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The Aristocrats

Play trailer Poster for The Aristocrats 2005,  1h 29m,  Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Stream Now Watchlist 79% 150 Reviews Tomatometer 61% 50,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
79% Tomatometer 150 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
This documentary about the world's funniest dirty joke features over 100 stand-up and performing comedians discussing and telling the joke. Since the joke, which can involve a great deal of improvisation, is so profane, usually only comedians have heard it, and it became legendary as a way for comedians to perform and top each other backstage. The film discusses the camaraderie within the comedy world that inspired the joke in the first place, as well as the role of obscenity within humor.
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The Aristocrats

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The Aristocrats

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Can a joke stand up to repeated tellings? Hilarious and revealing of the way comedy works, The Aristocrats demonstrates that it's possible.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek Nov 1, 2007
The first feel-good movie made out of fecal matter. Go to Full Review
David Fear Time Out Feb 9, 2006
This all-star open-mike night loses its luster before its own loud laughter dies down. Go to Full Review
Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald Jan 27, 2006
With a showman's respect for the power of the build-up, Provenza touts his product thoroughly before unveiling it. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Apr 26, 2025
It uses the joke as a way to explore the creative process of comedians and the amazing variety of approaches to storytelling and performing, as well as a barometer of what audiences themselves find offensive and taboo. Go to Full Review
Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Jan 10, 2022
While filmmakers will try their best over the years to get a group of comedians together to discuss jokes, nothing will ever be better than The Aristocrats. Go to Full Review
Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News Nov 19, 2019
B
A fascinating documentary that is more than a one-joke movie; it's a film that really takes its audience inside the minds of comedians, showing the essence of comedy and improvisation. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Rey G Feb 11, 2017 An interesting look at a classic joke told in a variety of (disturbing and funny) ways from lots of big names in the comedy and showbiz world that people would enjoy. My only big criticism would be that for a show based on one joke 90 minutes is a very long time to watch. See more
Ron W Jul 29, 2007 Hard to review as a film of some sort, this is more of a stand-up comedy thing. A lot of it is dumb and a lot of it is hilarious. Overall, it's still an interesting examination on what exactly makes a joke effective and our perception of what should and shouldn't be said in modern comedy. See more
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The Aristocrats

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Cast & Crew

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Paul Provenza

Director

Chris Albrecht

Self

Jason Alexander

Self

Hank Azaria

Self

Steven Banks

Billy The Mime

Shelley Berman

Self

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The Aristocrats

The Aristocrats (2005) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary about the world's funniest dirty joke features over 100 stand-up and performing comedians discussing and telling the joke. Since the joke, which can involve a great deal of improvisation, is so profane, usually only comedians have heard it, and it became legendary as a way for comedians to perform and top each other backstage. The film discusses the camaraderie within the comedy world that inspired the joke in the first place, as well as the role of obscenity within humor.
Director
Paul Provenza
Producer
Peter Adam Golden
Distributor
ThinkFilm
Production Co
Mighty Cheese Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 22, 2005, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jul 29, 2005
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 10, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.4M
Runtime
1h 29m
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