Movies like Public Telephone (1980)
The best movies like Public Telephone (1980) are Foo Fighters: Back and Forth (2011), Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day (2012) and Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (2021). If Public Telephone hooked you with its music and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedPink Floyd: Live at Pompeii (1972)8.1/10 from 242 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
Foo Fighters: Back and Forth (2011)
FOO FIGHTERS BACK AND FORTH chronicles the 16 year history of the Foo Fighters: from the band's very first songs created as cassette demos Dave Grohl recorded during his tenure as Nirvana's drummer, through its ascent to their Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, arena and stadium headlining status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLed Zeppelin: Celebration Day (2012)
On 10th December 2007, Led Zeppelin took the stage at London's O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Founding members John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were joined by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham, to perform 16 songs from their celebrated catalog.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHappier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (2021)
Fresh off the heels of her brand-new album, "Happier Than Ever," this cinematic concert experience features an intimate performance of every song in the album's sequential order – for the first and only time – from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAC/DC: Live at River Plate (2009)
A definitive live concert film documenting AC/DC’s massive Black Ice World Tour. Shot in December of 2009, AC/DC Live at River Plate marks AC/DC’s triumphant return to Buenos Aires where nearly 200,000 fans, and 3 sold-out shows, welcomed the band back after a 13 year absence from Argentina. This stunning live footage of AC/DC underscores what Argentina’s Pagina 12 newspaper reported by saying “no one is on the same level when it comes to pure and clear Rock ‘n Roll.”
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBecoming Led Zeppelin (2025)
The individual journeys of the four members of the band, as they move through the music scene of the 1960s, playing small clubs throughout Britain and performing some of the biggest hits of the era, until their meeting in the summer of 1968 for a rehearsal that changes their lives forever.
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 thisFolklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (2020)
An intimate concert film, in which Taylor Swift performs each song from her album 'folklore' in order, as she reveals the meaning and the stories behind all 17 tracks for the very first time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
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 thisEPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (2026)
Long-lost footage from Elvis Presley's legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970s woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour, and 8mm from the Graceland archive, plus recordings of Elvis telling "his side of the story" rediscovered during Baz Luhrmann's research for his 2022 film, Elvis.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
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 thisIron Maiden: Flight 666 (2009)
Heavy metal band Iron Maiden's 2008 Somewhere Back in Time World Tour. This concert recording accompanies the documentary film "Iron Maiden: Flight 666". The 16 songs performed were filmed live in 16 different cities giving you the full experience of the live power of Maiden and their fans all around the globe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special (2026)
Filmed in front of a live studio audience and hosted by Alex Cooper of 'Call Her Daddy' fame, Miley Cyrus reflects on the creation and impact of the series with never-before-seen archival footage, all the while interacting and reminiscing on some of the show's most memorable sets 'brought back to life' — including the Stewart family living room and the legendary Hannah Montana closet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPink Floyd: Live at Pompeii (1972)
British progressive rock band Pink Floyd perform at the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy in 1971. Although the band perform a typical live set from the era, there is no audience beyond the basic film crew.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe 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 thisMusic by John Williams (2024)
His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisIt Might Get Loud (2008)
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisQueen: Live in Budapest (1986)
On 27 July 1986, Queen performed the largest-ever stadium concert at the Népstadion in Budapest in front of 80,000 ecstatic fans. The concert was part of the famed Magic Tour, which was the last time the band toured with lead singer Freddie Mercury.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
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 thisWestern Stars (2019)
The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe 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
Satan’s Top Forty (2001)
Documentary on Heavy Metal music featuring Adam Sandler, Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons and Ronnie Dio. Produced for the "Little Nicky" Special Edition DVD.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Making of "Dungeons and Dragons" (2001)
Produced for the "Dungeons and Dragons" Special Edition DVD. This video gives fantasy film and game fans a behind-the- scenes look at the making of the hit movie based on the classic Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game. Includes interviews with star Jeremy Irons, as well as other members of the cast and crew, who share their experiences with bringing the game to the silver screen.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Grizzly Man (2005)
Follows the story of "Grizzly Man" Timothy Treadwell and what the thirteen summers in a National Park in Alaska were like in his attempt to protect the grizzly bears. The film is full of unique images and a look into the spirit of a man who sacrificed himself for nature.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAs It Is in Heaven (2004)
A musical romantic tragedy about a famous composer who moves back to his small hometown after having had heart troubles. His search for a simple everyday life leads him into teaching the local church choir, which is not easily accepted by the town yet the choir builds a great love for their teacher.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFito & Fitipaldis - En directo desde el Teatro Arriaga (2014)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Just released from prison, Jake Blues puts his old band back together with his brother Elwood to save the Catholic home where they were raised.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTangerine Dream - Live in Lisbon (2010)
25th March, 2010, 9:30 pm. TD entered the stage of the beautiful big Coliseum theatre in the middle of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. After a very strange live cello quartet performance followed by a suddenly ’wiped out’ opening with Linda playing an outstanding grand piano solo, you´ll hear what TD stands for after more than four decades: the style, the sound, the compositions. Here – once more – you can witness why this band is original and incomparable – just ´in it´ for the art of timeless music
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Tangerine Dream - Live at the Tempodrome Berlin (2006)
"This concert video shot at one of the most exciting venues in Germany will bring back memories to the strange years of experimental sounds & music in the early seventies up to todays' world of digital perfection. Tangerine Dream now at their 40th anniversary had always a critical as well as popular recognition. Being provocative and fairly succesful at the same time had given them an alltime controversial image. They've always taken the freedom of choice to travel on as many musical roads as they wanted to -- without losing their integrity and identity. Enjoy three hours of instrumental music performed by one of the most creative bands of our time."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Kerrang! Video Kompilation 4 (1989)
The fourth installment of Kerrang's Video Kompilation series, featuring: Black Sabbath - The Headless Cross, Little Angels - She's A Little Angel, Onslaught - Let There Be Rock, Yngwie Malmsteen - Heaven Tonight, Gary Moore - Ready For Love, Saraya - Love Has Taken Its Toll, The Quireboys - There She Goes Again, Cinderella - The Last Mile, T.N.T. - Tonight I'm Falling, Helloween - I Want Out, The Dogs D'Amour - How Comes It Never Rains, The Grip - Teenage Bride, Kingdom Come - Do You Like It?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Like Public Telephone and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Public Telephone?
The closest matches to Public Telephone are Foo Fighters: Back and Forth (2011), Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day (2012) and Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Public Telephone?
Start with Foo Fighters: Back and Forth (2011), the closest match to Public Telephone.
What is the highest-rated movie like Public Telephone?
Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii (1972), rated 8.1/10 by 242 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Public Telephone?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there French movies like Public Telephone?
The closest matches are in other languages.
How are movies similar to Public Telephone chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Public Telephone, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.