Movies Like Peter Watkins and the Playcraft Film Unit

If you liked Peter Watkins and the Playcraft Film Unit (2017), a movie directed by Tim Jones, 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
The Battle of Midway (1942)
★ 5.9/10
The Japanese attack on Midway in June 1942, filmed as it happened. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, in 2006.
2
Harry Potter: A History Of Magic (2017)
★ 7.3/10
A thrilling journey through legends, belief and folklore, this film goes behind the scenes with the British Library as they search to tell that story through objects in their collection, in an ambitious new exhibition…
3
Redbelt (2008)
★ 6.4/10
Martial artist Mike Terry lives by a strict code of no competitions, for he feels that such contests weaken fighters. After saving a famous action star from a brutal attack, Mike takes a job in the film industry. He…
4
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
★ 8/10
A film projectionist longs to be a detective, and puts his meager skills to work when he is framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend's father's pocketwatch.
5
From Straight A's to XXX (2017)
★ 5.9/10
When a change of circumstances leaves Miriam unable to pay her college tuition, she makes a surprising decision: to start performing in adult films, using the pseudonym Belle Knox. Miriam lies to her family and her…
6
Val (2021)
★ 7.2/10
For over 40 years Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood's most mercurial and/or misunderstood actors, has been documenting his own life and craft through film and video. He has amassed thousands of hours of footage, from 16mm…
7
Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond - Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton (2017)
★ 7.5/10
Through the lens of his stunningly immersive performance as Andy Kaufman, Jim Carrey ponders the meaning of life, reality, identity and career.
8
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 (2026)
★ 7.2/10
An inside look at the years of effort and craft that went into the final installment of the Duffer Brothers' generation-defining series.
9
Night of the Twisters (1996)
★ 6.3/10
A teenager boy bonds with his stepfather while battling a series of killer twisters.
10
Wick Is Pain (2025)
★ 7.4/10
Witness the never-before-seen footage and true story behind the John Wick phenomenon – from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.
11
As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
★ 7.8/10
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.
12
Stop-Loss (2008)
★ 6.1/10
A veteran soldier returns from his completed tour of duty in Iraq, only to find his life turned upside down when he is arbitrarily ordered to return to field duty by the Army.
13
Why We Fight: Prelude to War (1942)
★ 6.4/10
Prelude to War was the first film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, commissioned by the Pentagon and George C. Marshall. It was made to convince American troops of the necessity of combating the…
14
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026)
★ 8.5/10
With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music…
15
Korengal (2014)
★ 6.6/10
Korengal picks up where Restrepo left off; the same men, the same valley, the same commanders, but a very different look at the experience of war.
16
Beast (2026)
★ 7.5/10
MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in one championship against the brutal…
17
Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King (2014)
★ 6.8/10
A documentary filmmaker interviews the now-famous Trevor Slattery from behind bars.
18
Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic (2026)
★ 7.7/10
Featuring interviews from members of the casting, production design, costume design, and creature effects teams, follow the behind-the-scenes journey of bringing the Harry Potter books to the small screen. Find out how…
19
One Mile: Chapter One (2026)
★ 6.6/10
After being released from special forces, a father tries to reconnect with his daughter by taking her on a tour of college, but they soon find themselves fighting for more than their lost relationship when a murderous…
20
42 Up (1999)
★ 7.6/10
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.