Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Apr 18, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Essential

If you loved Essential, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Essential.

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#1
Side by Side

Side by Side

2012★ 7.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Essential for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Since the invention of cinema, the standard format for recording moving images has been film. Over the past two decades, a new form of digital filmmaking has emerged, creating a gr...

#2
Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals

2022★ 7.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Essential for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

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...

#3
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2011★ 7.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Essential for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

Martin Scorsese’s portrait of writer and social commentator Fran Lebowitz, celebrated for her sharp wit and observations on modern life. Filmed at New York’s Waverly Inn and interc...

#4
They'll Love Me When I'm Dead

They'll Love Me When I'm Dead

2018★ 7.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Essential for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

As his life comes to its end, famous Hollywood director Orson Welles puts it all on the line at the chance for renewed success with the film The Other Side of the Wind....

#5
Listen to Me Marlon

Listen to Me Marlon

2015★ 7.5

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Essential for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

With exclusive access to his extraordinary unseen and unheard personal archive including hundreds of hours of audio recorded over the course of his life, this is the definitive Mar...

#6
De Palma

De Palma

2016★ 7.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Essential for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

An intimate conversation between filmmakers, chronicling De Palma’s 55-year career, his life, and his filmmaking process, with revealing anecdotes and, of course, a wealth of film ...

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