12 Movies Like The Paper You Need to Watch
Searching for smart, funny picks after The Paper? Explore 12 comedy, documentary, and reality titles with the same sharp energy and offbeat charm.
If you liked The Paper and want more sharp, workplace-driven comedy with personality, this list gives you a clean next watch. You’ll find new picks like Not Dead Yet, Adults, I Love LA, and Unconventional, plus smart non-fiction options such as Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution and Fantasmas. There’s also room for stand-up with Jim Jefferies: Two Limb Policy, along with genre-bending series that keep the same fast, observational energy. We’ve mixed comedy, documentary, talk-show, reality-tv, and sport titles so you can move from one kind of humor to another without losing the tone that made The Paper work.
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01
Not Dead Yet
comedy
Nell Serrano is a broke and newly single self-described disaster. She works to restart the life and career she left behind some 10 years ago. When writing obituaries is the only job she can find, Nell starts getting life advice from an unlikely (and dead) source.
Directed by Dean Holland, Michael McDonald, Melanie Mayron, Anya Adams, Shahrzad DavaniCast Gina Rodriguez, Hannah Simone, Lauren Ash, Rick Glassman, Josh BandayHulu -
02
Adults
comedy
A group of twenty-somethings in New York trying to be good people, despite being neither "good" nor "people" yet.
Directed by Jonathan Krisel, Anu Valia, Jason Woliner, Paul Briganti, Oz RodriguezCast Malik Elassal, Lucy Freyer, Jack Innanen, Amita Rao, Owen ThieleHulu -
03
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution
documentary
This rapturous documentary steps into the dynamic world of queer stand-up and examines the powerful cultural influence it has had on social change in America. The film combines rare archival materials, stand-up performances, and interviews with a show-stopping lineup to present a definitive history of queer comedy.
Directed by Page HurwitzCast Lily Tomlin, Rosie O'Donnell, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Tig NotaroNetflix -
04
I Love LA
comedy
A codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.
Directed by Lorene Scafaria, Bill Benz, Kevin Bray, Rachel SennottCast Rachel Sennott, Odessa A'zion, True Whitaker, Jordan Firstman, Josh HutchersonMax -
05
Unconventional
comedy
Unconventional is a bold, hilarious, and deeply authentic look at modern queer life. Created by six-time Emmy nominee Kit Williamson (EastSiders, Mad Men), this irreverent comedy follows Noah Guillory (Williamson), a queer millennial juggling a decade-long marriage, the uncertainty of fatherhood, and the chaos of academia—all while acting as a sperm donor for his sister’s wife.
Directed by Stu GambleCast Alan Ford, Ciara Baxendale, Alexander Perkins, Jon Campling, Suzette LlewellynPeacock Premium -
06
Jim Jefferies: Two Limb Policy
documentary · comedy · talk-show
Comedian Jim Jefferies unleashes his thoughts on tiny mustaches, straight-guy struggles and why acting doesn't count as a real job.
Directed by Scott ZabielskiCast Jim JefferiesNetflix -
07
Fantasmas
comedy
Julio Torres spins a fantastical tale of when he lost a gold oyster earring. In his search to find the precious object, Julio reflects on the offbeat characters he encounters in introspective, often eerie, and always comedic vignettes set in a dreamy, alternate version of New York City.
Directed by Julio TorresCast Julio Torres, Martine Gutierrez, Joe Rumrill, Marc Petrosino, Michael LatiniMax -
08
Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years
documentary · comedy
In what might be his most personal and introspective hour yet, Bill offers hilarious takes on everything from male sadness to dating advice.
Directed by Ben TishlerCast Bill Burr, Club Soda KennyHulu -
09
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon
documentary · comedy
Ricky Gervais dishes out controversial takes on political correctness and oversensitivity in a taboo-busting comedy special about the end of humanity. Recorded at The London Palladium.
Directed by John L. SpencerCast Ricky GervaisNetflix -
10
Brüno
comedy
Flamboyantly gay Austrian television reporter Bruno stirs up trouble with unsuspecting guests and large crowds through brutally frank interviews and painfully hilarious public displays of homosexuality.
Directed by Larry CharlesCast Sacha Baron Cohen, Gustaf Hammarsten, Clifford Bañagale, Chibundu Orukwowu, Chigozie OrukwowuAmazon Prime Video -
11
WWE: Unreal
documentary · reality-tv · sport
From Monday Night RAW to WrestleMania, this series goes backstage with WWE Superstars and staff as they bring the company's biggest spectacles to life.
Directed by Terrell Riley, Steve Trout, Chris WeaverCast Michael Seitz, Demi Bennett, Paul Heyman, Nathan Everhart, Logan PaulNetflix -
12
Downey Wrote That
documentary
Exploring the sketches, contributions and influence of Jim Downey, one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of "Saturday Night Live."
Directed by Brent HodgeCast Jim Downey, Fred Armisen, Andy Breckman, Dana Carvey, Greg DanielsPeacock Premium
Wrapping Up
This page is built for anyone who wants the same mix of wit, awkward moments, and character-first storytelling that made The Paper stand out. Whether you want a scripted comedy, a behind-the-scenes doc, or something looser and more experimental, these picks make it easy to keep watching. Bookmark this guide and come back when you need a fresh recommendation, since it’s updated regularly as new titles arrive. It’s a simple way to keep your queue full of shows and films that hit a similar note without feeling repetitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to The Paper?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026