10 Movies and Shows Similar to Dressing Up Halloween: The Story of Ben Cooper, Inc. (2024)

Description: This documentary chronicles the rise of Pixar Animation Studios, similar to how the Ben Cooper film tells the story of a company's journey. Both showcase innovation, creativity, and the challenges of building a brand that becomes synonymous with childhood experiences.

Fact: Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Leslie Iwerks. Features interviews with Steve Jobs. Shows early CGI tests that revolutionized animation.

Description: Like the Ben Cooper documentary, this film tells the behind-the-scenes story of a creative renaissance - in this case, Disney Animation's revival in the 1980s-90s. Both explore how visionaries transformed struggling companies into cultural powerhouses.

Fact: Directed by former Disney executive Don Hahn. Features rare footage of animators at work. Documents the creation of 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Description: Similar to 'Dressing Up Halloween: The Story of Ben Cooper, Inc.', this documentary explores the history and cultural impact of iconic toys, much like how the Ben Cooper documentary delves into the legacy of Halloween costumes. Both highlight how seemingly simple products shaped American culture and childhood memories.

Fact: The series is produced by the same team behind 'The Men Who Built America'. It features never-before-seen footage of toy prototypes. The show highlights how toys like Barbie and G.I. Joe reflected societal changes.

Description: While broader in scope, this documentary shares the Ben Cooper film's passion for chronicling creative industries. Both examine how art forms evolve through technological and cultural changes, though one focuses on cinema while the other on Halloween costumes.

Fact: 15-hour documentary spanning 120 years of cinema. Filmed in 6 continents. Features interviews with Stanley Kubrick's widow.

Description: This documentary about the video rental chain's decline parallels the Ben Cooper story in examining how changing consumer habits affect beloved brands. Both are nostalgic looks at bygone eras of American retail culture.

Fact: Features interviews with Kevin Smith and Jamie Lee Curtis. The last Blockbuster became an Airbnb. Explores how streaming changed movie consumption.

Description: Like the Ben Cooper documentary's focus on Halloween costumes, this series examines iconic movie props and their cultural significance. Both celebrate the tangible artifacts that connect fans to beloved stories.

Fact: Hosted by Disney collector Dan Lanigan. Reunites props with their original creators. The Mary Poppins episode features Julie Andrews' original carpet bag.

Description: This series shares the Ben Cooper documentary's approach of revealing the surprising backstories behind cultural touchstones. Both celebrate creative industries that bring joy to millions while facing business challenges.

Fact: Spin-off of 'The Toys That Made Us'. The 'Dirty Dancing' episode reveals Patrick Swayze almost wasn't cast. Shows how test screenings changed famous films.

Description: Similar to the Ben Cooper story, this Disney+ series explores how Imagineers created iconic experiences. Both document the blend of creativity and business acumen needed to build lasting cultural institutions.

Fact: Narrated by Paget Brewster. Reveals original concepts for Space Mountain. Features interviews with current Imagineers.

Description: Like the Ben Cooper documentary, this series dives deep into the creation of iconic products that defined generations. Both showcase how entrepreneurs turned simple ideas into cultural phenomena that still resonate today.

Fact: Originally rejected by major networks. The Star Wars episode was the most popular. Features interviews with toy designers' children.

Description: This documentary series shares the Ben Cooper film's focus on company history and innovation. Both show how teams of creatives solved problems to deliver magical experiences to consumers.

Fact: Six-episode series directed by Leslie Iwerks. Features archival footage of Walt Disney. Won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Documentary.