Movies like Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York' (2018)
The best movies like Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York' (2018) are Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006), A Toxic Love Story (2026) and A Decade Under the Influence (2003). If Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York' hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedLost in La Mancha (2002)7.0/10 from 249 votes
- NewestYou Can See Everything (2026)Released 2026
Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006)
Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local community. For the first time, cast, crew, critics and fans join together in the ultimate 'Halloween' retrospective.
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 thisA Decade Under the Influence (2003)
A documentary examining the decade of the 1970s as a turning point in American cinema. Some of today's best filmmakers interview the influential directors of that time.
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 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 thisThe Curse of the Dragon (1993)
A 1993 documentary film about Bruce Lee. The film includes interviews from some of his fellow students and opponents who worked alongside him in his movies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBehind the Planet of the Apes (1998)
Roddy McDowall takes you, film by film, from production meetings to make-up sessions, then right onto the movie set to see the actual filming of the science fiction masterpiece. The most comprehensive history of Planet of the Apes ever created, this fascinating 127-minute documentary explores one of the most imaginative and influential series in movie history.
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 thisEx Libris: The New York Public Library (2017)
A documentary about how a dominant cultural and demographic institution both sustains their traditional activities and adapts to the digital revolution.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYou Can See Everything (2026)
Thirty-four days before she's sent to prison, notorious Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisTrainwreck: The Real Project X (2025)
A night of drunken chaos rocks a quiet Dutch town in this shocking documentary about a teen's birthday invite that accidentally went viral on Facebook.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)
Documentary about legendary Paramount producer Robert Evans, based on his famous 1994 autobiography.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLove, Antosha (2019)
From a prolific career in film and television, Anton Yelchin left an indelible legacy as an actor. Through his journals and other writings, his photography, the original music he wrote, and interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, this film looks not just at Anton's impressive career, but at a broader portrait of the man.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisX-Rated 2: The Greatest Adult Stars of All Time (2016)
Documentary sequel that offers a close-up look into the personal lives of the legendary porn stars who've survived the test of time and influenced popular culture. Blends rare interviews with erotic clips and additional appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Soderbergh and a host of adult stars, directors and trendsetters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaking The Witcher (2020)
Journey into the extraordinary world of "The Witcher" — from casting the roles to Jaskier's catchy song — in this behind-the-scenes look at the series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeing Eddie (2025)
From teen comedian to Hollywood legend, Eddie Murphy revisits his extraordinary showbiz ride with raw honesty and humor.
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 thisLost in La Mancha (2002)
Fulton and Pepe's 2000 documentary captures Terry Gilliam's attempt to get The Man Who Killed Don Quixote off the ground. Back injuries, freakish storms, and more zoom in to sabotage the project.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStruggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)
Artists in LA discover the work of forgotten Polish sculptor Stanislav Szukalski, a mad genius whose true story unfolds chapter by astounding chapter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMary Poppins: From Page to Stage (2009)
Behind the scenes look at the creation of the stage musical. Filmed in the UK, France, and the United States, it features a series of conversations with many of the show's creators including producers Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher, composers George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Richard Sherman (who co-wrote music and lyrics for the original film), and set and costume designer Bob Crowley. The documentary also features a roundtable discussion at Sardi's restaurant between Schumacher and actors Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, who originated the roles of Mary Poppins and Bert in the Broadway production.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Making of 'The Lost World' (1997)
Behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of director Steven Spielberg's 1997 film "The Lost World."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Suspense Story: Nat'l Press Club Hears Hitchcock (1963)
National Press Club hears a speech from Alfred Hitchcock.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Damned Don't Cry: The Crawford Formula - Real and Reel (2005)
The Joan Crawford crime thriller, The Damned Don't Cry (1950), is the topic of discussion for various interviewees.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Art of Suit Acting! (2007)
The suit actors of Toho's science fiction and fantasy films faced many challenges in bringing their iconic monsters to life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Making of the Godzilla Suit! (2006)
How the first Godzilla suit was created and the struggles that came along with it.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Women of Godzilla (2008)
One aspect of Japanese fantasy films that often goes overlooked is the significant part that women play in the drama.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Creator of Godzilla: Tomoyuki Tanaka (2007)
Many people contributed to the creation of Godzilla, but only one man was truly the father of the monster.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Father of Godzilla: Eiji Tsuburaya (2007)
The life of Eiji Tsuburaya, pioneer of Japanese special effects.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Akira Ifukube Biography (2007)
A biography and tribute to one of Japan's most prolific composers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York'?
The closest matches to Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York' are Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006), A Toxic Love Story (2026) and A Decade Under the Influence (2003). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York'?
Start with Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006), the closest match to Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York'.
What is the highest-rated movie like Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York'?
Lost in La Mancha (2002), rated 7.0/10 by 249 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York'?
You Can See Everything (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York'?
Yes: Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006), A Toxic Love Story (2026) and A Decade Under the Influence (2003).
How are movies similar to Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York' chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Purgatory: Entering John Carpenter's 'Escape From New York', then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.