If you loved 'The Captains Close Up' (2013), a fascinating documentary that delves into the lives of iconic Star Trek captains, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that offer deep dives into the world of sci-fi, behind-the-scenes insights, and compelling character studies. Whether you're a Trekkie or just a fan of thought-provoking documentaries, these picks will keep you engaged.

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Description: This documentary delves into the competitive world of classic arcade gaming, focusing on the rivalries and personalities that drive the pursuit of high scores, much like the examination of a niche but passionate subculture.
Fact: The film centers on the battle between Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe for the world record high score in Donkey Kong, a rivalry that sparked intense debate in the gaming community.


The Pixar Story (2007)
Description: This documentary chronicles the rise of a groundbreaking animation studio, showcasing the visionaries behind its success and their relentless drive to innovate, much like the story of a transformative figure in their field.
Fact: The film includes rare footage of Pixar's early days, including its origins as a computer hardware company before becoming an animation powerhouse.


The September Issue (2009)
Description: This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a major fashion magazine's most important issue, showcasing the creative process and the personalities driving it, much like a focus on a key figure in their industry.
Fact: The film features Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue, and highlights the intense preparation that goes into producing the magazine's largest annual issue.


Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Description: This film explores the dedication and mastery of a renowned sushi chef, highlighting the passion and relentless pursuit of perfection in a craft, similar to the focus on an individual's lifelong commitment to their profession.
Fact: Jiro Ono, the subject of the documentary, was 85 years old at the time of filming and still working every day at his Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Tokyo.


Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Description: This film follows the mysterious disappearance and unexpected rediscovery of a forgotten musician, highlighting the impact of an artist's work and the myths surrounding their life, similar to the exploration of a enigmatic figure.
Fact: The documentary reveals how Rodriguez, a little-known musician in the U.S., became a cultural icon in South Africa without his knowledge.


Man on Wire (2008)
Description: This documentary captures the daring and audacious feat of a tightrope walker, emphasizing the sheer determination and artistry involved in achieving the impossible, paralleling the story of a visionary individual.
Fact: Philippe Petit's illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974 is often described as the 'artistic crime of the century.'


Becoming Warren Buffett (2017)
Description: This documentary provides an intimate portrait of one of the world's most successful investors, revealing his personal and professional philosophies, akin to a deep dive into the life of a highly influential individual.
Fact: Buffett still lives in the same modest house he bought in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1958, despite being one of the wealthiest people in the world.


The Last Dance (2020)
Description: This documentary series delves deep into the life and career of a legendary athlete, offering an intimate and detailed look at their journey, struggles, and triumphs, much like the in-depth character study of a prominent figure.
Fact: The series features never-before-seen footage from the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season, providing an unprecedented look at Michael Jordan's final championship run.


The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019)
Description: This film investigates the rise and fall of a controversial entrepreneur, offering a critical look at ambition, deception, and the cult of personality, similar to the examination of a high-profile figure's legacy.
Fact: The documentary explores the Theranos scandal, where Elizabeth Holmes claimed to have developed revolutionary blood-testing technology that turned out to be fraudulent.


The Creative Brain (2019)
Description: This documentary examines the inner workings of creative minds, offering insights into how innovative thinkers approach their work, paralleling the exploration of a singular, influential figure's thought processes.
Fact: The film features neuroscientist David Eagleman, who explores how creativity functions in the brain through interviews with various artists, scientists, and inventors.
