Movies like Northbound (2015)
The best movies like Northbound (2015) are Dogtown and Z-Boys (2002), Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012) and Drew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013). If Northbound hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2002)
This award-winning, thrilling story is about a group of discarded kids who revolutionized skateboarding and shaped the attitude and culture of modern day extreme sports. Featuring old skool skating footage, exclusive interviews and a blistering rock soundtrack, DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS captures the rise of the Zephyr skateboarding team from Venice's Dogtown, a tough "locals only" beach with a legacy of outlaw surfing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012)
When six teenage boys came together as a skateboarding team in the 1980s, they reinvented not only their chosen sport but themselves too – as they evolved from insecure outsiders to the most influential athletes in the field.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDrew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013)
A documentary on legendary movie-poster artist Drew Struzan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (2022)
A wide-ranging, definitive look at Hawk’s life and iconic career, and his relationship with the sport with which he’s been synonymous for decades, featuring unprecedented access, never-before-seen footage, and interviews with Hawk and prominent figures in the sport including Stacy Peralta, Rodney Mullen, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Neil Blender, Andy MacDonald, Duane Peters, Sean Mortimer, and Christian Hosoi.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStruggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)
Artists in LA discover the work of forgotten Polish sculptor Stanislav Szukalski, a mad genius whose true story unfolds chapter by astounding chapter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)
In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOrgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste (2022)
A sexual wellness company gains fame and followers, then members come forward with shocking allegations.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMy 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 thisA Toxic Love Story (2026)
A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisThe Curse of the Dragon (1993)
A 1993 documentary film about Bruce Lee. The film includes interviews from some of his fellow students and opponents who worked alongside him in his movies.
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 thisMea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (2012)
Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all way to the Vatican.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTrainwreck: The Real Project X (2025)
A night of drunken chaos rocks a quiet Dutch town in this shocking documentary about a teen's birthday invite that accidentally went viral on Facebook.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies 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 thisOur Planet: Behind the Scenes (2019)
Years spent recording footage of creatures from every corner of the globe is bound to produce a bit of drama. Here's a behind-the-scenes look.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGilbert (2017)
The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King (2020)
A tribute to Chadwick Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisUnderexposed: A Women's Skateboarding Documentary (2013)
Professional skateboarder Amelia Brodka examines the skateboarding industry's approach to how it markets, promotes and supports women in its sport.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Rise: The Gold Medal Girls of the X Games (2026)
The journey of four teen phenoms on the road to the 2024 X Games, with the sun-soaked, rebellious world of California skate culture as the backdrop.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
DFW Punk (2008)
DFW Punk, covering the Dallas/Ft. Worth punk/new wave scene. If you thought Texas in the late ’70s was all about urban cowboys, country tunes and bible-thumping, get ready to be proved dead wrong. 2007, MiniDV.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Beautiful Losers (2008)
This documentary follows the lives and careers of a collective group of do-it-yourself artists and designers who inadvertently affected the art world.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Revolution (1997)
Plan B (1997). The fourth and final installment of the Plan B fourology, The Revolution gives a timely nod to the fundamental changes the team's diverse video productions- Questionable (1992), Virtual Reality (1993), Second Hand Smoke (1994)- made in the direction of modern skateboarding. While stomping a broad and progressive path into the sport's future, each and every incarnation of the Plan B team typified real to real skateboarding, period. Over three years in the making , and well worth the wait Revolution is far the most modern of the company's video offerings in both form and content, but by no means follows the standard format of the day, choosing instead to lead the world of skateboarding to the bitter end. In order of appearance: Pat Channita, Matt Hensley, Jeremy Wray, Rick McCrank, Brian Emmers, Pat Duffy, Colin McKay, and Danny Way.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Across America (2024)
Across America (2024) follows Chad Caruso, a skateboarder from Long Island, who challenges himself to skateboard alone across the United States – more than 3,000 miles. Director John Testa documents Caruso’s 57-day journey as he travels from Venice Beach to Virginia Beach, ultimately earning him a Guinness World Record. As Caruso navigates both physical and mental hurdles, the film explores themes of sobriety and mortality, providing a heartfelt portrait of the thoughts and ideas that shape his mindset. Across America is more than a skateboarding adventure—it’s a profoundly human exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the universal quest for meaning.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Motivation 3: The Next Generation (2017)
Following up on the first two installments about SLS and Chris Cole, The Motivation 3 is coming soon. It will focus on Tampa Am and how that can potentially impact a young skaters career. Starring Dashawn Jordan, Zion Wright, Aurelien Giraud, and Lucas Alves, and directed by Adam Bhala Lough, this is certainly not to be missed.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Empire Skate (2025)
Empire Skate chronicles the colorful rise and enduring influence of New York skateboarding culture in the 1990s, through the global phenomenon of Supreme and intimate portraits of the skaters who breathed life into that world. From the highs of breakout film success and the creation of a brand and movement to the lows of fractured families and the loss of close friends, it is a style-and-substance trip through a unique moment when multiple trends converged on one city to create something timeless.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Pray for Me - The Jason Jessee Film (2007)
'Pray For Me, Jason Jessee' is a documentary stunt ride with legendary former skateboard pro, custom chopper builder, and full-time lowrider Jason Jessee. Jason's family, friends (many of whom are living legends in diverse fields) and associates weave a riveting narrative on a truly fascinating, self-invented man. Jason's halting language and dozens of interviews from those who know him best and
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Skateboard Madness (1980)
When a reporter too laid-back for his own good is told his last chance to keep his job is to get some good photos for a story on skateboarding, he seeks out a group of four boarders who agree to take him on a skateboarding tour of California. After showing extensive footage of skateboarding moves and tricks, the film then goes on to show some surfing and snowboarding. The film is also bookended by a pair of animated shorts, both about skateboard racing.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Northbound?
The closest matches to Northbound are Dogtown and Z-Boys (2002), Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012) and Drew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Northbound?
Start with Dogtown and Z-Boys (2002), the closest match to Northbound.
What is the newest movie like Northbound?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Northbound chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Northbound, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.