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The Aristocrats

Play trailer Poster for The Aristocrats 2005 1h 29m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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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

The Aristocrats

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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 11/01/2007
The first feel-good movie made out of fecal matter. Go to Full Review David Fear Time Out 02/09/2006
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 01/27/2006
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 04/26/2025
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 01/10/2022
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 11/19/2019
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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Schnabel M @RT58764009 06/16/2025 Perfect first date movie. There may not be a second, and that could be a good thing. Seriously, if you are in the right mindset and not easily offended, this movie is hilarious. Do not watch if you're the least bit prudish. See more Greg S @lagreg123 07/13/2024 I watched this in 2024. Beyond the content of the film, it’s hard not to think about all the great talent we’ve lost who are captured in this movie. But it’s a well done deconstruction of a single joke. It’s important to remember the joke itself isn’t like anything else. The filmmakers delve into its history, construction, purpose, reception and many many Many incarnations. Nearly every comedian you can think of up to 2005, when it was made, is in it. And It is filled wall to wall with disgusting language. So be warned. See more 10/16/2021 A great documentary about a massive in-joke. Very interesting look at stand-up comedians and the incredibly wide range of style/sensibility. See more 01/08/2020 I don't know what to say about this movie. It is a fun idea, not something you can hit a home run with, but it celebrates different writing and performing styles, which is a worthy goal. See more 02/11/2017 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 12/01/2016 Watched this while eating fresh, homemade pot roast...by the time Saget showed up, I could no longer finish the pot roast. It's unclear whether it's more shockingly offensive than it is unendingly hilarious or vice versa...but either way, it's a fascinating (if admittedly sloppy) comedy doc. See more Read all reviews
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