Movies like Ilyenkov (2017)
The best movies like Ilyenkov (2017) are Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (2011), Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience (2016) and In the Realms of the Unreal (2004). If Ilyenkov hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDeliver Us from Evil (2006)7.2/10 from 216 votes
- NewestPurpose (2026)Released 2026
Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (2011)
A presentation of a case for a needed transition out of the current socioeconomic monetary paradigm which governs the entire world society. This subject matter will transcend the issues of cultural relativism and traditional ideology and move to relate the core, empirical 'life ground' attributes of human and social survival, extrapolating those immutable natural laws into a new sustainable social paradigm called a 'Resource-Based Economy'.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisVoyage of Time: The IMAX Experience (2016)
A celebration of the universe, displaying the whole of time, from its start to its final collapse. This film examines all that occurred to prepare the world that stands before us now: science and spirit, birth and death, the grand cosmos and the minute life systems of our planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIn the Realms of the Unreal (2004)
In the Realms of the Unreal is a documentary about the reclusive Chicago-based artist Henry Darger. Henry Darger was so reclusive that when he died his neighbors were surprised to find a 15,145-page manuscript along with hundreds of paintings depicting The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glodeco-Angelinnian War Storm, Cased by the Child Slave Rebellion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPublic Speaking (2011)
Martin Scorsese’s portrait of writer and social commentator Fran Lebowitz, celebrated for her sharp wit and observations on modern life. Filmed at New York’s Waverly Inn and intercut with archival footage and interviews, the documentary captures Lebowitz’s distinctive worldview through her spontaneous monologues and public appearances.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDownloaded (2013)
A documentary that explores the downloading revolution; the kids that created it, the bands and the businesses that were affected by it, and its impact on the world at large.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
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 thisHeart of a Dog (2015)
Musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother and her beloved dog.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDeliver Us from Evil (2006)
Documentary filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O'Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. Victims' stories and a disturbing interview with O'Grady offer a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining trust ... all the while betraying so many.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEvil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story (2025)
Unravel the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, whose child abuse arrest with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHarmontown (2014)
A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisSherman's March (1986)
Documentarian Ross McElwee originally set out to make a travelogue of sorts tracing General William T. Sherman's infamous scorched-earth march through the Confederacy in the latter stages of the Civil War. Instead, haunted by a recent breakup with a girlfriend, McElwee ends up documenting his progress -- or lack thereof -- in starting a new relationship. His journey then becomes one of self-reflection and self-discovery rather than a historical/sociological exploration.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 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 thisThe September Issue (2009)
A documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe 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 documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisFigure It Out: on the Hayduke Trail (TBA)
Documentary about Alex Maier's experience through-hiking the Hayduke Trail, an 800-mile route across Utah and Arizona.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Von Schwänen und Menschen (2025)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
God and Buddha: A Dialogue (1999)
In this fascinating and unusual conversation, writer and physician Deepak Chopra talks to religion professor Robert Thurman about the connections and differences between two of India's most important philosophical beliefs: Vedanta and Buddhism. Chopra explores the foundation of Vedanta, while Thurman -- the father of actress Uma Thurman -- provides the Buddhist point of view in this meeting held in 1999 at New York City's Tibet House.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
TRADITIO I: A Work of Faith (2026)
Produced over two years by two young students from Switzerland and Germany in collaboration with the General House of the FSSPX, this production of more than four hours is one of the most ambitious cinematic projects ever undertaken by the Fraternity. The first film focuses on the Catholic priesthood, the history of the SSPX, and priestly formation in its international seminaries.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
TRADITIO II: A Work of Hope (2026)
Produced over two years by two young students from Switzerland and Germany in collaboration with the General House of the FSSPX, this production of more than four hours is one of the most ambitious cinematic projects ever undertaken by the Fraternity. The second presents the Society’s missionary work in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
TRADITIO III: A Work of Charity (2026)
Produced over two years by two young students from Switzerland and Germany in collaboration with the General House of the FSSPX, this production of more than four hours is one of the most ambitious cinematic projects ever undertaken by the Fraternity. The third highlights the liturgical life of the Society during Holy Week and the Easter season, while also presenting the work of its priests throughout Europe and the Americas.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Top Gear: Australian Road Trip (2015)
The presenters travel to Australia's Northern Territory for a road trip across the outback in three GT cars. On their trip they deal with crocodile infested rivers (again), camp in the outback, and race through an open-pit mine before the journey culminates with a task to herd some four-thousand cows in one of the world's largest farms.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Purpose (2026)
Interviews of diverse background of people that tell stories that can change one's perspective on the purpose of life. This documentary explores one question: What do you believe the purpose of life is?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
When Alan Yentob Met Jenny Saville (2025)
As a part of a tribute night to broadcaster and television executive Alan Yentob, he interviews leading British artist Jenny Saville. One of the most successful figurative painters working today, she came to prominence as part of the YBA movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She has been reluctant to discuss her work for many years on television, until now. Alan Yentob was working with her on a film for Imagine and caught up with her in Vienna on the eve of two major 2025 exhibitions she is mounting. This was the last interview Alan Yentob conducted in a career spanning six decades at the BBC, bringing many of the world’s leading artists and creatives to the screen. Alan also persuaded Jenny to allow cameras into her painting studio for the first time in almost three decades.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
wasted potential (2025)
A documented introspection written, directed, composed, illustrated, and experienced by Riadh Bakache, serving as a transition into a new era for his YouTube channel. Rich in emotion, this piece reflects on his personal experiences and inner journey, supported by his readings. Riadh explores several philosophical and psychological questions about himself, in an effort to better understand and ultimately accept who he is. Taking a step back from his situation became necessary, leading to the telling of his entire journey in this video.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Like Ilyenkov and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Ilyenkov?
The closest matches to Ilyenkov are Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (2011), Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience (2016) and In the Realms of the Unreal (2004). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Ilyenkov?
Start with Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (2011), the closest match to Ilyenkov.
What is the highest-rated movie like Ilyenkov?
Deliver Us from Evil (2006), rated 7.2/10 by 216 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Ilyenkov?
Purpose (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Ilyenkov chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Ilyenkov, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.