Movies Like Tail Dragger: Journey of a Bluesman

If you liked Tail Dragger: Journey of a Bluesman, a movie, 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
Bessie (2015)
★ 6.4/10
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
2
Muscle Shoals (2013)
★ 7.2/10
In a tiny Alabama town with the curious name of Muscle Shoals, something miraculous sprang from the mud of the Tennessee River. A group of unassuming, yet incredibly talented, locals came together and spawned some of…
3
The Glenn Miller Story (1954)
★ 7/10
A vibrant tribute to one of America's legendary bandleaders, charting Glenn Miller's rise from obscurity and poverty to fame and wealth in the early 1940s.
4
Black Snake Moan (2006)
★ 6.8/10
A God-fearing bluesman takes to a wild young woman who, as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, is looking everywhere for love, but never quite finding it.
5
Blaze (2018)
★ 6.3/10
Inspired by the life of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw country movement that spawned the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The film weaves together three periods in Blaze's life…
6
Thunder Road (1958)
★ 6.1/10
Unrepentant Tennessee moonshine runner Luke Doolin makes dangerous high-speed deliveries for his liquor-producing father, Vernon, but won't let his younger brother Robin join the family business. Under pressure from…
7
John Candy: I Like Me (2025)
★ 7.9/10
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
8
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
★ 7/10
The joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.
9
Crazy Heart (2009)
★ 6.9/10
When reporter Jean Craddock interviews Bad Blake—an alcoholic, seen-better-days country music legend—they connect, and the hard-living crooner sees a possible saving grace in a life with Jean and her young son.
10
Ride Like a Girl (2019)
★ 7.3/10
The story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.
11
American Underdog (2021)
★ 7.1/10
The true story of Kurt Warner, who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
12
Cadillac Records (2008)
★ 7.1/10
The story of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, and the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Etta…
13
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads (2019)
★ 6.8/10
Robert Johnson was one of the most influential blues guitarists ever. Even before his early death, fans wondered if he'd made a pact with the Devil.
14
Lovely, Still (2009)
★ 6.6/10
A holiday fable that tells the story of an elderly man discovering love for the first time.
15
In a Valley of Violence (2016)
★ 6.1/10
The story of a drifter named Paul who arrives in a small town seeking revenge on the thugs who murdered his friend. Sisters Mary Anne and Ellen, who run the town's hotel, help Paul in his quest for vengeance.
16
Elvis (1979)
★ 6.9/10
This biopic traces Elvis Presley’s life from his impoverished childhood to his meteoric rise to stardom to his triumphant conquering of Las Vegas.
17
Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
★ 7.5/10
Abandoned by her family, Kya raises herself all alone in the marshes outside of her small town. When her former boyfriend is found dead, Kya is instantly branded by the local townspeople and law enforcement as the…
18
The Great Debaters (2007)
★ 7.3/10
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the…
19
Men of Honor (2000)
★ 7.5/10
Against formidable odds -- and an old-school diving instructor embittered by the U.S. Navy's new, less prejudicial policies -- Carl Brashear sets his sights on becoming the Navy's first African-American master diver in…
20
Walk the Line (2005)
★ 7.5/10
A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and…