The genre of comedy is one of the oldest in the history of cinema. Dating back to the days of Buster Keaton and Lucille Ball, comedy has proven to have a connection with audiences unlike any genre of film. Primarily because if you like comedy you can find something that will connect with your personality or simply your mood at the time.
Whether it’s a romantic comedy such as When Harry Met Sally. A buddy comedy like Twins. An action comedy like Running Scared. Maybe a screwball comedy like Police Academy. A slapstick comedy such as Weekend at Bernie’s. A grounded comedy with heart like Three Men and a Baby. Possibly a dark comedy like Ruthless People, or a horror comedy along the lines of The Frighteners. You can find something tailored to your taste in the genre. One of my favorite subgenres of comedy happens to be that of the “parody comedy”. I think some of the best would come out of the 80s and 90s and in this video, we’re diving into my picks for the best. So, let’s get into it.
Airplane! (1980)
Released in 1980 Airplane!, a comedic parody of the disaster genre would go on to be considered one of the funniest movies of all time. It features a fantastic ensemble led by Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielson, and Lloyd Bridges. It’s, of course, Airplane!
I don’t love this movie as much as most. But I do think it’s skillfully humorous and thrives on being unapologetically silly. The film follows Ted Striker, a traumatized ex-fighter pilot who must overcome his fear to save a flight filled with passengers after the crew falls ill. What makes Airplane! stand out is its relentless barrage of clever jokes, many of which are based on wordplay, slapstick, and ultra-absurd situations. Airplane’s humor often operates on multiple levels. There are the obvious gags —the visual puns, the quick quips, subtle humor, and many references to cultural tropes and clichés. There are so many hilarious bits in this one. The cast is fantastic and fills the movie with comical characters. I love Nielson as the doctor, and this movie is easily timeless.
Spaceballs (1987)
We fast forward to 1987 when Spaceballs, a comical parody of Star Wars and other sci-fi films from the time would be released and it was a hit. It starred Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, John Candy, Daphne Zuniga and many others. With Mel Brooks also directing.
As a kid I probably watched Spaceballs as much as I watched the original Star Wars trilogy and as an adult, I enjoy it more. The dialogue is full of snappy one-liners and visual gags that keep the comedy fast-paced and effective. And this movie 100% embraces over-the-top humor. From Dark Helmet, played by Rick Moranis, with his comically large helmet and tantrums providing endless laughs. To John Candy’s lovable Barf, there is no shortage of great characters. And really what sets Spaceballs apart from other parodies is its clever balance of absurd humor and its homage to the genre it pokes fun at. Spaceballs is self-aware, riddled with witty humor, it serves up a buffet of spoofs on the sci-fi genre. And with its timely slapstick humor and quotable lines it’s rightfully a beloved classic.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad (1988)
We step ahead a year to 1988 when The Naked Gun would be released. Based on the TV series Police Squad! This comical parody of the detective genre starred Leslie Nielson, Priscilla Pressley, Ricardo Montalban, George Kennedy, and O.J. Simpson.
Now this movie’s truly one of my all-time favorites in this genre. The Naked Gun is a masterclass in slapstick comedy and absurdist humor. Leslie Nielsen is world class as the clueless yet determined Lt Drebin. This movie delivers a nonstop barrage of gags, visual puns, and deadpan one-liners that still hold up. This movie felt like a living cartoon as a kid, and I still love it. From the moment Drebin stumbles onto the screen, it’s clear that the movie operates on a different comedic wavelength. Whether he’s causing accidental chaos at a press conference, bumbling through an undercover mission, or completely misreading the situation at every turn, Nielsen’s impeccable delivery makes even the most ridiculous scenarios work. The supporting cast kills it. The humor is relentless, with jokes packed into every frame. The Naked Gun is precision.
I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
Next up is a hilarious parody of the blaxploitation genre written, directed by, and starring Keenen Ivory Wayan. It’s I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, also starring Bernie Casey, Isaac Hayes, Jim Brown, Ja’net Dubois, and Antonio Fargas.
I’ll always remember stumbling onto this movie when I was in my early teens on a Saturday afternoon. I loved its bold humor, comical action, and blend of wild characters. What makes this one work so well is its balance of satire and genuine appreciation. Unlike some spoofs that mock their source material, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka clearly respects the films it lampoons. The action sequences are deliberately exaggerated, but the actors—especially Brown and Hayes—play their roles straight, adding to the comedic effect. This movie delivers plenty of affectionate jabs at the genre, from exaggerated pimp culture to the overuse of theme songs announcing a hero’s name. It all delivers hysterical laughs. I always loved Chris Rock’s scene at the rib joint, the pimp with the aquarium shoes was hilarious and this movie is spoof comedy at its finest.
The Naked Gun 2 ½ (1991)
Three years after the success of the first The Naked Gun 2 ½: The Smell of Fear would hit theaters with Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Pressley, O.J. Simpson, and George Kennedy all reprising their roles, and Robert Goulet taking over the title of villain.
