Below is my list of funny documentaries. My criteria for whether it’s a “funny” doc is simple — is “funny” the description that most comes to mind.
That said, I’m NOT including comedy specials or profiles of comedians.
I’m also not including docs like Morgan Spurlock’s “Supersize Me” (even though it has funny moments) when such a doc is focused more on a topic other than humor (e.g. SuperSize me is about fast food and diet).
I’ll cover all those other docs in other articles here on Daily Doc.
Ok, here are what I believe are some purely funny docs.
Enjoy!
1) American Movie
96/100
Note: American Movie is so good I dedicated a whole page to the doc: https://dailydoc.com/american-movie/
“American Movie” is a wild ride, kinda like “Rocky” meets “The Disaster Artist”. Picture this: Mark Borchardt, a Wisconsinite (in his 30s), is hell-bent on making a horror flick. With what cash? Zilch. And his crew? His mom, his Uncle Bill (82) and his stoner best buddy Mike. .
Uncle Bill and buddy Mike are stars! Check out Mark directing them? It’s 107 minutes of pure gold.
But this doc isn’t all laughs. It shows grit. The pursuit of dreams. The triumph of spirit over circumstances.
“American Movie” is a dose of reality, garnished with humor. It’s a toast to every dreamer who dared to dream big, despite the odds.
The finale? Let’s just say you’re in for a treat. No spoilers here.
It’s the journey, not the destination. Enjoy the ride!
Here are the places to stream it: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/american-movie
2) Too Funny to Fail: The Life & Death of The Dana Carvey Show
95/100
Picture this: A cheeky maverick helming a comedy missile. A bullseye? Nah, it bellyflops.
Too Funny to Fail: The Life & Death of The Dana Carvey Show is a gut punch — a raw reminder that showbiz isn’t all glitz and glam.
Comedic great Dana Carvey (40 then) recruits future stars Steve Carell (33) and Stephen Colbert (32)) as they create this funny flop of a show.
The doc thrives on a simple premise: Comedy isn’t always a laugh riot. Carvey’s epic fail is a metaphor for the tragic-comic face of showbiz…
But it had it’s moments: it was ABC’s highest-rated Tuesday night show for its premiere. Talk about a quick fall from grace…
The bits are often absurd. Remember that notorious sketch with Bill Clinton breastfeeding puppies? Bizarre.
Biggest laugh? It might be when Carvey impersonates Ross Perot.
And Steve Carell’s snafu-filled auditions are fun to look at.
Remember: failure isn’t fatal. It’s just… well, funny.
I watched it on Hulu at https://www.hulu.com/movie/too-funny-to-fail-the-life-death-of-the-dana-carvey-show-c6c29995-0c40-4442-aed6-156bd11e2d9e
3) Winnebago Man
94/100
Note: Winnebago Man was so good, I dedicated a whole page to the doc here: https://dailydoc.com/winnebago-man/
Dig “American Movie”? You’ll probably like”Winnebago Man”.
Jack Rebney (age 70), once a Winnebago salesman, is the star. His 1989 sales pitch outtakes are legendary.
Spoiler: he’s now a viral legend.
He might be called “The Angriest Man in the World” but I couldn’t stop watching him.
This doc’s heart is Jack’s belated internet fame.
The juiciest bit? Tracking down Jack (now a hermit in California). His reaction to his stardom? Let’s say… explosive.
It’s a misfit’s love letter to viral culture. Yet, it’s not all guffaws. It brings a dose of humanity, too.
“Jack is a swear-happy, angry old man,” you say? Nope. He’s just a frustrated guy who had a bad day… we’ve all been there, right?
The doc’s not about the Winnebago, it’s about the man.
If you’re too straight-laced, this may not be your cup of tea.
You can watch it for free on YouTube at https://youtu.be/HqtSOoySgKc or Kanopy (requires at library card) at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/10853491. It’s periodically on other streamers too (see https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/winnebago-man)
4) Shut Up Little Man
94/100
“Shut Up, Little Man!” hit screens in 2011. It’s an 89-minute deep dive into a viral phenomenon.
The doc’s about two San Francisco roommates, Eddie and Mitch.
