the police, LA gangs and Death Row Records, the label run by feared rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTupac - Aftermath (2013)
Tupac: Aftermath is a delicate sequel to Tupac: Conspiracy, which takes the viewer to the days following the death of the rap artist. Cover-Ups, decpetion and rumor flowed through both Las vegas and Los Angeles, setting up the biggest unsolved murder case- and biggest lies about it, in recent history. Interviews with his close family and friends- as well as those who were inspired by him- perfectly reflect the fire, intensity and passion of this artist. not to be missed, find out the rest of the story in Tupac:Aftermath.
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
69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez (2021)
Part investigative documentary, part real-life gangster movie, this film unpacks the life of polarizing rap sensation and internet troll Tekashi69, aka 69, while chronicling his meteoric rise and fall from fame.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders (2015)
Two of the most notorious unsolved cases in the history of American crime – the murders of renowned rap stars Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls – have been the subject of exhaustive investigations, relentless speculation, and a web of conspiracy theories and dark secrets. Now, for the first time, the true story behind these sensational cases is laid bare in "Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders". Using information sourced from hundreds of police case files, taped confessions never shown before, and interviews with the lead detective and witnesses, this is the riveting account of the task force that finally exposed the shocking truth behind the deaths of these two rap music icons.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
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
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNotorious B.I.G.: Bigger Than Life (2007)
The greatest rapper to ever pick up a mic - with his velvety flow and unparalleled rhyme style he captivated everyone from Jay Z to Tupac. Now Notorious B.I.G. is revealed.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
NWA & Eazy-E: The Kings of Compton (2016)
Documentary looking back at the West Coast group who invented gangster rap. The original lineup of N.W.A consisted of Dr Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E, all of whom went on to be successful in their own right. The documentary looks at how the group influenced the world of rap music as well as the controversial life and death of Eazy-E and the career developments of Ice Cube and Dr Dre.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Tupac Assassination Conspiracy Or Revenge (2009)
Tupac: Assassination is a documentary film about the unsolved murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. The film is produced by Frank Alexander (Tupac's bodyguard who was the only guard assigned and present at the time of the shooting) and RJ Bond, who also directed the film.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
This Is the Life (2008)
In 1989, a collective of young hip hop artists gathered at a health food café in South Central Los Angeles. Their mandate? To reject gang culture and expand the musical boundaries of hip hop. DuVernay's documentary chronicles the historic legacy of the Good Life Cafe — the open mic nights that became an L.A. institution, the eclectic array of talented young MCs that emerged there, the alternative hip hop movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
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
Welcome to Death Row (2001)
The record label Death Row Records has, since its creation in 1993, been synonymous with the American hip-hop climate. Formed by ex-bodyguard Suge Knight, the label has released seminal rap albums from luminaries including Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and the famous hip-hop martyr Tupac Shakur. WELCOME TO DEATH ROW is a fascinating, well-researched documentary which explores the history of this intriguing and incredibly significant company.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The 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: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTupac: Live at the House of Blues (2005)
Tupac Shakur’s final performance, the July 4, 1996 concert at the House of Blues. Tupac: Live at The House of Blues is an all out hip house party on stage and a final chance to catch Tupac at the top of his game before his untimely death. Aided by appearances from Snoop Dogg and a booming lossless soundtrack, this one should please hip hop lovers for sure.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Beef II (2004)
Beef II (released on DVD in August 2004) is a sequel to the 2003 documentary Beef, which continued to document the history of rivalries in hip-hop and rap music. Like its prequel, the film was executive produced by Quincy Jones III (QD3), written by Peter Alton and Peter Spirer (who also directed), and was this time narrated by actor Keith David.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson (2021)
In 2004, a culture war was brewing when the Super Bowl halftime show audience saw a white man expose a Black woman's breast for 9/16ths of a second. A national furor ensued. The woman was Janet Jackson, and her career was never the same.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Quincy (2018)
An intimate look into the life of icon Quincy Jones. A unique force in music and popular culture for 70 years, Jones has transcended racial and cultural boundaries; his story is inextricably woven into the fabric of America. Jones came to prominence in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor before working on pop music and film scores. He moved easily between musical genres, producing major pop hits of the early 1960s and serving as an arranger and conductor for several collaborations in the same time period.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTupac: Resurrection (2003)
Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop MCs of all time.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisJ. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only (2017)
This documentary follows rapper J. Cole's 2016 HBO concert film feature on the making of his fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only. The film Includes musical performances from Cole, as well as stories from low-income residents in cities around the country, such as Baton Rouge, Atlanta, and Cole's hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie and Tupac (2021)
Last Man Standing takes a look at Death Row and how L.A.’s street gang culture had come to dominate its business workings, as well as an association with corrupt LA police officers who were also gang affiliated. It would be this world of gang rivalry and dirty cops that would claim the lives of the world’s two greatest rappers: Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
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
I Am Heath Ledger (2017)
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhitney (2018)
Examines the life and career of singer Whitney Houston. Features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive recordings, rare performances and interviews with the people who knew her best.
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 thisPamela, a love story (2023)
In her own words, through personal video and diaries, Pamela Anderson shares the story of her rise to fame, rocky romances and infamous sex tape scandal.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.?
The closest matches to Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. are Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021), Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024) and Who Shot Biggie & Tupac (2017). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.?
People who watched Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. most often go on to Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021), Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024) and Who Shot Biggie & Tupac (2017).
What is the highest-rated movie like Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.?
I Am Heath Ledger (2017), rated 7.4/10 by 233 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.?
Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.?
Yes: Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021), Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys (2024) and Who Shot Biggie & Tupac (2017).
How are movies similar to Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G., then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.