Movies like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band (2020)
The best movies like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band (2020) are The Velvet Underground (2021), The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026) and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018). If Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band hooked you with its history 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
- NewestThe Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)Released 2026
The 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 thisThe Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)
Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMatangi / 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 thisAnvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
At 14, best friends Robb Reiner and Lips made a pact to rock together forever. Their band, Anvil, hailed as the "demi-gods of Canadian metal" influenced a musical generation that includes Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Following a calamitous European tour, Lips and Robb, now in their fifties, set off to record their 13th album in one last attempt to fulfill their boyhood dreams.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZappa (2020)
With the help of more than 10,000 dedicated Zappa fans, this is the long-awaited definitive documentary project of Alex Winter documenting the life and career of enigmatic groundbreaking rock star Frank Zappa. Alex also utilizes in this picture thousands of hours of painstakingly digitized videos, photos, audio, writing, and everything in between from Zappa's private archives. These chronicles have never been brought to a public audience before, until now.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisWhitney: Can I Be Me (2017)
The life and tragic death of Whitney Houston.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBeastie Boys Story (2020)
Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former grandfather, Spike Jonze.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & 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 music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 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 thisSympathy for the Devil (1968)
While The Rolling Stones rehearse "Sympathy for the Devil" in the studio, an alternating narrative reflects on 1968 society, politics and culture through five different vignettes.
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 thisAmerican Hardcore (2006)
Inspired by Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A tribal history" Paul Rachman's feature documentary debut is a chronicle of the underground hardcore punk years from 1979 to 1986. Interviews and rare live footage from artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and the Dead Kennedys.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChasing Happiness (2019)
From humble roots as pastor's sons in New Jersey, through their meteoric rise to fame, the Jonas Brothers' bond was unshakeable-until a surprising and painful breakup led Joe, Kevin and Nick down very different paths. With deeply personal interviews, previously unreleased footage and exclusive music, this is the Jonas Brothers as never seen before.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe 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 Filth and the Fury (2000)
Julien Temple's second documentary profiling punk rock pioneers the Sex Pistols is an enlightening, entertaining trip back to a time when the punk movement was just discovering itself. Featuring archival footage, never-before-seen performances, rehearsals, and recording sessions as well as interviews with group members who lived to tell the tale--including the one and only John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisImagine: John Lennon (1988)
The biography of former Beatle, John Lennon—narrated by Lennon himself—with extensive material from Yoko Ono's personal collection, previously unseen footage from Lennon's private archives, and interviews with David Bowie, his first wife Cynthia, second wife Yoko Ono and sons Julian and Sean.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSelena 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 thisMiley Cyrus - Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) (2023)
Miley Cyrus takes the stage in this must-see, Disney+ music event featuring debut performances of her highly anticipated eighth studio album, "Endless Summer Vacation." The global superstar’s cinematic, one-of-a-kind performances are threaded together with exclusive interviews where she provides insight to her new album and the person she is today.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisIan Dury - The Promo Videos and Songs (2007)
The Blockheads are an English rock band formed in London in 1977. Originally fronted by lead singer Ian Dury as Ian Dury and the Blockheads or Ian and the Blockheads, the band has continued to perform since Dury's death in 2000. Song listing 1) Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, 2) What A Waste!, 3) Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, 4) Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3, 5) I Want To Be Straight, 6) Sueperman's Big Sister
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Barbara ou ma plus belle histoire d'amour (1973)
In the early 70s, Barbara discovered herself backstage on her French tour. The artist plays with intimacy and camera glances. Between concerts, she talks to herself and the men in her life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Judy (2019)
Thirty years after starring in 'The Wizard of Oz', beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPavement: Slow Century (2002)
Documentary tracing the existence of noted rock band Pavement from 1989 to their final performance in late 1999. The first hour is the history of the band, the last 20 minutes is uninterrupted footage of the band’s final encore.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Rockers (2003)
Guitarist Ko-chan is a mess of sexual repression after a childhood at the mercy of two elder sisters eager to use him as a guinea pig for their make-up skills. Bassist Gaku-chan keeps a bucket in the wings for whenever his nerves get the better of him, and drummer Momo-chan is doomed to forever carrying the botched childhood attempts at self-tattooing. It's not until this foursome is forced to look for an additional guitar player after Jin's dad burns his Stratocaster, that attitude and musical ability enter into the equation. Leather-clad, shade-wearing Tani (Tamaki), inseparable from his black Les Paul, is introduced as the king of R'n'R cool and Jinnai keeps him firmly seated on his throne throughout the film, retroactively proclaiming the guitarist, rather than himself, as the band's true hero.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Pretenders - Live in London (2010)
With Millions of albums sold and their place in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame solidified, the Pretenders are a special band with a special place in history. Pretenders: Live in London captures their many electrifying performances from their 2009 world tour. I was asked for the set list... here it is: Boots of Chinese Plastic; Don't cut your hair; Talk of the Town; Message of Love; Kid; The Nothing Maker; Don't lose your faith in me; Back on the Chain Gang; Love's A Mystery; Rosalee; I Go To Sleep; Don't Get Me wrong; Tequila; Stop Your Sobbing; Day After Day; Cuban Slide; Break up the Concrete; Thumbelina; Middle of the Road; The Wait; Tattooed Love Boys; Precious; I'll Stand By You; Brass In Pocket
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Nicole Brothers, Born To Climb (2020)
This film by Yannick Bacher tells the passion of brothers Frédéric and François Nicole for climbing. Through the sites of Cuzzago (Italy), Zurich, Murg, Pelzli, Montreux, St-Loup, Yverdon-les-Bains, Saint-Triphon or Erde, we learn to know these 2 living legends better, their life choices, their philosophy... United by blood ties, those of fraternity but also by the same passion, that of the rock, of climbing. Fred made climbing history by pushing back the difficulty ladder in the discipline of bouldering. François him, founded a family and carried out a parallel professional career. But both have never stopped exploring, traveling and climbing.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland - One with Everything (2009)
On May 25, 2006, the band took the stage in Cleveland for a new venture accompanied by the 115-piece Contemporary Youth Orchestra and a 60-member chorus. With a set list that combined Styx classics, new songs, and cover versions, this was a truly unique event. In 2006, Styx upped the ante on their already-epic stage presence by joining forces with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland. Backed by the 115-piece symphony and a 60-member choir, the rock band played incredible renditions of their hits, including "Renegade" and "Too Much Time on My Hands."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Hero's Journey: Myth or Delusion (TBA)
A librarian explores the mythical landscape of a timeless storytelling concept and reveals a revelation about a critical key stage.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Gandhi, My Father (2007)
Unable to live in his father's gigantic shadow, Mahatma Gandhi's eldest son, Harilal, gets distraught and resorts to alcoholism.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band?
The closest matches to Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band are The Velvet Underground (2021), The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026) and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band?
Start with The Velvet Underground (2021), the closest match to Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band.
What is the highest-rated movie like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band?
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band?
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band?
Yes: The Velvet Underground (2021), The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026) and Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018).
How are movies similar to Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.