They record their neighbors’ loud arguments. These tapes? They explode, becoming underground cult classics.
Director Matthew Bate explores this odd, real-life drama.
It’s a mix of humor, voyeurism, and ethical questions. The recordings are hilarious, yet unsettling.
Eddie and Mitch’s journey is wild. What starts as a coping mechanism becomes a cultural sensation.
Bate captures the strangeness and the impact of the tapes.
“Shut Up, Little Man!” is a quirky look at accidental fame.
It’s about privacy, the allure of the bizarre, and the ethics of entertainment. A must-see for its unique take on a pre-internet viral story.
Watch it on for free (with library card) on Kanopy at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/shut-little-man-0 or on Peacock at https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/movies/documentary/shut-up-little-man-an-audio-misadventure/b1f25e90-a3ce-31a9-b4d3-bee2aab09e3e
5) Nathan For You
95/100
“Nathan for You” is a madcap masterclass in awkwardness. This 22-minute per episode docuseries is a cross of “Punk’d meets Undercover Boss.”
Nathan Fielder, 29, delivers deadpan disasters like a pro. This Poo-bah of pranks ambushes ordinary businesses with ‘brilliant’ fixes. Absurd episodes include helping a poo-scoop business hunt for a ‘ghost.’
It’s Crazy-town but not all gags and giggles. Fielder’s interaction with everyday folks hints at the human condition. Sly, eh?
And the endings? Many are sneaky curveballs that’ll leave your jaw on the floor… no spoiler alerts here!
It’s a wrapped in a cheeky bow. Snarky, smart, and funny.
I watched it on https://play.max.com/show/e88bb67c-ce15-463e-aa6a-121af30b8d49 but it’s also on Paramount Plus at https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/nathan-for-you/
6) Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop
Rodman Flender follows Conan during his “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television” tour in 2010 after his whole NBC-Tonight Show debacle.
And let me tell you, it’s 89 minutes of pure Conan gold.
First off, can we just acknowledge how incredible it is that Conan turned a crappy situation into this killer live show?
The guy gets kicked off The Tonight Show, so what does he do?
He goes on a 32-city tour to stick it to NBC and connect with his fans. That’s the kind of resilience and hustle you gotta respect.
Now, the doc really gets into Conan’s head.
You see him dealing with the fallout, the anger, the need to prove himself.
ou’ve got Andy Richter being his awesome sidekick self, the writers pitching jokes, the band jamming out.
Sure, Conan has his diva moments. The guy’s exhausted, he’s pushing himself to the limit, and he’s not always Mr. Nice Guy.
But hey, that’s what makes him real. You don’t get to be as funny and successful as Conan without being a little obsessive and demanding.
It’s a comeback story, a character study, and a reminder of why Conan is one of the comedy GOATs.
Check here for the latest streaming options for “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop”: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/conan-obrien-cant-stop
7) George Carlin’s American Dream
95/100
The HBO doc “George Carlin’s American Dream,” is a snappy 90-minute trip inside Carlin’s mind.
It starts in ’59 (New York (my hometown), baby!). The young Carlin (22) is all swagger, a blabber-mouth with dreams bigger than the Big Apple. No surprise there, right?
Watch out for the ‘Seven Dirty Words’ saga and The U.S. Supreme Court spat (1978).
The Doc’s got teeth — It bites into Carlin’s meaty critique of American society. Hilarious and horrifying.
The ‘American Dream’ isn’t always what it seems. I laughed and teared up at different times. There is only one George Carlin.
I watched it on HBO’s Max at https://play.max.com/mini-series/27d647c7-85c0-461b-827f-23715dd77f32; but you can also get it if you are a Spectrum subscriber.
8) Exit Through the Gift Shop
95/100
“Exit Through the Gift Shop” is a meaty 87-minute doc that holds the mirror to society.
We begin with Thierry Guetta (age 44). This French shopkeeper has a knack for filming…and street art too. He sneaks up on Shaq and regular day folks.
Guetta’s transformation into ‘Mr. Brainwash’? Gotta love the twist, eh?
The heart-pounding chase scene, London (2006) — Banksy, the infamous artist (around 30 then), chased by the cops. A sight to behold!
