Stand-up movies showcase the art of stand-up comedy, either through concert films or fictionalized accounts of comedians’ lives.
1. Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982)
Richard Pryor‘s landmark stand-up performance filmed after recovering from a near-fatal accident.
Why it’s great:
- Pryor’s raw, honest, and hilarious storytelling
- Groundbreaking material on race, addiction, and personal struggles
- Influential on subsequent generations of comedians
2. Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987)
Eddie Murphy‘s second stand-up concert film showcases his energetic and provocative style.
Why it’s great:
- Murphy’s charismatic stage presence and impressions
- Controversial and boundary-pushing material
- Captures Murphy at the height of his stand-up powers
3. Funny People (2009)
A fictional look at the world of stand-up comedy, following a famous comedian who mentors an up-and-coming comic.
Why it’s great:
- Adam Sandler’s dramatic turn as a comedian facing mortality
- Authentic portrayal of the stand-up comedy scene
- Blend of humor and pathos in exploring comedians’ lives
4. The King of Comedy (1982)
Martin Scorsese’s dark comedy about a failed comedian who kidnaps his idol in a bid for fame.
Why it’s great:
- Robert De Niro‘s unsettling performance as Rupert Pupkin
- Exploration of celebrity culture and obsession
- Blend of comedy with psychological thriller elements
5. Obvious Child (2014)
A stand-up comedian deals with an unplanned pregnancy and her evolving personal life.
Why it’s great:
- Jenny Slate’s breakout performance
- Honest and humorous approach to difficult topics
- Integration of stand-up comedy into the narrative.
