If you're a fan of 'A Gamer's Journey: The Definitive History of Shenmue (2023)' and its deep dive into gaming culture, you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores titles that share the same passion for gaming history, immersive storytelling, and nostalgic appeal. Whether you're a Shenmue enthusiast or just love gaming documentaries, this list has something for you.

Tron (1982)
Description: A groundbreaking film that visualizes the inside of a computer world, blending technology and adventure, much like the immersive and imaginative realms found in video games.
Fact: Tron was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) extensively, setting a precedent for future sci-fi movies.


WarGames (1983)
Description: A thriller about a young hacker who accidentally accesses a military supercomputer, highlighting the intersection of gaming, technology, and real-world consequences.
Fact: The film's depiction of hacking and artificial intelligence sparked discussions about computer security and the potential dangers of technology.


The Last Starfighter (1984)
Description: A sci-fi adventure where a teenager's video game skills lead to real-life heroism, blending gaming prowess with fantastical storytelling, much like the intersection of virtual and real worlds in gaming narratives.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use extensive CGI for its space battles, pioneering techniques later used in blockbuster films.


The Wizard (1989)
Description: A road trip movie centered around a young video game prodigy, capturing the excitement and competitive spirit of gaming tournaments and the cultural phenomenon of gaming in the late 1980s.
Fact: The film famously featured the first public reveal of Super Mario Bros. 3, making it a must-watch for Nintendo fans at the time.


Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade (2007)
Description: A documentary that revisits the golden age of arcade gaming, profiling the top players and the vibrant subculture that surrounded high-score chasing, much like the dedication seen in competitive gaming.
Fact: The film includes interviews with arcade legends like Walter Day, who founded the Twin Galaxies arcade and high-score registry.


The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Description: This documentary delves into the competitive world of classic arcade gaming, focusing on the intense rivalry and passion surrounding high scores, much like the dedication seen in gaming culture.
Fact: The film features real-life gaming legends like Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe, whose rivalry over the Donkey Kong high score became legendary.


Ready Player One (2018)
Description: A futuristic tale where a virtual reality universe becomes the backdrop for an epic treasure hunt, celebrating gaming culture and the nostalgia of classic video games.
Fact: The film is packed with Easter eggs and references to iconic video games, movies, and pop culture from the 1980s and 1990s.


Indie Game: The Movie (2012)
Description: A deep dive into the creative and emotional struggles of indie game developers, showcasing the personal and artistic challenges behind game creation, resonating with the passion and perseverance in gaming narratives.
Fact: The documentary follows the development of games like Super Meat Boy and Fez, highlighting the indie game boom of the early 2010s.


Video Games: The Movie (2014)
Description: An expansive look at the history and cultural impact of video games, from their humble beginnings to their status as a dominant form of entertainment, resonating with the comprehensive exploration of gaming's evolution.
Fact: The documentary features insights from industry pioneers and covers key milestones in gaming history, from Pong to modern AAA titles.


Atari: Game Over (2014)
Description: Explores the rise and fall of Atari and the infamous burial of the E.T. game cartridges, capturing a pivotal moment in gaming history and the cultural impact of video games.
Fact: The documentary includes the excavation of the buried E.T. cartridges in the New Mexico desert, a long-standing urban legend in gaming.