The doc morphs into a Banksy spotlight. Why not, right? Banksy is mysteriously interesting. He’s also the Director of this doc. 🙂 Either way, we get to know Banksy a bit (though his face is hidden and voice is robotitized).
Like Banksy’s own artwork, this doc has layers. Subversion of commercialism, the media’s cheeky obsession…it’s all there. It’s a far cry from the cliché art docs you might have seen.
Is it true or a big sham? Who cares, right?
If you liked “The Art of the Prank,” this one’s right up your alley.
You can watch Exit Through the Gift Shop for free at https://youtu.be/IqVXThss1z4
9) Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine
94/100
“Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine” is a 79-minute doc. about the skating sub-culture magazine “Big Brother”. Big Brother was “Jackass” before Jackass.
This doc is a raw and funny salute to skating, punk, and counterculture.
Remember the firecracker Johnny Knoxville (of Jackass fame). He’s around 26 in this doc and he’s got his big shot here.
The scene-stealer? Steve Rocco (sneaky poo-bah) buys “Big Brother”. Now that’s a moment! 1997. Think of it as a carnivorous corporate shark swallowing a tiny, dopey fish.
The magazine, once a low-budget zine, ends up a global phenomenon. Crazy, huh?
“Dumb” is anything but. It’s a swagger-filled, untamed romp through ‘90s culture. Makes me wish I was part of it.
If you’re a fan of “Dogtown and Z-Boys”, you’ll lap this up. One warning: it’s not for the prim and proper. It’s raw, raucous, and unapologetically real.
“Dumb” is anarchy on celluloid. It’s your backstage pass to the chaos that was Big Brother Magazine. Here’s the skinny, though… The mag may be dead, but its spirit lives on!
You can watch in at Hulu on https://www.hulu.com/movie/dumb-the-story-of-big-brother-magazine-c25b4f59-194f-4eed-bc11-19d2d749520e
10) Clarkson’s Farm
IMDB Score of 9/10 and Rotten Tomatoes scores it 98 (users) and 100 (critics)
Look, I know what you’re thinking – a docuseries about some fancy lad from Top Gear mucking about on a farm?
Sounds duller than a tractor in a hay field, right?
Well strap on your wellies, because Clarkson’s Farm is a blooming delight!
Our boy Jeremy might know his stuff when it comes to souped-up cars, but running a thousand-acre farm in the Cotswolds?
He’s got as much chance as a chicken crossing the road.
Watching Jezza face-plant into cow patties or wrestle a flock of sheep is funnier than a paddock full of piss-drunk rugby fans.
You can’t blame the hamster-looking bugger for trying though.
He tackles each farming fiasco with a stiff upper lip, even when he plows his fancy Porsche straight into a ditch. The only thing bruised is his ego, thankfully.
Of course, Jezza doesn’t go it alone – he leaves the real work to young Kaleb, the capable farm manager who herds sheep and bales hay circles around the flustered TV host.
Their Odd Couple routine will have you snorting like a pig all through cobbler and cream.
Throw in some quirky locals like “Cheerful Charlie,” a talking tractor called “Gerald,” and a prize-winning bull named “Lucky,” and you’ve got a cracking docuseries
Watch “Clarkson’s Farm” on Prime Video. Check here for updates to the streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/jeremy-clarkson-i-bought-the-farm
11) How To With John Wilson
On paper, a docuseries about some average Joe wandering around New York City trying to improve his life skills doesn’t exactly scream Emmy bait.
Yet HBO’s “How To With John Wilson” manages to take the mundane and transform it into a bingeable masterpiece of the awkwardly absurd.
Wilson himself is quite the character: a gangly, deadpan observer with a penchant for peering at life through his camcorder lens.
As he documents his quests to boost his small talk abilities or improve his cover letter over the course of two six-episode seasons spanning 2020 and 2021, Wilson captures the lovable strangeness of both the city and its inhabitants. It’s like people-watching from your couch as one unlikely social situation careens into the next.
There’s a certain childlike wonder with which Wilson approaches his mini life missions that sucks you in even when the results get painfully uncomfortable.
