Movies like So Terribly Unnecessary (1979)
The best movies like So Terribly Unnecessary (1979) are Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), Heart of a Dog (2015) and Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023). If So Terribly Unnecessary hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
So Terribly Unnecessary
Quick picks
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
Come 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 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 thisAnna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)
From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Curious Birth of Benjamin Button (2009)
A documentary about the making of David Fincher's 2008 film THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON. Virtually every element in the evolution of the Fincher's film is documented here, from the project's attachment to numerous other directors during the 1990s, to its shoot in 2006 and 2007 in New Orleans, to its complex, CGI-intensive postproduction process.
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 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 thisExtremis (2016)
A purely observational non-fiction film that takes viewers into the ethically murky world of end-of-life decision making in a public hospital.
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 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 thisFuck (2006)
A documentary on the expletive's origin, why it offends some people so deeply, and what can be gained from its use.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (2013)
A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisEx Libris: The New York Public Library (2017)
A documentary about how a dominant cultural and demographic institution both sustains their traditional activities and adapts to the digital revolution.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like this28 Up (1985)
Just two years away from turning 30, participants in Michael Apted's documentary series are facing serious questions of identity and purpose, wondering whether they've found their place in the world.
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 this21 Up (1977)
After another 7 year wait, director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born children from Seven Up! and 7 Plus Seven. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisDirected by John Ford (1971)
A documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMore Dangerous Than Dynamite (1941)
A short film warning the unaware housewife of the dangers of “dry cleaning” with gasoline at home.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
North American House Hippo (1999)
The house hippo is a fictitious species of hippopotamus, and the subject of a Canadian television public service announcement produced by Concerned Children's Advertisers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Stand for Humanity [a PSA about Hate Crime] (TBA)
A PSA about Hate Crime. Young Izaak finds out that his father has been yet another victim of Hate Crime, while also learning what to do in this situations.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
I Do Not Want To Smoke (2020)
This short film is a translation of an original script from the USSR, written in 1936, but never produced. An over-the-top anti-smoking PSA.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Pace That Kills (1959)
Excessive speed is the number one killer on the roads: one-thrid of all road deaths are caused by it. By excessive speeding drivers risk their own lives and those of others.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
A Dangerous Game (2014)
In this sequel to the award-winning You’ve Been Trumped, director Anthony Baxter once again follows American billionaire Donald Trump and a cast of other greedy characters who want to turn some of the Earth’s most precious places into golf courses and playgrounds for the super rich. From the historic site of Dubrovnik to the ancient sand dunes and rolling green hills of the seaside town of Balmedie, these tycoons bully local residents, influence governments, ignore local referendums and even meddle in national environmental policies to acquire their latest trophies. With in-depth interviews and Baxter’s expert storytelling, we learn just how devastating these golf courses can be to the surrounding countryside and water tables. In this funny, inspiring and at times heartbreaking David and Goliath story for the 21st century, the locals don’t give in easily. But will their fight be enough to protect their land and traditional way of life?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
PSA FROM THE VOID (2025)
PSA FROM THE VOID was created for a BGSU 48-Hour Film Festival.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Zombie Door (1970)
Psychedelic Hanna-Barbera anti-drug PSA, ca. 1970. Created by Art Babbitt - he'd developed Goofy during his time at Disney.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
NHFT Domestic Violence (2025)
A series of vignettes brought to life through "red flag" post-it notes, following a couple’s descent from subtle psychological control and social isolation to a final, violent confrontation at dinner.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
A Day in the Forest with Smokey Bear (2010)
Several children spend a day in the forest and learn from Smokey Bear the five rules to fire safety.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
![Stand for Humanity [a PSA about Hate Crime] poster](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w342/2w5L7IBqjApZiMwM48hAivMpQS2.jpg)
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like So Terribly Unnecessary?
The closest matches to So Terribly Unnecessary are Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), Heart of a Dog (2015) and Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after So Terribly Unnecessary?
Start with Come See Me in the Good Light (2025), the closest match to So Terribly Unnecessary.
What is the newest movie like So Terribly Unnecessary?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to So Terribly Unnecessary chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside So Terribly Unnecessary, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.