Movies like Kiki Kirin's Life (2019)
The best movies like Kiki Kirin's Life (2019) are As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000), The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013) and Cameraperson (2016). If Kiki Kirin's Life hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)7.1/10 from 295 votes
- NewestCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)Released 2025
- In JapaneseThe Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)Also in Japanese
As 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 thisThe Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
Follows the behind-the-scenes work of Studio Ghibli, focusing on the notable figures Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCameraperson (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
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 thisCome 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 thisShirkers (2018)
In 1992, teenager Sandi Tan shot Singapore's first indie road movie with her enigmatic American mentor Georges – who then vanished with all the footage. Twenty years later, the 16mm film is recovered, sending Tan, now a novelist in Los Angeles, on a personal odyssey in search of Georges' vanishing footprints.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAudrey (2020)
An unprecedented and intimate look at the life, work and enduring legacy of British actress Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove, Marilyn (2013)
Using the book 'Fragments', which collects Marilyn Monroe's poems, notes and letters, and with participation from the Arthur Miller and Truman Capote estates who have contributed more material, each of the actresses will embody the legend at various stages in her life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMifune: The Last Samurai (2016)
An account of the life and work of legendary Japanese actor Toshirō Mifune (1920-97), the most prominent actor of the Golden Age of Japanese cinema.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove, Gilda (2018)
Diaries, audiotapes, videotapes and testimonials from friends and colleagues offer insight into the life and career of Gilda Radner -- the beloved comic and actress who became an icon on Saturday Night Live.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this42 Up (1999)
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. 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 thisGirl Model (2011)
A documentary on the modeling industry's 'supply chain' between Siberia, Japan, and the U.S., told through the experiences of the scouts, agencies, and a 13-year-old model.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisI Am Ali (2014)
Unprecedented access to Muhammad Ali's personal archive of "audio journals" as well as interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends are used to tell the legend's life story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisObi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022)
This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they create new heroes and villains that live alongside new incarnations of beloved Star Wars characters, and an epic story that dramatically bridges the saga films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing (2004)
Documentary about the art of film editing. Clips are shown from many groundbreaking films with innovative editing styles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeyoncé: Life Is But a Dream (2013)
Life Is But a Dream is a HBO documentary about the life of US singer Beyoncé Knowles during the years 2011 and 2012 and on the recording of her fifth album. The film was directed by Beyoncé herself. The film shows Beyoncé from intimate moments of her pregnancy to behind the scenes and rehearsals of the main concerts of that time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTeruo Ishii Fan Club (2006)
A documentary on Teruo Ishii, the Japanese "King of Cult".
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Stéphane Audran, la complice de Chabrol (2024)
She and Claude Chabrol formed one of the most prolific couples in the history of cinema. Through their relationship, and through film clips, reports and broadcasts, a portrait, imbued with humor and elegance, of the actress Stéphane Audran emerges.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Film Director Satsuo Yamamoto (1993)
A documentary made to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Satsuo Yamamoto's death.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kenji Mizoguchi: The Life of a Film Director (1975)
In 39 interviews with actors and actresses, writers, producers and staff members, interspersed with film excerpts and stills, Shindō recounts the life and career of his friend and mentor Mizoguchi.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Japanese Cinema: New Territories (2011)
This documentary by Hubert Niogret looks at the revival of Japanese cinema during the 1990s.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
La Bréa (TBA)
Documentary about Brazilian actress Sandra Bréa.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Mia Farrow: Shadows and Light (2025)
The artistic career of American actress Mia Farrow has been that of a passionate and committed woman who became the embodiment of a special kind of femininity, halfway between innocence and madness.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Erotic Empire (2002)
A short documentary primarily focused on Nikkatsu's Roman Porno series.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
La bande à Fifi : plus besoin d'Alibi (2023)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kaos är granne med Gun (2020)
A portrait of Swedish actress/director/writer Gun Jönsson who has created several groundbreaking stage productions and films. She has never compromised with her integrity, desire and artistry.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Kiki Kirin's Life?
The closest matches to Kiki Kirin's Life are As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000), The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013) and Cameraperson (2016). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Kiki Kirin's Life?
Start with As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000), the closest match to Kiki Kirin's Life.
What is the highest-rated movie like Kiki Kirin's Life?
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012), rated 7.1/10 by 295 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Kiki Kirin's Life?
Come See Me in the Good Light (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Kiki Kirin's Life?
Yes: The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013), Teruo Ishii Fan Club (2006) and Film Director Satsuo Yamamoto (1993).
How are movies similar to Kiki Kirin's Life chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Kiki Kirin's Life, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.