Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 19, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Waking Life

If you loved Waking Life, 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 Waking Life.

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#1
Mushi-Shi: The Next Chapter - Drops of Bells

Mushi-Shi: The Next Chapter - Drops of Bells

2015★ 8.3

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Waking Life for fans of Animation & Fantasy. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

On a warm summer day, a boy heard the sound of bells ringing, as if in celebration, in the mountain near his home. Several years later in that same mountain, the mushishi Ginko stu...

#2
Maria's Lovers

Maria's Lovers

1984★ 6.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Waking Life for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A World War II prisoner returns home to his childhood sweetheart. However, back home, he discovers that he has to compete to win her love....

#3
The Sound of Belgium

The Sound of Belgium

2012★ 7.7

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

In the late 1980s, the Belgian electronic New Beat music movement conquered dance floors worldwide, and all of a sudden Belgium was on the map. This eclectic predecessor of house m...

#4
Wie gut ist deine Beziehung?

Wie gut ist deine Beziehung?

2019★ 6.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Waking Life for fans of Comedy. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

Steve has been with Carola for five years. But then Steve has to watch as his friend Bob is left out of the blue by his girlfriend, who turns to the much older tantra teacher Haral...

#5
Paula Rego: Secrets & Stories

Paula Rego: Secrets & Stories

2017★ 5.5

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

An insight into the life and work of celebrated painter Paula Rego directed by her son, the film maker Nick Willing. Notoriously private and guarded, Rego opens up for the first ti...

#6
A Scanner Darkly

A Scanner Darkly

2006★ 6.8

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

An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result....