Movies like Punching the Clown (2009)
The best movies like Punching the Clown (2009) are The After Party (2018), Bo Burnham: What. (2013) and Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016). If Punching the Clown hooked you with its comedy and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBo Burnham: Make Happy (2016)8.0/10 from 459 votes
- NewestIlyes Djadel : en vrai de vrai (2026)Released 2026
The After Party (2018)
When an aspiring rapper goes viral for the wrong reasons, he thinks his career is sunk. But a wild party gives him one more chance to make it right.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBo Burnham: What. (2013)
Left brain and right brain duke it out and then belt out a tune in comedian Bo Burnham's quick and clever one-man show. As intelligent as he is lanky, Burnham cynically pokes at pop entertainment while offering unadulterated showmanship of his own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBo Burnham: Make Happy (2016)
Combining his trademark wit and self-deprecating humor with original music, Bo Burnham offers up his unique twist on life in this stand-up special about life, death, sexuality, hypocrisy, mental illness and Pringles cans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Song Is Born (1948)
The story of seven scholars in search of an expert to teach them about swing music. They seem to have found the perfect candidate in winsome nightclub singer Honey Swanson. But Honey's gangster boyfriend doesn't want to give her up.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBo Burnham: Words, Words, Words (2010)
Bo Burnham is back with a new one-man show full of his patented songs and wordplay, as well as haikus, dramatic readings, blasphemy, and so much more in his first hour-long special, shot live in his home town of Boston.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSoul Men (2008)
Two former backup soul singers, Louis and Floyd, have not spoken to each other in 20 years, and reluctantly agree to travel across the country together to a reunion concert to honor their recently-deceased lead singer. Cleo, a beautiful young woman who is believed to be Floyd's daughter, accompanies them as a new singer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Mighty Wind (2003)
Three eclectic, never-quite-famous folk bands come together for the first time in decades following the death of their manager to put on an reunion concert in his honor, at the request of his son.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPunching Henry (2017)
Comedian Henry Phillips is lured to LA by a renowned TV producer who wants to bring his story of failure to the screen. But when a major network gets involved, Henry must decide whether he wants to make jokes for a living, or be the butt of them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like this2 Minutes of Fame (2020)
An up-and-coming stand-up comic moves to L.A. to pursue a film career after video clips of his act make him an online sensation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDylan Moran: Like, Totally (2006)
Dylan Moran returns with an all-new stand-up show. Unpredictable, startling, bizarre, elegiac, but above all brilliant and hilariously funny, Moran is a master of comedy.
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 thisDave Chappelle: The Unstoppable... (2025)
Facing a world gone sideways, comedy icon Dave Chappelle delivers bold truths and potent punchlines in this no-holds-barred special.
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 thisComedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber (2015)
Several roasters, and the master himself Kevin Hart, make fun of Justin Bieber.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisKatt Williams: The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1 (2006)
Comedian Katt Williams (aka Money Mike) showcases his laugh out loud comedic talents in his first ever HBO stand-up comedy DVD taped in front of a live audience. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Williams worked his way up the comedy club ladder before landing key television and film roles that displayed his flashy, sassy, streetwise style.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies 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 thisFunny Bones (1995)
Tommy Fawkes wants to be a successful comedian. After his Las Vegas debut is a failure, he returns to Blackpool where his father—also a comedian—started, and where he spent the summers of his childhood.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisMan of the Year (2006)
The irreverent host of a political satire talk show decides to run for president to mock the political system and expose corruption in Washington. What begins as a publicity stunt quickly gathers unexpected momentum as his message resonates with frustrated voters.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIlyes Djadel : en vrai de vrai (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Funny People (2009)
Famous and wealthy funnyman George Simmons doesn't give much thought to how he treats people until a doctor delivers stunning health news, forcing George to reevaluate his priorities with a little help from aspiring stand-up comic Ira.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisLarry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions (2007)
Comedian Larry the Cable Guy treats us to his often crude, far from politically correct, but unique way of seeing things.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Bill Maher: Be More Cynical (2000)
BE MORE CYNICAL was originally aired on HBO, and offers viewers a chance to see Maher's full routine, which sees him tackling a wide array of topics, and leaving the audience recoiling in laughter.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home (2003)
Maher addresses contemporary political, social and cultural topics -- Iraq, President Bush and the so called Axis of Evil. The opinionated Maher said about Victory Begins at Home: "We've heard everything about the War on Terrorism except what we can actually do to help win it. The government used to do that for us through propaganda (the positive kind) posters, so taking my cue from the great old posters of World War I and World War II ('Loose Lips Sink Ships,' 'Buy War Bonds,' 'Plant a Victory Garden,' etc.) I commissioned artists to paint the posters our government today should be putting out to help us win this war."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Comic 8 (2014)
Eight young people from various reasons and motives coincidentally rob a bank at the same time. They had to work together to find answers to the puzzles, and find the best solution for all.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Crush (2022)
When an aspiring young artist is forced to join her high school track team, she uses it as an opportunity to pursue the girl she's been harboring a long-time crush on. But she soon finds herself falling for an unexpected teammate and discovers what real love feels like.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRussell Peters: Outsourced (2006)
Russell’s last DVD and CD, Outsourced, was taped before a sold out audience at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, and gives viewers and listeners an excellent overview of Russell’s comedic genius.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Dara Ó Briain: Live at the Theatre Royal (2006)
The final date from Dara's sell-out 100 date tour of the UK and Ireland. Recorded in front of 2,500 fans at London's Theatre Royal, this show displays the comedian at his quick-thinking best.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Like Punching the Clown and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Punching the Clown?
The closest matches to Punching the Clown are The After Party (2018), Bo Burnham: What. (2013) and Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Punching the Clown?
Start with The After Party (2018), the closest match to Punching the Clown.
What is the highest-rated movie like Punching the Clown?
Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), rated 8.0/10 by 459 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Punching the Clown?
Ilyes Djadel : en vrai de vrai (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Punching the Clown?
Yes: The After Party (2018), Bo Burnham: What. (2013) and Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016).
How are movies similar to Punching the Clown chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Punching the Clown, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.