Movies like This Is Going to Be Big (2023)
The best movies like This Is Going to Be Big (2023) are Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True (2011), The Amazing Johnathan Documentary (2019) and The Original Kings of Comedy (2000). If This Is Going to Be Big hooked you with its documentary and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedTo Be or Not to Be (1942)7.8/10 from 886 votes
- NewestThe Biker Boys (2025)Released 2025
Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True (2011)
In the world of stand-up comedy in South Africa, Trevor Noah uses his childhood experiences in a biracial family during apartheid to prepare for his first one-man show.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Amazing Johnathan Documentary (2019)
What begins as a documentary following the final tour of a dying magician - "The Amazing Johnathan" - becomes an unexpected and increasingly bizarre journey as the filmmaker struggles to separate truth from illusion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Original Kings of Comedy (2000)
The house is rockin' and the laughs are rollin' as comedians Steve Harvey (The Steve Harvey Show), D.L. Hughley (The Hughleys), Cedric The Entertainer (The Steve Harvey Show) and Bernie Mac (Life) meet in this riotously comedy summit directed by Spike Lee.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGeorge Carlin: Playin' with Your Head (1986)
George Carlin is in top form with these stand-up recorded at the Beverly Theater in Los Angeles in 1986. Routines included are "Losing Things," "Charities," "Sports," "Hello and Goodbye," "Battered Plants," "Earrings," and "A Moment of Silence." Also included is a short film entitled "The Envelope" co-starring Vic Tayback.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCarrie Fisher: Wishful Drinking (2010)
"Wishful Drinking" is based on Fisher's memoirs of the same title. The stage adaptation had its world premiere in 2006 at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A. It later played at Berkeley Repertory before opening on Broadway in October at Studio 54. The show takes audiences on a comic tour of Fisher's messy personal life and career. The actress-writer recounts stories about her work on the "Star Wars" series as well as her relationship with her parents Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. She also discusses her much-publicized problems with alcohol and drugs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKevin Hart: What Now? (2016)
Comedian Kevin Hart performs in front of a crowd of 50,000 people at Philadelphia's outdoor venue, Lincoln Financial Field.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJohn Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015)
Armed with boyish charm and a sharp wit, the former "SNL" writer offers sly takes on marriage, his beef with babies and the time he met Bill Clinton.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGeorge Carlin: What Am I Doing in New Jersey? (1988)
George Carlin changes his act by bringing politics into the act, but also talks about the People he can do without, Keeping People Alert, and Cars and Driving part 2.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKevin Hart: Irresponsible (2019)
Stand-up comedian Kevin Hart talks about his family, travel and a year full of reckless behavior in front of a live sold-out crowd in London.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTrevor Noah: Where Was I (2023)
Trevor Noah riffs on national anthems, derailing a German sightseeing tour and getting roasted in Paris in this comedy special about his world travels.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAziz Ansari: Right Now (2019)
In a comedy special directed by Spike Jonze, Aziz Ansari shares deep personal insights and hilarious takes on wokeness, family and the social climate.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKevin Hart: Seriously Funny (2010)
Fresh off the heels of appearing in movies like Superhero Movie and The 40 Year-Old Virgin, fast-talking comedian Kevin Hart stars in his second live stand-up performance in Cleveland, Ohio, where he makes fun of everything and everybody - especially himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie (2003)
The comedic stylings of four sort-of famous funnymen are brought to the big screen courtesy of this 2002 documentary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisComedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson (2005)
Comedy Central's best roasters and stand up comedians take a whack at actor/model Pamela Anderson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGeorge Carlin: Complaints & Grievances (2001)
George Carlin performs a hilarious set of never-before released material in "Complaints and Grievances." His 12th HBO special was recorded live at the Beacon Theater in New York City on November 17, 2001. In "Complaints and Grievances," Carlin shamelessly exposes the people and subjects that irritate him the most.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGeorge Carlin: Doin' It Again (1990)
George Carlin brings his comedy back to New Jersey and this time talks about Offensive Language, Euphemisms, They're Only Words, Dogs, Things you never hear, see or wanna hear, Some people are stupid, Cancer, Feminists, Good Ideas, Rape, Life's moments, and organ donors.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAmerican Teen (2008)
A documentary on seniors at a high school in a small Indiana town and their various cliques.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHamilton's America (2016)