As he fumbles through conversations or lengthy creative writing classes, you can’t help but root for the humble weirdo.
Just don’t be surprised if you suddenly have the urge to strap a camcorder to your chest and embrace your inner eccentric goofball.
Watch How To with John Wilson on HBO Max (including Max via Spectrum). Check here for the latest streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/how-to-with-john-wilson
12) Dreams with Sharp Teeth
93/100
(96 minutes)
If the Winnebago Man had a baby with Isaac Asimov, you’d have Harlan Ellison. Age 84, this doc looks closely at the sci-fi scribe with the razor-sharp wit.
The best bit? Harlan’s face-off with television execs. A cheeky, David versus Goliath, type standoff.
The doc’s brimming with Harlan’s snappy one-liners. What’s not to love? Well, if you’re sensitive to snark, you may cringe a bit. Still, it’s a real hoot.
And comedian Robin Williams interviews Harlan:
Williams: “[You] Mailed a dead gopher to publishing house?”
Ellison: “True”
“Dreams with Sharp Teeth” gives us a tour of Ellison’s self-styled “Aztec temple”.
Our Harlan, the curmudgeonly sci-fi wizard, isn’t for the faint-hearted. Too uptight? Skip this one. But if you want a funny ode to a literary legend, enjoy!
Right now the only place to watch “Dreams” is at Amazon for $2.99 . But check here for updates on where else it might be streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/dreams-with-sharp-teeth
13) We Are The Champions
90/100
You’ve got to appreciate the oddball competitive vibe in the Netflix show “We Are The Champions.”
Like, there are adults on pogo sticks hopping like they’re trying to win an Olympic event.
Then there are grandmothers holding their chihuahuas as if they’re infants, oblivious to the tongue-in-cheek nature of pet competitions.
Families glued to the screen as a guy named Mustard attempts to snag popcorn pieces mid-air with his mouth.
I respect the dedication, the fervor.
Imagine if we were all as passionate about something as these contestants are about slicing onions for a title or battling it out in imaginary flute contests.
We’d live in a much happier world!
Are the competitions completely ridiculous?
Absolutely.
Funny?
Abosolutely
But did I need to witness extreme close-ups of intense eating contests or someone skimming over water using just their face?
Watch “We Are The Champions” on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/81034679
14) Swimming to Cambodia
93/100
If you liked “An Evening with Kevin Smith”? you’ll likely enjoy”Swimming to Cambodia”. This 85-minute dip with Spalding Gray (age 45). Gray unravels the mess of filming “The Killing Fields”. His wry anecdotes… they’re gold!Brace for sharp insights into 1980s Cambodia. Pack tissues, you’ll giggle till you cry. Some crass humor? Definitely. But remember, life’s no fairy tale.
“Swimming to Cambodia” is a whirlwind tour of Spalding’s mental landscape. It’s a dive you won’t forget.
Enjoy a bit of banter? Come aboard. This doc serves a banquet of boisterous monologues and Gray’s eccentric charm.
Not a fan of monologues? Then bail now. But if you enjoy a raucous, brain-tickling escapade, dive headfirst!
“Swimming” is currently not streaming anywhere I can find. But check here just in case: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/swimming-to-cambodia
15) Cane Toads: An Unnatural History
92/100
Did “March of the Penguins” tickle your fancy? Try “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History”. It’s 47 minutes of oddball joy.
The toads! Introduced to Australia (1935) to combat pests. Utter failure. They flourished instead.
Best bit? The bizarre love some Aussies developed for these toxic creatures. A lady paints toad portraits. Yes, you read right…love!
The toads’ relentless march across Australia, unstoppable. Like an army on a mission. Think ants at a picnic…cane toads are worse. Try driving on a road with thousands of them!
“Cane Toads” combines humor with hard facts. It’s an absurd, amphibious adventure. You’ll be laughing…then, you’re learning!
You’re a fan of quirky tales? Strap in.
Bored by weird nature docs? This might not be your jam.https://www.kanopy.com/
The toad saga reminds us that humor can lurk in the unlikeliest of places!
You can watch “Cane Toads” for free on Kanopy (requires library card) at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/88265
I love Cane Toads so much I dedicated a Web page to it which includes a more detailed review and other ways to watch it.
