Movies like Itzhak (2017)
The best movies like Itzhak (2017) are The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2016), 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) and Copying Beethoven (2006). If Itzhak hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedStop Making Sense (1984)8.4/10 from 404 votes
- NewestViva Verdi! (2025)Released 2025
The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2016)
Follow several talented members of the ensemble as they gather in locations across the world, exploring the ways art can both preserve traditions and shape cultural evolution.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCopying Beethoven (2006)
Serving as Ludwig van Beethoven's copyist gives a conservatory student access to the composer's musical genius, but also exposes her to his cruelty.
Why it matches: Fans watch both
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSeymour: An Introduction (2015)
Ethan Hawke directs this intimate documentary portrait of classical pianist, composer, author, teacher and sage Seymour Bernstein.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Last Waltz (1978)
Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other rock legends.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove, Deutschmarks and Death (2022)
Cem Kaya’s dense documentary essay celebrates 60 years of Turkish music in Germany. An alternative post-war history that is at the same time a musical Who’s Who – from Yüksel Özkasap to Derdiyoklar and Muhabbet.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Flipside (2024)
Chris Wilcha helped adapt This American Life to television. His new documentary embodies the spirit of that show as he tries to save a New Jersey record store, in this comic yet deeply moving reflection on opportunities lost and gained.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Pina (2011)
Pina is a feature-length dance film in 3D with the ensemble of the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, featuring the unique and inspiring art of the great German choreographer, who died in the summer of 2009.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBuena Vista Social Club (1999)
In this fascinating Oscar-nominated documentary, American guitarist Ry Cooder brings together a group of legendary Cuban folk musicians (some in their 90s) to record a Grammy-winning CD in their native city of Havana. The result is a spectacular compilation of concert footage from the group's gigs in Amsterdam and New York City's famed Carnegie Hall, with director Wim Wenders capturing not only the music -- but also the musicians' life stories.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSearching for Sugar Man (2012)
Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock 'n' roller, Rodriguez.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLove Means Zero (2017)
An in-depth look at famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri. No other coach has matched his success, his dominance or his fame. His greatness, though, came at a terrible price.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
It Might Get Loud (2008)
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSmall Wonders (1996)
A dedicated music teacher in East Harlem instructs a gaggle of underprivileged children in the art of the violin. In the climax, they play Carnegie Hall with some of the world's foremost fiddlers.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Lindsey Stirling: Brave Enough (2017)
Beginning on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, “Brave Enough,” documents violinist Lindsey Stirling over the past year as she comes to terms with the most challenging & traumatic events of her life. Through her art, she seeks to share a message of hope and courage and yet she must ask herself the question, “Am I Brave Enough?” Capturing her personal obstacles and breakthrough moments during the “Brave Enough,” tour, the film presents an intimate look at this one-of- a-kind artist and her spectacular live performances inspired by real-life heartbreak, joy, and love.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Wrecking Crew (2008)
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew." a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Bing Crosby.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLed Zeppelin: Dazed & Confused (2009)
A rare look at Led Zeppelin, from their humble beginnings to their status as rock gods. The unique chemistry between singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones & drummer John Bonham led to tensions within the band, but were essential to their success. Take a journey where incredible heights and extreme lows helped forge one of the greatest rock bands ever.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Brooklyn Castle (2012)
Brooklyn Castle is a documentary about I.S. 318 – an inner-city school where more than 65 percent of students are from homes with incomes below the federal poverty level – that also happens to have the best, most winning junior high school chess team in the country. (If Albert Einstein, who was rated 1800, were to join the team, he’d only rank fifth best.) Chess has transformed the school from one cited in 2003 as a “school in need of improvement” to one of New York City’s best. But a series of recession-driven public school budget cuts now threaten to undermine those hard-won successes.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Hubert Selby Jr: It/ll Be Better Tomorrow (2006)
An exploration into the life and art of the renowned author of "Last Exit To Brooklyn" and "Requiem For A Dream." Hubert Selby Jr., a self-described "scream looking for a mouth," against all odds, reached international acclaim with his controversial novels. His is a classic story of the great American novelist, overcoming tuberculosis, drug addiction and financial ruin, Selby eventually triumphed in his life and penned seven of the most remarkable and distinctly American books ever written.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Keep on Keepin' On (2014)
Eighty-nine year old trumpeting legend Clark Terry has mentored jazz wonders like Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, but Terry’s most unlikely friendship is with Justin Kauflin, a 23-year-old blind piano player with uncanny talent, but debilitating nerves. As Justin prepares for the most pivotal moment in his budding career, Terry’s ailing health threatens to end his own.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Maria by Callas (2017)
Told through performances, TV interviews, home movies, family photographs, private letters and unpublished memoirs, the film reveals the essence of an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings in New York City to become a glamorous international superstar and one of the greatest artists of all time.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHis Way (2011)
A look at the professional, political and personal life of legendary movie producer Jerry Weintraub featuring interviews with friends, family and colleagues.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Genghis Blues (1999)
Blind blues musician Paul Pena is perhaps best known for his song "Jet Airliner". In 1993, Pena heard Tuvan throat singing over his shortwave radio and subsequently taught himself how to reproduce these extraordinary sounds. This documentary follows him to Tuva, where he takes part in a throat singing competition. Languages featured in the film include English, Russian and Tuvan.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Art of Listening (2016)
The Art of Listening is a documentary film about the journey music takes to reach a listener’s ear, from the intent of an instrument maker and composer, to the producers and engineers who capture and preserve an artist’s voice. This journey is narrated by intimate conversations with artists, engineers and producers about the philosophy of their work and the intent behind each musical note they create.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Stop Making Sense (1984)
A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisViva Verdi! (2025)
VIVA VERDI. is an intimate glimpse into lives of celebrated opera singers and musicians living our their 'third act' while mentoring music students at Casa Verdi Milan, built by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
My Mom Jayne (2025)
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisFor the Love of Spock (2016)
The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI 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 thisKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.
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 Itzhak?
The closest matches to Itzhak are The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2016), 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) and Copying Beethoven (2006). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Itzhak?
People who watched Itzhak most often go on to The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2016), 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) and Copying Beethoven (2006).
What is the highest-rated movie like Itzhak?
Stop Making Sense (1984), rated 8.4/10 by 404 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Itzhak?
Viva Verdi! (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Itzhak?
Yes: The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2016), 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) and Copying Beethoven (2006).
How are movies similar to Itzhak chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Itzhak, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.