Skip to content

Movies like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018)

The best movies like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018) are Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy (2025), TINA (2021) and Beware of Mr. Baker (2012). If Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening 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

  1. Selena 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 this
  2. TINA (2021)

    Tina Turner overcame impossible odds to become one of the first female Black artists to reach a mainstream international audience. Her road to superstardom is an undeniable story of triumph over adversity. It’s the ultimate story of survival – and an inspirational story of our times.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)

    Ginger Baker is known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith, but the world's greatest drummer didn’t hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies. This documentary includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana and more. Beware of Mr. Baker! With every smash of the drum is a man smashing his way through life.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  4. Elton John: Never Too Late (2024)

    Sir Elton John looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in this emotionally charged, full-circle journey. As he prepares for his final concert in North America at Dodger Stadium, Elton takes us back in time and recounts his struggles with adversity, abuse, and addiction, and how he overcame them to become the icon he is today.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  5. Thriller 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 this
  6. Miss Americana (2020)

    A raw and emotionally revealing look at one of the most iconic artists of our time during a transformational period in her life as she learns to embrace her role not only as a songwriter and performer, but as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  7. Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)

    This documentary offers a deeply intimate look at extraordinary teenager Billie Eilish. Award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler follows her journey on the road, onstage, and at home with her family as the writing and recording of her debut album changes her life.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  8. The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)

    On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This documentary goes behind the scenes of the historic event.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  9. 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 this
  10. Supersonic (2016)

    Supersonic charts the meteoric rise of Oasis from the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years. This palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the most genre and generation-defining British bands that has ever existed and features candid new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and members of the band and road crew.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  11. The 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 this
  12. Oasis: 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 this
  13. Katy 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 this
  14. Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018)

    Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019)

    Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, this film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  16. Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011)

    See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, his nephew Jaafar Jackson and niece Tahkyah brings plenty Jackson and Friends ends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and his 3 children and many more.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  17. Shawn 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 this
  18. The Stone Roses: Made of Stone (2013)

    A documentary about the English alternative rock band, The Stone Roses. Meadows interweaves archive film, intimate behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen material, delivering the definitive account of the band and their music. He was also granted unprecedented access to their rehearsals for the summer 2012 Manchester concerts. A momentous occasion in modern music, these were the first gigs performed by The Stone Roses in 16 years.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

    The film chronicles Nina Simone's journey from child piano prodigy to iconic musician and passionate activist, told in her own words.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. Biggie: 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 this
  21. Sœur Sourire: Who Killed the Voice of God? (2021)

    1962. A crystalline voice becomes a planetary tube. A Belgian nun jostles Elvis and the Beatles on the world charts. Her name: Sister Smile. A popstar with the trajectory of a comet who understands her success no more than the double meaning of her words… The harder the fall will be. Even God does not protect sharks' appetites or pretenses of success! Who killed the little voice of God? Here is the tragic story of an innocent voice, of an extraordinary fate, almost of a curse ...

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  22. Taylor Swift: From the Heart (2013)

    After having released her fourth album "Red" in October 2012, Taylor Alison Swift continues to tear up the charts. In this film we learn how Swift becomes one of America's biggest Country and Pop music artists.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  23. The Music of Life (2009)

    Eldar Ryazanov reads his poetry. An introspective movie on his multifaceted work.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  24. Michael Jackson: Man In The Mirror (2017)

    A biopic drama-documentary about the 'King of Pop', that mixes real footage and new interviews with people around him (most notably his mother Katherine Jackson) with re-enactments of times of Michael's life until his untimely death on the 25th of June in 2009.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  25. Life (2008)

    A documentary about actress brazilian Maria Gladys, a strong presence in films by Júlio Bressane, Rogério Sganzerla among others.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. Mossad L'Histoire Secrète d'Israël (2019)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  27. Audrey Hepburn: Remembered (1993)

    Audrey Hepburn was one of the movies' best-loved stars, blessed with beauty, talent, an elegant sophistication and an enduring aura of youthful innocence. As Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, she spoke for the world's suffering children and families, earning an affection and admiration that only increased with news of her untimely death. From the star herself we learn of her career and the family and friendships that were her priority.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. All About Yves Montand (2021)

    Yves Montand would have been 100-years-old in 2021. A journey through the 20th century by the son of an Italian immigrant who reached the peak of his art and popularity. The song, the cinema, the commitments, a film all in archives.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. Tyson (2008)

    Director James Toback takes an unflinching, uncompromising look at the life of Mike Tyson--almost solely from the perspective of the man himself. TYSON alternates between the controversial boxer addressing the camera and shots of the champion's fights to create an arresting picture of the man.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  30. Tunnel to Freedom (2021)

    13 August 1961: the GDR closes the sector borders in Berlin. The city is divided overnight. Escape to the West becomes more dangerous every day. But on September 14, 1962, exactly one year, one month and one day after the Wall was built, a group of 29 people from the GDR managed to escape spectacularly through a 135-meter tunnel to the West. For more than 4 months, students from West Berlin, including 2 Italians, dug this tunnel. When the tunnel builders ran out of money after only a few meters of digging, they came up with the idea of marketing the escape tunnel. They sell the film rights to the story exclusively to NBC, an American television station.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

Like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

The closest matches to Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening are Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy (2025), TINA (2021) and Beware of Mr. Baker (2012). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

Start with Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy (2025), the closest match to Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening.

What is the highest-rated movie like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there French movies like Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

Yes: Sœur Sourire: Who Killed the Voice of God? (2021), Mossad L'Histoire Secrète d'Israël (2019) and All About Yves Montand (2021).

How are movies similar to Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

↑ ↓ to move · Enter to open · Full search page