10 Movies & Shows Like Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

Description: Curb Your Enthusiasm shares Borat's use of cringe comedy and awkward social interactions. Both shows thrive on uncomfortable situations and the protagonist's inability to conform to social norms, though Curb is more scripted than Borat's mockumentary style.

Fact: The show is largely improvised, with only a basic outline for each episode. Larry David, the creator and star, also co-created Seinfeld. The show has been praised for its realistic dialogue and relatable social faux pas.

Description: Another Sacha Baron Cohen creation, Ali G Indahouse shares Borat's mockumentary style and satirical edge. Both films feature Cohen playing an outrageous character who interacts with real people, often highlighting cultural misunderstandings and stereotypes.

Fact: Ali G was originally a character on Da Ali G Show, which also featured Borat. The film was a commercial success in the UK but received mixed reviews. Cohen based the character on a mix of British suburban youth culture and American hip-hop influences.

Description: Jackass: The Movie shares Borat's penchant for shock humor and boundary-pushing stunts. Both films feature a mix of scripted and unscripted moments, often putting their stars in uncomfortable or dangerous situations for comedic effect. The raw, unfiltered style of humor is a common thread.

Fact: Johnny Knoxville and his crew performed all their own stunts. The movie was shot in just 10 days. It was initially intended to be a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to the show's popularity.

Description: This show shares Borat's surreal and absurdist humor, often pushing the boundaries of good taste. Both use bizarre characters and situations to create comedy, with a style that's intentionally awkward and off-putting.

Fact: The show features many celebrity cameos, including Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. It was produced by Adult Swim, known for its unconventional programming. The show's unique visual style was inspired by public access television.

Description: While more mainstream than Borat, Parks and Recreation shares its mockumentary style and satirical take on bureaucracy and small-town politics. Both use humor to critique societal structures, though Parks and Rec is more character-driven and less confrontational.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of The Office. Chris Pratt's character, Andy Dwyer, was only supposed to appear in a few episodes but became a series regular due to fan popularity. The show's fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, has a detailed and absurd history that's frequently referenced.

Description: As the sequel to the original Borat, this film continues the same mockumentary style, satirical humor, and cultural commentary. It maintains the character's outrageous behavior while addressing contemporary issues, much like its predecessor.

Fact: The film was secretly shot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maria Bakalova, who played Tutar, was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance. The movie features a cameo from Rudy Giuliani in a controversial scene.

Description: Similar to Borat, The Dictator is a satirical comedy that mocks political and cultural stereotypes. Both films feature Sacha Baron Cohen in a lead role, using outrageous humor to critique societal norms. The Dictator, like Borat, employs shock comedy and absurd situations to highlight real-world issues.

Fact: Sacha Baron Cohen based the character of Admiral General Aladeen on various real-life dictators. The film was banned in several countries due to its controversial content. The movie's premiere was held at the United Nations, adding to its satirical tone.

Description: Nathan for You shares Borat's use of cringe humor and awkward interactions with real people. Both shows feature a protagonist who uses absurd logic to navigate social situations, often leaving participants confused or uncomfortable. The blend of reality and scripted comedy is a key similarity.

Fact: Nathan Fielder graduated from business school, which inspired the show's concept. Many of the show's participants were unaware they were being filmed for a comedy series. The show's finale featured a real-life search for a missing person, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Description: This mockumentary shares Borat's satirical take on celebrity culture and media. Both films use a faux-documentary style to lampoon their subjects, with a mix of scripted and improvised humor.

Fact: The film was created by The Lonely Island, a comedy trio known for their digital shorts on Saturday Night Live. Many real-life musicians make cameos, including Ringo Starr and Mariah Carey. Despite poor box office performance, the film has gained a cult following.

Description: Created by Sacha Baron Cohen, Who Is America? follows a similar format to Borat, using hidden cameras and outrageous characters to expose real people's reactions. Both shows use satire to critique political and social issues, often with shocking results.

Fact: The show features Cohen in multiple disguises, including a right-wing conspiracy theorist and a liberal artist. Several politicians appeared on the show, including former Vice President Dick Cheney. The series was shrouded in secrecy during production, with many participants unaware of its true nature.