Exit Through the Gift Shop is a fascinating documentary that delves into the world of street art and the enigmatic artist Banksy. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll likely enjoy these 20 movies that offer a similar blend of creativity, intrigue, and real-world storytelling.
1. F for Fake
Orson Welles’ F for Fake is a playful documentary that explores the world of art forgery and deception. The film blurs the lines between truth and fiction, featuring Welles himself along with Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving.
2. Finding Vivian Maier
Discover the hidden life of Vivian Maier, a nanny who secretly took over 100,000 photographs that were only discovered after her death. Directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel, this documentary stars John Maloof and Mary Ellen Mark.
3. The Art of the Steal
The Art of the Steal uncovers the controversial battle over the Barnes Foundation’s $25 billion art collection. Directed by Don Argott, the film features Julian Bond and Richard Feigen.
4. Cutie and the Boxer
This documentary explores the tumultuous 40-year marriage of boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife Noriko. Directed by Zachary Heinzerling, it stars Ushio Shinohara and Noriko Shinohara.
5. Waste Land
Waste Land follows artist Vik Muniz as he collaborates with garbage pickers in Brazil to create art from recycled materials. Directed by Lucy Walker, the film stars Vik Muniz and Sebastião Carlos dos Santos.
6. Banksy Does New York
This documentary captures Banksy’s month-long residency in New York City, featuring his daily street art installations. Directed by Chris Moukarbel, it includes appearances by Banksy and various New Yorkers.
7. Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present
Follow performance artist Marina Abramović as she prepares for a major retrospective at MoMA. Directed by Matthew Akers, the film stars Marina Abramović and Klaus Biesenbach.
8. The Great Buster: A Celebration
This documentary celebrates the life and career of silent film star Buster Keaton. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, it features interviews with Mel Brooks and Quentin Tarantino.
9. Everybody Street
Everybody Street pays tribute to the New York City street photographers who have documented the city over the years. Directed by Cheryl Dunn, it features Bruce Davidson and Mary Ellen Mark.
10. The Mystery of Picasso
This classic documentary offers a unique glimpse into Pablo Picasso’s creative process. Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, it stars Pablo Picasso and Henri-Georges Clouzot.
11. Exit Through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film
An intriguing documentary directed by Banksy, it follows Thierry Guetta’s attempts to capture the world of street art. Featuring Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Thierry Guetta.
12. Tim’s Vermeer
Directed by Teller, this documentary follows Tim Jenison’s quest to replicate a painting by Johannes Vermeer. The film stars Tim Jenison and Penn Jillette.
13. The Price of Everything
The Price of Everything dives into the contemporary art market and the value placed on art. Directed by Nathaniel Kahn, it features Jeff Koons and Larry Poons.
14. Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child
This documentary explores the life and work of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Directed by Tamra Davis, it stars Jean-Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel.
15. Herb & Dorothy
Herb & Dorothy tells the story of a postal worker and a librarian who built a world-class art collection. Directed by Megumi Sasaki, it features Herbert Vogel and Dorothy Vogel.
16. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
This documentary follows artist Cai Guo-Qiang’s quest to create a massive pyrotechnic artwork. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, the film stars Cai Guo-Qiang and Ian Buruma.
17. Beautiful Losers
Beautiful Losers documents the DIY art movement of the 1990s. Directed by Aaron Rose and Joshua Leonard, it features Shepard Fairey and Harmony Korine.
18. Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
This documentary profiles Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Directed by Alison Klayman, it stars Ai Weiwei and Danqing Chen.
19. The Wolfpack
The Wolfpack follows six brothers who grew up isolated in a New York City apartment, learning about the outside world through films. Directed by Crystal Moselle, it stars Bhagavan Angulo and Govinda Angulo.
20. The Salt of the Earth
This documentary chronicles the life and work of photographer Sebastião Salgado. Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, it stars Sebastião Salgado and Wim Wenders.
These documentaries offer a deep dive into the fascinating worlds of art, creativity, and human stories, much like Exit Through the Gift Shop. Enjoy exploring these captivating films!
