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Movies like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (2025)

The best movies like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (2025) are Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020) and The Beach Boys (2024). If SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) hooked you with its documentary and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. Selena 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 & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  2. Shawn 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 music & documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  3. The Beach Boys (2024)

    A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  4. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019)

    Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, this film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)

    Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  6. The Velvet Underground (2021)

    Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes, this kaleidoscopic oral history combines exclusive interviews with dazzling archival footage.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  7. Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012)

    SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP is a feature length performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Rap music. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is the film's director and interviewer Ice-T. Taking us on a deeply personal journey Ice-T uncovers how this music of the street has grown to dominate the world. Along the way Ice-T meets a whole spectrum of Hip-Hop talent, from founders, to new faces, to the global superstars like Eminem, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kanye West. He exposes the roots and history of Rap and then, through meeting many of its most famous protagonists, studies the living mechanism of the music to reveal 'The Art Of Rap'. This extraordinary film features unique performances from the entire cast, without resorting to archive material, to build a fresh and surprising take on the phenomenon that is Rap.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. I Called Him Morgan (2016)

    Part jazz history, part true-crime tale, Kasper Collin’s new documentary employs extensive archival footage and new interviews to tell the tragic story of the magnificently talented trumpeter Lee Morgan and his common-law wife Helen, who murdered him in a New York bar in 1972.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  9. Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly (2019)

    While crafting his Grammy-nominated album "Astroworld," Travis Scott juggles controversy, fatherhood and career highs in this intimate documentary.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  10. Halftime (2022)

    Global superstar Jennifer Lopez reflects on her multifaceted career and the pressure of life in the spotlight in this intimate documentary.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  11. Sympathy for the Devil (1968)

    While The Rolling Stones rehearse "Sympathy for the Devil" in the studio, an alternating narrative reflects on 1968 society, politics and culture through five different vignettes.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  12. Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now (2023)

    An intimate, all-access documentary that will chronicle Lewis Capaldi's journey from a scrappy teen with a viral performance to a Grammy-nominated pop star.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  13. Beastie Boys Story (2020)

    Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former grandfather, Spike Jonze.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. Chasing Happiness (2019)

    From humble roots as pastor's sons in New Jersey, through their meteoric rise to fame, the Jonas Brothers' bond was unshakeable-until a surprising and painful breakup led Joe, Kevin and Nick down very different paths. With deeply personal interviews, previously unreleased footage and exclusive music, this is the Jonas Brothers as never seen before.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  15. Stans (2025)

    A revealing, edgy, and disarmingly personal journey into the world of superfandom, told through the lens of one of the world's most iconic and enduring artists, Eminem, and the fans that worship him.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  16. Joy Division (2009)

    A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  17. The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)

    Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. Bad Reputation (2018)

    The life and career of rock n' roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles "I Love Rock n Roll," and "Bad Reputation" Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018)

    Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. Reincarnated (2012)

    Evolution as an artist is often times what separates legends from the more mundane. After being heavily influenced by his experience in Jamaica – and his subsequent name change from Snoop Dogg to Snoop Lion – the LBC showman prepares his latest reggae-infused album Reincarnated. As part of the process, VICE followed Snoop to the island nation as he recorded various songs with backing from Diplo, Ariel Reichtshaid and Dre Skull of Major Lazer. Having grown tired of what rap provided him, the documentary reveals the rebirth and inspiration for his latest project.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  21. Barbara ou ma plus belle histoire d'amour (1973)

    In the early 70s, Barbara discovered herself backstage on her French tour. The artist plays with intimacy and camera glances. Between concerts, she talks to herself and the men in her life.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  22. ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025)

    Kicking off in Seoul in January 2024, ATEEZ’s monumental world tour, TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER, ignited Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond with unstoppable energy. Now, its breathtaking opening chapter returns, reborn on the big screen. From powerful performances of signature hits like "WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”)”, "Crazy Form", "Say My Name", and "Guerrilla" to mesmerizing unit and solo stages showcasing each member’s unique color, ATEEZ’s overwhelming energy takes over SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX where available. The voyage towards the light sets sail once again!

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  23. Beside 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

  24. The Four Seasons: A Music Film (2025)

    The Australian Chamber Orchestra has always forged its own path. With Artistic Director and violinist Richard Tognetti at the helm, the ACO has been producing films for over a decade, from their award-winning collaborations with BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom (‘Mountain’, ‘River’) to their acclaimed series of cinematic music films, ‘ACO StudioCasts’. Directed by Matisse Ruby, ‘The Four Seasons’ film release is the latest from this ground-breaking, world-renowned ensemble. Arguably the most popular and recognisable piece of classical music ever written, this performance directed by Richard Tognetti, highlights the profound symbiosis between Vivaldi’s Venice and the Middle East. Interspersing Vivaldi’s masterpiece with music by Australian-Egyptian composer and Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawardros, the film honours Vivaldi’s classic while giving it new life. A must-see for music lovers and cinephiles alike.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  25. Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (2021)

    Fresh off the heels of her brand-new album, "Happier Than Ever," this cinematic concert experience features an intimate performance of every song in the album's sequential order – for the first and only time – from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  26. La Génération des Enfants du rock (2024)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  27. Because We Love It (TBA)

    Documentary filmmaker Brendan Langelle Lyle follows Halifax's DIY-band Customer Service on a two week Canadian tour. Stuffed inside a sketchy van and going through the repetitive motions of touring, get to know the band members and learn why they put themselves through the hell of the road.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  28. It Might Get Loud (2008)

    A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  29. Three Days (1999)

    Three Days is a feature film exploring the on-and-off-tour lives of Jane's Addiction. Set predominately on their 1997 'Relapse Tour', this docu-drama weaves audiences throughout the band's legacy in a colorful, fast-paced orgy of gritty backstage drama and rare musical performances

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  30. INSIDE ST( )MA (2018)

    A document showing the creation of ST( )MA from a musical standpoint, depicting Cristiano Calcagnile's ingenuity in sound design through the misuse of (self-made) instruments.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

Like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) and something else?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)?

The closest matches to SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) are Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020) and The Beach Boys (2024). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)?

Start with Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), the closest match to SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).

What is the highest-rated movie like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)?

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), rated 8.4/10 by 623 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)?

The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)?

Yes: Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022), Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020) and The Beach Boys (2024).

How are movies similar to SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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