Parody films have a special talent for poking fun at the familiar while standing tall as entertainment in their own right. Whether lampooning epic adventures, horror clichés, or beloved superhero tropes, these movies deliver laughs that stick long after the credits roll. Some became cult classics while others redefined how we view their source material—mocking, mimicking, and ultimately celebrating what they spoof. In this countdown, we’re diving into the most side-splitting and cleverly crafted parody films that have left audiences howling. From the minds of Mel Brooks to modern genre benders, these cinematic spoofs prove that imitation is the sincerest—and funniest—form of flattery. Don’t forget to rank the list and tell us which parody masterpiece is your ultimate favorite!
Drag and drop to sort list. Click to browse.
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' is a surreal, anarchic spin on Arthurian legend. The British comedy troupe dismantles medieval myths with coconuts-for-horses, killer rabbits, and absurd quests. From the Black Knight’s stubborn resilience to the Knights Who Say 'Ni!', every scene has become iconic. It’s more than a parody—it’s a comic masterpiece with a unique tone that no film before or since has matched.
Hot Shots! brings the absurdity of action flicks—especially Top Gun—to hilarious new heights. Charlie Sheen stars as Topper Harley, a troubled pilot roped into a mission that’s as outrageous as it is unnecessary. With visual gags, slapstick chaos, and an endless stream of one-liners, this spoof fires on all comedic cylinders while mercilessly targeting 80s macho movie tropes. The film thrives on its relentless pace and willingness to go full cartoon, yet it never loses its affection for the material it mocks. Whether it's spoofing love scenes or military bravado, Hot Shots! delivers the kind of silliness that made parody films a genre of their own. It’s pure, high-flying nonsense—and that’s exactly the point.
Mike Myers channels 60s spy flicks in 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery', a groovy spoof of 'James Bond' tropes through the lens of a cryogenically frozen super spy. The film introduces us to Powers, his nemesis Dr. Evil, and a barrage of double entendres and swinging set pieces. Equal parts absurd and affectionate, it mocks everything from spy gadgets to outdated attitudes with vibrant flair. Myers’ dual performance and quotable lines helped turn this cult favorite into a full-blown comedy phenomenon.
'Goldmember' piles on the parody with Austin Powers squaring off against a new villain—Dutch disco-freak Goldmember—while still battling the ever-evil Dr. Evil. The third installment amps up the celebrity cameos, pop culture gags, and self-aware comedy. While more chaotic than its predecessors, the film still delivers outrageous fun. Whether it's time travel, daddy issues, or Beyoncé as Foxxy Cleopatra, it's pure parody excess in glittering form.
'Airplane!' is the gold standard of spoof comedies, turning the disaster movie genre - particularly 'Zero Hour!' - into a rapid-fire onslaught of gags, puns, and visual jokes. With a deadpan delivery from a cast led by Leslie Nielsen, the film takes its absurdity seriously, making its surreal humor even more effective. From inflating autopilots to existential flashbacks, no trope is safe. Its influence on comedy can't be overstated - 'Airplane!' created a template for parody that others still try to match. Every scene is jam-packed with punchlines, background gags, and quotable moments. It’s not just a parody, it’s a comedic landmark that redefined how funny a film could be.
The one that started it all, Scary Movie unleashed a no-holds-barred takedown of late-90s teen horror. Centering mostly on Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, it replaces tension with vulgarity, gore with slapstick, and suspense with endless pop culture references. The result is chaotic, irreverent, and downright iconic in parody circles. While it's anything but subtle, Scary Movie had impeccable timing—arriving just as audiences were tiring of the formulaic horror boom. Its fearless comedy and shock humor made it a cultural phenomenon, sparking an entire franchise and reigniting interest in parody films for a new generation.
'The Naked Gun' brought deadpan absurdity to crime procedurals, starring Leslie Nielsen as the clueless but determined Lt. Frank Drebin. Spun off from the cult TV show 'Police Squad!', the movie is a nonstop barrage of physical comedy and rapid-fire gags. Whether he’s bumbling through a press conference or disrupting a baseball game, Drebin’s antics are legendary. The film sets the bar for spoofing detective stories—and it’s still one of the funniest cop comedies ever made.
Hot Shots! Part Deux ups the ante and the absurdity as it swaps out fighter jets for jungle warfare, spoofing Rambo and other over-the-top 80s action sequels. Charlie Sheen returns as Topper Harley, this time embarking on a rescue mission so convoluted it becomes part parody, part action cartoon. The body count is ridiculous, the jokes are nonstop, and the film gleefully leans into the ridiculousness of one-man-army hero tropes. From bizarre love triangles to Saddam Hussein fistfights, the film is a chaotic blend of slapstick, self-awareness, and sheer randomness. It also doubles down on visual gags, including a literal “body count counter” on screen. It’s parody at its most unhinged—poking fun not just at action movies, but at the idea of sequels themselves. If Hot Shots! was a direct hit, Part Deux is the explosive encore.
'Shaun of the Dead' isn’t just a parody—it’s a brilliant genre mashup that balances horror, comedy, and genuine emotion. Simon Pegg stars as Shaun, a man stuck in a rut who suddenly finds himself in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. What starts as a hilarious riff on zombie tropes evolves into a surprisingly heartfelt story about friendship, survival, and personal growth. Edgar Wright’s sharp direction, quick cuts, and clever callbacks elevate this film from simple spoof to genre classic. Its humor lands perfectly because it respects the conventions it mocks. 'Shaun of the Dead' works as both a love letter and a clever critique of the zombie genre—and it’s endlessly rewatchable.
