Where to start
The King of Comedy
2 versions · originally a film, 1982
Themes: Obsession, Fame, Delusion, Stardom, Parasocial Relationship.
These films explore the dark intersection of celebrity obsession, social isolation, and the desperate, violent pursuit of recognition.
✦ Most fans start here
Joker (2019)
The original movie
The King of Comedy
Martin Scorsese · Film · 1982
The King of Comedy (1982) offers a sardonic, chilling character study of a delusional stalker, perfect for viewers who appreciate Scorsese’s precise, uncomfortable exploration of fame and media-fueled narcissism.
Inspired by
✦ Start hereJoker
Todd Phillips · Film · 2019
Joker (2019) translates the core themes into a gritty, visceral origin story of societal collapse, ideal for those seeking a stylized, psychological descent into madness and criminal transformation.
Common questions
Is The King of Comedy related to the 2019 movie Joker?
The King of Comedy is not a direct prequel or sequel to Joker. However, the 2019 film draws significant thematic and stylistic inspiration from the 1982 movie, particularly in its portrayal of an isolated man seeking fame through transgressive behavior.
Should I watch The King of Comedy before watching Joker?
Watching The King of Comedy before Joker is recommended if you are interested in seeing the creative origins of the character study format used in the 2019 film. Both movies explore similar psychological themes, though they exist as entirely separate stories.
Is The King of Comedy considered a source material for Joker?
The King of Comedy is not officially credited as source material for Joker. Despite this, the 2019 film functions as a modern homage to the 1982 classic, utilizing similar narrative structures to examine the relationship between a desperate protagonist and a cold media landscape.
How long is The King of Comedy compared to Joker?
The King of Comedy has a runtime of 109 minutes, making it shorter than the 122-minute runtime of Joker. Both films utilize their respective lengths to focus on the slow psychological deterioration of their central characters within their specific urban environments.