Movies like 1986. The story behind the Cup (2016)
The best movies like 1986. The story behind the Cup (2016) are I Choose to Believe (2023), Take the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018) and Maradona by Kusturica (2008). If 1986. The story behind the Cup hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDiego Maradona (2019)7.4/10 from 455 votes
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
- In SpanishI Choose to Believe (2023)Also in Spanish
I Choose to Believe (2023)
It narrates the epic title obtained by the Argentine National Team in the World Cup Qatar 2022 with testimonies of the protagonists, told from the intimacy and in first person.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTake the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018)
Take the Ball, Pass the Ball is the definitive story of the greatest football team ever assembled. For four explosive years, Pep Guardiola's Barça produced the greatest football in history, seducing fans around the world. In this exclusive, first-hand account of events between 2008 and 2012, the players themselves reveal the tension of the bitter Guardiola-Mourinho rivalry, the emotion of Abidal's fight back from cancer to lift the European Cup and how Messi, the best footballer the world's ever seen, was almost rejected by Barça as a 13-year-old.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMaradona by Kusturica (2008)
A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 thisMuchachos (2023)
Using home videos from fans from across the globe and never-before-seen drone footage obtained during the victory parade in Buenos Aires, on streets dyed white and sky blue. The film invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world's most football obsessed nation, Argentina, to relive the emotional rollercoaster that was the country’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar and the record breaking celebrations that followed.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 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 thisThe Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)
Hollywood veteran Bing Russell creates the only independent baseball team in the country—alarming the baseball establishment and sparking the meteoric rise of the 1970s Portland Mavericks.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football (2022)
This documentary spotlights one of the most contentious deals in football history and the extraordinary player at the center of the storm: Luís Figo.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDiego Maradona (2019)
Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the personal life and career of the controversial football player Diego Maradona who played for SSC Napoli and Argentina in the 1980s.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRonaldo (2015)
Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving & fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triple Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career. From the makers of ‘Senna’ and ‘Amy’, Ronaldo takes audiences on an intimate and revealing journey of what it’s like to live as an iconic athlete in the eye of the storm.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 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 thisSidney (2022)
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisDrew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013)
A documentary on legendary movie-poster artist Drew Struzan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKarol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful (2025)
Karol G pulls back the curtain on her rise to stardom while navigating a sold-out stadium tour, creating new music and releasing a new album.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisZidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
Halfway between a sports documentary and an conceptual art installation, "Zidane" consists in a full-length soccer game (Real Madrid vs. Villareal, April 23, 2005) entirely filmed from the perspective of soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisGermany: A Summer's Fairytale (2006)
A documentary of the German national soccer team’s 2006 World Cup experience that changed the face of modern Germany.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Phenomenon (2022)
Featuring contributions from legendary team-mates and opponents, friends and family, this is the definitive story of Ronaldo, encompassing his meteoric rise, his spectacular fall (including one of football’s biggest mysteries) and the World Cup’s greatest ever redemption story.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Zinedine Zidane: Zizou the Great (2009)
FIFA World Player in 1998, 2000, and 2003, Zidane has been labeled the greatest player to come out of France. Known for his brilliant ball control, incredible vision, precise passing and ability to read the game, Zidane has also dedicate much of his time to helping those less fortunate than himself.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Match 64: The Maracanã (2015)
A documentary following the day life of fans in Brazil on July 13, 2014: the day when Germany and Argentina met up in the finals of FIFA World Cup.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Meninos da Vila, a Magia do Santos (2014)
A documentary that explores Santos Futebol Clube's tradition of revealing great players, from Pelé to Neymar, and shows the trajectory of young athletes who dream of following in their footsteps.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Football As Never Before (1971)
In this film, we follow footballer George Best over a 90-minute match against Coventry City, which took place on 12th September 1970. There is no soundtrack and no interview overlaid, just Best doing what he did best - playing football.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Mexican Football Coaching Guide (2024)
In this comedic docufiction, Javier (Javier Raphael) is a young man who has always wanted to be a football coach like his idol “El Chelís” (José Luis Sánchez Solá), but has never done anything to fulfill his dream. Now, guided by a nosy narrator (Jorge Pietrasanta), he will look for some of the most unorthodox amateur football coaches in Mexico, and for his beloved "Chelís", so that each one can give him lessons until he is fully trained to manage a match and thus become a true "Mexican football coach".
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hugo Sánchez, the Goal and the Glory (2022)
The definitive chronicle of the best Mexican athlete in history. From his beginnings in Mexico's university team, his transcendental time in Spain's Real Madrid, his international falls and his very personal obsession for success.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Blue Dream - The Road to Wembley (2021)
A documentary film that traces the victorious journey of Mancini's Azzurri, from the opening match to the final against England. A crew spent a month with the Azzurri, bringing viewers inside the lives of the players and all the staff members, from training sessions to matches, travels, and celebrations. An adventure told through the voices of the protagonists, who confided their dreams, joys, sorrows, and hopes to the cameras. The final chapter of the Azzurri Dream at Euro 2020.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like 1986. The story behind the Cup?
The closest matches to 1986. The story behind the Cup are I Choose to Believe (2023), Take the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018) and Maradona by Kusturica (2008). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after 1986. The story behind the Cup?
Start with I Choose to Believe (2023), the closest match to 1986. The story behind the Cup.
What is the highest-rated movie like 1986. The story behind the Cup?
Diego Maradona (2019), rated 7.4/10 by 455 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like 1986. The story behind the Cup?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Spanish movies like 1986. The story behind the Cup?
Yes: I Choose to Believe (2023), Muchachos (2023) and Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful (2025).
How are movies similar to 1986. The story behind the Cup chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside 1986. The story behind the Cup, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.