Movies Like Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile

If you liked Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile (2004), a documentary and music movie directed by David Leaf, 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
Elton John: Never Too Late (2024)
★ 6.6/10Also documentary and music
Sir Elton John looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in this emotionally charged, full-circle journey. As he prepares for his final concert in North America at Dodger Stadium…
2
Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary and music
Hailed as one of the most innovative and intimate documentaries of all time, experience Kurt Cobain like never before in the only ever fully authorized portrait of the famed music icon. Academy Award nominated…
3
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…
4
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
★ 7.9/10Also documentary and music
On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This documentary goes behind the scenes of the historic event.
5
Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated (2017)
★ 7.6/10Also music and documentary
A personal and intimate look into Demi Lovato's life as not only a regular 25 year old, but also one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
6
Amy (2015)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary and music
A documentary on the life of Amy Winehouse, the immensely talented yet doomed songstress. We see her from her teen years, where she already showed her singing abilities, to her finding success and then her downward…
7
Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and music
The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.
8
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and music
After bassist Jason Newsted quits the band in 2001, heavy metal superstars Metallica realize that they need an intervention. In this revealing documentary, filmmakers follow the three rock stars as they hire a group…
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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…
13
ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (2019)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary and music
The story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet.
14
The Sound of 007 (2022)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and music
Pull back the curtain on the remarkable history of six decades of James Bond music, from Sean Connery’s Dr No through to Daniel Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die.
15
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…
16
Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy (2025)
★ 8.8/10Also 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.
17
Miss Americana (2020)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary and music
A raw and emotionally revealing look at one of the most iconic artists of our time during a transformational period in her life as she learns to embrace her role not only as a songwriter and performer, but as a woman…
18
Whitney: Can I Be Me (2017)
★ 6.6/10Also music and documentary
The life and tragic death of Whitney Houston.
19
Adele One Night Only (2021)
★ 7.7/10Also music and documentary
A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey…
20
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…