It’s here: https://dailydoc.com/cane-toads-an-unnatural-history/
16) Best Worst Movie
Oi, Troll 2 might be the biggest pile of gobshite cinema ever crapped out.
But this doc tracks its shambolic rise to cult classic status?
Now that’s comedy gold, guvnor!
Best Worst Movie is a right sidesplitter directed by wee baby Micheal Stephenson, the sprouting child actor who starred in Troll 2 back in the early 90s.
Talk about taking the piss outta yourself!
Little Mikey is all grown up now, and he sets his sights on unraveling this Cinderella shitshow’s legacy across America.
We join him at fan conventions where rabid nerds mob him for autographs, and at screenings where crowds chuck plastic spoons at the screen cackling like loons.
Along the way we meet others who acted in this clunker turned classic.
Here’s dear old Margo Prey who poured her heart into the role of Mikey’s mum…despite dodgy dialogue about pissing on hospitality.
And director Claudio Fragasso who insists his festering celluloid turd should be Taken Very Seriously.
Blimey, never has ineptitude been so bleeding fun to watch!
Grab your goblin mask and some pizza,
Watch “Best Worst Movie” for free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yop-LjljnSM. You can see other streaming options for it (including free ones (with ads) lik Tubi, Freevee, Plex Vudu) and paid ones like Apple TV and Amazon at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/best-worst-movie
17) The Super Bob Einstein Movie
93/100
“The Super Bob Einstein Movie” (90-minute laugh riot) takes you inside the mind of the comedic genius, Bob Einstein (1942-2019). A blast!
His alter ego? Super Dave Osborne. Master stuntman… or so he thought!
The best bit: Einstein’s antics on “The Tonight Show”.
“Super Bob…” stands as a testament to Einstein’s wit.
We meet Larry David (Einstein’s co-star in “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). Reveals priceless insights.
Einstein’s knack for deadpan humor… unmatched! Comic genius? Heck yes!
This doc’s a “Comedy Central” meets “Behind the Music”. Captures the laughs and the man.
Not into the history of comedy? Might want to sit this one out.
Chock-full of fun facts (did you know Bob’s brother is Albert Brooks?).
The doc ends on a high note. No spoilers here… just prepare to laugh!
You can watch “Super Bob” on Max at https://play.max.com/movie/890db639-68b1-4b6c-9c50-bdcec87fe070 or on DirectTV.
18) Not Quite Hollywood
92/100
Fan of “Electric Boogaloo”? You’ll devour “Not Quite Hollywood” (107 minutes).
Unveils the wild world of Aussie exploitation cinema. G’day, guv’na!
Showcases trailblazers like Quentin Tarantino (an Ozploitation fanatic!)
Meet George Miller (creator of Mad Max). Can you believe Mad Max (1979) had a $350,000 budget? Bonkers!
The most gasp-worthy bit? The stunts. Dangerous, daring, downright crazy!
Who wouldn’t enjoy? Maybe film purists… too stuck up for kangaroo chaos.
You can watch it for free on Kanopy (with a library card) at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/not-quite-hollywood-0 or on Amazon Prime Video at https://www.amazon.com/Not-Quite-Hollywood-Mark-Hartley/dp/B002S2UH42/ref=sr_1_1? Check here for all the streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/not-quite-hollywood-the-wild-untold-story-of-ozploitation
19) Pretend It’s a City
92/100
If you’re fond of “My Dinner with Andre” or New Yorkers, then “Pretend It’s a City” (a 7-episode docuseries (210 minutes) is likely your jam.
It’s Fran Lebowitz (70) chatting with Martin Scorsese.
Fran’s a bona fide New York City character. And she’s funny. Very funny.
The Subway scene? Subway maps, shoe etiquette…
“Pretend It’s a City” is an NYC love letter, with wit.
It’s not for folks wanting a picturesque postcard of NY. It’s realer. Grimmer.
Ever walked through Times Square? Bet you can’t dodge those tourists!
It’s like traipsing through Manhattan… Busy. Bustling. Fran’s frankness? Awesome.
