Movies Like AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence

If you liked AKB48 Documentary: Reason for Existence (2016), a documentary and music movie directed by Eiki Takahashi, 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
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)
★ 8.4/10Also documentary and music
After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year…
2
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition (2026)
★ 8.5/10Also documentary and music
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…
3
The Beach Boys (2024)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary and music
A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.
4
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)
★ 6.9/10Also documentary and music
Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
5
One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
★ 8.2/10Also documentary and music
"One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable…
6
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and music
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to…
7
Justin Bieber's Believe (2013)
★ 6.9/10Also documentary and music
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
8
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
★ 8.4/10Also music and documentary
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
9
Bad 25 (2012)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and music
Spike Lee pays tribute to Michael Jackson's Bad on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the epochal album, offering behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson recording the album and interviews with confidants, musicians…
10
Supersonic (2016)
★ 7.4/10Also music and documentary
Supersonic charts the meteoric rise of Oasis from the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years. This palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the…
11
Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy (2025)
★ 8.9/10Also documentary and music
Never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews celebrate the life and legacy of iconic Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla and her family band.
12
The Last Repair Shop (2024)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary and music
In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four…
13
Western Stars (2019)
★ 7/10Also music and documentary
The 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…
14
Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)
★ 8.1/10Also music and documentary
A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.
15
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019)
★ 7/10Also documentary and music
Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, this film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year.
16
Thriller 40 (2023)
★ 8.7/10Also documentary and music
Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage…
17
Halftime (2022)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary and music
Global superstar Jennifer Lopez reflects on her multifaceted career and the pressure of life in the spotlight in this intimate documentary.
18
OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) (2022)
★ 7.8/10Also music and documentary
Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing…
19
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel (2026)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and music
Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak.
20
David Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
★ 7.5/10Also music and documentary
A 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.