Movies like Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon (2010)
The best movies like Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon (2010) are Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), I Am Heath Ledger (2017) and Being James Bond (2021). If Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon 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
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
Come 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 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 thisBeing James Bond (2021)
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
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 thisDownloaded (2013)
A documentary that explores the downloading revolution; the kids that created it, the bands and the businesses that were affected by it, and its impact on the world at large.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJustin Bieber's Believe (2013)
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 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 thisDavid Bowie: Five Years (2013)
Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in Berlin with the critically acclaimed album Heroes, his triumph with Scary Monsters and his global success with Let’s Dance. With interviews with all his closest collaborators, David Bowie - Five Years presents a unique account of why Bowie has become an ‘icon of our times’.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLemmy (2010)
Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age.
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 thisJennifer Lopez: Dance Again (2014)
A documentary that chronicles Jennifer Lopez's life on and off-stage during her first ever world tour. Throughout the majority of her music career, beginning in 1999, a world tour by Lopez was anticipated, though it never materialized. Following the release of her seventh studio album Love? (2011), she was more intent on touring than ever. However, it was not until March 2012 when the tour came into the works. As rumors began to circulate, Lopez later confirmed that April that she would be embarking on her first world tour. It commenced on June 14, 2012, in Panama City, Panama, and concluded on December 22, 2012, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNo Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (2013)
A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisChris Brown: Welcome to My Life (2017)
This compelling Documentary moves beyond the spotlight and past the attention-grabbing headlines to give pop superstar Chris Brown a chance to tell his own story. New interviews with the international phenomenon reveal long-awaited answers about his passion for making music, his tumultuous and much publicized relationships, and the pitfalls of coming of age in the public eye. Also included is new concert footage, behind-the-scenes access, and special interviews from Usher, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Mike Tyson, Jamie Foxx and others.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 thisAnna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)
From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBuckingham : les princesses malheureuses (2023)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Michel'le: Still Standing (2017)
American R&B singer and songwriter Michel'le sits down with Wendy Williams in this one-hour special. Michel'le opens up to share her relationship with her kids and ex's, the new direction of her career, and her current connection with her fans. Featuring never-before-seen footage of special moments with her family and friends, this is an intimate look at a woman on the rise.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Loana : Destin tragique d'une icône brisée (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Celebrity Boxing The 16th Minute (2024)
Celebrity Boxing: The 16th Minute takes you in the ring and behind the scenes of the fastest-growing Sports Entertainment concept in America as Teen Pop Icon Aaron Carter faces Two Time NBA Champion Lamar Odom
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Controlling Britney Spears (2021)
Britney Spears has said that her conservatorship had become “an oppressive and controlling tool against her”. This New York Times investigation reveals much of how it worked, including an intense surveillance apparatus that monitored every move she made.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Most Shocking Celebrity Moments of the 80s (2007)
Looking back to the 1980's at the celebrities in the press and on television for all the wrong reasons doing all the wrong things. It doesn't matter whether what they did was embarrassing, stupid, ridiculous, career ruining (or sometimes boosting), dangerous or illegal, they were all caught and filmed or photographed, and we will never forget them. Narrated by Isla Blair, with contributions by Simon Donald, Russell Grant, Christine Hamilton, Lauren Harries (also as James Harries), James King, and Michael Winner. These moments included It's a Royal Knockout, Rob Lowe's sex tape, Boy George's heroin problems, Drew Barrymore's childhood meltdown (including taking drugs at a very young age), the many mistakes at The Brits 1989 and many more. Good!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (2008)
Fueled by a raging libido, Wild Turkey, and superhuman doses of drugs, Thompson was a true "free lance, " goring sacred cows with impunity, hilarity, and a steel-eyed conviction for writing wrongs. Focusing on the good doctor's heyday, 1965 to 1975, the film includes clips of never-before-seen (nor heard) home movies, audiotapes, and passages from unpublished manuscripts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn (2007)
The story of Tasmanian-born actor Errol Flynn whose short & flamboyant life, full of scandals, adventures, loves and excess was largely played out in front of the camera - either making movies or filling the newsreels and gossip magazines. Tragically he was dead from the effects of drugs and alcohol by the time he was only 50 & the myths live on. But there is another side of Flynn that is less well known - his ambitions to be a serious writer and newspaper correspondent, his documentary films and his interest in the Spanish Civil War and Castro's Cuba
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
This Is Paris (2020)
Meet the real Paris Hilton for the very first time as she embarks on a journey of healing and reflection, reclaiming her true identity along the way.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisVictoria's Secrets (2000)
Iconic Spice Girl Victoria Beckham discovers the answers to some of the most confusing celebrity conundrums in this documentary. She talks to Elton John, James Bond legend Roger Moore, soccer star husband David, and others, exploring the legacy of British pop culture icons.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon?
The closest matches to Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon are Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), I Am Heath Ledger (2017) and Being James Bond (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon?
Start with Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), the closest match to Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon.
What is the highest-rated movie like Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon?
I Am Heath Ledger (2017), rated 7.4/10 by 233 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon?
Yes: Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), I Am Heath Ledger (2017) and Being James Bond (2021).
How are movies similar to Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Mad Mel: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Icon, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.