The world of stand-up has often been glamorized, with charismatic personalities leading a group of welcoming onlookers through a finely tuned set. However, this is often seen as the end product of a performer who spent years honing their craft, begging for guest spots, and hitting the road for long lengths in small clubs across the USA before even catching a glimpse of a large theater or stadium. It is a noble and dogged pursuit that provides a cathartic release for the audience, and is one of the most underrated professions considering the sacrifice and skill required.
That said, plenty of phenomenal films have explored the craft, whether from those already at the top or those trying to carve a path for themselves in the ultra-competitive and often ego-driven world of stand-up comedy. To celebrate the art, we rank twelve of the best movies about stand-up comedy.
12Punchline (1988)
A medical school dropout turned homemaker/mom, Lilah Krytsick (Sally Fied) has ambitions to make it as a stand-up comedian against her family’s wishes. Her act catches the attention of veteran comedian Steven Gold, played by Tom Hanks, and the two form a mentor/friend relationship to help push Lilah into stardom by winning an upcoming competition.
What Makes it Great
Punchlineisa heartfelt underdog storythat works wonderfully as a comedic drama. Sally Field is outstanding in her role as Lilah, making it an utter joy to see her transformation from a hopeful homemaker into a comedian in the limelight. Hanks is equally delightful in building up the relationship between the two, exuding the expected Tom Hanks charisma.
However,Punchlineonly squeaks into our list because of its relation to stand-up comedy. The competition element is rather hokey when looking from the perspective of capturing the craft, and the stand-up bits themselves fall pretty flat — Hanks cannot match the cadence and presence one would expect of a renowned stand-up.Punchlineis an undeniable gem of the ’80s regarding comedies, but it is not the greatest at exploring the world of stand-up comedy.
Rent on Apple TV+
11Funny People (2009)
Funny People
Famous comedian George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is at the top of stardom, but a terminal disease diagnosis derails his personal and professional life. He befriends an aspiring comedian, Ira Wright (Seth Rogen), and takes him under his wing. The film focuses on the friendship of the two as Simmons comes to terms with his disease and attempts to make amends in his life.
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This is important in approachingFunny People, since manywould want to see this higher up in the list. Regardless of where you stand, there is no denyingSandler’s skill as an actor when dealing with serious themes, and he does wonders to sell the story in this Judd Apatow comedy. The stand-up bits are… passable (again, depending on your preference), but any existing fans of Sandler should check this one out if they have not already, while detractors should stay away as usual.
Stream on Hulu
10Sleepwalk With Me (2012)
An autobiographical film about stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia’s struggles,Sleepwalk With Mefollows Matt Pandamiglio (played by Birbiglia) as he navigates through the world of stand-up. This extends to his personal life, where he chronicles his extreme case of sleepwalking.
Written, directed by and starring Mike Birbiglia,Sleepwalk With Meis a sincere and honest look at his challenges throughout his career, all imbued with the charming comedic wit he is known for.An indie crowd pleaser, The film won the NEXT Audience Award at its premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, and currently sits at an 84% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. The only real shortcoming here is that those familiar with Birbiglia’s stand-up will find much of the material a recycle of his routine; otherwise, it is a perfect introduction to the hilarious comedian.
Stream on AMC+
9Obvious Child (2014)
Stand-up comedian Donna, played by Jenny Slate, becomes pregnant after breaking up with her boyfriend and having a one-night stand with a man named Max (Jake Lacy). The film follows Donna’s conflicts as she works through her pregnancy and decision to have an abortion, using stand-up as a means to face the complex matter.
A romantic comedy that aims to remove the stigma behind abortion,Obvious Childexcels underthe comedic chops and thoughtful performance of actor Jenny Slate— a performance which saw her nominated for and winning several awards, including Best Actress in a Comedy Movie at the Critics' Choice Awards. The movie landed further acclaim, sitting at a 90% fresh critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 72% audience score. Above the great stand-up bits delivered by Slate, the film approaches the sensitive subject with maturity, making it a great discussion piece beyond its inherent entertainment value.
Jimmy Quinn (Doug Stanhope), a self-destructive and alcoholic road comic, has his life changed when he is reunited with his estranged son David (Des Mulrooney). David aspires to be a stand-up comedian, which prompts Jimmy to take him under his wing on his tour to help reconnect with his son and show him the ropes of stand-up touring.
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A raw and lo-fi comedy film that thrives in its relatively flat delivery thanks to the natural comedic charm of stand-up Doug Stanhope,The Road Dogwill hit all the right notes for fans of his bleak and misanthropic humor. Having the veteran comedian at the center and building the movie around his persona works exceptionally well.
