Comedians (Biopics/Docs)
by revwillcharles | created - 25 Dec 2017 | updated - 1 week ago | PublicMovies About Comedians
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1. The King of Comedy (1982)
PG | 109 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A passionate yet unsuccessful comedian stalks and kidnaps his idol to take the spotlight for himself.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Diahnne Abbott, Sandra Bernhard
Votes: 119,270 | Gross: $2.50M
2. Punchline (1988)
R | 128 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A medical school dropout and a housewife/mom try to make it as stand-up comedians. They become friends and help each other out at an NYC comedy club.
Director: David Seltzer | Stars: Sally Field, Tom Hanks, John Goodman, Mark Rydell
Votes: 9,267 | Gross: $21.03M
3. Man on the Moon (1999)
R | 118 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
The life and career of legendary comedian Andy Kaufman.
Director: Milos Forman | Stars: Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, Gerry Becker, Greyson Erik Pendry
Votes: 137,533 | Gross: $34.58M
4. Lenny (1974)
R | 111 min | Biography, Drama
The story of acerbic 1960s comic Lenny Bruce, whose groundbreaking, no-holds-barred style and social commentary was often deemed by the Establishment as too obscene for the public.
Director: Bob Fosse | Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine, Jan Miner, Stanley Beck
Votes: 17,592 | Gross: $8.43M
5. Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (2007)
Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary, Comedy
This terrific feature film comedy reveals the background of one of the legends of comedy, Don Rickles. Hailed by some of today's biggest comedians as one of the classics, who they aspire to... See full summary »
Director: John Landis | Stars: Harry Dean Stanton, John Landis, Don Rickles, Clint Eastwood
Votes: 1,345
6. Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010)
R | 84 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
A documentary on the life and career of Joan Rivers, made as the comedienne turns 75 years old.
Directors: Ricki Stern, Anne Sundberg | Stars: Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Jocelyn Pickett
Votes: 3,820 | Gross: $2.93M
7. Comedian (2002)
R | 82 min | Documentary, Comedy
A look at the work of two stand-up comics, Jerry Seinfeld and a lesser-known newcomer, detailing the effort and frustration behind putting together a successful act and career while living a life on the road.
Director: Christian Charles | Stars: Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, Greg Giraldo
Votes: 7,291 | Gross: $2.74M
8. The Aristocrats (2005)
Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary, Comedy
One hundred superstar comedians tell the same very, VERY dirty, filthy joke--one shared privately by comics since Vaudeville.
Directors: Penn Jillette, Paul Provenza | Stars: George Carlin, Don Rickles, Chris Rock, Chris Albrecht
Votes: 17,061 | Gross: $6.38M
9. Chaplin (1992)
PG-13 | 143 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
An elderly Charlie Chaplin discusses his autobiography with his editor, recounting his amazing journey from his poverty-stricken childhood to world-wide success after the ingenious invention of the Little Tramp.
Director: Richard Attenborough | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, John Thaw
Votes: 62,258 | Gross: $9.49M
10. The Comedians of Comedy (2005)
R | 103 min | Comedy, Documentary
Follow four comedians as they tour the States.
Director: Michael Blieden | Stars: Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Maria Bamford, Zach Galifianakis
Votes: 2,652 | Gross: $0.00M
11.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
(2012)
Not Rated | 115 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Over the course of 30 years, 4,531 episodes and 23,000 guests, he became a fixture of national life. Johnny Carson: King of Late Night explores his life, career, and complexities.
Directors: Mark A. Catalena, Peter Jones | Stars: Kevin Spacey, Steve Allen, Jack Bailey, Roseanne Barr
Votes: 691
12. Gilbert (2017)
TV-MA | 94 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
GILBERT is a wildly funny and unexpectedly poignant portrait of the life and career of one of comedy's most iconic figures, Gilbert Gottfried.
Director: Neil Berkeley | Stars: Gilbert Gottfried, Dave Attell, Joy Behar, Richard Belzer
Votes: 1,037
13. Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (2016)
Unrated | 91 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A look at the life, work and political activism of one of the most successful television producers of all time, Norman Lear.
Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady | Stars: Norman Lear, John Amos, Bea Arthur, Adrienne Barbeau
Votes: 475 | Gross: $0.07M
14. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (2017)
TV-MA | 94 min | Documentary
A behind-the-scenes look at how Jim Carrey adopted the persona of idiosyncratic comedian Andy Kaufman on the set of Man on the Moon (1999).
Director: Chris Smith | Stars: Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, Milos Forman, Peter Bonerz
Votes: 27,991
15. American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009)
Not Rated | 102 min | Documentary, Animation, Biography
Photo-animated feature documentary, uniquely narrated by the 10 people who knew Bill best.
Directors: Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas | Stars: Bill Hicks, Dwight Slade, Mary Hicks, Steve Hicks
Votes: 5,007 | Gross: $0.09M
16.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
This Is Bob Hope...
(2017)
PG | 115 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A look at the life and career of Bob Hope.
Director: John Scheinfeld | Stars: Gracie Allen, Woody Allen, Ann-Margret, Pearl Bailey
Votes: 130
17. I'm from Hollywood (1989)
60 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
Wrestling documentary about comedian Andy Kaufman's break into professional wrestling. Mainly focuses on his feud with Memphis wrestling legend, Jerry "The King" Lawler, and features ... See full summary »
Directors: Lynne Margulies, Joe Orr | Stars: Andy Kaufman, Jerry Lawler, Tony Danza, Jimmy Hart
Votes: 559
18. I Am Chris Farley (2015)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Biography
A documentary on the life of comedian, Chris Farley.
Directors: Brent Hodge, Derik Murray | Stars: Christina Applegate, Tom Arnold, Dan Aykroyd, Lorri Bagley
Votes: 3,643
19. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
R | 118 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.
Director: Craig Brewer | Stars: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson
Votes: 64,981
20. Stan & Ollie (2018)
PG | 98 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
Laurel and Hardy, the world's most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song: a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain.
Director: Jon S. Baird | Stars: Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly, Shirley Henderson, Nina Arianda
Votes: 39,860 | Gross: $5.47M
21. Lucy and Desi (2022)
PG | 103 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
This film will explore the rise of comedian icon Lucille Ball, her relationship with Desi Arnaz, and how their groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy forever changed Hollywood, cementing her legacy long after her death in 1989.
Director: Amy Poehler | Stars: Lucie Arnaz, Bette Midler, Carol Burnett, Laura Laplaca
Votes: 3,020
22. Being the Ricardos (2021)
R | 131 min | Biography, Drama
Follows Lucy and Desi as they face a crisis that could end their careers--and another that could end their marriage.
Director: Aaron Sorkin | Stars: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda
Votes: 44,707
23. Belushi (2020)
TV-MA | 108 min | Documentary, Biography
Using previously unheard audiotapes recorded shortly after John Belushi's death, director R.J. Cutler's documentary examines the too-short life of once-in-a-generation talent who captured the hearts and funny bones of devoted audiences.
Director: R.J. Cutler | Stars: John Belushi, Tanner Colby, Tom Schiller, Harold Ramis
Votes: 2,764
24. The Real Charlie Chaplin (2021)
114 min | Documentary, Biography
A look at the life and work of Charlie Chaplin in his own words featuring an in-depth interview he gave to Life magazine in 1966.
Directors: Peter Middleton, James Spinney | Stars: Pearl Mackie, Jeff Rawle, Paul Ryan, Matthew Wolf
Votes: 1,796
25. George Carlin's American Dream (2022)
TV-MA | 217 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
Interviews with George Carlin's family and friends, material from his stand-up specials and footage from his personal archive.
Stars: Kelly Carlin, Patrick Carlin, Chris Rock, Patton Oswalt
Votes: 4,011
26. The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (2018 TV Movie)
TV-MA | 259 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
Judd Apatow presents an emotional two-part in-depth look at the life, career and complex internal struggles of his loving mentor, the influential stand-up comedian and actor Garry Shandling, based on Shandling's personal diaries.
Director: Judd Apatow | Stars: Garry Shandling, Judd Apatow, Kevin Nealon, Mike Shandling
Votes: 2,178
27. Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018)
TV-MA | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
An intimate look into the life and work of the revered master comedian and actor, Robin Williams.
