Movies like American: The Bill Hicks Story (2010)
The best movies like American: The Bill Hicks Story (2010) are Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026), Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks (2003) and The Aristocrats (2005). If American: The Bill Hicks Story hooked you with its comedy and documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- NewestNorm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026)Released 2026
Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026)
Go down a wormhole in this documentary on master of deadpan humor Norm Macdonald, whose life and career were uncompromising yet full of contradictions.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks (2003)
A biographical documentary on the late great comedian Bill Hicks and his career; in particular the censorship by Letterman that scarred it.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
The Aristocrats (2005)
One hundred superstar comedians tell the same very, VERY dirty, filthy joke--one shared privately by comics since Vaudeville.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisSam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? (1999)
For fans of comedy, Sam Kinison needs no introduction. His scathing comedy tackled tough topics no other comedian dared to touch. Fed up and disenfranchised with his career as a Pentacostal preacher, Sam left the ministry to try his hand at comedy. Almost immediately, and thanks in part to the foresight of Rodney Dangerfield who showcased Sam on an HBO special, his piercing scream, extreme humor and irreverent take on life attracted attention. Containing rare, early footage of Sam preaching and performing stand up at the world famous Comedy Store, the Award Winning "Why Did We Laugh" tells the story of a comedic genius who touched a deeper chord in people than most entertainers. Sadly, Sam was taken from us far too early, yet leaving us with a lasting and unique legacy.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
Comedian (2002)
A look at the work of two stand-up comics, Jerry Seinfeld and a lesser-known newcomer, detailing the effort and frustration behind putting together a successful act and career while living a life on the road.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTotally Bill Hicks (1998)
Consisting of two parts: ‘Revelations’, Bill Hicks’ last live performance in the United Kingdom made at the Dominion Theatre; and a documentary about Hicks’ life ‘Just a Ride’ featuring interviews with friends, admirers, and family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Heckler (2007)
HECKLER is a comedic feature documentary exploring the increasingly critical world we live in. After starring in a film that was critically bashed, Jamie Kennedy takes on hecklers and critics and ask some interesting questions of people such as George Lucas, Bill Maher, Mike Ditka, Rob Zombie, Howie Mandel and many more. This fast moving, hilarious documentary pulls no punches as you see an uncensored look at just how nasty and mean the fight is between those in the spotlight and those in the dark.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisMr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (2007)
The documentary consists of tape of Don's show (never been filmed before), interviews with Don's contemporaries, (Steve Lawrence, Bob Newhart, Debbie Reynolds, etc.), established comedians (Billy Crystal, Rosanna Barr, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, etc.) and young comedians (Jeff Atoll, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, etc.).
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
Misery Loves Comedy (2015)
Do you have to be miserable to be funny? More than sixty comedians—including stand-ups, writers, actors, and directors from the US, Canada, and abroad—take on this question, sharing anecdotes and insights with lively enthusiasm.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Am Comic (2010)
Through unprecedented backstage access and candid interviews, the film weaves through the absurd world of the working comedian and reveals a crazy and hilarious psychological profile of its practitioners. We also follow retired comic Ritch Shydner's attempt to climb back on stage after a thirteen-year hiatus. At the top of his game in the 1980's, Shydner had HBO specials, shot five pilot TV shows, and numerous late night appearances (Carson, Letterman, Leno, etc.) but the big time eluded him. Equipped with the collective wisdom and nutty musings of over 80 of his peers, he gives it another shot. Does Ritch have what it takes to connect with today's young crowds and still get the laughs?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
Jerry Before Seinfeld (2017)
Jerry Seinfeld returns to the club that gave him his start in the 1970s, mixing iconic jokes with stories from his childhood and early days in comedy.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure (2011)
In 1987, Eddie Lee Sausage and Mitch Deprey recorded the nightly squabbles of their over-the-top neighbors, homophobic Raymond Huffman and proudly gay Peter Haskett, and the chronicle of the pair's bizarre existence soon took on a life of its own. This darkly funny documentary checks in with former punks Eddie and Mitch, who detail their late-'80s Lower Haight surroundings, and surveys the tapes' influence on an array of underground artists.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic (2013)
Mike Epps, Richard Pryor Jr. and others recount the culture-defining influence of Richard Pryor - one of America's most brilliant, iconic comic minds.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland (2006)
