Movies Like The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979

If you liked The Smashing Pumpkins: 1979 (1996), a music movie directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, 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
Apple Music Live: Lady Gaga MAYHEM Requiem (2026)
★ 8.3/10Also music
For Apple Music Live, Gaga presents MAYHEM Requiem, a celebration and musical reimagining of MAYHEM.
2
Anima (2019)
★ 7.3/10Also music
In a short musical film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Thom Yorke of Radiohead stars in a mind-bending visual piece. Best played loud.
3
The Rocker (2008)
★ 6.1/10Also music
In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's…
4
Madonna: The Immaculate Collection (1990)
★ 8.6/10Also music
The Immaculate Collection is the first commercially released greatest videos compilation by singer Madonna. Released on November 13, 1990 to accompany the audio CD, it contained hits spanning 1983-1990. The collection…
5
Ghosts (1997)
★ 8.1/10Also music
In the town of Normal Valley, an eccentric magician named Maestro entertains the local children every day in his spooky mansion. One stormy night, the town's mayor leads a group of angry citizens to the mansion in an…
6
Black Is King (2020)
★ 7.1/10Also music
This visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of "The Lion King" (2019) for today's young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.
7
King of Jazz (1930)
★ 6.5/10Also music
A large-scale revue musical built around Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, presenting a series of musical performances, sketches, and staged tableaux in early two-color Technicolor, emblematic of Hollywood’s early…
8
Soul Men (2008)
★ 6.2/10Also music
Two former backup soul singers, Louis and Floyd, have not spoken to each other in 20 years, and reluctantly agree to travel across the country together to a reunion concert to honor their recently-deceased lead singer…
9
Heavy Metal Mater (2010)
★ 6.1/10Also music
Mater and Lightning McQueen are ready to rock! When Mater's garage band, Mater and the Gas Caps, records a hit song, Mater becomes a rock legend. Then Lightning joins Mater's band for the rock concert of the century!
10
Let It Shine (2012)
★ 7/10Also music
A teenage rapper must use his musical talent to help a friend and win the girl of his dreams while overcoming self-doubt and the expectations of his strict religious parents.
11
A Day at the Races (1937)
★ 7.1/10Also music
Doctor Hugo Hackenbush, Tony, and Stuffy try and save Judy's sanitarium by winning a big race with a finicky horse owned by Judy's boyfriend Gil. There are a few problems. Hackenbush, who was recently put in charge of…
12
Sturgill Simpson Presents Sound & Fury (2019)
★ 6.1/10Also music
In this anime visual album, a mysterious driver heads deep into a postapocalyptic hellscape toward a ferocious showdown with two monstrous opponents.
13
Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979)
★ 6.3/10Also music
A group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, take over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration.
14
Arlo the Alligator Boy (2021)
★ 6.8/10Also music
Upon learning that he is from New York City, a wide-eyed boy, who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. A musical adventure.
15
The Last Waltz (1978)
★ 7.7/10Also music
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…
16
Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995)
★ 8.3/10Also music
This compilation features 10 of Michael Jackson's greatest video hits, including "Billie Jean," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Black or White," "Rock With You" and others. -Includes the never before seen 18 minute…
17
Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour (2024)
★ 7.7/10Also music
At a sold-out concert in her hometown of LA, Olivia Rodrigo pours her heart into an electrifying night of chart-topping hits and pop-rock power ballads.
18
Metallica: Through the Never (2013)
★ 6.8/10Also music
Trip, a young roadie for Metallica, is sent on an urgent mission during the band's show. But what seems like a simple assignment turns into a surreal adventure.
19
Justin Bieber's Believe (2013)
★ 6.9/10Also music
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
20
All Eyez on Me (2017)
★ 6.7/10Also music
All Eyez on Me chronicles the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip-hop artist, actor, poet and activist, as well as his imprisonment and prolific, controversial time at Death Row…