Movies Like This Whole Thing Was Improvised

If you liked This Whole Thing Was Improvised (2023), a movie directed by Isaías Badilla, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Match (2014)
★ 5.8/10
A Seattle couple travel to New York to interview colorful former dancer Tobi for research on a dissertation about dance. But soon, common niceties and social graces erode when the questions turn personal and the true…
2
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
★ 6.1/10
Sarah and David are single strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and soon, through a surprising twist of fate, find themselves on a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live…
3
Looking for Richard (1996)
★ 6.8/10
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."
4
Frances Ha (2013)
★ 7.3/10
An aspiring dancer moves to New York City and becomes caught up in a whirlwind of flighty fair-weather friends, diminishing fortunes and career setbacks.
5
Adele One Night Only (2021)
★ 7.7/10
A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey…
6
High Strung (2016)
★ 7/10
When a hip hop violinist busking in the New York subway encounters a classical dancer on scholarship at the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts, sparks fly. With the help of a hip hop dance crew they must find a common…
7
A Nice Girl Like You (2020)
★ 5.8/10
Lucy Neal is thrown for a loop when she is accused of being too inhibited by her ex-boyfriend. In an effort to prove him wrong, Lucy creates a rather wild to-do list that sends her on a whirlwind and surprising journey…
8
Take the Lead (2006)
★ 6.9/10
A former professional dancer volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system and, while his background first clashes with his students' tastes, together they create a completely new style of dance. Based…
9
Limelight (1952)
★ 7.9/10
A fading music hall comedian tries to help a despondent ballet dancer learn to walk and to again feel confident about life.
10
Footloose (1984)
★ 6.7/10
When teenager Ren and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's in for a real case of culture shock after discovering he's living in a place where music and dancing are illegal.
11
Come See Me in the Good Light (2025)
★ 7.1/10
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.
12
Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy? (2013)
★ 6.9/10
A series of interviews featuring linguist, philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky done in hand-drawn animation.
13
CQ (2001)
★ 5.9/10
A young filmmaker in 1960s Paris juggles directing a cheesy sci-fi debacle, directing his own personal art film, coping with his crumbling relationship with his girlfriend, and a new-found infatuation with the sci-fi…
14
Flow (1996)
★ 7.7/10
A filmmaker talks about his work and love life with an unseen friend behind the camera. We also watch four of his short films.
15
Blue Valentine (2010)
★ 7/10
Dean and Cindy live a quiet life in a modest neighborhood. They appear to have the world at their feet at the outset of the relationship. However, his lack of ambition and her retreat into self-absorption cause…
16
Peaceful Warrior (2006)
★ 7.5/10
A chance encounter with a stranger changes the life of a college gymnast.
17
Frankie & Alice (2010)
★ 6/10
A drama centered on a go-go dancer with multiple personality disorder who struggles to remain her true self and begins working with a psychotherapist to uncover the mystery of the inner ghosts that haunt her.
18
Flashdance (1983)
★ 6.5/10
Alex Owens, a young woman juggling between two odd jobs, aspires to become a successful ballet dancer. Nick, who is her boss and lover, supports and encourages her to fulfil her dream.
19
The Tales of Hoffmann (1951)
★ 7.1/10
A melancholy poet reflects on three women he loved and lost in the past: a mechanical performing doll, a Venetian courtesan, and the consumptive daughter of a celebrated composer.
20
My Mom Jayne (2025)
★ 8/10
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…