However, Doug Stanhope is not the greatest actor,as he said himself: “All I have to do is remember what I’m supposed to say and when I’m supposed to say it, and keep an ear out when I’m outside smoking. I gotta keep an ear out for when they’re ready for me, so I’m not late. That was pretty much it.” ButThe Road Dogis the perfect movie for him, particularly in its authentic embrace of the culture of life on the road, the aspirations of incoming talent into the industry, and the challenges they face when realizing how bleak a life between gigs can get.
Stream on Hoopla
7Punching the Clown (2009)
Following stand-up singer/songwriter Henry (played by Henry Phillips as a semi-fictionalized version of himself) dealing with the sudden and unexpected success of his previously middling career,Punching the Clownexplores the cruelty of the business, utilizing a mix of scripted scenes with live performances. The 2009 comedy was followed up with the sequelPunching Henryin 2016, which carried over several plot lines from the first.
Henry Phillips' unassuming nature leads to a few escalated events that make the simplest interactions unforgettably humorous incidents. This includes sending a temp across town to hunt down a specific snack when Phillips thought it was just nearby, making him out to be a jerk who looks down on people, but his calm persona resonates throughout. However, the real charm here is the footage of Phillips performing and how the movie melds in his best comedic bits from his stand-up seamlessly into the story.The film would also get some ‘indie cred,‘winning the Best Narrative Feature Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival.
Rent on Amazon
6Ape (2012)
Struggling stand-up comedian and part-time pyromaniac Trevor Newandyke is followed over a few days, performing in gloomy clubs and setting fires. A stretched-out comedy sketch with dark comedic undertones,Apeis a unique beast in the world of stand-up comedy-inspired films.
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Director Joel Potrykus is one of the most original directors of his generation, with films that move at a snail’s pace while steeped in wonderfully twisted dark comedic undertones that make it hard to pull away.Apeis no exception to this, and it utilizes the world of stand-up less as a means to interject comedy into the movie, and more to frame the downtrodden existence of its protagonist. Still, it feels sincere to depict the many failed comedy acts you only witness by attending small events and open mic nights. Uncomfortable, disturbing, and awkwardfor the right audience that craves dark comedy,Apewill be a treat.
Stream on Mubi
5Entertainment (2015)
Loosely based on Greg Tuckerton’s comedic persona Neil Hamburger,Entertainmentfollows a series of awkward performances across the California desert. Adding to the struggles, the stand-up known only as “the comedian” in the film also struggles to reunite with an estranged daughter.
Entertainmentis one of those films ideal for the viewer who loves misanthropic stories, as the entire production exudes an uncomfortable contention with everyone surrounding ‘the comedian.’ Dry and awkward, the movie is ideal for those searching for just that. Comedian Tim Heidecker ofTim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!fame also helped to pen the script, along with Gregg Turkington and director Rick Alverson, which should give one the idea of the type of awkward humor approach of the project. However, for stand-up comedy fans, the film is a testament to the dedication to the craft and the personal sacrifices it requires.
Stream on Prime
4Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling (1986)
1986’sJo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Callingexplores the life of famed comedian Jo Jo Dancer, who finds himself in the hospital reflecting on his mistakes and triumphs after making lousy life choices that led him to an accident. Through a spiritual alter ego, he is shown away to get himself off the path of self-destruction. A quasi-autobiographical biopic of Pryor’s life, the film touches on the comedian’s struggle with substance abuse and the infamous instance of Pryor setting himself on fire after a binge.
If you were to envision the ‘Mount Rushmore of Comedy," many names may pop up in that discussion, but an obvious choice would be the pioneer Richard Pryor,one of the undeniable greats of the medium. That alone makesJo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Callingworth watching. Not only does it have a semi-autobiographical component that lets you into the troubled world of the comedic icon, but Pryor himself is wonderfully charismatic in the role of Jo Jo. Sadly, beyond the interest in Pryor (story and person), the movie is rather middling in its direction and overall appeal. Still, the film is worthy of a high spot on this list and is essential stand-up-inspired cinema (particularly for existing fans of Pryor’s career).
Stream on Tubi
3The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick
Loosely based on the real-life relationship between the writers Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani before their marriage in 2007,The Big Sickrevolves around their initial courtship before a tragedy tests their bond. When Emily (played by Zoe Kazan) goes into a coma, Kumail is forced to reassess his relationship and life direction, including confronting his parents about their desire to see him marry a Pakistani woman.
A touching romantic comedythat explores the complexities of relationships under cultural expectations,The Big Sickis an ideal movie to watch with a significant other, given the romance-heavy focus — adding in the fact that the story is based on real-life experiences of stand-up Kumail Nanjiani brings an undeniable sincerity. For stand-up fans, the movie is less about the craft, but it still plays a vital role in Nanjiani’s persona and views on the world, leading him to fall in love with Emily. The movie was nominated for Best Screenplay at the Oscars and received 101 nominations and 18 wins across various festivals and award shows.
