Marty, Life Is Short

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2:11

Marty, Life Is Short

2026

1h 41m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Marty, Life is Short, from director Lawrence Kasdan, is the definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short. Using beautiful, intimate, never-before-seen archive footage alongside exclusive interviews with some of the most established and beloved stars, the documentary takes a look at one of the most influential comedians of a generation.

Daniel Fienberg

The Hollywood Reporter

1d

I’m sure there’s a dry, professionally distanced documentary to be made about Short’s career, his varied professional arc and his myriad achievements, but Life Is Short mostly isn’t that documentary.

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Odie Henderson

Boston Globe

1d

3/4

This intimate and funny portrait of the actor earns the poignancy of a title that’s not just a play on words; it’s also the film’s thesis statement.

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Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

1d

3.5/4

While it’s a bit disheartening to see such a unique performer given such a traditional bio-doc, what comes through in 'Life is Short’ is the affection for its subject from pretty much everyone he’s ever worked with.

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Bill Brioux

Brioux.tv

4h

Kasdan delivers down the middle, however, in what is far from the usual, paint-by-numbers career account. His best resource is the deep stash of home movies and video tapes recorded it seems to help bring viewers inside Short’s private world.

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Karen Gordon

Original Cin

13h

A-

Marty, Life Is Short is a portrait of a man and artist that prioritizes heart and affection and doesn't pretend otherwise. And it’s not just affection for the film’s subject. Just count the number of times Short uses the word ‘sweet’ to describe someone.

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Diego Batlle

Otroscines.com

1d

3.5/5

...it's a portrait that may not be particularly innovative in its form, but achieves a rare intimacy and empathy. [Full review in Spanish]

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Fay C

@RT76173316 2h

love marty short. true feel good movie about a truly good guy. i only wish i could have visited at snug harbour! so much fun!

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Sean I.

@RT57092516 4h

Seeing his love for life and family was inspiring

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Cindy M

@CindyCindy 12h

A fantastic tribute to an immensely talented man as shown through his relationships with his family, friends and us, his fans. It's that simple.

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PJ S

@Pensgirl87 19h

Loved Marty. Home movies and other clips were touching, funny, and interesting. What a great bunch of friends.

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Colleen S

@JillColleen 22h

This film is pure joy and uplifting inspiration. Deep laughter is just the bonus.

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Jenny H.

@jhaller4 1d

Heartwarming and inspiring. Nothing shocking here, which equals perfection.

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Lawrence Kasdan

Director

Martin Short

Self

Sara Bernstein

Producer

Meredith Kaulfers

Producer

Christopher St. John

Producer

Lawrence Kasdan

Producer

Marty, Life Is Short: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Marty, Life is Short, from director Lawrence Kasdan, is the definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short. Using beautiful, intimate, never-before-seen archive footage alongside exclusive interviews with some of the most established and beloved stars, the documentary takes a look at one of the most influential comedians of a generation.

Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Producer: Sara Bernstein, Meredith Kaulfers, Christopher St. John, Lawrence Kasdan, Blair Foster
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Imagine Documentaries
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 12, 2026
Runtime: 1h 41m