Movies like Instinct (2003)
The best movies like Instinct (2003) are Magnum Opus (2022), 22 vs. Earth (2021) and Groot Takes a Bath (2022). If Instinct hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedFar from the Tree (2021)8.1/10 from 395 votes
- NewestDavid (2025)Released 2025
Magnum Opus (2022)
Groot sets out to paint a family portrait of himself and the Guardians, only to discover just how messy the artistic process can be.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like this22 vs. Earth (2021)
Before the events of Soul, a rebellious soul recruits five new souls to resist going to Earth, only to discover an unexpected truth about the meaning of life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGroot Takes a Bath (2022)
Everybody needs some alone time to relax and wash up, but things go quite differently when you’re a Flora Colossi toddler.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGroot's First Steps (2022)
Following the events of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1,” Baby Groot is finally ready to try taking his first steps out of his pot—only to learn you have to walk before you can run.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMater and the Ghostlight (2006)
Mater, the rusty but trusty tow truck from Cars, spends a day in Radiator Springs playing scary pranks on his fellow townsfolk. That night at Flo's V8 Café, the Sheriff tells the story of the legend of the Ghostlight, and as everyone races home Mater is left alone primed for a good old-fashioned scare.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGroot's Pursuit (2022)
Groot investigates a spooky noise that’s been haunting the Quadrant, which leads to an intense dance off.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDug's Special Mission (2009)
Dug is sent on foolish missions by Alpha, Beta, and Gamma so they can hunt for the Bird of Paradise Falls by themselves. Dug may find that where he belongs is not where he's been looking.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Little Guy (2022)
Groot discovers a miniature civilization that believes the seemingly enormous tree toddler is the hero they’ve been waiting for.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCars Toon Mater's Tall Tales (2008)
Mater the tow truck travels from country to country as he retells his infamous but unbelievable stories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBird Karma (2018)
A tale of a long-legged bird's journey of blissful joy, inescapable greed and the accidental discovery of the consequences when too much is not enough.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaggie Simpson in "The Force Awakens from Its Nap" (2021)
In a daycare far, far away… but still in Springfield, Maggie is on an epic quest for her stolen pacifier. Her adventure brings her face-to-face with young Padawans, Sith Lords, familiar droids, Rebel scum, and an ultimate battle against the dark side, in this original short celebrating the Star Wars galaxy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Time for Nuts (2006)
Scrat comes across a time machine and is transported to various times all in pursuit of his beloved acorn.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPixar Short Films Collection: Volume 1 (2007)
Experience these masterpieces of storytelling from the creative minds that brought you Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo and many more. With revolutionary animation, unforgettable music and characters you love, these dazzling short films have changed the face of animation and entertainment and are sure to delight people of all ages for years to come.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisFar from the Tree (2021)
On an idyllic beach in the Pacific Northwest, curiosity gets the better of a young raccoon whose frustrated parent attempts to keep them both safe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisScrat's Continental Crack-Up: Part 2 (2011)
This short film continues the adventures of the title character as he tries to retrieve his elusive acorn.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRobin Robin (2021)
A bird raised by mice begins to question where she belongs and sets off on a daring journey of self-discovery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDavid (2025)
From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorize a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones, and unshakable faith steps forward. Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love, and courage—culminating in a battle not just for a crown, but for the soul of a kingdom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDC Showcase: Death (2019)
Vincent, an artist with unresolved inner demons, meets a mysterious girl who helps him come to terms with his creative legacy… and eventual death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisIce Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)
When Sid accidentally destroys Manny's heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa's naughty list, he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right and ends up making things much worse. Now it's up to Manny and his prehistoric posse to band together and save Christmas for the entire world!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe House (2022)
Across different eras, a poor family, an anxious developer and a fed-up landlady become tied to the same mysterious house in this animated dark comedy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisConcertissimo (1968)
A short film on how militarism takes over art.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Moto Perpetuo (1981)
Moto Perpetuo shows an absurd picture of our neverending changing culture and history.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Duel (1961)
Cannes Jury Prize-winning short film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
A Romantic Story (1964)
A man meets a girl, sitting on a bench in the park. He imagines ways that he can impress her. But will he make the good impression when he gets the chance?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Frankenstein Punk (1986)
The story of Frank, a different creature, born to the song "Singing in the rain", that goes in search of happiness.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Anxious Body (2021)
When living things, artificial things, geometry shapes, and lines encounter, a new direction is born.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
One Self: Fish/Girl (1998)
A young woman's diary depicts her layered, poetic, inner efforts to deal with the world and overcome self-doubt.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Tonalli (2022)
Alma always felt distant from her roots. Through separations and growth, Alma will learn to connect with her shadow and thus feel connected to her identity.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
VeggieTales: Rack, Shack & Benny (1995)
There's trouble brewing at the Nezzer Chocolate Factory! To celebrate the sale of two million chocolate bunnies, company president Nebby K. Nezzer announces that his workers may eat as many bunnies as they like! This sounds great, until three boys named Rack, Shack and Benny remember that their parents taught them not to eat too much candy. By paralleling the Biblical story of Sadrach, Meschach and Abednego and the fiery furnace, "Rack, Shack, & Benny" teaches kids how to resist peer pressure and stand up for what they believe in. Kids of all ages will love the songs, humor and dazzling 3D computer animation of VeggieTales!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Rain in the Sunshine (2013)
Schoolboy Hinata has a big crush on his classmate Shigure, but is too shy to tell her. On the day Shigure is leaving, Hinata flies off on the wings of a bird chasing after her to tell how he feels!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like Instinct and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Instinct?
The closest matches to Instinct are Magnum Opus (2022), 22 vs. Earth (2021) and Groot Takes a Bath (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Instinct?
Start with Magnum Opus (2022), the closest match to Instinct.
What is the highest-rated movie like Instinct?
Far from the Tree (2021), rated 8.1/10 by 395 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Instinct?
David (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Instinct chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Instinct, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.