10 Movies & Shows Like Borat’s American Lockdown

Description: A cringe-comedy series that thrives on awkward social interactions and improvised dialogue, often highlighting the absurdity of everyday situations and human behavior.

Fact: The show is largely unscripted, with actors given plot outlines and encouraged to improvise their lines. Its 'Seinfeld reunion' season was a meta-commentary on Hollywood revivals.

Description: A comedy that blends satire with absurd humor, featuring a clueless protagonist who stumbles into positions of power, mocking cultural and political institutions.

Fact: The film originated from the 'Ali G' TV character, who initially interviewed real people unaware he was a satirical creation. The movie's plot parodies political corruption and media sensationalism.

Description: A mockumentary-style comedy that finds humor in mundane workplace situations, often through awkward interactions and deadpan delivery, while subtly critiquing corporate culture.

Fact: The original UK version was only 14 episodes long, but its influence spawned numerous international adaptations. Ricky Gervais's character, David Brent, was specifically written to be painfully unaware of his own shortcomings.

Description: A surreal, absurdist comedy that employs bizarre visuals, awkward humor, and intentionally low-budget aesthetics to create a unique, often unsettling comedic experience.

Fact: The show's strange editing and recurring oddball characters became cult favorites. Many sketches were shot on green screen with intentionally jarring effects to enhance their weirdness.

Description: An animated comedy that thrives on awkward, self-deprecating humor, following a hapless protagonist as he navigates absurd and often humiliating situations.

Fact: The show's minimalist animation style was chosen to keep production costs low, allowing more focus on writing. Many episodes were based on real-life embarrassing experiences of the creators.

Description: A satirical comedy that uses exaggerated characters and absurd situations to critique political systems and cultural stereotypes, blending humor with sharp social commentary.

Fact: The film was partially inspired by real-life dictators, and its protagonist's over-the-top persona is a caricature of authoritarian leaders. It features numerous improvised scenes, adding to its chaotic, unpredictable tone.

Description: A hidden-camera show where friends challenge each other to perform embarrassing public stunts, relying on cringe humor and genuine reactions from unsuspecting people.

Fact: The cast members have known each other since high school, which contributes to their natural chemistry. One episode featured a punishment where a joker had to give a fake lecture as a 'professor' to a room full of academics.

Description: A mockumentary-style series that thrives on awkward humor and cringe-inducing scenarios, often putting real people in bizarre, scripted situations for comedic effect.

Fact: Nathan Fielder, the creator and star, often uses his deadpan delivery to convince real business owners to participate in outlandish marketing schemes. The show's infamous 'Dumb Starbucks' episode led to a temporary pop-up store that confused customers and media alike.

Description: A satirical show that uses hidden cameras and elaborate disguises to expose real people's reactions to absurd or provocative scenarios, often highlighting societal and political divides.

Fact: The series features Sacha Baron Cohen in multiple disguises, including a fictional right-wing activist who convinced several politicians to endorse a fake 'Kinderguardians' program arming toddlers with guns.

Description: A series built around outrageous stunts, pranks, and physical comedy, often pushing boundaries of good taste while reveling in absurdity and shock value.

Fact: Many stunts were performed without permits, leading to frequent encounters with law enforcement. The cast's chemistry and willingness to endure pain for laughs became a hallmark of the franchise.