Movies like The Greatest Showman: 20 to watch next
If you loved The Greatest Showman (2017) — a drama film directed by Michael Gracey — these 20 movies are the closest matches.
The first picks are what fans of The Greatest Showman most often go on to watch; the rest share its genres and themes like adultery, circus and musical. 10 of them are streaming in India right now — each entry shows where.
Where to watch The Greatest Showman →·Get picks for your whole taste →
- 1
The Buddy Holly Story 1978★ 7.1
Shares: Drama
A chronicle of the rise and brief career of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly, who aspires to play music the way he wants it to sound. Holly and his band, the Crickets, are first invited to record in Nashville, where they encounter creative differences with the producing staff. Later they play a major booking at the Apollo Theater, scheduled there under the mistaken assumption that they're a black band. Holly's career eventually goes solo -- until the tragic day the music dies.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 2
The Elephant Man 1980★ 8.1
Shares: Drama
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 3
Priscilla 2023★ 6.7
Shares: Drama
When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend.
Stream in India on MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel
- 4
Circus World 1964★ 6.2
Shares: Drama
Circus owner Matt Masters is beset by disasters as he attempts a European tour of his circus. At the same time, he is caught in an emotional bind between his adopted daughter and her mother.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 5
A Street Cat Named Bob 2016★ 7.9
Shares: Drama
James Bowen, a homeless busker and recovering drug addict, has his life transformed when he meets a stray ginger cat.
Stream in India on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- 6
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody 2022★ 7.0
Shares: Drama
The joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.
Stream in India on Sony Liv
- 7
Tyson 1995★ 6.1
Shares: Drama
The story of Mike Tyson. From his early days as a 12 year old amateur with a powerful punch, to the undisputed title of "Heavyweight Champion of the World", and ultimately to his conviction for rape. The story of his turbulent life moves quickly, never focusing for long on anything in particular.
Stream in India on JioHotstar
- 8
Hamilton 2025★ 7.8
Shares: Drama
Presenting the tale of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, this filmed version of the original Broadway smash hit is the story of America then, told by America now.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 9
Secretariat 2010★ 7.4
Shares: Drama
Housewife and mother Penny Chenery agrees to take over her ailing father's Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery - with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin - manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.
Stream in India on VI movies and tv
- 10
Elvis 2022★ 7.4
Shares: Drama
The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 11
Big Fish 2003★ 7.7
Shares: Drama
Throughout his life Edward Bloom has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son, William. Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures.
Stream in India on Sony Liv, VI movies and tv, Sony Pictures Amazon Channel
- 12
Come Sunday 2018★ 5.8
Shares: Drama
Evangelist Carlton Pearson is ostracized by his church for preaching that there is no Hell.
Stream in India on Netflix
- 13
Almost Famous 2000★ 7.5
Shares: Drama
In 1973, a precocious 15-year-old aspiring rock journalist lands a dream assignment from Rolling Stone to tour with a rising rock band, embarking on a coming-of-age journey as he discovers the exhilarating and heartbreaking realities behind rock stardom.
Stream in India on Sony Liv, Sonyliv Amazon Channel
- 14
Black Beauty 2020★ 8.0
Shares: Drama
Born free in the American West, Black Beauty is a horse rounded up and brought to Birtwick Stables, where she meets spirited teenager Jo Green. The two forge a bond that carries Beauty through the different chapters, challenges and adventures.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 15
Michael 2026★ 8.6
Shares: Drama
The story of Michael Jackson, one of the most influential artists the world has ever known, and his life beyond the music. His journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world, highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career.
Stream in India on JioHotstar
- 16
I Saw the Light 2016★ 6.2
Shares: Drama
Singer and songwriter Hank Williams rises to fame in the 1940s, but alcohol abuse and infidelity take a toll on his career and marriage to fellow musician Audrey Mae Williams.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 17
Bound for Glory 1976★ 6.9
Shares: Drama
A biography of Woody Guthrie, one of America's greatest folk singers. He left his dust-devastated Texas home in the 1930s to find work, discovering the suffering and strength of America's working class.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 18
Walt Before Mickey 2015★ 6.4
Shares: Drama
Based on the book "Walt Before Mickey" covers the early years of Walt Disney's career. The legendary Walt Disney had a tumultuous childhood, yet he was determined to overcome obstacles in his path, before the creation of his first iconic character: Mickey Mouse.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 19
Gigi & Nate 2022★ 7.6
Shares: Drama
A young man with a bright future suffers a near-fatal accident and recreates his new life with the help of an unlikely animal friend.
Not on subscription streaming in India right now
- 20
A Complete Unknown 2024★ 7.1
Shares: Drama
New York, early 1960s. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.
Stream in India on JioHotstar