Movies like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence (2016)
The best movies like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence (2016) are Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), The Beach Boys (2024) and Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026). If AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence hooked you with its documentary and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedSelena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)8.4/10 from 623 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseMEGUMI The Campaign (1989)Also in Japanese
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Beach Boys (2024)
A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026)
With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)
Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (2019)
The story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Direction: This Is Us (2013)
"One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena. Hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it's really like to be One Direction.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 & music
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 & music
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 music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThriller 40 (2023)
Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisColdplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)
An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has endured through many highs and lows.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSelena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy (2025)
Never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews celebrate the life and legacy of iconic Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla and her family band.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGod Bless Ozzy Osbourne (2011)
Featuring never before seen footage uncovered from the archives and interviews with Paul McCartney, Tommy Lee and others, God Bless Ozzy Osbourne is the first documentary to take viewers inside the complex mind of rock's great icon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBiggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022)
Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow Olivia along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEnd of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)
A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHalftime (2022)
Global superstar Jennifer Lopez reflects on her multifaceted career and the pressure of life in the spotlight in this intimate documentary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Who: The Kids Are Alright (1979)
Through concert performances and interviews, this film offers us a comprehensive look at the British pioneer rock group, The Who. It captures their zany craziness and outrageous antics from the initial formation of the group in 1964 to 1978. It notably features the band's last performance with long-term drummer Keith Moon, filmed at Shepperton Studios in May 1978, three months before his death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Last Repair Shop (2024)
In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMEGUMI The Campaign (1989)
Megumi Odaka (小高恵美) idol VHS tape, Megumi the Campaign - Idol Roke Zenkoku Jyuudan, 1989. She is best known for the role of Miki Saegusa in six Godzilla films from 1989 to 1995.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
aespa: WORLD TOUR in cinemas (2024)
Witness the unparalleled energy of aespa’s live performance captured from their electrifying show at London's O2 Arena, their first-ever UK show. With their futuristic stage visuals, high-energy choreography and captivating vocals, they fiercely commanded the stage, delivering fan favourites including "Next Level", "Savage", "Girls", "Spicy" and "Black Mamba". The film also highlights individual performances by each member, complemented by exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, offering a glimpse behind the curtain.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
μ's Final LoveLive! ~μ'sic Forever♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪~ (2016)
μ's Final LoveLive! μ'sic Forever♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪ was the farewell concert of the fictional idol group μ's from Love Live! School Idol Project, celebrating their career with emotional performances and marking the end of their activities.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Okada Yukiko - Memories in Swiss (2002)
The first DVD release of two Okada Yukiko videos, "Okada Yukiko in Switzerland" and "Okada Yukiko Memories of Switzerland", both released in 1985, on one disc.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Girls' Generation ~Girls & Peace~ Japan 2nd Tour (2013)
Girls' Generation ~Girls & Peace~ Japan 2nd Tour is the second concert tour by South Korean girl group Girls' Generation to promote their second Japanese album, Girls & Peace.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK: PARALLEL LINE - ENCORE (2025)
aespa’s second worldwide tour encore concert live-streamed via Beyond LIVE and Weverse on March 16th, 2025.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Splatoon – Squid Sisters - Live Concert at Niconico Tokaigi 2016 (2016)
This footage is from Callie and Marie’s first live performance at Niconico Tokaigi, a gaming event in Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Splatoon 2 - Off the Hook Live Concert at Tokaigi 2019 (2019)
This footage is from Pearl and Marina’s live performance at Tokaigi 2019, a gaming event in Japan. Check out the show!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Girls Aloud: Out of Control Live from the O2 (2009)
The UK's greatest girl group filmed the show in May this year at The O2 arena in London. During the 32 date tour Girls Aloud played to approximately half a million people. The live extravaganza was dubbed their best live tour to date by the fans whilst the press raved about it. The London paper said it was their best live tour to date whilst The Times gave the show 4 stars.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Katseye: Lollapalooza Argentina 2026 (2026)
The multinational female K-pop group Katseye impressed and captivated the crowd with their hit song Gabriela.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence?
The closest matches to AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence are Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), The Beach Boys (2024) and Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence?
Start with Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), the closest match to AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence.
What is the highest-rated movie like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence?
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence?
Yes: MEGUMI The Campaign (1989), μ's Final LoveLive! ~μ'sic Forever♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪~ (2016) and Okada Yukiko - Memories in Swiss (2002).
How are movies similar to AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.