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Movies like Waterwalker (1984)

The best movies like Waterwalker (1984) are Koyaanisqatsi (1983), 180° South (2010) and Naqoyqatsi (2002). If Waterwalker hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. Koyaanisqatsi (1983)

    Takes us to locations all around the US and shows us the heavy toll that modern technology is having on humans and the earth. The visual tone poem contains neither dialogue nor a vocalized narration: its tone is set by the juxtaposition of images and the exceptional music by Philip Glass.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  2. 180° South (2010)

    The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Naqoyqatsi (2002)

    A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  4. Our Planet: Behind the Scenes (2019)

    Years spent recording footage of creatures from every corner of the globe is bound to produce a bit of drama. Here's a behind-the-scenes look.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. Cameraperson (2016)

    As a visually radical memoir, CAMERAPERSON draws on the remarkable footage that filmmaker Kirsten Johnson has shot and reframes it in ways that illuminate moments and situations that have personally affected her. What emerges is an elegant meditation on the relationship between truth and the camera frame, as Johnson transforms scenes that have been presented on Festival screens as one kind of truth into another kind of story—one about personal journey, craft, and direct human connection.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  6. Powaqqatsi (1988)

    An exploration of technologically developing nations and the effect the transition to Western-style modernization has had on them.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  7. Capturing Avatar (2010)

    Capturing Avatar is a feature length behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Avatar. It uses footage from the film's development, as well as stock footage from as far back as the production of Titanic in 1995. Also included are numerous interviews with cast, artists, and other crew members. The documentary was released as a bonus feature on the extended collector's edition of Avatar.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  8. Ocean with David Attenborough (2025)

    David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  9. Deliver 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 this
  10. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

    A documentary on Al Gore's campaign to make the issue of global warming a recognized problem worldwide.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  11. Leviathan (2013)

    An experimental portrait of the North American commercial fishing industry through the lens of GoPro cameras placed on a fishing vessel off the coast of New England.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  12. Deepsea Challenge 3D (2014)

    Described as being a film about determination, danger and the ocean’s greatest depths, James Cameron's "Deepsea Challenge 3D" tells the story of Cameron’s journey to fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming an explorer. The movie offers a unique insight into Cameron's world as he makes that dream reality – and makes history – by becoming the first person to travel solo to the deepest point on the planet.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

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  13. Buena Vista Social Club (1999)

    In this fascinating Oscar-nominated documentary, American guitarist Ry Cooder brings together a group of legendary Cuban folk musicians (some in their 90s) to record a Grammy-winning CD in their native city of Havana. The result is a spectacular compilation of concert footage from the group's gigs in Amsterdam and New York City's famed Carnegie Hall, with director Wim Wenders capturing not only the music -- but also the musicians' life stories.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. Ronaldo (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 this
  15. Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021)

    Lupita Nyong'o narrates a documentary about Peanuts and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. Famous fans—including Drew Barrymore, Kevin Smith, and Al Roker—share its influence on them, and a new animated story finds Charlie Brown on a quest.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  16. Baraka (1992)

    A paralysingly beautiful documentary with a global vision—an odyssey through landscape and time—that attempts to capture the essence of life.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  17. Jodorowsky's Dune (2013)

    In 1974, Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on the quixotic project of adapting Frank Herbert's influential novel Dune (1969) for the big screen. After investing two years, and millions of dollars, the gigantic project ended in failure; but the artists Jodorowsky brought together to carry it out continued to work together, and ended up laying the foundations for modern science fiction cinema.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  18. 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 this
  19. Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)

    Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  20. Explorer: The Last Tepui (2022)

    This documentary starring climber Alex Honnold and famous biologist Bruce Means document their expedition to the South American sky islands in search of new species and discoveries. Follows elite climber Alex Honnold and a world-class climbing team led by National Geographic Explorer and climber Mark Synnott on a grueling mission deep in the Amazon jungle as they attempt a first-ascent climb up a 1000 foot sheer cliff.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  21. Empire of the Nude: The Victorian Nude (2001)

    The Victorian era is often cited for its lack of sexuality, but as this documentary reveals, the period's artists created a strong tradition surrounding the classical nude figure, which spread from the fine arts to more common forms of expression. The film explains how 19th-century artists were inspired by ancient Greek and Roman works to highlight the naked form, and how that was reflected in the evolving cultural attitudes toward sex.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  22. Tous Les Jours (2019)

    In rocky Newfoundland, renowned French artist Jean Claude Roy gathers his paints and sets off to face the day. Whether it be freezing snow, violent wind, or pouring rain, he commits vibrant colors to canvas and conquers the day by weaving crooked beauty out of difficulties.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  23. Beyond the Canvas: Freddie Manseau (2025)

    Freddie Manseau is a painter and instructor at Santa Monica College's Emeritus Campus. This short form documentary details his teachings, personality, and home life with unprecedented access to Freddie himself.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. Josef Mánes II. (1952)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  25. Song of the Paddle (1978)

    Join outdoorsman Bill Mason in this short documentary as he and his family go canoe camping in the wilderness. Gain an appreciation for the art of canoeing while watching a small group experience the sheer joy and beauty of Nature. Along the way, the Masons experience countless adventures and some breathtaking scenery, including Indian rock carvings at Lake Superior.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  26. Desplazamientos (2026)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  27. Raffaello – Il giovane prodigio (2021)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. Rompe el Pasado (2024)

    A young woman shares her journey of overcoming adversity after being bullied at school, recounting how she found a way to heal her emotional wounds, as well as a path to self-confidence and resilience, especially through taekwondo.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  29. Martin Benka (1954)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. Martin Benka a hudba (1988)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

Like Waterwalker and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Waterwalker?

The closest matches to Waterwalker are Koyaanisqatsi (1983), 180° South (2010) and Naqoyqatsi (2002). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Waterwalker?

Start with Koyaanisqatsi (1983), the closest match to Waterwalker.

What is the highest-rated movie like Waterwalker?

Baraka (1992), rated 8.2/10 by 733 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Waterwalker?

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like Waterwalker?

Yes: Koyaanisqatsi (1983), 180° South (2010) and Naqoyqatsi (2002).

How are movies similar to Waterwalker chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Waterwalker, 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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