Movies Like Ernie Kovacs: Television's Original Genius

If you liked Ernie Kovacs: Television's Original Genius (1982), a movie directed by Keith Burns, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)
★ 6.9/10
From his onstage tackle to the slap heard round the world, Dave Chappelle lets loose in this freewheeling and unfiltered stand-up comedy special.
2
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018)
★ 7.9/10
John Mulaney relays stories from his childhood and "SNL," eviscerates the value of college and laments getting older in this electric comedy special.
3
Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable (2018)
★ 6.4/10
In her first special since 2003, Ellen revisits her road to stardom and details the heartfelt -- and hilarious -- lessons she's learned along the way.
4
Man on the Moon (1999)
★ 7.2/10
The story of the life and career of eccentric avant-garde comedian, Andy Kaufman.
5
Ricky Gervais: Mortality (2025)
★ 7/10
Ricky Gervais tackles life, death and the state of the world in a brutally honest special that spares no topic, even his own mortality.
6
Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All (2024)
★ 7.1/10
Anthony Jeselnik celebrates 20 years of delivering boundary-pushing comedy to the masses in this razor-sharp stand-up special.
7
Standing Up, Falling Down (2020)
★ 6.3/10
An unlikely friendship kindles between a struggling stand-up comedian from L.A. — forced to move back home to Eastern Long Island with his tail between his legs — and a tragically flawed, but charming and charismatic…
8
Jim Jefferies: This Is Me Now (2018)
★ 7/10
The gleefully irreverent Jefferies skewers “grabby” celebrities, political hypocrisy and his own ill-advised career moves in a brash stand-up special.
9
Bad Trip (2021)
★ 6.1/10
In this hidden-camera prank comedy, two best friends bond on a wild road trip to New York as they pull real people into their raunchy, raucous antics.
10
Fun with Dick and Jane (1977)
★ 6.6/10
When an upwardly mobile couple find themselves unemployed and in debt, they turn to armed robbery in desperation.
11
Funny People (2009)
★ 5.9/10
Famous and wealthy funnyman George Simmons doesn't give much thought to how he treats people until a doctor delivers stunning health news, forcing George to reevaluate his priorities with a little help from aspiring…
12
Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain (2011)
★ 7.1/10
Experience the show that quickly became a national phenomenon. Get an up-close and personal look at Kevin back in Philly where he began his journey to become one of the funniest comedians of all time.
13
Dylan Moran: Like, Totally (2006)
★ 7.7/10
Dylan Moran returns with an all-new stand-up show. Unpredictable, startling, bizarre, elegiac, but above all brilliant and hilariously funny, Moran is a master of comedy.
14
Man of the Year (2006)
★ 6/10
The irreverent host of a political satire talk show decides to run for president to mock the political system and expose corruption in Washington. What begins as a publicity stunt quickly gathers unexpected momentum as…
15
Is This Thing On? (2025)
★ 6.6/10
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to…
16
Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer (2024)
★ 6.4/10
Jimmy Carr refutes the idea that you can't joke about anything these days with his edgy takes on gun control, religion, cancel culture and consent.
17
Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years (2025)
★ 7.2/10
In what might be his most personal and introspective hour yet, Bill offers hilarious takes on everything from male sadness to dating advice.
18
Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016)
★ 8/10
Combining his trademark wit and self-deprecating humor with original music, Bo Burnham offers up his unique twist on life in this stand-up special about life, death, sexuality, hypocrisy, mental illness and Pringles…
19
Annie Hall (1977)
★ 7.7/10
New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall.
20
The Naked Gun (2025)
★ 6.3/10
Only one man has the particular set of skills... to lead Police Squad and save the world: Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. Following in his father's footsteps, he must solve a murder case to prevent Police Squad from closure.