Movies Like Popular Science J-8-1
If you liked Popular Science J-8-1 (1938), a documentary 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
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2018)
★ 6.9/10Also documentaryThe life and career of the hailed Hollywood movie star and underappreciated genius inventor, Hedy Lamarr.
- 2
S4: The Bob Lazar Story (2026)
★ 8.4/10Also documentaryOver 35 years after Bob Lazar's revelations, this documentary exposes secrets of a facility the government still denies. Featuring Lazar's testimony, recreations, and new evidence, it reopens a case that continues to…
- 3
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
★ 7/10Also documentaryWith a magical new invention that promised to revolutionize blood testing, Elizabeth Holmes became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire, heralded as the next Steve Jobs. Then, overnight, her 10-billion-dollar…
- 4
Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley (2024)
★ 7.5/10Also documentaryHe had one chance to show the world he was still the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Discover the story behind Elvis Presley's triumphant '68 comeback special.
- 5
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019)
★ 6.9/10Also documentaryThe history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.
- 6
Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022)
★ 7/10Also documentaryExplore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and…
- 7
Directed by John Ford (1971)
★ 7/10Also documentaryA documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10
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.
- 11
The Captains (2011)
★ 6.4/10Also documentaryThe Captains is a feature-length documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. The film follows Shatner as he interviews the other actors who have portrayed starship captains in the Star Trek franchise.
- 12
The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist (2026)
★ 6.9/10Also documentaryA father-to-be tries to figure out what is happening with all this AI insanity, and explores the most powerful technology humanity has ever created... and what's at stake if we get it wrong.
- 13
Behind the Curve (2018)
★ 6.3/10Also documentaryMeet the growing, worldwide community of theorists who defend the belief that the Earth is flat while living in a society who vehemently rejects it.
- 14
Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett (2021)
★ 6.9/10Also documentaryA special celebrating the origins and legacy of Star Wars' legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett.
- 15
Bob Lazar: Area 51 and Flying Saucers (2018)
★ 6.2/10Also documentaryArea 51, flying saucers from another world - and the program to create a fierce technology. Bob Lazar remains the singular most famous and controversial name in the world of UFOs. The reason you know about Area 51 is…
- 16
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…
- 17
A Toxic Love Story (2026)
★ 6.4/10Also documentaryA string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
- 18
The Bloody Hundredth (2024)
★ 7.2/10Also documentaryMeet the real-life airmen who inspired Masters of the Air as they share the harrowing and transformative events of the 100th Bomb Group.
- 19
Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)
★ 7.4/10Also documentaryIn August, 2014, a video of the public execution of American photojournalist James Foley rippled across the globe. Foley wore an orange jumpsuit as he knelt beside an ISIS militant dressed in black. That image…
- 20
180° South (2010)
★ 7.2/10Also documentaryThe film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.