We at Comingsoon.net have compiled a list of our favorite hilarious mockumentaries just for you, dear reader! We find the genre to be an endless source of wonderful comedy. Check out our slideshow below, and if we missed any of your favorites, be sure to let us know down in the comment section!
What is it about mockumentaries—that is, fake documentaries—that make for such great comedy? It is hard to say, but they have been a wealth of hilarity for decades. This golden age of mockumentaries in which we live today probably began officially back in 1984 with Rob Reiner’s mock-you, rock-you-mentary This is Spinal Tap. It parodied real-life rock-umentary films like the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter, as well as Led Zeppelin’s The Song Remains the Same.
Interestingly, though not surprisingly This is Spinal Tap starred Christopher Guest—in addition to Michael McKean and The Simpsons‘ perennial star Harry Shearer. Guest would go on to become a master of the genre himself. He and his merry band of funny men and women—including Fred Willard, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Eugene Levy and more—helped foster mockumentary to become the titan it is today. From This is Spinal Tap to the latest masterpieces of the genre like The Lonely Island-created Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and What We Do in the Shadows—which is now a television show—directed by Thor: Ragnarok‘s Taika Waititi, below you will find what we consider to be the seven funniest mockumentaries to date.
7 Hilarious Mockumentaries
-
'I'm Still Here'
There was a bit of press surrounding I'm Still Here when it was released. Joaquin Phoenix showed up on David Letterman in character, stating his intention to retire from acting and become a hip hop artist, making people questioning whether the film was real or fake.
-
'What We Do in the Shadows'
Before he was given the keys to the Thor franchise with Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi impressed audiences with What We Do in the Shadows. The film brings the mockumentary style to the immortal world of vampires. With Jemaine Clement and Rhys Darby of Flight of the Conchords fame as costars, it is a real treat.
-
'Bruno'
Surely it was daunting for Sacha Baron Cohen to follow up his massive hit Borat. Bruno may not quite outdo its predecessor, but Cohen's film about a gay German with hopes of becoming famous reaches a level a jaw-dropping hilarity all its own.
-
'This is Spinal Tap'
The Rob Reiner-directed This is Spinal Tap pioneered the genre of mockumentary. With Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean as pretentious, narcissistic rock stars, the film remains funny even now, 30-plus years later.
-
'Best in Show'
Christopher Guest's name has become nearly synonymous with hilarious mockumentaries. From This Is Spinal Tap to A Mighty Wind, he has more than proven his skill, but Best in Show, about the psychotic dog handlers preparing for a pageant, may be, well, his best.
-
'Popstar'
The Lonely Island has long been lauded for their ability to write hilarious and vapid pop songs. In many ways, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is their magnum opus. Andy Samberg gives one of the best performances of his career as the arrogant titular ultra-famous pop musician Conner4Real.
-
'Borat'
What is there to say about Borat that has not already been said? Sacha Baron Cohen is one of the greatest comedic minds of the modern era. From his on-the-spot comedic timing to his victims' reactions, it simply has to be seen to be believed.
