Where to start
The King of Comedy
2 versions · originally a film, 1982
These films explore the dark, desperate psyche of the failed entertainer seeking validation through obsession and public infamy.
✦ Most fans start here
Joker (2019)
The original movie
The King of Comedy
Martin Scorsese · Film · 1982
The King of Comedy (1982) presents a chilling, grounded examination of celebrity culture and delusion, serving as the essential, satirical blueprint for the character study of a social outcast.
Inspired by
✦ Start hereJoker
Todd Phillips · Film · 2019
Joker (2019) reimagines the narrative as a grim, stylistic descent into madness, offering a visceral and hyper-focused perspective on how societal neglect fuels the transformation into a violent criminal mastermind.
Common questions
Is The King of Comedy related to Joker?
The King of Comedy is not a formal prequel to Joker. However, the 2019 film draws significant thematic inspiration from the 1982 movie. Both films explore the psychological descent of an aspiring performer obsessed with achieving fame and validation through a talk show host.
Should I watch The King of Comedy before Joker?
Watching The King of Comedy before Joker provides context for the stylistic and narrative parallels between the two films. While they are separate stories, viewing the 1982 film first allows you to identify the specific influences that shaped the tone and character development seen in the 2019 release.
How long is The King of Comedy?
The King of Comedy has a runtime of 109 minutes. This duration covers the entire narrative arc of the 1982 film, which focuses on the protagonist's desperate attempts to secure a television appearance. It is shorter than the 2019 film Joker, which runs for 122 minutes.
What is the release order of The King of Comedy and Joker?
The King of Comedy was released in 1982, followed by Joker in 2019. Although they share thematic similarities regarding societal isolation and media obsession, they are distinct projects released decades apart. The King of Comedy serves as a foundational piece of cinema that influenced later films like Joker.