If you loved the vibrant and inspiring documentary 'Drag Kids' (2019), which follows young drag performers breaking barriers, you'll adore these 10 similar movies and shows. This article highlights films and series that celebrate youth, creativity, and self-expression, perfect for fans of bold storytelling and dazzling performances.

Spellbound (2002)
Description: A gripping documentary that follows eight young competitors in the National Spelling Bee, showcasing their dedication, the pressure they face, and the emotional intensity of the competition.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and inspired a Broadway musical and a Hindi-language remake.


Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
Description: A documentary that follows New York City schoolchildren as they learn ballroom dancing and compete in a citywide tournament, showcasing their growth, teamwork, and the joy of dance.
Fact: The film was a surprise hit and helped popularize ballroom dancing programs in schools across the United States.


Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Description: A heartwarming yet bittersweet comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family supporting their young daughter's dream to compete in a beauty pageant, showcasing themes of perseverance and unconventional family bonds.
Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days on a modest budget but went on to receive critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.


American Teen (2008)
Description: A documentary that follows the lives of high school students in a small town, capturing their struggles, dreams, and the pressures of adolescence, much like the emotional journeys of young performers.
Fact: The film was shot over the course of a school year and blends documentary footage with stylized sequences to enhance the storytelling.


First Position (2011)
Description: This documentary captures the lives of young ballet dancers as they prepare for a prestigious competition, highlighting their sacrifices, passion, and the physical and emotional toll of their art.
Fact: The film features dancers from around the world, each with unique backgrounds and stories, all striving for excellence in ballet.


The Queen of Versailles (2012)
Description: A documentary that explores themes of ambition, excess, and the American Dream through the lens of a wealthy family building the largest house in America, mirroring the highs and lows of grandiose aspirations.
Fact: The film initially set out to document the construction of a massive mansion but shifted focus when the family faced financial turmoil during the 2008 recession.


The Wolfpack (2015)
Description: A documentary about six brothers who were confined to their apartment in New York City and used movies as a way to understand and escape their isolated world, reflecting themes of creativity and resilience.
Fact: The brothers recreated their favorite films scene-by-scene, complete with homemade props and costumes, as a way to cope with their isolation.


The Short Game (2013)
Description: A documentary that follows young golf prodigies as they compete in a world championship, capturing their dedication, pressure, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive sports at a young age.
Fact: The film features children from diverse backgrounds, highlighting how the sport transcends cultural and economic barriers.


The Price of Gold (2014)
Description: This documentary delves into the intense world of competitive figure skating, focusing on the pressures faced by young athletes and the dramatic events that can unfold in high-stakes competitions.
Fact: The film is part of ESPN's '30 for 30' series and revisits the infamous Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan scandal.


Dance Moms (2011)
Description: This reality TV series focuses on young dancers and their competitive journeys, highlighting the intense pressure and emotional highs and lows of performance arts.
Fact: The show became infamous for its dramatic confrontations between the dance instructor and the mothers of the dancers. It spawned several spin-offs and international versions.
