Movies like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story (2019)
The best movies like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story (2019) are The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998) and Until the Light Takes Us (2008). If Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story 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 ratedCobain: Montage of Heck (2015)7.6/10 from 773 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
An exploration of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on glam metal. It features concert footage and interviews of legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and W.A.S.P..
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)
A musical study of Los Angeles in the late 90s, where homeless teens roam the streets and profess to live a punk lifestyle of music, drugs, and flouting authority.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUntil the Light Takes Us (2008)
Chronicles the history, ideology and aesthetic of Norwegian black metal, a musical subculture infamous as much for a series of murders and church arsons as it is for its unique musical and visual aesthetics. This is the first film to truly shed light on a movement that has heretofore been shrouded by rumor and obscured by inaccurate and shallow depictions. Featuring exclusive interviews with the musicians themselves, Until the Light Takes Us explores every aspect of the controversial movement that has captured the attention of the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisThe Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
The Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980 is the focus of this film. With Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMetal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005)
The film discusses the traits and originators of some of metal's many subgenres, including the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, power metal, Nu metal, glam metal, thrash metal, black metal, and death metal. Dunn uses a family-tree-type flowchart to document some of the most popular metal subgenres. The film also explores various aspects of heavy metal culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 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 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 thisEcho in the Canyon (2019)
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.'s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic music groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHated: GG Allin and The Murder Junkies (1993)
An overview of the life of the most shocking, vile, and notorious of punk rock legends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDaft Punk Unchained (2015)
Daft Punk Unchained is the first film about the pop culture phenomenon that is Daft Punk, the duo with 12 million albums sold worldwide and seven Grammy Awards. Throughout their career Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have always resisted compromise and the established codes of show business. They have remained determined to maintain control of every link in the chain of their creative process. In the era of globalisation and social networks, they rarely speak in public and neither do they show their faces on TV. This documentary explores this unprecedented cultural revolution revealing a duo of artists on a permanent quest for creativity, independence and freedom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBad Reputation (2018)
The life and career of rock n' roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles "I Love Rock n Roll," and "Bad Reputation" Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Velvet Underground (2021)
Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
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 & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJonas Brothers: The Concert Experience (2009)
Grab a backstage pass to the Jonas Brothers' motion picture debut! Kevin, Joe and Nick are "Burning Up" the stage and inviting you inside their personal world for the adventure of a lifetime. This colossal movie event launches the world's hottest band straight into your living room – and includes guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift! Secure your VIP pass to a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Jonas Brothers. Get ready to hang out with this multitalented trio, and take an intimate look at what their lives are like offstage and behind the scenes. It's the music-filled movie event perfect for the whole family!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
Hailed as one of the most innovative and intimate documentaries of all time, experience Kurt Cobain like never before in the only ever fully authorized portrait of the famed music icon. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen expertly blends Cobain's personal archive of art, music, never seen before movies, animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest friends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBad 25 (2012)
Spike Lee pays tribute to Michael Jackson's Bad on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the epochal album, offering behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson recording the album and interviews with confidants, musicians, choreographers, and such music-world superstars as Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Cee Lo Green and Mariah Carey.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisThe Art of Destruction (2025)
The unique music documentary about the legendary thrash metal band Destruction.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Exodus - Blood Upon the Goat: The Making of Blood In, Blood Out (2014)
A documentary detailing the making of the American thrash metal band Exodus' tenth studio album, Blood In, Blood Out. Released as part of the deluxe compact disc format of the album.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Green Day: The Early Years (2017)
"Green Day: The Early Years" chronicles the rise of the world's most influential punk band, from their origins playing shows at Berkley's notorious Gilman Street venue in the late 80s, through the release of the platinum-selling Dookie in 1994.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Assorted Atrocities: The Exodus Documentary (2010)
Explore the history of EXODUS and get a behind the scenes look into life on the road in the documentary.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Danzig: Home Video (1990)
Featuring songs from their debut album DANZIG: "Twist of Cain" and the controversial uncut versions of "Am I Demon", "She Rides" and "Mother". Plus interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Highlights include: Glenn revealing his songwriting process, reading Wolverine comics, discussing his book collection, chugging a box of Milk Duds before an encore, and Eerie Von being a badass.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Kreator - Hate & Hope (2025)
From a school band from Essen to an internationally celebrated thrash metal legend: To mark Kreator's 40th anniversary in 2024, frontman Mille Petrozza plans to re-record his greatest hits at the famous Hansa Studios in Berlin together with greats from the metal scene such as Metallica, Sepultura, Slayer, Anthrax and many more. With exclusive private archive material, the story of Kreator is told for the first time.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
BABYMETAL LIVE～LEGEND I APOCALYPSE～ (2012)
I、D、Z LEGEND "I" was a concert held by BABYMETAL on October 6, 2012, at Shibuya O-EAST in Tokyo, Japan. During the main set, BABYMETAL performed with BABYBONES, who mimed playing instruments. In the encore, they introduced the KAMI BAND, dressed in white robes and corpse paint. This was their first time playing with a live metal band. The concert ended with the announcement of their new single Ijime, Dame, Zettai, set for release on January 9, 2013.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Annihilator: Triple Threat (2017)
Live concert from 2016 Bang Your Head!!! festival concert, a set which illustrates the very best of what Annihilator is known for - tight, sharp, technically excellent and melodic thrash metal music and some exclusive inside-Annihilator off-stage perspective, courtesy of Jeff Waters's own camera, which captures further elements, flavors and detail of the band which fans will flip over.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Nightwish: Decades (Live in Buenos Aires) (2019)
Recorded during Nightwish's "Decades World Tour" on September 30th., 2018 at the Microestadio Malvinas Argentinas venue in Argentina. Track List: 1. Swanheart / 2. End of All Hope / 3. Wish I Had an Angel / 4. 10th Man Down / 5. Come Cover Me / 6. Gethsemane / 7. Élan / 8. Sacrament of Wilderness / 9. Deep Silent Complete / 10. Dead Boy's Poem / 11. Elvenjig / 12. Elvenpath / 13. I Want My Tears Back / 14. Amaranth / 15. The Carpenter / 16. The Kinslayer / 17. Devil and the Deep Dark Ocean / 18. Nemo / 19. Slaying the Dreamer / 20. The Greatest Show on Earth / 21. Ghost Love Score.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
In Flames - The Making of: A Sense of Purpose (2008)
A hand filmed documentary about the band In Flames during the time of the production of their album "A Sense of Purpose".
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story?
The closest matches to Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story are The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998) and Until the Light Takes Us (2008). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story?
Start with The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), the closest match to Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story.
What is the highest-rated movie like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story?
Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015), rated 7.6/10 by 773 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story?
Yes: The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988), The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998) and Until the Light Takes Us (2008).
How are movies similar to Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Murder in the Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.