Pop Culture Buzz

A parody or spoof film is a comedy that satirizes other film genres or classic films. Movie parodies are one of my favorite genres of comedy films. I will be the first to admit that there are more bad parody films than great ones. Below are my top ten favorite spoofs of all time, have I left any out? Read my list and enjoy!

1.) Top Secret

Why is this film #1 and not one of the dozens of other films I can choose from? Two words…Val Kilmer. This spy thriller spoof has it all; boob gags, singing, dancing, fake poop and beastiality jokes! This is the comedy I watch the most when I am looking for the easy laugh and the most quotable lines.

2.) Airplane!

Most critics call this spoof “the best of all time” and for good reason. This Zucker classic paved the way for sight gags in films to come. This take on disaster films is right on point in the flashback dance scenes. Many of these jokes aren’t politically correct even by today’s standards. And surely you can’t forget Mrs. Cleaver talking “jive”…oh yeah, “don’t call me Shirley”.

3.) Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear

This classic comedy stars Leslie Nielsen in a spoof series that pumped life blood back into the genre. This sequel was hands down the best in the side splitting gag filled series. Even OJ Simpson does a great job. This film contains the best spoof film love scene ever made with Frank Drebin and Jane mocking the film “Ghost”.

4.) Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Yes, this is a spoof and most likely “Austin Powers” is the most lucrative series of them all. Mike Meyers first “Powers” film was a modest hit when it was released in theaters but boomed on DVD. When the sequels came out they broke box office records. Meyers is at his peak in this multi-role all time comedy classic.

5.) The Princess Bride

This take on fantasy films is not only the most romantic but it also the smartest in the bunch. Rob Reiner’s classic is told like a bedtime story but plays like a sweet adult comedy. The hilarious over the top characters and great acting by Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Billy Crystal make this film a subtle spoof masterpiece.

6.) Spaceballs

Mel Brooks is the king of parodies. He created the genre with great films like “Young Frankenstein” and “History of the World, Part. 1″. His spoof on space epics still holds up today. The inspired comedic work by John Candy as “Barf” and Rick Moranis as “Dark Helmet” is funny as hell. As of 2007, an animated sequel TV series is in preparation.

7.) Scary Movie 2

This series of parody films makes jokes at the expense of countless crappy horror remakes and with great laughs and gross out humor. Tori Spelling has some of the most hilarious moments in this raunchy Wayan’s Brothers farce. Chris Elliott steals every scene he is in as the creepy butler.

8.) Don’t Be a Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood

Gangster films were long over due to be made fun of and leave it to The Wayans Brothers to do it right. All the right racial jokes and weed gags will keep you in stitches. Trying to point out which coming of age ghetto film each scene takes place in is just half the fun of this silly ride.

9.) Not Another Teen Movie

Teen romances and high school films are the easy targets made fun of in this witty comedy spoof. All of your teenage favorites are ridiculed in this small little comedic gem. This film has great 80’s star cameos and enough John Hughes films spoof moments for any teeny bop movie fan.

10.) Hot Shots!

Poking fun at “Top Gun” and the slew of military action romance pictures of the early nineties and late eighties “Hot Shots” has some great visual gags and over the top moments. Charlie Sheen stars in this terrific play on macho movies that is another Zucker classic.

RUNNERS UP: “Walking Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Mars Attacks”, “Police Academy”, “Robin Hood Men in Tights”, “History of the World, Part 1″, “Hot Fuzz”, “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon”, “High School High”, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”, “Galaxy Quest”, “Shaun of the Dead”

THE WORST: “Mafia!”, “Epic Movie”, “Superhero Movie”, “The Comebacks”, “Scary Movie 3 & 4″, “Date Movie”, “Undercover Brother”, “Spy Hard”, “Dracula: Dead & Loving It”, “Meet the Spartans”