Who says you can’t love a city for its grime? Fran does. She gets you.
Watch “Pretend” on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/81078137
20) Gates of Heaven
90/100
“Gates of Heaven” is not about pearly gates or fluffy clouds. Nope. We’re talking pets. Ever wondered where Fido goes post-life? This 85-minute doc dives into two Californian pet cemeteries.
The Harberts family lead the charge. Quote from Phil Harberts: “Pets are people.” He’s committed.
Stunning fact? Over 1,000 pets rest here. Scene that got me? A woman, memorializing her collie. Tear-worthy. There’s Floyd McClure too, with grand visions of a pet paradise.
Human-like eulogies for poodles… ceremonies for Siamese cats.
My takeaway? Pets own chunks of our souls. Treat ’em right.
You can watch it free on YouTube at https://youtu.be/j4Yfx4W-hv8 or see other streaming options here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/gates-of-heaven.
21) Religulous
89/100
Ever watch Bill Maher in action? You’ll know what you’re diving into with “Religulous.” 101 minutes. It’s Maher meets Morgan Spurlock’s humor. Maher travels the world to talk Christ’s existence, Jewish Sabbath laws, violent Muslum extremists and more.
“Religulous”? A comedic glance at religion’s quirks. Maher travels… Jerusalem, Rome, London. Why? To question believers. And he does. Hard.
Check out the scene at the Creationist Museum. Dinosaurs with humans. Maher quips, “Flintstones isn’t a documentary?”
Unsettling…but funny. He’s on a mission. Maher challenges a Senator. Asks about speaking in tongues. The reply? Crickets.
“Rationality’s the enemy of faith,” Maher says. Quite the viewpoint, right? Best part? Maher in the Vatican. An off-the-books interview.
Maher’s style is… provocative? Sure. Sarcastic? Oh, definitely. The man loves poking societal norms. But it’s all in good jest. Mostly. Not for the easily offended or devoutly religious. They probably won’t “get it”.
This doc’s like a spiky chuckle pill… you’ll laugh, but it might pinch a bit.
Check out the streaming options here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/a-spiritual-journey
22) An Idiot Abroad
IMDB Score=8.3; Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score 77.
The video link above DOES work (YouTube just puts this confusing warning because they don’t want kids easily looking at it).
What happens when miserable Karl Pilkington is dragged ’round the world to explore global culture?
A hilariously grumpy adventure filled with more complaints than a British dining hall, that’s what!
In An Idiot Abroad, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their grouchy guinea pig to visit landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China.
Note: the docuseries first had the working title “Karl Pilkington’s Seven Wonders of the World” but they broadened that.
The value is less about the destinations and more about round-headed Karl whinging nonstop about tiny hotel beds, dodgy bathrooms, and funny foreign food.
This bloke would rather get his teeth pulled than crack a smile!
Whether getting buried neck-deep at an Israeli Dead Sea spa or shoved into a cramped Russian submarine, Karl’s epic excursion abroad has all the joy of a rainy funeral.
The man looks as excited to climb China’s mountains as I am to eat my gran’s boiled cabbage!
His bleak dispatches and sourpuss reactions to the planet’s marvels will leave you laughing.
Watch “An Idiot Abroad” by purchasing it on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu/Fandango (see here for all the streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/an-idiot-abroad
I also see all 3 seasons of “An Idiot Abroad” for free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@mrkdilkington4075/playlists but I’m not sure if that YouTuber has the rights to show it.
23) Joy Ride
87/100
You fancy a road trip? “Joy Ride” serves it with wit. If you relished “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”, you’ll devour this in a heartbeat.
Running 89 minutes, it’s not just cars and sights.
Bobcat Goldthwait and Dana Gould, two comedic legends, embark on a tour.
But it’s the behind-the-scenes that captivates. They’re not young (Bobcat’s 58, Dana’s 56). Yet, they’re hilarious.
Side-splitting scenes? A heckler in Tucson… and a motel in New Mexico. Why? Just watch!
These guys bear their souls. Comedy’s not all laughter. There’s pain. Rejection. And… a tad of bitterness?
The doc left out some iconic comedy venues, though.
Missed chance?
