Movies like Stage Fright (1938)
The best movies like Stage Fright (1938) are The TV Set (2007), Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020) and Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes (2017). If Stage Fright hooked you with its comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Stage Fright
Quick picks
- Highest ratedJohn Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018)7.9/10 from 259 votes
- NewestLouis C.K.: Ridiculous (2026)Released 2026
The TV Set (2007)
As a writer named Mike struggles to shepherd his semi-autobiographical sitcom into development, his vision is slowly eroded by a domineering network executive named Lenny who favors trashy reality programming. The irony, of course, is that every crass suggestion Lenny makes improves the show's response from test audiences and brings the show a step closer to getting on the air.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisImpractical Jokers: The Movie (2020)
The story of a humiliating high school mishap from 1992 that sends the Impractical Jokers on the road competing in hidden-camera challenges for the chance to turn back the clock and redeem three of the four Jokers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes (2017)
Mike Birbiglia declares that a joke should never end with "I’m joking." In his all-new comedy, Birbiglia tiptoes hilariously through the minefield that is modern-day joke-telling. Join Mike as he learns that the same jokes that elicit laughter have the power to produce tears, rage, and a whole lot of getting yelled at. Ultimately it's a show that asks, “How far should we go for the laugh?”
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLouis C.K.: Ridiculous (2026)
From a bee getting shot in New York City to paying strangers to take his aging father, Louis C.K. unleashes the ridiculous thoughts in his mind.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHow to Irritate People (1969)
A pre-Monty Python mockumentary, written by and presented by John Cleese, that provides tips on learning how to irritate people.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKevin Hart: I'm a Grown Little Man (2009)
Fresh off the heels of appearing in movies like Superhero Movie and The 40 Year-Old Virgin, fast-talking comedian Kevin Hart stars in this live stand-up performance where he makes fun of everything and everybody - especially himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBrain Donors (1992)
Three manic idiots—a lawyer, a cab driver and a handyman—team up to run a ballet company to fulfil the will of a millionaire. Stooge-like antics result as the trio try to outwit the rich widow and her scheming big-shot lawyer, who also wants to run the ballet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Ladies Man (1961)
After his girl leaves him for someone else, Herbert gets really depressed and starts searching for a job. He finally finds one in a big house which is inhabited by many, many women. Can he live in the same home with all these females?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFun with Dick and Jane (1977)
When an upwardly mobile couple find themselves unemployed and in debt, they turn to armed robbery in desperation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer (2024)
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.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRicky Gervais: SuperNature (2022)
With his signature pitch-black sense of humor, Ricky Gervais takes the stage at the London Palladium in this provocative stand-up comedy special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGeorge Carlin: It's Bad for Ya! (2008)
It's Bad For Ya, Carlin's Emmy nominated 14th and final HBO special from March of 2008 features Carlin's noted irreverent and unapologetic observations on topics ranging from death, religion, bureaucracy, patriotism, overprotected children and big business to the pungent examinations of modern language and the decrepit state of the American culture.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRicky Gervais: Humanity (2018)
In his first special in seven years, Ricky Gervais slings his trademark snark at celebrity, mortality and a society that takes everything personally.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEddie Murphy Raw (1987)
Eddie Murphy delights, shocks and entertains with dead-on celebrity impersonations, observations on '80s love, sex and marriage, a remembrance of Mom's hamburgers and much more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJohn Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018)
John Mulaney relays stories from his childhood and "SNL," eviscerates the value of college and laments getting older in this electric comedy special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGabriel Iglesias: I'm Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hungry (2016)
Hawaiian-shirt enthusiast Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias finds the laughs in racist gift baskets, Prius-driving cops and all-female taco trucks.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHard to Die (1990)
While doing the inventory for a lingerie outlet in a high rise office building, five attractive women are terrorized by a series of bizarre killings. They suspect that the strange janitor, who witnessed another series of killings six months previously, is at the bottom of the whole thing. Little do they know the real horror that they face in the end.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChris Rock: Kill the Messenger (2008)
An HBO special edited from three performances from Chris Rock's 2008 comedy tour: London (dark suit, dark shirt), Johannesburg (black suit, white shirt) and New York (shiny jacket). Topics include the ongoing presidential campaign, the possibility of a black president, George W. Bush, gas prices, low-paid jobs, ringtones and bottled water, sex, relationships and the correct use of the n-word
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDave Chappelle: The Closer (2021)
As he closes out his slate of comedy specials, Dave takes the stage to try and set the record straight — and get a few things off his chest.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChris Rock: Selective Outrage (2023)
Chris Rock delivers an electric stand-up set on non-racist yoga pants, spoiling his kids, the Kardashians and his thoughts on the Will Smith fiasco.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFear (1933)
It's based on a not-so-innocent practical joke. Two men and two women are chatting in a evening indoor setting, and although there are no intertitles in the film, one could suppose that the topic of the conversation is “the night”, or “fear”, as the film’s title suggests.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Windy City Heat (2003)
A man caught up in the glamor of being a Hollywood celebrity has no idea that the production he's in is a fake.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBFFs (2025)
Two best friends play practical jokes on each other until things get out of hand.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Is Marriage the Bunk? (1925)
Charley has in-laws that look down on him because he's not rich. So, to try to keep up, he rushes out to buy a car—but no matter, they still think he's a drip—as does his wife. Later, when he's given a simple job to do by his boss, he screws it up—and loses face once again with his family.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Living on Love (1937)
A man and a woman, who have never met, are forced by pecuniary circumstances to share the same basement apartment in shifts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Helen's Marriage (1912)
Helen and Tom are desperate to get married. After a foiled elopement attempt, the couple hatches a “fake wedding” scheme to trick Helen’s protective parents into allowing their marriage.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
April Fool (1924)
Jimmy Jump is a cracked reporter at a behind-the-times daily newspaper. He also happens to be in love with the managing editor's daughter. It's Monday, April 1st and the paper's editorial staff has a great deal of trouble telling the difference between April Fool's jokes and real events.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Troublesome Secretaries (1911)
A frustrated, protective father tries to stop his secretaries from falling in love with his charming daughter, Betty. He hires two secretaries— only for them to be in on the practical jokes Betty plays on her father.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Nanny and the Soldier (1897)
A maid is out walking with her young charge when a soldier takes the boy's place.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Impractical Joker (1937)
Betty Boop's baking is interrupted by her obnoxious practical joking cousin Irving. Can Grampy out-joke the joker?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Like Stage Fright and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Stage Fright?
The closest matches to Stage Fright are The TV Set (2007), Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020) and Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes (2017). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Stage Fright?
Start with The TV Set (2007), the closest match to Stage Fright.
What is the highest-rated movie like Stage Fright?
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018), rated 7.9/10 by 259 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Stage Fright?
Louis C.K.: Ridiculous (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Stage Fright?
Yes: The TV Set (2007), Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020) and Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes (2017).
How are movies similar to Stage Fright chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Stage Fright, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.