This documentary delves deeper into the creation of the Hamilton musical, revealing Lin-Manuel Miranda's process of absorbing and then adapting Hamilton's epic story into ground-breaking musical theater.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like this28 Up (1985)
Just two years away from turning 30, participants in Michael Apted's documentary series are facing serious questions of identity and purpose, wondering whether they've found their place in the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHarlem School 1970 (1970)
A unique 'direct cinema' feature length documentary (no narration or interviews) originally filmed in the Spring of 1970 and concluded during the Summer of 2017 (footage added, restored, and re-edited). A day in the life of an inner-city Harlem elementary school. In 2018 filmmaker Phil Gries reunited with seven of his former Harlem elementary students whom he hadn't seen in 50 years.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
To Be or Not to Be (1942)
During the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBilly Elliot (2000)
County Durham, England, 1984. The miners' strike has started and the police have started coming up from Bethnal Green, starting a class war with the lower classes suffering. Caught in the middle of the conflict is 11-year old Billy Elliot, who, after leaving his boxing club for the day, stumbles upon a ballet class and finds out that he's naturally talented. He practices with his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson for an upcoming audition in Newcastle-upon Tyne for the royal Ballet school in London.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSnack Shack (2024)
Inseparable best friends AJ and Moose decide to run the local pool's snack shack after their plan to sell home-brewed beer goes down the drain. Things take a turn when they meet Brooke, an effortlessly cool lifeguard who puts their big plans, and friendship, at risk.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPillow Talk (2024)
A group of pre-teen girls, portrayed by 20-year-old men, navigate the rollercoaster of adolescence. As the faux-adolescents explore the awkwardness of puberty, crushes, and emotions, this short film delves into a comedic and thought-provoking exploration of societal expectations and the absurdity of gender norms.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Yongsoon (2017)
Yong-soon is an 18-year-old high school student. She falls in love with her gym teacher, but she thinks her teacher might have a girlfriend. Yong-Soon and her friends try to find out whether he does have a girlfriend, but they can't find any clues. Making things worse, her father brings a new stepmother from Mongolia.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Chameleon (2025)
After embarrassingly sitting with a full cup at the end of a game of Never Have I Ever, Maria sets out to live a little by doing all the things she's never done.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Breaking Legs (2017)
It's 'Footloose' meets 'Mean Girls' as high school freshman Bloom moves to a town where there's no place to dance - except the school dance team! But when the boyfriend of the team's lead girl falls for her, she'll have to fight to win her place amongst these venomous girls. Breaking Legs is sure one to kick your boots off and pull up your heels, as these kids dance the field away to compete for the homecoming crown at R. Murray High School. Will it be newbie Bloom, or her arch nemesis and Dance Team leader, Harmony? Watch as the two square off in this fun but odd match to the finish. Someone is doomed to 'Break a Leg' on the dance floor, or rather, the football field!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
We Can Be Heroes (2024)
Sometimes, finding your tribe requires a bit of magic. For attendees of a live action role-playing (LARP) camp in upstate New York, the deeply accepting environment has given neurodivergent, queer, and self-proclaimed "nerdy" teenagers the space and community for self-discovery that they have never found anywhere else. As the campers immerse themselves in this imaginative world, they discover inner strength, heal from past traumas, and emerge as the heroes they are meant to be, both in the fantasy realm and in real life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Biker Boys (2025)
Three boys go on one final cycle to celebrate their final day before summer ends, and they go in different directions, they get lost and true feelings emerge.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like This Is Going to Be Big?
The closest matches to This Is Going to Be Big are Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True (2011), The Amazing Johnathan Documentary (2019) and The Original Kings of Comedy (2000). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after This Is Going to Be Big?
Start with Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True (2011), the closest match to This Is Going to Be Big.
What is the highest-rated movie like This Is Going to Be Big?
To Be or Not to Be (1942), rated 7.8/10 by 886 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like This Is Going to Be Big?
The Biker Boys (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like This Is Going to Be Big?
Yes: Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True (2011), The Amazing Johnathan Documentary (2019) and The Original Kings of Comedy (2000).
How are movies similar to This Is Going to Be Big chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside This Is Going to Be Big, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.