It uses the joke as a way to explore the creative process of comedians and the amazing variety of approaches to storytelling and performing, as well as a barometer of what audiences themselves find offensive and taboo.

| Apr 26, 2025

While filmmakers will try their best over the years to get a group of comedians together to discuss jokes, nothing will ever be better than The Aristocrats.

| Jan 10, 2022

A fascinating documentary that is more than a one-joke movie; it's a film that really takes its audience inside the minds of comedians, showing the essence of comedy and improvisation.

| Original Score: B | Nov 19, 2019

Beyond being utterly hilarious and really quite shocking, Provenza's film says a lot about the nature of stand-up comedy and the people who are compelled to do it. And that makes The Aristocrats a great documentary.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 26, 2019

A joyful film, full of men and women alight with the pleasure that comes from negating every compliment civilization has ever paid itself.

| Jun 3, 2009

A very funny and entertaining simple documentary

| Apr 29, 2009

A plethora of comedians discuss and tell their own inspired rendition of "the dirtiest joke in the world" in a contagiously funny documentary that symptomatically gives context to the lasting influence of vaudeville humor.

| Original Score: A+ | Apr 15, 2009

Each take on the gag reveals a different facet of comic technique.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 23, 2008

The first feel-good movie made out of fecal matter.

| Nov 1, 2007

Its very about-itself unimportance is what makes it a liberating experience for its own sake.

| Original Score: A | Jul 23, 2007

A tedious dud that sparks once or twice with big laughs

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 19, 2006

...the brilliant Sarah Silverman transcends the mean-spirited nature of the joke...

| Original Score: 6/10 | Aug 5, 2006

In its simplest form, the joke isn't funny; it's all in the telling, and Provenza proves once again that some people can tell a joke, and some people can't.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 12, 2006

This all-star open-mike night loses its luster before its own loud laughter dies down.

| Feb 9, 2006

With a showman's respect for the power of the build-up, Provenza touts his product thoroughly before unveiling it.

| Jan 27, 2006

Vile, vulgar and occasionally funny, The Aristocrats is literally a one joke movie%u2026 I was bored...

| Jan 19, 2006

A stunning comedy masterclass. For those with strong stomachs, obviously...

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 7, 2006

... The Aristocrats proves that sometimes you don't have to be a great filmmaker to make a great documentary.

Full Review | Dec 9, 2005

A brilliant solution to the eternal problem of how to discuss the creative process behind comedy without becoming boring.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Mesmo que repetitivo ao procurar analisar o significado social da graça da piada e contendo algumas performances terrivelmente medíocres, o filme ganha um fôlego invejável sempre que algum comediante inspirado surge em cena.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 25, 2005