Movies like Steve Martin's Best Show Ever (1981)
The best movies like Steve Martin's Best Show Ever (1981) are Kevin Hart: What Now? (2016), Def Comedy Jam 25 (2017) and John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015). If Steve Martin's Best Show Ever hooked you with its comedy and tv movie, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedJohn Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015)7.7/10 from 290 votes
- NewestATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025)Released 2025
Kevin 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 thisDef Comedy Jam 25 (2017)
In this special live event, giants of stand-up come together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Russell Simmons's groundbreaking "Def Comedy Jam."
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 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 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 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 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 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 thisKevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given (2020)
Kevin Hart serves up laughs and brick oven pizza from the comfort of his home, and dishes on male group chats, sex after 40 and life with COVID-19.
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 thisJim Carrey: Unnatural Act (1991)
Jim explores multiple aspects of life including religion, marriage and his own sanity. This stand-up special was taped at Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Canada, in front of a live audience.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRobin Williams: Live on Broadway (2002)
2002 HBO Stand-up Special starring Robin Williams. Recorded and broadcast live from New York City's Broadway Theater at the culmination of his historic 2002 sold-out tour, this special finds the Oscar-winning actor/writer/comedian returning after 16 years to his stand-up roots to deliver what the Washington Post calls "...in its madcap way, a seminal cultural event."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 thisRobin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction (2009)
HBO presents one of the most gifted and revered performers of our time, Academy-Award winning Robin Williams, starring in his fifth exclusive HBO special, taped before a live audience at Washington's Constitution Hall.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisThe Comedians of Comedy (2005)
The Comedians of Comedy is an occasional stand-up comedy tour featuring Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Brian Posehn and Maria Bamford that was documented in a 2005 film and 2005 Comedy Central television series of the same name, both directed by Michael Blieden.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMonty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)
Celebrate the last night of the Pythons on the big screen! With John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAnthony Jeselnik: Fire in the Maternity Ward (2019)
Forging his own comedic boundaries, Anthony Jeselnik revels in getting away with saying things others can't in this stand-up special shot in New York.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNorm Macdonald: Nothing Special (2022)
In his final comedy special, Norm Macdonald ponders casinos, cannibalism, living wills and why you have to be ready for whatever life throws your way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRichard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982)
Richard Pryor's stand-up act includes his frank discussion about his freebasing addiction, as well as the infamous night on June 9, 1980 that he caught on fire.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025)
Kicking off in Seoul in January 2024, ATEEZ’s monumental world tour, TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER, ignited Japan, North America, Europe, and beyond with unstoppable energy. Now, its breathtaking opening chapter returns, reborn on the big screen. From powerful performances of signature hits like "WONDERLAND (Symphony No.9 “From The Wonderland”)”, "Crazy Form", "Say My Name", and "Guerrilla" to mesmerizing unit and solo stages showcasing each member’s unique color, ATEEZ’s overwhelming energy takes over SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX where available. The voyage towards the light sets sail once again!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Kathy Griffin: Does the Bible Belt (2010)
This special contains Kathy Griffin's performance at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN on May 1, 2010.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Taylor Swift: VH1 Storytellers (2012)
Filmed as part of the VH1 Storytellers series, Taylor Swift performed a live acoustic concert on October 15, 2012 at the Bridges Auditorium, after the Harvey Mudd College won the "Taylor Swift on Campus" contest.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
You Know What's Funny? (2019)
A couple of stand-up comedians re-evaulate their relationship as one moves up in their career while another remains stagnant.
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
30 ans - École nationale de l'humour (2018)
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the École Nationale de l'Humour presents a gala, gathering thirty graduates on stage who talk about their love for the establishment that saw them come into being.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Jimmy Carr: Comedian (2007)
Recorded live at London's Bloomsbury theatre, the posh-suited gagster unleashes his rapid-fire wit upon his audience, with jokes that are just too rude for TV.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisExtreme Movie (2008)
A sketch comedy movie about the joys and embarrassments of teen sex. But mostly the embarrassments.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisNine Inch Nails: Beside You in Time (2007)
Capturing the powerful intensity and artistry of Nine Inch Nails' amazing live performances during the 2005-2006 “Live: With Teeth” Tour, the Beside You In Time concert film showcases the band in peak form. A visually stunning experience with an array of inventive and ingenious lighting designs that draws the viewer in while focusing the force of NIN’s epic sound into visual form.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
![ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025) poster](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w342/hhh0aaPabgPhK6t01eSy87A2NnJ.jpg)
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Steve Martin's Best Show Ever?
The closest matches to Steve Martin's Best Show Ever are Kevin Hart: What Now? (2016), Def Comedy Jam 25 (2017) and John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Steve Martin's Best Show Ever?
Start with Kevin Hart: What Now? (2016), the closest match to Steve Martin's Best Show Ever.
What is the highest-rated movie like Steve Martin's Best Show Ever?
John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015), rated 7.7/10 by 290 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Steve Martin's Best Show Ever?
ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT : WILL TO POWER] IN CINEMAS (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Steve Martin's Best Show Ever?
Yes: Kevin Hart: What Now? (2016), Def Comedy Jam 25 (2017) and John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015).
How are movies similar to Steve Martin's Best Show Ever chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Steve Martin's Best Show Ever, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.