Movies like Patent 986 (2013)
The best movies like Patent 986 (2013) are The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019), The Secret (2006) and Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022). If Patent 986 hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedWe Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)7.1/10 from 363 votes
- NewestThe AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026)Released 2026
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
With a magical new invention that promised to revolutionize blood testing, Elizabeth Holmes became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire, heralded as the next Steve Jobs. Then, overnight, her 10-billion-dollar company dissolved. The rise and fall of Theranos is a window into the psychology of fraud.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Secret (2006)
Interviews with leading authors, philosophers and scientists, with an in-depth discussion of the Law of Attraction. The audience is shown how they can learn and use 'The Secret' in their everyday lives.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Class of ‘92 (2013)
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNaqoyqatsi (2002)
A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisClose Encounters of the Fifth Kind (2020)
Dr. Steven Greer’s previous works, SIRIUS and UNACKNOWLEDGED, broke crowdfunding records and ignited a grassroots movement. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE FIFTH KIND features groundbreaking video and photographic evidence and supporting interviews from prominent figures such as Adam Curry of Princeton’s PEAR Lab; legendary civil rights attorney Daniel Sheehan, and Dr. Russell Targ, who headed the CIA’s top secret remote viewing program. Their message: For thousands of people, contact has begun. This is their story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSouth of the Border (2009)
A road trip across five countries to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media's misperception of South America while interviewing seven of its elected presidents.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026)
A father-to-be tries to figure out what is happening with all this AI insanity, and explores the most powerful technology humanity has ever created... and what's at stake if we get it wrong.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWe Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)
Takes us inside the world of Anonymous, the radical "hacktivist" collective that has redefined civil disobedience for the digital age. The film explores early hacktivist groups like Cult of the Dead Cow and Electronic Disturbance Theater, then moves to Anonymous' raucous beginnings on the website 4chan. Through interviews with current members, people recently returned from prison or facing trial, writers, academics, activists and major players in various "raids," the documentary traces Anonymous’ evolution from merry pranksters to a full-blown movement with a global reach, the most transformative civil disobedience of our time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarina Abramović: The Artist Is Present (2012)
Performance artist Marina Abramovic prepares for a major retrospective of her work at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhat We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2018)
A documentary exploring the legacy of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the reasons it went from the black sheep of Star Trek to a beloved mainstay of the franchise, and a brainstorm with the original writers on what a theoretical eighth season of the show could look like.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisExtremis (2016)
A purely observational non-fiction film that takes viewers into the ethically murky world of end-of-life decision making in a public hospital.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMore than a Game (2008)
This documentary follows NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio and James' journey to fame.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now (2019)
Oprah Winfrey talks with the exonerated men once known as the Central Park Five, plus the cast and producers who tell their story in "When They See Us."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHalloween: 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 this1 (2013)
Set in the golden era of Grand Prix Racing '1' tells the story of a generation of charismatic drivers who raced on the edge, risking their lives during Formula 1's deadliest period, and the men who stood up and changed the sport forever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBuy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy (2024)
This subversive documentary unpacks the tricks brands use to keep their customers consuming — and the real impact they have on our lives and the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man (2018)
One man’s journey to find meaning in Bill Murray’s many unexpected adventures with everyday people, rare and never-before seen footage of the comedic icon participating in stories previously presumed to be urban legend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSeduced and Abandoned (2013)
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Patent Scam (2017)
The corruption runs deeper than you'd ever imagine. A multi-billion dollar industry you've never heard of. This is the world Patent Trolls thrive in: A world created for them by our own U. S. Patent system. You can be sued for clicking on a hyperlink, using your own scanner, or sharing your Wi-Fi! It sounds insane, but the reality is even crazier. Patent Trolls look for obvious ideas, patent them, and then sue anyone they claim is infringing on their idea. People's lives and businesses are being destroyed.. and they have no way out. “The Patent Scam” exposes the underbelly of this system, and the people that commit this practice.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Lords of Scam (2021)
This documentary traces the rise and crash of scammers who conned the EU carbon quota system and pocketed millions before turning on one another.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInvalidated (2018)
Thrust into a battle to save his invention, inventor Josh Malone uncovers the shocking truth that our patent system is weakening, property rights are at risk and American Innovation is dying! Our weakening Patent system is invalidating property rights, and with it, the incentive to create. Money and inventions are now going to other countries, and with them go jobs and a strong economy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Monopoly - Spiel ohne Erbarmen (2024)
Monopoly is the most famous board game in the world. It brought capitalism to the game board and made haggling over roads and train stations socially acceptable worldwide. The documentary tells the true story of how the legendary Monopoly game came about, of clever marketing, the utopia of a fair world - and of ourselves.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Show Must Go On (2019)
The Show Must Go On is a personal journey behind the scenes that confronts the epidemic of mental health issues in the Australian entertainment industry.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Chefs des Chefs : Dans les coulisses du Palais de Monaco (2012)
Politics divides people, but food brings them together. Working for the royal couple, H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, chef Christian Garcia prepares special meals for the Grimaldi family and organizes large receptions at the Palace. We follow the daily lives of the Chamberlain, the valets, the laundresses, the gardeners, the silversmiths, and all the staff of the Palace of Monaco, who preserve centuries-old traditions in the art of hospitality.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Porgy and Bess in Wien (1953)
Featuring the opera star Leontyne Price, the concert baritone William Warfield, and the irrepressible jazz bandleader Cab Calloway, this virtually unknown short film documents the first stop on what would become a four-year US State Department–sponsored tour of the Everyman Opera Company's production of the Gershwin-Heyward opera Porgy and Bess.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
We Get to Win This Time (2002)
Documentary about the making of "Rambo : First Blood Part II," and how Rambo became a household name. Featuring Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Charles Napier, director George P. Cosmatos, writer David Morrell, producers Mario Kassar and Andrew Vanja. Produced for the "Rambo" Special Edition DVD box set.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
By Any Means Necessary: The Making of "Jason X" (2002)
Produced for the "Jason X" Special Edition DVD.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Mackin’ Ain’t Easy (2002)
Documentary celebrating the making of this 70’s cult favorite featuring interviews with Max Julien, director Michael Campus, producer Harvey Bernhard, filmmakers the Hughes Brothers, professor Todd Boyd, and writer Jessie Rhines, actors Anizette Chase, Dick Anthony Williams and Don Gordon. Produced for "The Mack" Special Edition DVD.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Patent 986?
The closest matches to Patent 986 are The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019), The Secret (2006) and Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Patent 986?
Start with The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019), the closest match to Patent 986.
What is the highest-rated movie like Patent 986?
We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012), rated 7.1/10 by 363 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Patent 986?
The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Patent 986 chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Patent 986, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.