Movies like Metal Mania (1989)
The best movies like Metal Mania (1989) are Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), Until the Light Takes Us (2008) and Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008). If Metal Mania 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
- Highest ratedThe Last Waltz (1978)7.7/10 from 330 votes
- NewestOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)Released 2026
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026)
With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisUntil the Light Takes Us (2008)
Chronicles the history, ideology and aesthetic of Norwegian black metal, a musical subculture infamous as much for a series of murders and church arsons as it is for its unique musical and visual aesthetics. This is the first film to truly shed light on a movement that has heretofore been shrouded by rumor and obscured by inaccurate and shallow depictions. Featuring exclusive interviews with the musicians themselves, Until the Light Takes Us explores every aspect of the controversial movement that has captured the attention of the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
At 14, best friends Robb Reiner and Lips made a pact to rock together forever. Their band, Anvil, hailed as the "demi-gods of Canadian metal" influenced a musical generation that includes Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Following a calamitous European tour, Lips and Robb, now in their fifties, set off to record their 13th album in one last attempt to fulfill their boyhood dreams.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
An exploration of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on glam metal. It features concert footage and interviews of legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists such as Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Megadeth, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and W.A.S.P..
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRite Here Rite Now (2024)
Whether you’re a devoted disciple looking to relive treasured memories of the GHOST live spectacle or among the curious uninitiated, RITE HERE RITE NOW will put you right there: putting your phones down and living in the moment—as a shadow of uncertainty looms—completely spellbound and in the thrall of this bombastic yet intimate cinematic portrait of GHOST.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisHated: GG Allin and The Murder Junkies (1993)
An overview of the life of the most shocking, vile, and notorious of punk rock legends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMetal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005)
The film discusses the traits and originators of some of metal's many subgenres, including the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, power metal, Nu metal, glam metal, thrash metal, black metal, and death metal. Dunn uses a family-tree-type flowchart to document some of the most popular metal subgenres. The film also explores various aspects of heavy metal culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIron Maiden: Flight 666 (2009)
Heavy metal band Iron Maiden's 2008 Somewhere Back in Time World Tour. This concert recording accompanies the documentary film "Iron Maiden: Flight 666". The 16 songs performed were filmed live in 16 different cities giving you the full experience of the live power of Maiden and their fans all around the globe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMetallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group therapist and grapple with 20 years of repressed anger and aggression. Between searching for a replacement bass player, creating a new album and confronting their personal demons, the band learns to open up in ways they never thought possible.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)
A musical study of Los Angeles in the late 90s, where homeless teens roam the streets and profess to live a punk lifestyle of music, drugs, and flouting authority.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmerican Hardcore (2006)
Inspired by Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A tribal history" Paul Rachman's feature documentary debut is a chronicle of the underground hardcore punk years from 1979 to 1986. Interviews and rare live footage from artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and the Dead Kennedys.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
Hailed as one of the most innovative and intimate documentaries of all time, experience Kurt Cobain like never before in the only ever fully authorized portrait of the famed music icon. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen expertly blends Cobain's personal archive of art, music, never seen before movies, animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest friends.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJustin Bieber's Believe (2013)
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
The Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980 is the focus of this film. With Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWho Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)
The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJonas Brothers: The Concert Experience (2009)
Grab a backstage pass to the Jonas Brothers' motion picture debut! Kevin, Joe and Nick are "Burning Up" the stage and inviting you inside their personal world for the adventure of a lifetime. This colossal movie event launches the world's hottest band straight into your living room – and includes guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift! Secure your VIP pass to a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Jonas Brothers. Get ready to hang out with this multitalented trio, and take an intimate look at what their lives are like offstage and behind the scenes. It's the music-filled movie event perfect for the whole family!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)
Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
Featuring never-before-seen footage, this documentary delivers a startling new look at the Peoples Temple, headed by preacher Jim Jones who, in 1978, led more than 900 members to Guyana, where he orchestrated a mass suicide via tainted punch.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisExtreme: Pornograffitti Live 25 Documentary (2016)
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of EXTREME's classic multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated "Pornograffitti", the definitive album of the band's career. To mark the anniversary, "Pornograffitti Live 25: Metal Meltdown" will be released this fall by the production company Rock Fuel Media in association with Loud & Proud Records as part of their four-part "Metal Meltdown" DVD series. The concert film captures the Boston band performing the album "Pornograffitti" in its entirety. One of the highlights of the documentary is a moment where Gary and Nuno are sitting on the doorstep of Gary's childhood home, and they perform a spontaneous version of 'More Than Words'."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Louder Than Hell: Wacken The Movie (2014)
Wacken Open Air is the biggest 3-day-rock- and metal-festival in the world. It's three days of raw energy, non-stop Heavy Metal music at full blast and 80.000 fans on a party frenzy. A true legend, taking place annually since 1990 in the sleepy German country town of Wacken, it attracts fans from all over the world. It was released on 24th of December 2014 on dvd, blu ray and 3D blu ray.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
Gorefest: La Muerte (2005)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary
BABYMETAL LIVE～LEGEND D APOCALYPSE～ (2012)
I、D、Z ～LEGEND "D" SU-METAL Birthday Festival (I、D、Z ～LEGEND "D" SU-METAL 聖誕祭; I、D、Z LEGEND "D" SU-METAL Seitansai) was a concert held on December 20, 2012, at Akasaka BLITZ in Tokyo, Japan. This show celebrated SU-METAL's 15th birthday.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
BABYMETAL LIVE～LEGEND Z APOCALYPSE～ (2013)
I、D、Z ～LEGEND "Z" was a concert held on February 1, 2013, at Zepp Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan. The show concluded with the announcement of their next concert, LEGEND "1999", confirming the continuance of their group activities. SU-METAL had recently graduated from Sakura Gakuin, and there was much anticipation regarding her future endeavors with BABYMETAL.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
BABYMETAL LIVE～LEGEND I APOCALYPSE～ (2012)
I、D、Z LEGEND "I" was a concert held by BABYMETAL on October 6, 2012, at Shibuya O-EAST in Tokyo, Japan. During the main set, BABYMETAL performed with BABYBONES, who mimed playing instruments. In the encore, they introduced the KAMI BAND, dressed in white robes and corpse paint. This was their first time playing with a live metal band. The concert ended with the announcement of their new single Ijime, Dame, Zettai, set for release on January 9, 2013.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Through Eyes of the Dead (1999)
Shocking music videos and interviews with Necrophagia. Film works as an introduction to the underground that influences this particular music movement and showcases moments of intense performances.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The First Family of Satanism (1990)
Evangelist Bob Larson sits down with Zeena and Nickolas and tries to talk some good old fashioned religion into 'em, but they'll have none of it.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kerrang! Video Kompilation 4 (1989)
The fourth installment of Kerrang's Video Kompilation series, featuring: Black Sabbath - The Headless Cross, Little Angels - She's A Little Angel, Onslaught - Let There Be Rock, Yngwie Malmsteen - Heaven Tonight, Gary Moore - Ready For Love, Saraya - Love Has Taken Its Toll, The Quireboys - There She Goes Again, Cinderella - The Last Mile, T.N.T. - Tonight I'm Falling, Helloween - I Want Out, The Dogs D'Amour - How Comes It Never Rains, The Grip - Teenage Bride, Kingdom Come - Do You Like It?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Kerrang! Video Kompilation 5 (1990)
The fifth and final installment of Kerrang's Video Kompilation series, featuring: Bruce Dickinson - Dive! Dive! Dive!, Thunder - She's So Fine, Whitesnake - Now You're Gone, Megadeth - Holy Wars.....The Punishment Due, Dread Zeppelin - Heartbreaker, Vain - Who's Watching You?, The Electric Boys - All Lips And...Hips, No Sweat - Heart And Soul, Faith No More - Epic, Little Angels - She's A Little Angel, Slaughter - Up All Night, Vixen - Love Is A Killer, Magnum - Rockin' Chair
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Metal Mania?
The closest matches to Metal Mania are Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), Until the Light Takes Us (2008) and Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Metal Mania?
Start with Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), the closest match to Metal Mania.
What is the highest-rated movie like Metal Mania?
The Last Waltz (1978), rated 7.7/10 by 330 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Metal Mania?
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Metal Mania?
Yes: Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026), Until the Light Takes Us (2008) and Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008).
How are movies similar to Metal Mania chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Metal Mania, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.