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.

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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.

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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.

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Miles Fielder The List Apr 26, 2019 4/5

Beyond being utterly hilarious and really quite shocking, Provenza's film says a lot about the nature of stand-up comedy and the people who are compelled to do it. And that makes The Aristocrats a great documentary.

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Thomas Peyser Style Weekly (Richmond, VA) Jun 3, 2009

A joyful film, full of men and women alight with the pleasure that comes from negating every compliment civilization has ever paid itself.

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Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009

A very funny and entertaining simple documentary

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Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Apr 15, 2009 A+

A plethora of comedians discuss and tell their own inspired rendition of "the dirtiest joke in the world" in a contagiously funny documentary that symptomatically gives context to the lasting influence of vaudeville humor.

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Matthew De Abaitua Film4 Jun 23, 2008 3/5

Each take on the gag reveals a different facet of comic technique.

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David Ansen Newsweek Nov 1, 2007

The first feel-good movie made out of fecal matter.

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Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Jul 23, 2007 A

Its very about-itself unimportance is what makes it a liberating experience for its own sake.

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Jay Antani Cinema Writer Aug 19, 2006 2/4

A tedious dud that sparks once or twice with big laughs

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Josh Ralske All Movie Guide Aug 5, 2006 6/10

...the brilliant Sarah Silverman transcends the mean-spirited nature of the joke...

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Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review May 12, 2006 3/5

In its simplest form, the joke isn't funny; it's all in the telling, and Provenza proves once again that some people can tell a joke, and some people can't.

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David Fear Time Out Feb 9, 2006

This all-star open-mike night loses its luster before its own loud laughter dies down.

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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.

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Urban Cinefile Critics Urban Cinefile Jan 19, 2006

Vile, vulgar and occasionally funny, The Aristocrats is literally a one joke movie%u2026 I was bored...

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Chris Hewitt (UK) Empire Magazine Jan 7, 2006 4/5

A stunning comedy masterclass. For those with strong stomachs, obviously...

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Ken Tucker New York Magazine/Vulture Dec 9, 2005

... The Aristocrats proves that sometimes you don't have to be a great filmmaker to make a great documentary.

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Bob Westal Film Threat Dec 6, 2005 4/5

A brilliant solution to the eternal problem of how to discuss the creative process behind comedy without becoming boring.

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Pablo Villaça Cinema em Cena Nov 25, 2005 4/5

Mesmo que repetitivo ao procurar analisar o significado social da graça da piada e contendo algumas performances terrivelmente medíocres, o filme ganha um fôlego invejável sempre que algum comediante inspirado surge em cena.

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