Movies Like Word Is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives
If you liked Word Is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives (1977), a documentary movie directed by Rob Epstein and Nancy Adair, 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
Welcome to Chechnya (2020)
★ 7/10Also documentaryThis searing investigative work shadows a group of activists risking unimaginable peril to confront the ongoing anti-LGBTQ program raging in the repressive and closed Russian republic. Unfettered access and a…
- 2
Tongues Untied (1990)
★ 6.7/10Also documentaryMarlon Riggs, with assistance from other gay Black men, especially poet Essex Hemphill, celebrates Black men loving Black men as a revolutionary act. The film intercuts footage of Hemphill reciting his poetry, Riggs…
- 3
Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018)
★ 6/10Also documentaryA deliciously scandalous portrait of unsung Hollywood legend Scotty Bowers, whose bestselling memoir chronicled his decades spent as sexual procurer to the stars.
- 4
The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)
★ 7.3/10Also documentaryA documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.
- 5
Disclosure (2020)
★ 7.8/10Also documentaryAn investigation of how Hollywood's fabled stories have deeply influenced how Americans feel about transgender people, and how transgender people have been taught to feel about themselves.
- 6
28 Up (1985)
★ 7.5/10Also documentaryJust 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.
- 7
Come See Me in the Good Light (2025)
★ 7.1/10Also documentaryIn 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.
- 8
Harmontown (2014)
★ 6.6/10Also documentaryA comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.
- 9
Western Stars (2019)
★ 7/10Also documentaryThe incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen…
- 10
Chris Brown: Welcome to My Life (2017)
★ 6.4/10Also documentaryThis compelling Documentary moves beyond the spotlight and past the attention-grabbing headlines to give pop superstar Chris Brown a chance to tell his own story. New interviews with the international phenomenon reveal…
- 11
My Mom Jayne (2025)
★ 8/10Also documentaryThrough 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…
- 12
35 Up (1991)
★ 7.6/10Also documentaryDirector 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.
- 13
I Am Divine (2014)
★ 7.3/10Also documentaryHarris Glenn Milstead, aka Divine (1945-1988) was the ultimate outsider turned underground hero. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty…
- 14
David Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
★ 7.5/10Also documentaryA filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.
- 15
High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020)
★ 7.4/10Also documentaryThe cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” delivers an abundance of feel-good holiday cheer as they perform their favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s songs and share their fondest holiday…
- 16
McQueen (2018)
★ 7.4/10Also documentaryAlexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own…
- 17
21 Up (1977)
★ 7.4/10Also documentaryAfter 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…
- 18
Elstree 1976 (2015)
★ 6.2/10Also documentaryA documentary about ten very different lives connected by having appeared onscreen wearing masks or helmets in Star Wars.
- 19
Biggie & Tupac (2002)
★ 6.4/10Also documentaryIn 1997, rap superstars Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (aka Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G.) were gunned down in separate incidents, the apparent victims of hip hop's infamous east-west rivalry. Nick…
- 20
Howard (2018)
★ 6.8/10Also documentaryThough legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family…