The Polka King

Play trailer

2:05

The Polka King

2017

1h 35m

Biography

Comedy

Drama

Music

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

50%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

The rise and fall of Pennsylvania polka sensation Jan Lewan, who ultimately fleeced millions from investors through his polka-related activities.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Despite moments of hilarity and a talented ensemble, discordant direction and a sloppy script keep The Polka King from truly singing.

Read Critics Reviews

Tara Brady

Irish Times

01/25/2018

3/5

There's a touch of School of Rock with an Oom-Pah-Pah beat about this likeable, if lightweight comedy.

Go to Full Review

Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

01/25/2018

The Polka King is warm and sympathetic, avoiding easy jokes in favor of humane, character-driven humor.

Go to Full Review

Radheyan Simonpillai

NOW Toronto

01/24/2018

2/5

With a clipped and modestly entertaining 90-minute run time, The Polka King that relishes in Lewan's theatrics but rarely pauses to interrogate what's behind his facade.

Go to Full Review

Mikel Zorrilla

Espinof

08/01/2019

It is a pleasant entertainment in which the good work of its actors stands out. [Full Review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

12/06/2018

3.5/5

Jack Black excels in this completely bonkers true story of Jan Lewan, an American polka music legend.

Go to Full Review

Sean Mulvihill

FanboyNation.com

10/30/2018

3/5

Truth is truly stranger than fiction in this unbelievable true story that plays out like a dark, twisted version of the American Dream.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Arky.H G

@RT45635655 03/20/2025

It's an entertaining film. Jack Black gives a good performance. It touches on some themes, including chasing a dream and keeping your feet on the ground. Nice. 🥁🎶🎵❤️⭐

See more

Levi

@RT17768335 04/04/2024

It blows my mind that this is scored 27% higher than Nacho Libre, when I was bored to tears watching this weird movie. I did not laugh a single time, and it did not hook me at all.

See more

Catherine A

@CatLI 09/17/2023

Amazing polka ponzi scheme based on a true story. Jack Black was incredible in this role, singing many of the songs himself and charming everyone — including us. We absolutely loved this movie. Stellar supporting performances by Jenny Slate and Jason Schwartzman. The zany montage scene of Marla preparing for the Mrs. Pennsylvania pageant was classic.

See more

Gareth v

@geewah 06/21/2023

A funny movie who's greatest strength comes from the performance it's cast. Jack Black brings heart and humour to the lead role in arguably his best performance

See more

David C

@RT09838700 03/06/2023

That this exists and is based on a true story is something special. That it's JB at the helm, and that it is dryly humoured, make it more so. It's odd, it's not perfect, but it's enjoyable!

See more

04/01/2022

Couldn't love it more. Almost like a satire on American culture/exceptionalism and the American dream.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Maya Forbes

Director

Wallace Wolodarsky

Director

Jack Black

Jan Lewan

Jenny Slate

Marla

Jason Schwartzman

Actor

Jacki Weaver

Actor

Florence Foster Jenkins

87%

68%

Florence Foster Jenkins

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Florence Foster Jenkins

The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon

100%

%

The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon

Watchlist

I, Tonya

90%

88%

I, Tonya

Watchlist

TRAILER

for I, Tonya

All Eyez on Me

17%

54%

All Eyez on Me

Watchlist

TRAILER

for All Eyez on Me

Blaze

95%

68%

Blaze

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Blaze

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Polka King: Trailer 1

2:05

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

The rise and fall of Pennsylvania polka sensation Jan Lewan, who ultimately fleeced millions from investors through his polka-related activities.

Director: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Producer: Jack Black, Stuart Cornfeld, Monica Levinson, Priyanka Mattoo, David Permut, Shivani Rawat
Screenwriter: Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky
Production Co: Red Hour Films, Electric Dynamite, Permut Presentations
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2018
Runtime: 1h 35m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now