The Aristocrats

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The Aristocrats

Released Jan 22, 2005

1h 29m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

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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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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David Ansen

Newsweek

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

Nov 1, 2007

Full Review

David Fear

Time Out

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

Feb 9, 2006

Full Review

Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

With a showman's respect for the power of the build-up, Provenza touts his product thoroughly before unveiling it.

Jan 27, 2006

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

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.

Apr 26, 2025

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

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.

Jan 10, 2022

Full Review

Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

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.

Rated: B

Nov 19, 2019

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Schnabel M

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

Full Review

Greg S

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/24

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Audience Member

Documentary about the most vulgar depraved joke as told over the years by prolific comedians. The legendary joke, which each comic makes their own is explored ad nauseam. What's enjoyable about this documentary is the who's who of comics who are interviewed for this documentary. Chris Rock, Gilbert Gottfried, Jeff Ross, Andy Dick, Bob Saget, Jon Stewart. Paul Reiser, George Carlin, Don Rickles, Sarah Silverman and so many more. Fun documentary.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

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Audience Member

A great documentary about a massive in-joke. Very interesting look at stand-up comedians and the incredibly wide range of style/sensibility.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

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Paul Provenza

Director

Chris Albrecht

Self

Jason Alexander

Self

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Self

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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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