Movies like The Death of Nekojiru (1999)
The best movies like The Death of Nekojiru (1999) are Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017), Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006) and The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014). If The Death of Nekojiru hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)7.9/10 from 481 votes
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseNever-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017)Also in Japanese
Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017)
A look at legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki following his retirement in 2013.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
Featuring never-before-seen footage, this documentary delivers a startling new look at the Peoples Temple, headed by preacher Jim Jones who, in 1978, led more than 900 members to Guyana, where he orchestrated a mass suicide via tainted punch.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
Programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz achieved groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing. His passion for open access ensnared him in a legal nightmare that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisShawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)
A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHarmontown (2014)
A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFuck (2006)
A documentary on the expletive's origin, why it offends some people so deeply, and what can be gained from its use.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEvil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story (2025)
Unravel the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, whose child abuse arrest with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Emperor's Naked Army Marches On (1987)
Kenzo Okuzaki, a 62-year-old anarchist veteran of the New Guinea campaign in World War II, sets out to conduct interviews with survivors and relatives to find the truth behind atrocities committed by Japanese military, in particular the unexplained killing of two Japanese privates in his unit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRobin's Wish (2020)
The final word in the story of what really happened to Robin Williams at the end of his life, focusing on his fight against a deadly neurodegenerative disorder known as Lewy body dementia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
Follows the behind-the-scenes work of Studio Ghibli, focusing on the notable figures Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 thisCrystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th (2013)
Taking inspiration from Peter M. Bracke's definitive book of the same name, this seven-hour documentary dives into the making of all twelve Friday the 13th films, with all-new interviews from the cast and the crew.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMore Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story (2021)
The Oscar nominated actor best known for his role of Mr. Miyagi, left behind a painfully revealing autobiographical record of his much-too-brief time here on earth. Tracing his journey from being bed bound as a boy to the bright lights and discrimination in Hollywood. Deep inside that sweet, generous, multi-talented performer seethed an army of demons, that even alcohol and drugs couldn't mask.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisBlack Box Diaries (2024)
Journalist Shiori Ito embarks on a courageous investigation of her own sexual assault in an improbable attempt to prosecute her high-profile offender. Her quest becomes a landmark case in Japan, exposing the country's outdated judicial and societal systems.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIn the Realms of the Unreal (2004)
In the Realms of the Unreal is a documentary about the reclusive Chicago-based artist Henry Darger. Henry Darger was so reclusive that when he died his neighbors were surprised to find a 15,145-page manuscript along with hundreds of paintings depicting The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glodeco-Angelinnian War Storm, Cased by the Child Slave Rebellion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHayao Miyazaki and the Heron (2024)
A documentary that chronicles the making of The Boy and the Heron, filmed with exclusive access to Studio Ghibli across an astonishing seven years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMemories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes (2021)
Serial killer Dennis Nilsen narrates his life and horrific crimes via a series of chilling audiotapes recorded from his jail cell.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Movie About Movies of White City (2024)
Short documentary about movies locations from Yugoslavian movies and how they look nowadays.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Beksińskis. A Sound and Picture Album (2017)
Painter Zdzisław Beksiński, his wife Zofia and their son Tomasz, a well-known radio journalist and translator, were a typical and unconventional family, both at the same time. One of the father’s obsessions was filming himself and his family members. Using archival footage only, shot primarily by Zdzisław, as well many other materials, which have not been presented anywhere so far, the film tells a tragic story of the Beksińskis that has never ceased to fascinate Polish filmmakers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Amazing! Exploring the Far Reaches of Forbidden Planet (2006)
Documentary film exploring the making, and legacy of 'Forbidden Planet'
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Happy Pills (2023)
A journey through six different countries and characters into a world where chemistry is the ultimate response to human pursuits of well-being.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Chêne de vie : l'amour aux temps du cancer (2025)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Antonico: Por Onde Andam os Migrantes Nordestinos? (TBA)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hot House (2006)
In a candid and unflinching portrait of Palestinian prisoners, Shimon Dotan takes viewers inside the highest security prisons in Israel where thousands of Palestinians fill these detention facilities.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Loving forever (2026)
Edoardo Iaschi (known as Eddie Brock) is an Italian indie singer born and raised in Rome. When his song “Non è mica te” unexpectedly goes viral on TikTok, Edo is thrust into the spotlight and forced to confront the realities of adulthood, fame, and a world far bigger than he ever imagined…
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Soviet Submarine (2021)
On March 26th, 2020, seven boys locked themselves in a house for 48 hours, with only potatoes, bread, and red light for survival. Watch the chaos unfold and tension rise between the comrades as they struggle to find a cure before it's too late.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Longing For Innocence (2023)
Between 1963 and 1976, filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl spent months living among in the Nuba people in the Kordofan Province of Sudan, documenting their cultural traditions as well as the everyday activities crucial to their very survival.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Like The Death of Nekojiru and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Death of Nekojiru?
The closest matches to The Death of Nekojiru are Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017), Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006) and The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Death of Nekojiru?
Start with Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017), the closest match to The Death of Nekojiru.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Death of Nekojiru?
The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014), rated 7.9/10 by 481 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Death of Nekojiru?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like The Death of Nekojiru?
Yes: Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017), The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On (1987) and The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013).
How are movies similar to The Death of Nekojiru chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Death of Nekojiru, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.