Director: Marina Zenovich | Stars: Robin Williams, Mark Rasmussen, Stan Wilson, John Houseman
Votes: 9,172
28. Love, Gilda (2018)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary
In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Weaving together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends, rare home movies and ... See full summary »
Director: Lisa D'Apolito | Stars: Andrew Alexander, Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase, Bill Hader
Votes: 1,792 | Gross: $0.63M
29. The Great Buster (2018)
Not Rated | 102 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
Documentary on the life and works of comic genius Buster Keaton, directed by Peter Bogdanovich.
Director: Peter Bogdanovich | Stars: Peter Bogdanovich, Dick Cavett, Frank Capra, Jim Curtis
Votes: 2,388 | Gross: $0.14M
30. Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley (2013)
Not Rated | 72 min | Documentary, Comedy
A look at the work and influence of African-American stand-up comedienne, Moms Mabley.
Director: Whoopi Goldberg | Stars: Debbie Allen, Kaye Ballard, Harry Belafonte, Dick Cavett
Votes: 344
31. The Big Sick (2017)
R | 120 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.
Director: Michael Showalter | Stars: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano
Votes: 143,639 | Gross: $42.87M
32. Gleason (2002 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 120 min | Biography, Drama, Family
The story begins at the height of Gleason's career. He has it all: women, wealth, and extraordinary power. But he is haunted by memories of his childhood. Gleason spends his formative years... See full summary »
Director: Howard Deutch | Stars: Brad Garrett, Saul Rubinek, Gretchen Egolf, Kristen Dalton
Votes: 727
33. Lily Tomlin (1986)
90 min | Documentary
Follows the preparations for Lily Tomlin's prospective hit show / one-woman performance piece "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" until the premiere of the show on Broadway, in September 1985.
Directors: Nick Broomfield, Joan Churchill | Stars: Peggy Feury, Cheryl Swannack, Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner
Votes: 145
34. Wisecracks (1991)
90 min | Documentary, Comedy
Director: Gail Singer | Stars: JoAnne Astrow, Joy Behar, Maria Callous, Dreenagh Darrell
Votes: 100
35. Joke Man (2023)
Documentary
Jackie Martling just may be America's last great joke teller. His savant-like ability to remember every joke he's heard since he was 8 years old, combined with his lightning fast wit and infectious laugh established him as a comedy icon.
Director: Ian Karr | Stars: Jena Axelrod, Mark Cuban, Anthony Cumia, Steve Grillo
Votes: 54
36. Show Business Is My Life, But I Can't Prove It (2022)
96 min | Documentary
The story of Gary Mule's oddball path in stand-up comedy. From his start in "show business" performing Johnny Cash covers at a South Dakota brothel, to his over 350 televised performances, ... See full summary »
Director: G.B. Shannon | Stars: Gary Mule Deer, Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Steve Martin
Votes: 47
37. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary (2019)
91 min | Documentary
What begins as a documentary following the final tour of a dying magician - "The Amazing Johnathan" - becomes an unexpected and increasingly bizarre journey as the filmmaker struggles to separate truth from illusion.
Director: Benjamin Berman | Stars: The Amazing Johnathan, Eric André, Criss Angel, Benjamin Berman
Votes: 1,674
38. Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023)
TV-14 | 88 min | Documentary, Biography
A documentary about the comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks which includes interviews from Sharon Stone, Larry David, James L Brooks, Conan O'Brien, Sarah Silverman and Jonah Hill.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Albert Brooks, Judd Apatow, James L. Brooks, Larry David
Votes: 1,289
39. Mentally Al (2020)
93 min | Documentary
A character study of, "the funniest comedian you've never heard of," and an exploration of how we define artistic success, MENTALLY AL follows Al Lubel, a former Star Search grand champion ... See full summary »
Director: Joshua Edelman | Stars: Al Lubel, Judd Apatow, Gail Bleckman, 'Melrose' Larry Green
Votes: 28
40. The One and Only Dick Gregory (2021)
TV-MA | 113 min | Documentary
Chronicles the incredible life and times of legendary comedian and activist Dick Gregory.
Director: Andre Gaines | Stars: Kevin Hart, Rob Schneider, Wanda Sykes, Dave Chappelle
Votes: 487
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