Though not as fresh as the first film, The Naked Gun 2½ still delivers plenty of laughs. Nielsen’s Frank Drebin is as clueless as ever, a walking disaster with good intentions and terrible luck. So, while not as effortlessly comical as the first, it is certainly a worthy sequel that delivers more than enough amusement on its own. The plot is serviceable, but not as enjoyable as the first and it doesn’t ever develop the story as much as it uses it as a loose framework for relentless barrages of jokes. Most of which work to land laughs. The humor is classic Naked Gun—the sight gags, puns, visual absurdities, and ridiculous action sequences are all awesome stuff you would expect from Drebin and crew while on the case. The Naked Gun 2 ½ is filled with rapid-fire wordplay, nonstop gags, and with Nielson’s flawless deadpan delivery, this movie is highly entertaining.
Hot Shots! (1991)
Also in 1991 would come Hot Shots!, a parody of Top Gun as well as a handful of other notable films from that time. Starring Charlie Sheen, Cary Elwes, Valeria Golino, Jon Cryer, Lloyd Bridges, and more.
Growing up this was another movie I watched countless times. I was always a huge fan of comedy and Hot Shots was and is still pretty damn funny. Plus, I always had a crush on Valeria Golino. She was an activator of the Italian in me, but she was also hilarious and paired perfectly with Charlie Sheen who was also awesome in this movie. And while some jokes feel a bit dated today, Hot Shots still delivers consistent laughs thanks to its energetic performances and sheer commitment to ridiculousness. It’s stuffed with visual and verbal gags, plenty of comedy infused action and an ensemble of amusing characters to help create the lighthearted atmosphere this movie thrives on. Hot Shots is a joke-a-minute parody comedy and while not as groundbreaking as Airplane it is an entertaining example of the parody comedy resurgence of early 90s.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
We step into 1993 for my next pick, a delightfully silly parody of the Robin Hood story with Robin Hood: Men in Tights directed by comedic legend Mel Brooks with Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Roger Rees, Amy Yasbeck headlining the cast.
Admittedly I don’t love this movie as much as many others on this list. I was never a real Robin Hood fan but this spoof on the classic tale is humorous when I’m in the mood for it. I love Cary Elwes in the lead role and his comedic timing, and self-awareness are pitch perfect. The comedy here is a mix of clever wordplay and outright goofiness. From Robin rallying his “Men in Tights” with an elaborate musical number to sight gags like the chastity belt-wearing Maid Marian, there’s a joke in nearly every scene. Many more land than those that fall flat. And if you love the Mel Brooks brand of zany humor, complete with slapstick banter, clever jokes, and fourth-wall breaking absurdity then there is plenty of fun to be found in this skillful parody of the classic tale.
National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
We’re sticking in 1993 for my next pick. Truly one of my all-time favorite parodies, this one centered around the world of action movies in National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 starring Emilio Estevez, Samuel L. Jackson, Jon Lovitz, and Tim Curry.
Now I will admit this movie isn’t as effortlessly funny as others on this list. But as a huge fan of the action movie genre, particularly the buddy cop genre, I can’t help but love this movie from start-to-finish. Like many parodies Loaded Weapon hits you with waves of goofy wordplay, jokes, sight-gags, and visual cues. Sure, some fall flat and feel like they are trying too hard, but so many land perfectly and where the story may feel a bit sporadic this movie’s relentless focus on injecting every action movie trope known to man is a riot. Estevez and Jackson are great as a play on Riggs and Murtaugh, their comedic timing and commitment to the silliness is fantastic. And so is this dumb little movie. There are a ton of cameos tossed in, the action is delightfully over-the-top, and while not as comically skillful as others on this list, it’s still a hysterical ride on nonsense.
Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)
Again in 1993 would come one of the great parody sequels, this one inspired by Rambo and the action genre once again in Hot Shots: Part Deux starring Charlie Sheen, Lloyd Bridges, Valeria Golino, and Richard Crenna.
I always loved this sequel more than the original. It takes the absurdity of the first and dials it up even further, delivering a hilarious, rapid-fire spoof of action films—this time focusing on Rambo, Apocalypse Now, and other war movie clichés. And I would have to say this is my all-time favorite parody comedy. Charlie Sheen is fantastic in this movie, he’s jacked physically, his comedy is dialed in perfectly and with the action and humor in Hot Shots Part Deux, you really can say you have taken a glorious ride of ridiculous laughs. Lloyd Bridges is a scene stealer as the incompetent President. Valeria Golino returns as Topper’s love interest, adding a layer of romantic parody, and Richard Crenna (who played Colonel Trautman in the Rambo films) brilliantly spoofs his own persona. And Hot Shots Part Deux to me is a must-see for any film fan.
CB4 (1993)
And for the last pick on this list, also from 1993 is another of my all-time favorites in CB4, a parody of rap music and the industry as a whole starring Chris Rock, Allen Payne, Deezer D, Phil Hartman, Khandi Alexander, and Charlie Murphy.
CB4 was always like an amusement park to me with a bit of it all comically. I watched this one at the second run theater a few times. I think it shines with its blend of slapstick humor and social commentary. It pokes fun at how gangsta rap was marketed in the early 90s and how the public responded to this new wave of music. Chris Rock is fantastic; it’s one of his most comical performances. The music videos are entertaining and nostalgic. The wild blend of characters keeps the humor fresh with an eccentric blend of personalities. CB4 is over the top in all the ways you would want. It’s filled with cameos from everyone from Shaq to Ice Cube. And while CB4 delivers nonstop laughs it also delivers a timestamp to the culture and society of the times resulting in a timeless comedy.
Anthony J. Digioia II © 2025 SilverScreen Analysis & Movies Never Say Die