Movies like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound (1966)
The best movies like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound (1966) are The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019), David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) and Dua Lipa: Studio 2054 (2020). If The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound 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 ratedThe Last Waltz (1978)7.7/10 from 330 votes
- NewestThe Last Repair Shop (2024)Released 2024
The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)
A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDavid Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
A filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDua Lipa: Studio 2054 (2020)
Dua Lipa's kaleidoscopic rocket fuelled journey through time, space, mirrorballs, roller discos, bucket hats, belting beats, throbbing basslines and an absolute slam dunk of the best of times in global club culture throughout the decades.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Beatles: Get Back - The Rooftop Concert (2022)
On the 30th of January, 1969, the Beatles performed an unannounced concert from the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters at Savile Row, within central London's office and fashion district. Experience the final and unforgettable iconic performance of The Beatles in a special 60-minute presentation, digitally remastered into the image and sound quality of IMAX DMR technology.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLemmy (2010)
Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKeith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)
A portrait of Keith Richards that takes us on a journey to discover the genesis of his sound as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Last Waltz (1978)
Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other rock legends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisColdplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)
An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has endured through many highs and lows.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRoger Waters: The Wall (2014)
A concert film that the former Pink Floyd singer-songwriter made on various tour dates between 2010 and 2013, when he was playing his former group's 1980 double-album in its entirety.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPulp: a Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets (2014)
Pulp found fame on the world stage in the 1990s with anthems including ‘Common People’ and ‘Disco 2000’. 25 years (and 10 million album sales) later, they return to Sheffield for their last UK concert. In addition to performing, band members share their thoughts on fame, love, mortality — and car maintenance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisGod Bless Ozzy Osbourne (2011)
Featuring never before seen footage uncovered from the archives and interviews with Paul McCartney, Tommy Lee and others, God Bless Ozzy Osbourne is the first documentary to take viewers inside the complex mind of rock's great icon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBeats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011)
Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip hop bands of all time, the Queens NY collective known as 'A Tribe Called Quest' have kept a generation hungry for more of their groundbreaking music since their much publicized breakup in 1998. Michael Rapaport documents the inner workings and behind the scenes drama that follows the band to this day. He explores what's next for, what many claim, are the pioneers of alternative rap.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarley (2012)
Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. Directed by Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), MARLEY is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhitney (2018)
Examines the life and career of singer Whitney Houston. Features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive recordings, rare performances and interviews with the people who knew her best.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNeil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)
In March 2005, Neil Young was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Four days before he was scheduled for a lifesaving operation, he headed to Nashville, where he wrote and recorded the country folk album Prairie Wind with old friends and family members. After the successful operation and recovery period, he returned to Nashville that August to play at the famed Ryman Auditorium, once again gathering together friends and family for this special performance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpringsteen on Broadway (2018)
Bruce Springsteen shares personal stories from his life and acoustic versions of some of his best-known songs in an intimate one-man show.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Stone Roses: Made of Stone (2013)
A documentary about the English alternative rock band, The Stone Roses. Meadows interweaves archive film, intimate behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen material, delivering the definitive account of the band and their music. He was also granted unprecedented access to their rehearsals for the summer 2012 Manchester concerts. A momentous occasion in modern music, these were the first gigs performed by The Stone Roses in 16 years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLady Gaga Presents: The Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden (2011)
Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden is a 2011 concert special documenting the February 21 and 22, 2011 shows of Lady Gaga's The Monster Ball Tour. It features concert footage as well as pre-concert and backstage content.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisBeside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story (2017)
Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story is a documentary about the life and work of Michael "Mick" Ronson, the guitarist, songwriter, producer and arranger who, in the early part of his career, performed with David Bowie as one of the 'Spiders from Mars'.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Elvis: The Lost Performances (1992)
Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! Yes it's the King of Rock & Roll as never seen before in this collection of rare outtakes and negatives from the fabulous MGM vaults. "Elvis: The Lost Performances" includes footage which was filmed for "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" (1970) and "Elvis on Tour" (1972) but was never used in those films. Included are clips of Presley singing such hits as "Teddy Bear," "Heartbreak Hotel," "All Shook Up" and more.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Jack Bruce: The Man Behind the Bass (2012)
The late Jack Bruce fronted the 1960s supergroup Cream alongside Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker and has played with everyone from Marvin Gaye to Jimi Hendrix and from Lulu to Lou Reed.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
California Dreamin': The Songs of The Mamas & The Papas (2005)
This special celebrates the harmonious pop-rock group, blending full-performance clips, rare home movies and exclusive interviews with the members.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
Rock School (2005)
It is about a music school in Philadelphia, The Paul Green School of Rock Music, run by Paul Green that teaches kids ages 9 to 17 how to play rock music and be rock stars. Paul Green teaches his students how to play music such as Black Sabbath and Frank Zappa better than anyone expects them to by using a unique style of teaching that includes getting very angry and acting childish.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music
La Vela Puerca - Normalmente Anormal (2014)
Normally abnormal is the first DVD by the Uruguayan band La Vela Puerca.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Hello! Junichi (2014)
An elementary student named Junichi is having trouble returning an eraser he borrowed from his secret crush, Maeda. With the support and encouragement of rookie teacher Anna, Junichi gets over his shyness and starts a band with his classmates.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Airheads (1994)
The Lone Rangers have heavy-metal dreams and a single demo tape they can't get anyone to play. The solution: Hijack an FM rock radio station and hold the deejays hostage until they agree to broadcast the band's tape.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Raised a boy in East Berlin, Hedwig undergoes a personal transformation in order to emigrate to the U.S., where she reinvents herself as an 'internationally ignored' but divinely talented rock diva, inhabiting a 'beautiful gender of one'.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPlease Kill Me (2011)
Going backstage and behind closed doors to chronicle the music of sex, drugs, and power struggles that were the fabric of the punk community. Adapted for stage by Mathieu Bauer. The punk era of Television, Richard Hell, Ramones, Iggy Pop...flirting with death, drowning in art, design and a new way of communicating.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound?
The closest matches to The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound are The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019), David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) and Dua Lipa: Studio 2054 (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound?
Start with The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019), the closest match to The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound?
The Last Waltz (1978), rated 7.7/10 by 330 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound?
The Last Repair Shop (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound?
Yes: The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019), David Byrne's American Utopia (2020) and Dua Lipa: Studio 2054 (2020).
How are movies similar to The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.