In the spirit of the old west variety shows, Vaughn played host to the ensemble of comedians and performed improvisational sketches with surprise celebrity and musical guests. The film chronicles the journey of Vaughn and the comedians as travel over 6,000 miles and perform 30 shows in 30 consecutive nights in cities across the nation.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall (2013)
Several comic greats pay tribute to the legendary stand-up stage founded by Budd Friedman in 1963.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
This Filthy World (2006)
In this filmed version of cult film director John Waters' popular one-man show, the Pink Flamingos and A Dirty Shame director takes the stage to discuss everything from his early influences, fondest career memories, and notorious struggles against the MPAA rating system. Part endearing memoir and part hilarious lecture, This Filthy World touches on everything from the insanity of contemporary pop culture to the director's unforgettable early collaborations with inimitable Pink Flamingos star Divine.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Bitter Buddha (2012)
The Documentary takes an unconventional journey through the life of one of America's most original comedic voices. Eddie Pepitone, "The Bitter Buddha", is looked at in this portrait of creativity, enlightenment and rage.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Great Buster: A Celebration (2018)
A celebration of the life and career of one of America's most influential and celebrated filmmakers and comedians—Buster Keaton—whose singular style and fertile output during the silent era created his legacy as a true cinematic visionary.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Unbookables (2012)
The Unbookables is a narrative documentary about stand-up comics who have spent their careers pushing limits--on stage and off. Relegated to small venues and touring in a crappy van through the Midwest they careen between the desire to succeed and the reality that there may be nothing left to lose. Road life is far from glamorous: comics come and go and cruel pranks and hard drinking punctuate their obsidian dark comedy on stage. They succeed and fail-spectacularly. When they face being fired for going too far on stage, the conflict culminates in a showdown: compromise or double down?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary & comedy
Richard Pryor: Here and Now (1983)
One of comedian Richard Pryor's later stand-up performances. As foul-mouthed as ever, Pryor touches on most of the same topics as in his previous live shows. Filmed at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · 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: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChronic-Con, Episode 420: A New Dope (2015)
In response to Morgan Spurlock's COMIC-CON: A FAN'S HOPE, comedian Doug Benson (SUPER HIGH ME) stars in this doc that looks at San Diego Comic-Con from his hazy perspective. Featuring fellow pot and film fanatics Kevin Smith, Brian Posehn, Joe Rogan and even Spurlock himself, it's a fun look at a rapidly growing cultural event.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
David Cross: The Pride Is Back (1999)
Taped in July before a live audience at the Showbox Theatre in Seattle, Cross pushes his brash humor to new extremes, offering uncensored remarks on the Virgin Mary, trendy advertising, violence in the media, airports and pornography, Dr. Kevorkian, organ donations, High Times magazine and religious fundamentalists.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
An Evening with Kevin Smith (2002)
Kevin Smith interacts in Q&A sessions throughout various college stops in the USA.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGray's Anatomy (1996)
The film documents, in an often dramatic and humorous fashion, Gray's investigations into alternative medicine for an eye condition (Macular pucker) he had developed.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWhy We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy (2009)
Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live (2014)
With unprecedented access, this program reveals the humour, chaos and passion that went into bringing the Flying Circus to the stage culminating in the legendary One Down, Five To Go.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both comedy & documentary
The 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 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
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like American: The Bill Hicks Story?
The closest matches to American: The Bill Hicks Story are Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026), Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks (2003) and The Aristocrats (2005). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after American: The Bill Hicks Story?
People who watched American: The Bill Hicks Story most often go on to Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026), Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks (2003) and The Aristocrats (2005).
What is the newest movie like American: The Bill Hicks Story?
Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like American: The Bill Hicks Story?
Yes: Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (2026), Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks (2003) and The Aristocrats (2005).
How are movies similar to American: The Bill Hicks Story chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside American: The Bill Hicks Story, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.