Movies Like The Swell Season

If you liked The Swell Season (2012), a documentary and music movie directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis and Chris Dapkins, 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
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.
3
Beastie Boys Story (2020)
★ 7.5/10Also music and documentary
Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former…
4
Prince: Sign 'o' the Times (1987)
★ 7.5/10Also music and documentary
In 1987, to capitalize on his growing success in Europe, Prince toured extensively to promote the album of the same name and sales increased accordingly. However, the United States remained resistant to his latest…
5
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.
6
Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly (2019)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary and music
While crafting his Grammy-nominated album "Astroworld," Travis Scott juggles controversy, fatherhood and career highs in this intimate documentary.
7
Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. (2018)
★ 7.5/10Also music and documentary
Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.
8
ariana grande: excuse me, i love you (2020)
★ 7.9/10Also music and documentary
Ariana Grande takes the stage in London for her Sweetener World Tour and shares a behind-the-scenes look at her life in rehearsal and on the road.
9
The Sparks Brothers (2021)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary and music
Take a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers Ron & Russell Mael, celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band’s favorite band.
10
Beatles '64 (2024)
★ 6.6/10Also documentary and music
Featuring never-before-seen footage of the band and the legions of young fans who helped fuel their ascendance, follow McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Starr as they land in New York City in February 1964…
11
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.
12
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
★ 7.4/10Also music and documentary
Follow pop provocateur Lady Gaga as she releases a new album, preps for her Super Bowl halftime show, and confronts physical and emotional struggles.
13
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.
14
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.
15
The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)
★ 6.6/10Also documentary
Documentary about legendary Paramount producer Robert Evans, based on his famous 1994 autobiography.
16
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and music
Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and…
17
Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)
★ 6.2/10Also music and documentary
From the rains of Japan, through threats of arrest for 'public indecency' in Canada, and a birthday tribute to her father in Detroit, this documentary follows Madonna on her 1990 'Blond Ambition' concert tour. Filmed…
18
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.
19
One More Time with Feeling (2016)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary and music
Andrew Dominik's One More Time With Feeling is a remarkable black and white documentary which chronicles the creation of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' album Skeleton Tree. Originally a performance based concept, the film…
20
Biggie & Tupac (2002)
★ 6.4/10Also music and documentary
In 1997, rap superstars Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (aka Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G.) were gunned down in separate incidents, the apparent victims of hip hop's infamous east-west rivalry. Nick…