Casual comedy fans? This might seem “inside baseball”. But for hardcore enthusiasts or stand-up aspirants?
Stream Joy Ride on Amazon Prime Video at https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0RIKLUE9HVBECNG8E6KNUVBVV8/ or rent it at these options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/joy-ride-2021
24) Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
86/100
Ever craved a Brooklyn bash? Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, a 103-minute doc, brings it home. Think “Woodstock for the hip-hop generation” vibes.
Brooklyn, 2004. Dave goes all out. Kanye, Erykah Badu, Mos Def? All there. Music? Stellar. And Dave’s chats make you feel behind-the-scenes. “Music and comedy…universal peace,” he quips.
Standout scene: The Fugees reunion. Wow. Jill Scott’s duet with Erykah? Magic. I laughed when Dave joked about the school marching band’s surprise invite… Classic Chappelle humor!
Why’s it special? It’s raw, real. Beats, laughs, community. Not just a concert film. More… a celebration. But me? Wanted a tad more prep action. Behind-the-scenes hustle, you know?
Like raw humor? Dive in. Prefer prim? Maybe skip. This doc thrives in spontaneity.
Music’s the beat, community’s the soul. This doc shows unity.
Watch it on Starz at https://www.starz.com/us/en/movies/dave-chappelles-block-party-37083
25) Zombie Girl: The Movie
84/100
So, a 12-year-old girl directs a feature-length zombie flick. Sounds wild?
It’s reality in Zombie Girl: The Movie, a 90-minute doc capturing this mad journey. Think “Project Greenlight” meets teen spirit.
Emily Hagins is on fire. Young? Yes. (12, to be exact!) Ambitious? Heck yeah. The film maps her two-year saga. Austin, Texas, becomes ground zero for pre-teen horror. Fights, meltdowns, re-shoots…all in there.
Standout scene? A film fest premiere. Nail-biting stuff… Emily’s passion? Infectious. A quote nails it: “If she can, why can’t I?”.
Details? There’s plenty. A cameo by her mom as a zombie? Priceless… well, almost. I chuckled, pondering the thought… would my mom go undead for me?
Caveat: If you desire high-budget gloss, this ain’t your jam. But heart? Overflowing. The doc mirrors indie film struggles. Regardless of age.
Still, Emily’s age isn’t the hook; it’s her drive. A roller-coaster, yes. But her spirit? Inspiring. Final thought? Dreams age no bounds.
Stream it for free (with a library card) on Kanopy at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/zombie-girl or rent it from an option here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/zombie-girl-the-movie
26) Men With Balls
83/100
Ever visited Becens, Hungary? Probably not. Ever seen a town where tennis balls outnumber job holders? Welcome to “Men With Balls”.
Kristof Kovacs’ doc lands us smack in the middle of Becens – 98% unemployment, fresh to potable water, and… a tennis court. An EU grant’s brainchild, this court’s the quirky mayor’s solution to… well, everything. But can tennis save a town? The mayor’s all in. Villagers? Not so much.
Meet Kari, our local tennis champ. He’s training townsfolk to volley, serve, maybe master a backhand. Mayor and Kari? Unlikely town heroes. Think Batman and Robin, minus the cool gadgets.
Kovacs’ lens captures Becens’ essence. The tennis court? Town’s pulsing heart. The rival? The local bar. The stakes? A clash with the next town’s tennis club. National TV’s hooked. So were we.
Laughs? Plenty. Scenes with Kari training his eclectic team? A face-off with the local bar? Pure tension. Pure funny.
Remember the saying, “It’s not about winning”? In Becens, it’s about playing the game. And maybe, just maybe, finding hope in the oddest places.
Not your typical sports doc. If you liked “The Biggest Little Farm”, you’ll love “Men With Balls”. A glimpse into resilience, community, and the hilarity of human nature. Some may find it a slow burn. But it’s worth the serve.
Watch it on GuideDoc at https://guidedoc.tv/documentary/men-with-balls-documentary-film/
27) The Aristocrats
81/100
Sorry for the crappy quality of the trailer above. It’s all I could find.
Think you’ve heard it all? Think again. “The Aristocrats” dares you to rethink the bounds of comedy.
