The Aristocrats

2005, Documentary, 1h 29m

151 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Can a joke stand up to repeated tellings? Hilarious and revealing of the way comedy works, The Aristocrats demonstrates that it's possible. Read critic reviews

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The Aristocrats Photos

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Movie Info

This documentary about the world's funniest dirty joke features over 100 stand-up and performing comedians discussing and telling the joke. Since the joke, which can involve a great deal of improvisation, is so profane, usually only comedians have heard it, and it became legendary as a way for comedians to perform and top each other backstage. The film discusses the camaraderie within the comedy world that inspired the joke in the first place, as well as the role of obscenity within humor.
  • Genre:
    Documentary
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Paul Provenza
  • Producer:
    Peter Adam Golden
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $6.4M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    ThinkFilm

Cast & Crew

Chris Albrecht
Self
Jason Alexander
Self
Hank Azaria
Self
Steven Banks
Billy The Mime
Shelley Berman
Self
Lewis Black
Self
David Brenner
Self
Mario Cantone
Self
Drew Carey
Self
George Carlin
Self
Mark Cohen
Self
Billy Connolly
Self
Paul Provenza
Director
Peter Adam Golden
Producer
Glenn S. Alai
Associate Producer
Penn Jillette
Executive Producer
Krasher Lewis
Co-Producer
Gary Stockdale
Original Music
Paul Provenza
Executive Producer
Farley Ziegler
Supervising Producer
Emery Emery
Film Editing
Paul Provenza
Film Editing
Eric Wilson
Sound Editor
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Critic Reviews for The Aristocrats

All Critics (151) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (120) | Rotten (31)
Full Review… David Ansen Newsweek Full Review… David Fear Time Out Full Review… Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald Full Review… Chris Hewitt (UK) Empire Magazine Full Review… Ken Tucker New York Magazine/Vulture Full Review… Nathan Rabin AV Club Full Review… Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Full Review… Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News Full Review… Miles Fielder The List Full Review… Thomas Peyser Style Weekly (Richmond, VA) Full Review… Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Full Review… Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com
View All Critic Reviews (151)

Audience Reviews for The Aristocrats

  • Aug 25, 2012
    Unspeakably foul. But oh-so-hilarious.
    Alice S Super Reviewer
  • Nov 24, 2011
    Interesting documentary, sickening but I love the blue comedy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • May 07, 2011
    Really funny. A story about a old joke with black humor.
    Lucas M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 19, 2009
    No Nudity No Violence Unspeakable Obscenity, 100 Comedians but one Very Dirty Joke
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
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