20 films about stand-up comedians
Films ,

Documentaries and Movies About Stand-Up Comedians

Documentaries:

  1. The Aristocrats (2005) – A deep dive into the infamous, raunchy joke told by over 100 comedians, including George Carlin, Sarah Silverman, and Gilbert Gottfried.
  2. Comedian (2002) – Follows Jerry Seinfeld as he rebuilds his stand-up act post-sitcom fame, alongside struggling comic Orny Adams.
  3. Dying Laughing (2016) – Features interviews with comedians like Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and Sarah Silverman, exploring the struggles of stand-up.
  4. Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010) – A raw and emotional portrait of Joan Rivers, showing the highs and lows of her career.
  5. When Stand Up Stood Out (2003) – Chronicles the Boston comedy scene of the 1980s, featuring Steven Wright and Denis Leary.
  6. Misery Loves Comedy (2015) – Explores whether comedians need to be miserable to be funny, with input from Jim Gaffigan, Tom Hanks, and Amy Schumer.
  7. I Am Comic (2010) – A behind-the-scenes look at the world of stand-up, with interviews from Louis C.K., Sarah Silverman, and Jeff Foxworthy.
  8. The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (2018) – A two-part HBO documentary on Garry Shandling, directed by Judd Apatow, exploring his career and personal struggles.
  9. Hysterical (2021) – Follows the lives of female stand-up comics, including Margaret Cho, Marina Franklin, and Iliza Shlesinger.
  10. Funny People: Live (2010) – A mix of live performances and behind-the-scenes footage from Adam Sandler’s movie Funny People.

Fictional Movies About Stand-Up Comics:

  1. The King of Comedy (1982) – Robert De Niro plays a delusional aspiring comedian obsessed with a talk show host.
  2. Punchline (1988) – Tom Hanks and Sally Field star in this drama about struggling comedians.
  3. Funny People (2009) – A dramedy starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen about comedians navigating life, love, and death.
  4. Man on the Moon (1999) – A biopic of Andy Kaufman, starring Jim Carrey.
  5. Joker (2019) – Although not strictly a comedy film, it depicts the dark side of a failing stand-up comic (played by Joaquin Phoenix).
  6. Sleepwalk with Me (2012) – Based on comedian Mike Birbiglia’s real-life experiences with stand-up and sleepwalking.
  7. The Big Sick (2017) – A romantic dramedy based on Kumail Nanjiani’s real-life story as a struggling stand-up comic.
  8. Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling (1986) – A semi-autobiographical film by Richard Pryor, reflecting on his life and struggles.
  9. Mr. Saturday Night (1992) – Billy Crystal plays a once-famous stand-up comic trying to revive his career.
  10. Don’t Think Twice (2016) – A film about an improv group dealing with fame and jealousy, starring Keegan-Michael Key and Gillian Jacobs.