I Need You To Kill: 10 Similar Fascinating Documentaries To Watch

There’s something uniquely exciting about documentaries that aim to show the audience the inside of a particular industry or profession. In the case of the film I Need You to Kill, it’s stand-up comedy, which proves to be a far more strenuous and exciting line of work than many people might realize. The film particularly focuses on the increasingly popular forms of standup comedy in Asia.

For those who enjoyed this documentary and the ways in which it gets into the intimate details of the life of a standup comic, there are quite a few other documentaries that they will also enjoy.

9 The Aristocrats (2005)

Anyone familiar with standup comedy is probably aware of “The Aristocrats,” which is shorthand for what is almost invariably one of the dirtiest jokes that a standup comedian can tell.

This documentary focuses on that particular dirty joke, showing the ways in which it’s been used by an enormous variety of comedians. More importantly, the documentary is also a revealing look into the nature of comedy, and why certain jokes work the way that they do.

8 Comedian (2002)

In the history of stand-up comedy, there are few people as successful or as respected as Jerry Seinfeld. After all, the man not only had an enormously successful run of comedy appearances, but also starred in one of the most successful sitcoms in the history of television.

This fascinating documentary follows Seinfeld and allows the audience to get a more nuanced understanding of what goes into the production of comedy and how it isn’t nearly as easy as comedians make it appear.

National Lampoon has been at the forefront of comedy–most notably for their comedy holiday films–for a long time, so it makes sense that they would finally be the subject of a documentary. It’s always rather fascinating to see the ways in which such a well-established (and highly regarded) comedic institution works, and this documentary, in keeping with its subject matter, is never dull.

What’s most interesting about it, however, is that it also includes quite a lot of archival material that fans of National Lampoon.

7 Monty Python: And Now For Something Rather Similar (2014)

There’s no question that the men who make up the comedy troupe known as Monty Python are some of the most hilarious people in the history of the form.

For those who just can’t get enough of their very unique sense of humor, there’s this documentary, which chronicles their reunion tour as well as the various projects that the surviving troupe members are engaged in. It’s a charming and funny documentary, very much in keeping with the men who have brought laughter and joy to so many.

6 When Jews Were Funny (2013)

Anyone who is familiar with the history of comedy in America knows that comedy wouldn’t be what it is without the presence of the Jewish people. This documentary makes for fascinating watching, as it explores the many different ways in which Jews have been involved in comedy, ranging from the comedy clubs of the Borscht Belt all the way to the present day.

It also features reflections and commentary from some of the great Jewish comedians, including Howie Mandel, Rodney Dangerfield, and Judy Gold.

5 New Hero Of Comedy (2008)

Any documentary that has the word “hero” in its title and also happens to focus on such controversial figures as Ricky Gervais and Sacha Baron Cohen is sure to ignite controversy, and that’s exactly what happened to this documentary.

However, it’s important not to let the uproar overshadow the best parts of this documentary, which really does show why and how it is that these divisive figures still deserve a lot of credit for the ways in which they have changed what comedy can do.

4 The Comedy Garage (2011)

For those who want to learn more about comedy, this is a great documentary to watch. It’s shot in a very intimate style, and the audience is asked to be something of a fly on the wall.

It really shows the work that goes into the making of comedy, revealing that, however easy it might seem to those on the outside, for those in the know it truly is a craft worthy of respect.

3 Dying To Do Letterman (2011)

Sometimes, a documentary comes along that manages to be touching, funny, and heartbreaking all at once, and that is the case with Dying to do Letterman.

The film focuses on a comic whose dream to appear on David Letterman’s show is given a jolt by a cancer diagnosis. Steve Mazan, the focus of the film, is both hilarious and an excellent subject. It’s almost guaranteed that anyone who watches this documentary will find themselves choking up with both laughter and tears.

2 Tickling Giants (2016)

The Egyptian revolution of 2011 was, of course, one of the most significant events of the 21st century. In addition to being a political watershed, it also inspired Bassem Youssef, the subject of this documentary, to quit his job as a surgeon and take up the somewhat less glamorous job of being a comedian.

Though obvious its focus is comedy, the documentary also shows the many struggles that he endures as he tries to tell jokes in a country riven by strife.

1 Let America Laugh (2003)

As with the other documentaries on this list, this one offers an intimate view of the life of a stand-up comedian. In this case, it focuses on David Cross, particularly his interactions with others.

Watching films like this one, the audience gets a more nuanced appreciation not just of comedy as a form of art, but also of the type of person that decides to pursue this as a full-time career. It is often very illuminating.

About The Author