Movies Like The China Odyssey: Empire of the Sun

If you liked The China Odyssey: Empire of the Sun (1987), a documentary movie directed by Les Mayfield, 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
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return (2022)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary
This special explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen, as well as Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their classic roles. Director Deborah Chow leads the cast and crew as they…
2
Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
3
Making 'The Shining' (1980)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
Directed and edited by Stanley Kubrick's daughter Vivian Kubrick, this film offers a look behind the scenes during the making of The Shining.
4
Attack of the Hollywood Clichés! (2021)
★ 6/10Also documentary
One-man armies, meet-cutes, casual strolls away from huge explosions — stars and industry insiders toast and roast these cinematic chestnuts and more.
5
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals (2022)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
Join director Chloe Zhao and the Cast of Eternals as they recount their experiences during the making of Marvel Studios’ most ambitious film to date. Discover how the ensemble cast felt stepping into their roles…
6
The Director and the Jedi (2018)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
An intimate documentary delving into Rian Johnson's process as he comes in as a director new to the Star Wars universe.
7
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
8
Making Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)
★ 8/10Also documentary
Go behind the scenes and witness how the "Squid Game"-inspired reality show transformed from a scripted drama to a cutthroat, nail-biting competition.
9
Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
★ 7.2/10Also documentary
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
10
The Pixar Story (2007)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary
A look at the first years of Pixar Animation Studios - from the success of "Toy Story" and Pixar's promotion of talented people, to the building of its East Bay campus, the company's relationship with Disney, and its…
11
Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau (2014)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary
The story of the insane scandals related to the remake of “Island of Dr. Moreau” —originally a novel by H. G. Wells—, which was brought to the big screen in 1996. How director Richard Stanley spent four years…
12
The Skywalker Legacy (2020)
★ 7.9/10Also documentary
The story lives forever in this feature-length documentary that charts the making of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
13
Spielberg (2017)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
A documentary on the life and career of one of the most influential film directors of all time, Steven Spielberg.
14
Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing (2004)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary
A comprehensive 12-part documentary on the making of "Spider-Man 2," covering everything from pre-production to premiere.
15
The Walking Dead: The Return (2024)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
Stars of "The Walking Dead," Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, walk down memory lane and visit iconic locations where pivotal moments between their characters, Rick and Michonne, were filmed.
16
Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary
For decades, Freddy Krueger has slashed his way through the dreams of countless youngsters, scaring up over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight terrifying, spectacular films.
17
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch (2019)
★ 7/10Also documentary
For a year, acclaimed British filmmaker Jeanie Finlay was embedded on the set of the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones,” chronicling the creation of the show’s most ambitious and complicated season. Debuting one week…
18
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
The authorized documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors alongside Steven Spielberg, top…
19
No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad (2013)
★ 8.5/10Also documentary
A documentary about the making of season five of the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
20
The Making of Star Wars (1977)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2 which includes interviews with George Lucas and…