Movies like Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail (2014)
The best movies like Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail (2014) are My Mom Jayne (2025), South of the Border (2009) and Welcome to Chechnya (2020). If Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedSelena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)8.4/10 from 623 votes
- NewestJahangir Baghirov: Conqueror of the Skies (2026)Released 2026
My 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 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 thisWelcome to Chechnya (2020)
This searing investigative work shadows a group of activists risking unimaginable peril to confront the ongoing anti-LGBTQ program raging in the repressive and closed Russian republic. Unfettered access and a remarkable approach to protecting anonymity exposes this under-reported atrocity–and an extraordinary group of people confronting evil.
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 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 thisJoy Division (2009)
A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCharlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin (2003)
Brilliant, long in-the-works story of the life and art of the world's greatest comedian and the cinema's first genius, Charlie Chaplin. Produced, written and directed by renowned film critic Richard Schickel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCapital in the Twenty-First Century (2019)
Film adaptation of French economist Thomas Piketty's ground-breaking global bestseller of the same name: an eye-opening journey through wealth and power.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmerican Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince (1978)
Martin Scorsese spends an evening with larger-than-life raconteur Steven Prince—a former drug addict, road manager for Neil Diamond, and actor—as he recounts stories from his colorful life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Am Heath Ledger (2017)
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisStar Wars: The Legacy Revealed (2007)
The special focuses on how Star Wars is relevant today and the history that inspired it, and also makes various connections to Greek mythology. It consists of several interviews with well-known politicians, journalists, and critics, along with historical content and clips from all six of the Star Wars movies.
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 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 thisShawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)
A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDavid Bowie: Five Years (2013)
Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in Berlin with the critically acclaimed album Heroes, his triumph with Scary Monsters and his global success with Let’s Dance. With interviews with all his closest collaborators, David Bowie - Five Years presents a unique account of why Bowie has become an ‘icon of our times’.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTo Kill a Tiger (2023)
Ranjit, a farmer in India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the victim of a brutal gang rape. His decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Decade Under the Influence (2003)
A documentary examining the decade of the 1970s as a turning point in American cinema. Some of today's best filmmakers interview the influential directors of that time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisElstree 1976 (2015)
A documentary about ten very different lives connected by having appeared onscreen wearing masks or helmets in Star Wars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSelena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisJahangir Baghirov: Conqueror of the Skies (2026)
Jahangir Baghirov: Conqueror of the Skies ("Səmanın Cahangiri") is a 2026 Azerbaijani documentary film about Guards Senior Lieutenant and fighter pilot Jahangir Mirjafar Baghirov (1919–1943). Based on historical sources, archival materials and wartime memoirs, the film tells the story of his childhood, military education, heroic combat missions, his final battle during World War II and the preservation of his legacy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Azerbaijan: The Petroglyphs of Arasbaran (2014)
A research on prehistoric Petroglyphs of Arasbaran area in Azerbaijan province of Iran, and the megaliths of Pirazmian area as signs of a lost civilization.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Azerbaijan: Atropatene, the Little Medes (2014)
The history of Iranian Azerbaijan from the Medes era to the Sasanian Empire and from Takht-e Soleyman in Atropatene to St. Thaddeus Monastery (AKA Qara Kelisa).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Azerbaijan: The History of Iranian Turks (2014)
History of Iranian Azerbaijan from Oghuz Turks to the Qara Qoyunlu rulers who built the Blue Mosque (Pers. Masjed-e kabud); and to Hasan Padeshah Aq Qoyunlu who chose Tabriz as their capital.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Azerbaijan: From Aras to Tehran (2014)
Azerbaijan in the era of the Qajar dynasty and Russo-Iranian wars at the sides of Aras river, also The Persian Constitutional Revolution in Tabrizi until death of Sattar-Khan (National Commander) in Tehran.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Borderless (2019)
Chronicles the migrant crisis occurring in Europe and the consequences on both refugees and natives.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Great Post Road (1996)
Road movie-style documentary about the Great Post Road (De Groote Postweg/Jalan Raya Pos). Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1925), one of the most important Indonesian authors of recent decades, wrote an essay about the Great Post Road at the request of director Bernie IJdis. This thousand-kilometer road across Java was built at the beginning of the last century under the leadership of the Dutchman Daendels and cost the lives of thousands of Indonesian forced laborers. Because Toer, as a former political prisoner, is restricted in his freedom of movement, the filmmakers act as his eyes and ears during a trip along the Post Road. During the journey, parallels between Indonesia in the past and present slowly unfold. In addition, as the film progresses, the grimness of Toer's situation and the situation in his country becomes palpable.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Sex, Drugs & Bicycles (2020)
The documentary that answers the question: is having month-long double paid vacations, no fear of homelessness, and universal health care the nightmare we've been warned about? The answer may surprise you.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Shelby American (2019)
Carroll Shelby came from humble beginnings working as a chicken farmer in rural Texas. He exploded into the auto-racing scene by beating all the top-tier drivers of the era and winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. All while still wearing his chicken-overalls. Carroll had a heart condition that nearly killed him, forcing him to retire from racing. He started Shelby American and assembled a rag-tag team of hot-rodders to execute his vision of building groundbreaking sports cars like the Shelby Cobra. He also led Ford and the GT40 to multiple victories at Le Mans over Ferrari. Shelby’s cars, driven by the greatest drivers in the history of racing, cemented his legacy. He is the only man in history to win Le Mans as both a driver and a manufacturer. And is still the only American auto-manufacturer to win the World Manufacturing Championship.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Like Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail?
The closest matches to Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail are My Mom Jayne (2025), South of the Border (2009) and Welcome to Chechnya (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail?
Start with My Mom Jayne (2025), the closest match to Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail.
What is the highest-rated movie like Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail?
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail?
Jahangir Baghirov: Conqueror of the Skies (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Azerbaijan: Sheikh Safi and King Ismail, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.