Movies like Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic (2026)
The best movies like Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic (2026) are Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills (2016), Adam Sandler: Love You (2024) and Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust (2017). If Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic hooked you with its comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedJohn Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018)7.9/10 from 259 votes
- NewestChris Fleming: Live at The Palace (2026)Released 2026
Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills (2016)
The standup sensation tackle's TV's "Shark Tank," what it means to be a woman and how to deal with the lawless party goblin that lives in us all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAdam Sandler: Love You (2024)
Adam Sandler hits the stage for a thrillingly unpredictable comedy special featuring songs, jokes, party-crashing dogs and plenty of love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust (2017)
In her first comedy special post-health scare, Sarah Silverman shares a mix of fun facts, sad truths and yeah-she-just-went-there moments.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisJimmy Carr: His Dark Material (2021)
Jimmy Carr finds humor in the darkest of places in this stand-up special that features his dry, sardonic wit — and some jokes he calls "career enders."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 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 thisRicky Gervais: Armageddon (2023)
Ricky Gervais dishes out controversial takes on political correctness and oversensitivity in a taboo-busting comedy special about the end of humanity.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSarah Silverman: We Are Miracles (2013)
In her first-ever HBO solo special, Sarah Silverman takes the stage for an evening of adults-only stand-up comedy. Taped live in front of an intimate audience of 39 fans at Largo, a music and comedy club in Los Angeles, Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles features Silverman taking aim at such subjects as cell-phone porn, crazy religions, specialty deodorants, terrible roommates, eyebrow waxing, her 19-year-old dog, Obama and Republicans, having babies, Pixar movies, the miracle of existence, and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmy Schumer: Live at the Apollo (2015)
With her unique blend of honesty and unapologetic humor, Amy Schumer is one of the funniest, freshest faces in the industry today. This October, Schumer's provocative and hilariously wicked mind will be on full display as she headlines her first HBO stand-up comedy special: 'Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo.' Directed by Chris Rock, the one-hour special features the comedian talking about her life and was taped before a live audience at New York’s iconic Apollo Theater.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisLouis C.K.: Oh My God (2013)
Filmed at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ on February 15th and 16th, 2013, Oh My God is Louis C.K.'s fifth stand-up special, his first for HBO since 2007's Shameless, and his first since winning a Emmy Award for writing on his acclaimed show on FX, Louie. Performed in the round in front of a live audience, he discusses such topics as the food chain, animals, divorce, strange anecdotes, broken morality, murder and mortality.
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 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 thisAziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening (2010)
Aziz Ansari presents his highly anticipated debut hour long stand-up special. The critically acclaimed stand-up and actor (Parks and Recreation, Funny People) discusses topics ranging from sheets with fraudulent thread counts to the chubbiness of his young cousin Harris. Also included is a special encore performance from Raaaaaaaandy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJim Jefferies: This Is Me Now (2018)
The gleefully irreverent Jefferies skewers “grabby” celebrities, political hypocrisy and his own ill-advised career moves in a brash stand-up special.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAdam Sandler: 100% Fresh (2018)
Adam Sandler takes his comical musical musings back out on the road, from comedy clubs to concert halls to one very unsuspecting subway station.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisShane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs (2023)
In a rowdy stand-up set, Shane Gillis riffs on his girlfriend's Navy SEAL ex, touring George Washington's house and being bullied by an Australian Goth.
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 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 thisLasse Rimmer: Færre end 3 (2019)
Lasse Rimmers stand up show from 2019.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Mark Lé Fevre: Heldig (2022)
With the show HELDIG, Mark is on a mission he describes as: “To bring the laughter back when there's sometimes not a hell of a lot to laugh about”. HELDIG is about getting a chance to embrace the bumps in the road instead of always painting the devil on the wall. The idea for the new one-man show HELDIG actually originated in BØVL, where he worked with the moral: “that it doesn't pay to worry, because your greatest fears rarely come true”. As it turned out, this moral had a tragicomic outcome in the comedian's own life. A week after the show premiered on TV, Mark got the news from his doctor that they thought he had cancer. "The human in me was scared, but the comedian in me was deeply impressed by the timing! Two things are certain: 1: I can't wait to get out there with my new show. 2: I don't dare bring a big moral" - says an otherwise fit-for-fight Mark le Fêvre.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Tobias Dybvad: Levemand (2022)
'Levemand' will be a reunion with the playful satirical comedy style that has made Dybvad one of the country's most popular comedians.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Thomas Warberg: Et storslået menneske (2021)
Thomas Warberg is ready in 2021 with his new one-man show “A Magnificent Human”, this time focusing on the many subjective versions of reality that we are confronted with in everyday life. We live in a time where emotions and attitudes trump facts, which can make the world seem rather fictional. Disturbing, but also hilarious, at least when Thomas Warberg reveals reality as he experiences it. And he's right!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Linda P's Sabotagehunger (2021)
It's hard not to prick up your ears when Linda P shares her life story. She has been a slut, tried to distinguish between Linda Petersen and Linda P, suffered from headaches, and given up her wild lifestyle to become "normal" and a so-called "model citizen." BUT... is it really that easy to stay on track and live a quiet life without causing trouble? Has Linda been able to avoid messing up her closest relationships? And what about love? Is it even possible to be in a relationship when you are born a wild child? Look forward to Linda P's fifth one-woman show, where she once again shares herself and her frustrations about her ingrained "fuck-up gene."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Chris Fleming: Live at The Palace (2026)
From the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, comedian Chris Fleming bursts onto the screen with a fun and lighthearted blend of skillful storytelling and wild physicality in his first HBO stand-up special. A high-energy performer who seamlessly pivots from one everyday topic to another – from Trader Joe’s to Oreos, NPR, and dog breeds – Fleming bounds across the stage as he shares his unique takes on masculinity, conga lines, and more.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Cliff Cash: The Long Road (2024)
Two years ago, Comedian Cliff Cash embraced #Vanlife and has been traveling across the country doing hundreds of shows across various venues. "The Long Road," pays a comedic homage to his journeys and the lifestyle he's chosen to live.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Fin Taylor: So My Wife... (2022)
Fin Taylor's debut comedy special, recorded live at The Leicester Square Theatre in London.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Cotonou Comedy Festival (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Paul Taylor : #Franglais (2019)
The first stand-up comedy special by Paul Taylor, an Englishman who lived for several years in France as a child and therefore performs his shows 50% in the English and 50% in the French language. Here, he talks about a squirrel conspiracy, the French greeting culture and why queuing might no have been invented by the French.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic?
The closest matches to Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic are Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills (2016), Adam Sandler: Love You (2024) and Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust (2017). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic?
Start with Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills (2016), the closest match to Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic.
What is the highest-rated movie like Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic?
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018), rated 7.9/10 by 259 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic?
Chris Fleming: Live at The Palace (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic?
Yes: Iliza Shlesinger: Confirmed Kills (2016), Adam Sandler: Love You (2024) and Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust (2017).
How are movies similar to Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.