Movies like The Jay Leno Special (1986)
The best movies like The Jay Leno Special (1986) are The Comedians of Comedy (2005), Jonas Brothers Family Roast (2021) and The Original Kings of Comedy (2000). If The Jay Leno Special 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
- Highest ratedJohn Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015)7.7/10 from 290 votes
- NewestComic Relief 2024: Funny for Money (2024)Released 2024
The 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 thisJonas Brothers Family Roast (2021)
Kevin, Joe and Nick face down quick wits and deep cuts in this comedy special featuring Pete Davidson, John Legend and more. Hosted by Kenan Thompson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisJackass Presents: Bad Grandpa .5 (2014)
Bad Grandpa .5 gives you a whole new perspective on the world of Irving Zisman with bonus scenes and pranks also featuring Spike Jonze as "Gloria" and Catherine Keener as Irving's wife "Ellie", plus a look at the evolution of Johnny Knoxville's naughty alter-ego, the makeup effects, and a behind-the-scenes peek at the idiocy it takes to make a hidden camera movie in public.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisKevin 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 thisBlue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie (2003)
The comedic stylings of four sort-of famous funnymen are brought to the big screen courtesy of this 2002 documentary.
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 thisComedy Central Roast of David Hasselhoff (2010)
Time to hassle the Hoff at the rudest, raunchiest television event of the year--The Comedy Central Roast of David Hasselhoff. From running in slo-mo on the beach to inspiring Germany with the power of cheesy pop--it's almost too easy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisComedian (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: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTropic Thunder: Rain of Madness (2008)
A behind-the-scenes mockumentary of Tropic Thunder.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJackass: The Lost Tapes (2009)
The deleted scenes and additional stunts and sketches that originally were not presented in the original series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCall Me Lucky (2015)
An inspiring, triumphant and wickedly funny portrait of one of comedy’s most enigmatic and important figures, CALL ME LUCKY tells the story of Barry Crimmins, a beer-swilling, politically outspoken and whip-smart comic whose efforts in the 70s and 80s fostered the talents of the next generation of standup comedians. But beneath Crimmins’ gruff, hard-drinking, curmudgeonly persona lay an undercurrent of rage stemming from his long-suppressed and horrific abuse as a child – a rage that eventually found its way out of the comedy clubs and television shows and into the political arena.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
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 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 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 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 thisThe Aristocrats (2005)
One hundred superstar comedians tell the same very, VERY dirty, filthy joke--one shared privately by comics since Vaudeville.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & documentary
SnoozefestMovies 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 thisTrevor Noah: You Laugh But It's True (2011)
In the world of stand-up comedy in South Africa, Trevor Noah uses his childhood experiences in a biracial family during apartheid to prepare for his first one-man show.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSteve Martin's Best Show Ever (1981)
Steve Martin's fourth NBC special was in the spirit of his previous association with Saturday Night Live. It was broadcast live from Studio 8H, produced by Lorne Michaels and featured some original cast members of the show.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & documentary
Monty 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: Similar story and style · both comedy & documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLaughing 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
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley (2003)
The best of Chris Farley's wildly funny SNL performances, including van-dwelling motivational speaker Matt Foley, an aspiring Chippendales dancer, the bashful host of The Chris Farley Show, and more.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Christopher Walken (2004)
A collection of Christopher Walken's greatest SNL skits and hosting jobs
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Comic Relief 2024: Funny for Money (2024)
Red Nose Day is back, live from Media City UK, Salford. It’s the UK’s biggest night of comedy and entertainment, so make sure you don’t miss it! The epic three-hour fundraising favourite will entertain the nation with hilarious sketches, live performances, big surprises and stunning music while raising much-needed cash for good causes at home and across the world. Joining Sir Lenny Henry (for one last time live in the Comic Relief studio) will be Romesh Ranganathan, Maya Jama, David Tennant, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Rosie Ramsey and Paddy McGuinness. Unmissable moments will include a very special trailer for The Traitors, the Movie, with an iconic cast. It's a star-studded sketch that promises to deliver all your favourite Traitor moments from series two of the smash hit reality show.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell - Volume 2 (2004)
In all of Saturday Night Live history, one of the greatest of the greats is Will Ferrell, and this is the ultimate collection for the Ferrell fan. You'll get Janet Reno's Dance Party, The Lovers, James Lipton's "Inside the Actor's Studio", the classic Wake Up and Smile, the legendary Bill Brasky, and many more.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Strolling '20s (1966)
Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier travel down memory lane to see what life was like back in the 1920s. Harry Belafonte introduces this musical, written by poet and playwright Langston Hughes, which pays tribute to Harlem in the 1920's. Sidney Poitier provides commentary on the era throughout the program, and George Kirby and Nipsey Russell portray various Harlem characters. Program highlights include: Gloria Lynne singing "Good Ol' Wagon"; Brownie McGhee singing "Let the Deal Go Down"; Diahann Carroll singing "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out"; Sammy Davis, Jr., singing and tap dancing to "Doin' the New Low Down"; Joe Williams singing "Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning"; and Duke Ellington performing "Sophisticated Lady" with a sextet.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Laughter at Work (1994)
A series of comedy skits performed by some of Mexico's more popular comedians and actors.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Jay Leno Special?
The closest matches to The Jay Leno Special are The Comedians of Comedy (2005), Jonas Brothers Family Roast (2021) and The Original Kings of Comedy (2000). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Jay Leno Special?
Start with The Comedians of Comedy (2005), the closest match to The Jay Leno Special.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Jay Leno Special?
John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015), rated 7.7/10 by 290 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Jay Leno Special?
Comic Relief 2024: Funny for Money (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Jay Leno Special?
Yes: The Comedians of Comedy (2005), Jonas Brothers Family Roast (2021) and The Original Kings of Comedy (2000).
How are movies similar to The Jay Leno Special chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Jay Leno Special, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.