Movies Like This Ain't California

If you liked This Ain't California (2012), a documentary and history movie directed by Marten Persiel, 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
Red Army (2015)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary and history
A documentary highlighting the Soviet Union's legendary and enigmatic hockey training culture and world-dominating team through the eyes of the team's Captain Slava Fetisov, following his shift from hockey star and…
2
Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021)
★ 6.9/10Also documentary and animation
Lupita Nyong'o narrates a documentary about Peanuts and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. Famous fans—including Drew Barrymore, Kevin Smith, and Al Roker—share its influence on them, and a new animated story finds…
3
Audrey (2020)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and history
An unprecedented and intimate look at the life, work and enduring legacy of British actress Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993).
4
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019)
★ 6.9/10Also documentary and history
The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.
5
Beltracchi: The Art of Forgery (2014)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and history
Wolfgang Beltracchi got away with forging art masterpieces for over 40 years. He may be egotistical and nihilistic, but his genius in undeniable. He managed to fool gallery owners, historians and investors with the…
6
Piece by Piece (2024)
★ 7.2/10Also animation and documentary
A unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and…
7
O.J.: Made in America (2016)
★ 8.4/10Also documentary and history
A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.
8
Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and history
Michael Moore comes home to the issue he's been examining throughout his career: the disastrous impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world).
9
My Generation (2017)
★ 7/10Also documentary and history
The vivid and inspiring story of British film icon Michael Caine's personal journey through 1960s swinging London.
10
Valley Uprising (2014)
★ 7.7/10Also documentary and history
In the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service. And up on the…
11
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
★ 7/10Also documentary and history
Featuring never-before-seen footage, this documentary delivers a startling new look at the Peoples Temple, headed by preacher Jim Jones who, in 1978, led more than 900 members to Guyana, where he orchestrated a mass…
12
Ronaldo (2015)
★ 7/10Also documentary and history
Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time…
13
Titanic: 20 Years Later with James Cameron (2017)
★ 6.6/10Also documentary and history
For the 20th anniversary of "Titanic," James Cameron reopens the file on the disaster.
14
Paris Is Burning (1991)
★ 8/10Also documentary and history
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball…
15
Muscle Shoals (2013)
★ 7.2/10Also documentary and history
In a tiny Alabama town with the curious name of Muscle Shoals, something miraculous sprang from the mud of the Tennessee River. A group of unassuming, yet incredibly talented, locals came together and spawned some of…
16
Good Ol' Freda (2013)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and history
The story of Freda Kelly, a shy Liverpudlian teenager asked to work for a young local band hoping to make it big: The Beatles. Their loyal secretary from beginning to end, Freda tells her tales for the first time in 50…
17
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (2019)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and history
An immersive look at the eventful life and brilliant artistic career of visionary American jazz trumpeter Miles Davis (1926-1991).
18
Pavarotti (2019)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and history
Featuring never-before-seen footage, concert performances and intimate interviews, filmmaker Ron Howard examines the life and career of famed opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
19
Apollo: Missions to the Moon (2019)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and history
National Geographic's riveting effort recounts all 12 crewed missions using only archival footage, photos and audio.
20
The Endurance (2000)
★ 7/10Also documentary and history
Documentary on the Shackleton Antartic expedition. A retelling of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated expedition to Antarctica in and the crew of his vessel 'The Endurance', which was trapped in the ice floes and frigid…