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Movies Like The Magic History of Cinema

If you liked The Magic History of Cinema (2017), a documentary movie directed by Tom Garrett, 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. 1Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound

    Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019)

    ★ 6.9/10Also documentary

    The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.

  2. 2Sidney

    Sidney (2022)

    ★ 6.9/10Also documentary

    This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.

  3. 3The Director and the Jedi

    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.

  4. 4The Skywalker Legacy

    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.

  5. 5Casting By

    Casting By (2012)

    ★ 6.9/10Also documentary

    This essential new documentary pays tribute to the legacy of the late, legendary casting director Marion Dougherty and shines a light on one of the most overlooked and least understood crafts in filmmaking.

  6. 6Directed by John Ford

    Directed by John Ford (1971)

    ★ 7/10Also documentary

    A documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.

  7. 7Harry Potter: A History Of Magic

    Harry Potter: A History Of Magic (2017)

    ★ 7.3/10Also documentary

    A thrilling journey through legends, belief and folklore, this film goes behind the scenes with the British Library as they search to tell that story through objects in their collection, in an ambitious new exhibition…

  8. 8Halloween: 25 Years of Terror

    Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006)

    ★ 6.8/10Also documentary

    Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local…

  9. 9As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

    As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)

    ★ 7.8/10Also documentary

    A 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.

  10. 10The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button

    The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button (2009)

    ★ 7/10Also documentary

    A documentary about the making of David Fincher's 2008 film THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON. Virtually every element in the evolution of the Fincher's film is documented here, from the project's attachment to…

  11. 11Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20

    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.

  12. 12Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me

    Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)

    ★ 6.1/10Also documentary

    From 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.

  13. 13Room 237

    Room 237 (2012)

    ★ 6.1/10Also documentary

    A subjective documentary that explores various theories about hidden meanings in Stanley Kubrick's classic film The Shining. Five very different points of view are illuminated through voice over, film clips, animation…

  14. 14A Decade Under the Influence

    A Decade Under the Influence (2003)

    ★ 7.9/10Also documentary

    A 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. 15Being James Bond

    Being James Bond (2021)

    ★ 7.8/10Also documentary

    Daniel 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…

  16. 16McQueen

    McQueen (2018)

    ★ 7.4/10Also documentary

    Alexander 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…

  17. 17The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

    The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)

    ★ 7.5/10Also documentary

    Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.

  18. 18Spielberg

    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.

  19. 19Above Majestic

    Above Majestic (2018)

    ★ 7.4/10Also documentary

    A look at the origins, history and conspiracies behind the "Majestic 12", a clandestine group of military and corporate figureheads charged with reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology.

  20. 20Wick Is Pain

    Wick Is Pain (2025)

    ★ 7.4/10Also documentary

    Witness the never-before-seen footage and true story behind the John Wick phenomenon – from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.

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