Paul Provenza and Penn Jillette’s doc serves a single joke. Sounds dull? Anything but. The catch: it’s how comedians tell it. From legends like Robin Williams to Sarah Silverman, each rendition gets wilder. And often, way raunchier.
The setup and punchline remain, but the middle? A riotous sandbox for comedians. The joke’s taboo nature? Catalyst for creativity. This ain’t just a joke; it’s a commentary on comedy’s essence.
Remember Gilbert Gottfried post 9/11 at the Hugh Hefner Roast? He shocked, then pivoted to “The Aristocrats”. The room erupted. Comedy’s power: turning tragedy into laughable moments. Epic scene.
Some say it’s genius. Others? Crass. What’s undeniable: it pushes boundaries. Yet, isn’t that comedy’s job?
But beware: it’s not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. It’s got a lot of crude language.
But for those who like a raw, unfiltered dive into comedic artistry, this is it.
Watch it for free (with library card) on https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/aristocrats and on YouTube (includes Spanish subtitles) at https://youtu.be/giozZbTVua0. It’s also on Fubo at https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/program/MV001622650000/the-aristocrats and here are some other streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-aristocrats
28) Sex(Ed): The Movie
80/100
Ever wonder about America’s uneasy relationship with sex ed? “Sex(Ed): The Movie” (76 minutes) grabs that bull by the horns.
This doc dives deep into U.S. sex education’s quirky history, pulling no punches. Clips from old films? Got ’em. Vintage ’70s vibes? Check.
But, most importantly, it’s a funny look at how we once (not too long ago) were.
You’ll laugh at outdated methods. Cringe at blatant misinformation. Brenda Goodman directs, capturing the U.S.’s struggle with sexual taboo.
Key scenes: watching kids squirm during “the talk”… or a politician fumbling facts. Laugh-out-loud moment? That retro cartoon explaining puberty.
Here’s the gist: Sex ed’s history is wild. Sometimes hilarious. Often, kinda sad. But… always fascinating. Biggest surprise? How political it gets. Who knew sex ed could be such a battlefield? I mean, it’s 2021, right?
If you’re prudish or can’t handle blunt talk, this ain’t for you. But for history buffs, educators, or just curious cats? Dive in. It’s a hoot. Catch it on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Watch it, discuss it, and maybe… share your own awkward sex ed story. Just a thought.
Watch it for free (with ads) on PlutoTV at https://pluto.tv/en/on-demand/movies/61df12b8f72e7b001a6de067. Here are some other streamers you can watch it through: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/sex-ed-the-movie
29) Jackass Forever
IMDB Score=6.9; Rotten Tomatoes Score=91 (users) and 86 (critics)
Not everyone loves “Jackass” humor. But for those that do, this is the funniest of the Jackass shows/movies .
After a decade-long hiatus, Ringleader Johnny Knoxville and his band of jokers, are back.
Newcomer Rachel Wolfson joins the lads to reach exhilarating new lows of vulgarity involving a flying dildo circus, Santos butt bombs, and a beetle infestation of Ehren’s pecker that’ll make your blood curdle and head spin!
Oh, the vile wonders these cranky codgers will endure to inspire awe and nausea!
Watch “Jackass Forever” on Prime Video or Paramount+ (subscription required) or for rental on Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon, DirecTV et al (check here for the latest streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/jackass-forever
This isn’t your normal documentary. Artist Bobby Fingers builds a Michael Jackson action figure diorama. Right before our very eyes!
The “how to” part of this alone makes it worth watching. But it’s the funny commentary that puts it over the top.
Thanks, Tim Ferriss for pointing it out in his 5-Bullet Friday.
Enjoy!
30) Michael Jackson on Fire Diorama”
It’s hard for me to even describe this hilarious video. It’s this guy named Bobby Fingers building a diorama (I had to Google what that even is). His craft is awesome but perhaps his humor is even more so.
Make sure to check out the 24:40 for a funny part that makes me laugh every time I think of it.
Watch it for free (with ads) on YouTube by clicking the video embed above or here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHi479xN_po
Thanks,
-Rob
How’d I do? Do you know of any funny documentaries I missed?