Zelig (1983)
Kernel Score: 84% · 907 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy
Released: 1983-07-15
Runtime: 79 minutes
Where to watch Zelig
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Tubi
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others.
Zelig parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Zelig is a comedic mockumentary about a man who transforms to fit in with those around him, including a scene involving electroconvulsive therapy.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes a depiction of electroconvulsive therapy played for dark comedy/historical context, no graphic violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Zelig
If you liked Zelig, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Great Dictator (1940) — 91%
- The Addams Family (1991) — 78%
- Play (2019) — 80%
- And Now for Something Completely Different (1971) — 79%
- Young Frankenstein (1974) — 88%
- Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983) — 87%
- Man Bites Dog (1992) — 82%
- Team Thor (2016) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Woody Allen as Leonard Zelig
- Mia Farrow as Dr. Eudora Nesbitt Fletcher
- Patrick Horgan as The Narrator (voice)
- John Buckwalter as Dr. Sindell
- Marvin Chatinover as Glandular Diagnosis Doctor
- Stanley Swerdlow as Mexican Food Doctor
- Paul Nevens as Dr. Birsky
- Howard Erskine as Hypodermic Doctor
- Richard Whiting as Other Doctor
- Ralph Bell as Other Doctor
Zelig FAQ
Is Zelig good?
Zelig has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 907 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Zelig?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi.
Is Zelig OK for kids?
Zelig is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Zelig is a comedic mockumentary about a man who transforms to fit in with those around him, including a scene involving electroconvulsive therapy.
What movies are like Zelig?
If you liked Zelig, try The Great Dictator, The Addams Family, Play and And Now for Something Completely Different.