Dynamic Watchlist Hub: May 16, 2026

10 Best Movies Like American Beauty

If you loved American Beauty, 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 American Beauty.

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#1
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library

Ex Libris: The New York Public Library

2017★ 6.4

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

A documentary about how a dominant cultural and demographic institution both sustains their traditional activities and adapts to the digital revolution....

#2
My Mom Jayne

My Mom Jayne

2025★ 8.0

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

Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayn...

#3
Directed by John Ford

Directed by John Ford

1971★ 6.9

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

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

#4
Avatar: Creating the World of Pandora

Avatar: Creating the World of Pandora

2010★ 6.5

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

The Making-of James Cameron's Avatar. It shows interesting parts of the work on the set....

#5
Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed

Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed

2007★ 7.2

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

The special focuses on how Star Wars is relevant today and the history that inspired it, and also makes various connections to Greek mythology. It consists of several interviews wi...

#6
As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

2000★ 7.6

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

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 fo...

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