Movies like The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)
The best movies like The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979) are Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), Bo Burnham: What. (2013) and Bo Burnham: Words, Words, Words (2010). If The Secret Policeman's Ball 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 460 votes
- NewestDave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)Released 2023
Bo 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 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: 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 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 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 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 thisThe 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 thisFlight of the Conchords: Live in London (2018)
New Zealand’s 4th Most Popular Parody Duo are back for a mutha-uckin’ special concert live at the London Apollo.
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 thisRock 'n' Roll High School (1979)
A group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, take over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMonty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
Monty Python perform many of their greatest sketches at the Hollywood Bowl, including several from pre-Python days.
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 thisSaturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell (2002)
The best skits from Will Ferrell's days on Saturday Night Live 1995-2002
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)
From his onstage tackle to the slap heard round the world, Dave Chappelle lets loose in this freewheeling and unfiltered stand-up comedy special.
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 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 thisDave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly (2000)
Dave Chappelle returns for a stand-up to D.C. and riffs on politics, police, race relations, drugs, Sesame Street and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisJeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos (2011)
Jeff Dunham is back in his fourth concert event, with all-new material. All the favorites are here: Walter, the grumpy retiree; furry and manic Peanut; Jose Jalapeño, the spicy pepper from south of the border; plus bumbling skeletal Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Dunham is also joined by two never-before-seen characters certain to unleash their own unique havoc on stage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisMitzi (1968)
Mitzi Gaynor welcomes guests George Hamilton & Phil Harris (The Jungle Book) for a sparkling hour of music, comedy and dance. Songs performed include "Everybody Loves My Baby," "Gentle on My Mind," "Pretty," and "Love Is Blue." Mitzi & George parody classic movies on the late-late show, George playing Cary Grant to Mitzi's Rosalind Russell, Rock Hudson to her Doris Day, and Glenn Ford to her Rita Hayworth.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & comedy
Mitzi's 2nd Special (1969)
Mitzi Gaynor opens her second special with a dazzling performance of "Let Go." Additional songs include "Poor Papa," and "What'll I Do." She welcomes guest star Ross Martin (The Wild, Wild, West) for a musical-comedy spoof of Gone with the Wind. Other comedy skits include Mitzi as "The Kid" describing a school recital, and as a Hungarian Gypsy performing "Those Were the Days."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & comedy
Television Parts Home Companion (1985)
A 40-minute compilation of comedy skits and music taken from the series "Michael Nesmith in Television Parts."
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & music
Laughing while on vacations (1990)
Comedians play pranks on unsuspecting people vacationing at the beach.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
La Risa En Vacaciones 6 (1995)
The seventh installment in the original vacation prankster film series.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)
Stuck in COVID-19 lockdown, US comedian and musician Bo Burnham attempts to stay sane and happy by writing, shooting and performing a one-man comedy special.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHelp Me I'm Dying (2019)
Filmed live at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, the self-proclaimed sweatiest woman in show business brings you her first ever standup special. Told in three acts and influenced heavily by her loves of surrealism and Russia, with multiple scripted sketches and filmed segments, her unique brand of humor will have you laughing while wondering, “is she ok?”.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Tenacious D: Rock Star Sperm for Sale (2002)
JB and KG decide the best way to make money is to sell their sperm, so they go into the restroom and do their business into a huge glass. When they have enough, they begin to sell it in the street. They meet some pretty weird people.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Tenacious D: Butt Baby (2002)
JB and KG head out to the desert to expand their minds with LSD.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Tenacious D: JB's BJ (2001)
JB goes out on the streets looking to prostitute himself. A Tenacious D short created for their American 2001 tour.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Like The Secret Policeman's Ball and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Secret Policeman's Ball?
The closest matches to The Secret Policeman's Ball are Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), Bo Burnham: What. (2013) and Bo Burnham: Words, Words, Words (2010). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Secret Policeman's Ball?
Start with Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), the closest match to The Secret Policeman's Ball.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Secret Policeman's Ball?
Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), rated 8.0/10 by 460 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Secret Policeman's Ball?
Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Secret Policeman's Ball?
Yes: Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016), Bo Burnham: What. (2013) and Bo Burnham: Words, Words, Words (2010).
How are movies similar to The Secret Policeman's Ball chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Secret Policeman's Ball, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.