Top Movies & TV Shows Similar to Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. List

• Amy - A documentary focusing on the life and career of the late singer Amy Winehouse, exploring themes of fame and identity.
• 20 Feet from Stardom - Documentary about the backup singers behind famous musicians, highlighting the struggles and talent of lesser-known artists.
• The Shape of Metal - Explores the life of contemporary musicians and their experiences, similar to M.I.A.'s exploration of her identity and heritage.
• Searching for Sugar Man - Tells the story of a musician who was popular in the 1970s but became a forgotten figure, paralleling M.I.A.'s struggles in the music industry.
• Exit Through the Gift Shop - A documentary about street art and the art world, reflecting themes of rebellion and identity akin to M.I.A.'s style.
• The Punk Singer - Follows the life of Kathleen Hanna, exploring feminism and punk music, similar to M.I.A.'s activism through art.
• RBG - Chronicles the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting themes of justice and feminism that resonate with M.I.A.'s activism.
• Miss Americana - Follows Taylor Swift's career and personal life, addressing themes of female empowerment and media scrutiny.
• The Defiant Ones - Documents the careers of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, exploring cultural intersections similar to M.I.A.'s music journey.
• Janelle Monáe: Dirty Computer - A visual album that combines music, art, and the exploration of identity, much like M.I.A.’s artistic expression.
• A Star is Born - A narrative exploring the rise and fall of musicians, paralleling M.I.A.'s artistic journey.
• Won't You Be My Neighbor? - Focuses on Fred Rogers' life and work, like M.I.A., confronting social issues in a heartfelt way.
• I Am Not Your Negro - Explores race and culture in America through the writings of James Baldwin, resonating with M.I.A.'s own thematic focus.
• Lady Gaga: Five Foot Two - An intimate look at Lady Gaga’s life and career, highlighting struggles and triumphs in the music industry.
• For Ahkeem - A documentary that addresses systemic racism and education, aligning with M.I.A.'s themes of social justice.
• The Last Dance - A chronicle of Michael Jordan's career and its cultural impact, similar to M.I.A.'s influence in music.
• The Artist's Life - Explores the emotional and social challenges faced by artists, resonating with M.I.A.'s personal narrative.
• Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened - Examines a music festival failure, reflecting on expectations versus reality in the music industry.
• Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates - Explores the complex life of Bill Gates, paralleled by M.I.A.’s deep exploration of her identity and impact.
• Blackfish - A powerful documentary about orca captivity that mirrors themes of activism and cultural criticism.
• Hearts Beat Loud - A film exploring the relationship between a father and daughter through music, reflecting personal and cultural themes.
• Sound City - A documentary honoring the music studio that produced iconic albums, echoing M.I.A.'s musical influences.
• The Go-Go's - Documentary about the all-female band, focusing on their journey and struggles within the music industry.
• A Bunch of Amateurs - Narrative film about a failing acting company, highlighting the creative struggles faced by artists.
• American Factory - Explores the intersection of American and Chinese cultures in a manufacturing plant setting, relatable to M.I.A.'s cultural fusion.
• Lemonade - A film by Beyoncé blending music and social commentary, resonating with M.I.A.'s style of combining art and activism.
• Becoming - A documentary about Michelle Obama, exploring themes of identity and empowerment similar to M.I.A.’s narrative.
• The Sound of Music - Classic film featuring a strong female lead navigating identity and challenges, akin to M.I.A.'s journey.
• Paris is Burning - A documentary on the drag ball culture of New York City, exploring themes of identity, race, and class.
• The Act of Killing - Explores the legacy of violence and art, challenging viewers like M.I.A.'s work.
• The Secret Life of Pets - Though a more conventional narrative, it explores humor and relationships set against a culturally rich backdrop.
• Feedback - Focuses on a radio journalist in a hostage situation, exploring themes of chaos and cultural discourse.
• The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Documents the coup in Haiti, paralleling M.I.A.'s connection to cultural and political struggles.
• The Goldbergs - Even as a sitcom, it dives into cultural nostalgia and family identity that resonates with M.I.A.'s work.
• Dear White People - Contemporary series tackling race relations and cultural identity, themes prevalent in M.I.A.'s narrative.
• Life Itself - Explores the humanity of the human experience, similar to M.I.A.'s exploration of her own identity.
• RuPaul's Drag Race - A competition that celebrates individuality and creativity, mirroring the themes M.I.A. embraces in her work.