Movies Like Jean Epstein or Cinema by Itself
If you liked Jean Epstein or Cinema by Itself (1978), a documentary movie directed by Claude-Jean Philippe, 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

12 Days (2017)
★ 7.1/10Also documentaryA new documentary by filmmaker-photographer Raymond Depardon – where justice and psychiatry meet.
- 2

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…
- 3

Directed by John Ford (1971)
★ 7/10Also documentaryA documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.
- 4

JLG/JLG: Self-Portrait in December (1995)
★ 6.4/10Also documentaryDirector Jean-Luc Godard reflects in this movie about his place in film history, the interaction of film industry and film as art, as well as the act of creating art.
- 5

Meetin' WA (1986)
★ 6.3/10Also documentaryRevolutionary French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard conducts a twenty-five minute interview with influential and acclaimed American director Woody Allen on the cultural radiation, the ubiquity and significance of…
- 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

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.
- 8

Daguerréotypes (1978)
★ 7.3/10Also documentaryAn intimate portrait of the small shops and shopkeepers of the Rue Daguerre in Paris, a picturesque street that has been the filmmaker’s home for more than 50 years.
- 9

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…
- 10

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.
- 11

42 Up (1999)
★ 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.
- 12

The Bus: A French Football Mutiny (2026)
★ 6.9/10Also documentaryThis documentary revisits the French football team's controversial 2010 World Cup and the bus strike that sparked global headlines and national outrage.
- 13

Love, Antosha (2019)
★ 7.4/10Also documentaryFrom a prolific career in film and television, Anton Yelchin left an indelible legacy as an actor. Through his journals and other writings, his photography, the original music he wrote, and interviews with his family…
- 14

A Decade Under the Influence (2003)
★ 7.9/10Also documentaryA documentary examining the decade of the 1970s as a turning point in American cinema. Some of today's best filmmakers interview the influential directors of that time.
- 15

As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
★ 7.8/10Also documentaryA 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.
- 16

Seduced and Abandoned (2013)
★ 6.2/10Also documentarySEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director…
- 17

Woman (2020)
★ 7.7/10Also documentaryThe film is based on interviews with 2,000 women from 50 countries, and covers the status of women all over the world. The topics covered include forced marriages, sexual assault, female genital mutilation, acid…
- 18

Being James Bond (2021)
★ 7.8/10Also documentaryDaniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in…
- 19

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
★ 7.2/10Also documentaryAn inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
- 20

Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)
★ 6.1/10Also documentaryFrom the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.