Mel Brooks takes aim at medieval legend in 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights', a wild romp through Sherwood Forest that turns the noble outlaw into a full-blown comedian. With Cary Elwes hamming it up as the titular hero and a sharp script filled with zingers, the film gleefully skewers both classic Robin Hood tales and their 90s adaptations—particularly 'Prince of Thieves'. From absurd name changes like 'Rottingham' to the delightful presence of Dave Chappelle in his film debut, it’s a riot that doesn’t let up. The movie thrives on its self-aware anachronisms, musical numbers, and Mel Brooks’ signature flair for satire. It’s a film that doesn’t just poke fun at a genre—it completely disarms it with goofy charm and clever wit. If you’ve ever wanted to see Robin Hood perform a rap or meet 'Rabbi Tuckman,' this one’s for you.
'Young Frankenstein' is Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder’s loving homage to the classic Universal horror films of the 1930s. Rather than just mock Frankenstein’s monster, the film faithfully recreates the visual style and atmosphere of the original—right down to using the actual lab equipment from the 1931 film. What follows is a perfectly paced blend of slapstick, innuendo, and brilliantly absurd performances. Wilder’s portrayal of the reluctant Dr. Frankenstein ('That’s Fronkensteen!') is iconic, matched by unforgettable moments like the monster’s tap dance to 'Puttin’ on the Ritz.' This parody doesn’t just generate laughs—it showcases the genre’s influence while delivering one of the finest comedic scripts ever written. A true classic that balances reverence and ridicule in equal measure.
'Scary Movie 3' shifts away from teen slasher tropes and instead spoofs early 2000s sci-fi and horror hits like 'The Ring', 'Signs', and 'The Matrix'. Directed by David Zucker, of 'Airplane!' fame, the film injects zany absurdity and slapstick gags into already bizarre premises. Anna Faris once again anchors the chaos with her deadpan delivery, while Leslie Nielsen's hilarious turn as the President brings added flair. While not as boundary-pushing as its predecessors, this entry sharpens its satire by skewering big-budget blockbusters of the time. Whether it's crop circles or creepy videotapes, no trope is safe. The result is a scattershot but undeniably funny rollercoaster that thrives on rapid-fire gags and quotable nonsense.
'Superhero Movie' dives headfirst into the comic book craze, primarily parodying Sam Raimi’s 'Spider-Man' trilogy with a heaping side of 'X-Men' and 'Fantastic Four' mockery. Drake Bell plays Rick Riker, an awkward teen who gains powers and becomes the Dragonfly, facing off against the villainous Hourglass. From origin clichés to over-the-top action montages, the film joyfully dismantles superhero storytelling. Though it didn’t reach the heights of other spoof classics, it captures the spirit of early-2000s superhero mania with unrelenting silliness. With veteran parodists like Leslie Nielsen in the mix, the humor is broad but often effective. It’s a fun, fast-paced satire for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at a cheesy training montage or a dramatic rooftop monologue.
Building on the wild success of the first, Scary Movie 2 shifts focus to haunted house horrors like The Haunting and The Exorcist. With the return of the core cast and some unforgettable new additions—like the possessed parrot and the over-eager handyman—this sequel leans even harder into absurdity. The film doesn’t aim for subtle satire; instead, it opts for a barrage of crude jokes and grotesque humor. While critics were mixed, fans appreciated the outrageousness, especially the parody of iconic horror scenes. It’s an unhinged, unapologetic follow-up that knows exactly what it’s spoofing and doesn’t care who it offends.
Both a loving tribute and a biting parody, Galaxy Quest flips the script on sci-fi fandom and the cast-off stars of long-canceled TV shows. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman play washed-up actors from a Star Trek-like series who are mistaken for real heroes by an alien race. Suddenly, they must embody their on-screen personas to save a galaxy in peril. The brilliance of Galaxy Quest lies in how earnestly it treats both satire and sincerity. It pokes fun at fan culture and sci-fi tropes, but never at the fans themselves. With clever writing, emotional depth, and standout performances, it transcends parody to become one of the best science fiction comedies ever made.
Mel Brooks takes history class off the rails in History of the World Part I, a sketch-style epic that spoofs everything from the Stone Age to the French Revolution. With rapid-fire jokes, musical numbers, and jabs at religion, politics, and philosophy, it’s both bold and completely bonkers. Whether it’s Moses dropping commandments or a lavish spoof of Roman orgies, Brooks leaves no historical cliché untouched. While some gags haven’t aged gracefully, the film remains a hilarious, sprawling showcase of his unique comedic voice. It’s irreverent, chaotic, and packed with memorable quotes like “It’s good to be the king.”
Scary Movie 4 cranks up the insanity with spoofs of War of the Worlds, The Grudge, Saw, and more. Anna Faris returns to anchor the madness, while Craig Bierko joins as a Tom Cruise-esque everyman caught in a global alien invasion. This installment takes its gags to extremes, often breaking the fourth wall and referencing everything from Oprah to Brokeback Mountain. The Zucker influence is clear in the film’s fast-paced slapstick and visual humor. While the jokes range from sharp to shameless, the film doesn’t lack energy. It’s a whirlwind of cultural references and horror satire that keeps swinging for laughs, even when it doesn’t always connect.
Kung Pow is a parody within a parody, created by digitally inserting writer-director-star Steve Oedekerk into a real 1970s martial arts movie. The result is bizarre, hilarious, and utterly unique—a film that blends kung fu clichés, talking tongues, and a villain named “Betty” into one gloriously weird package. What makes Kung Pow so memorable is its commitment to sheer absurdity. It doesn’t just mock martial arts tropes—it obliterates them in a whirlwind of intentionally bad dubbing, low-budget effects, and unrelenting nonsense. It’s divisive, culty, and perfect for fans who like their comedy off-the-wall.
From the minds behind Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz is a parody that doubles as a pitch-perfect buddy cop film. Simon Pegg plays an overachieving London officer relocated to a sleepy English village—only to uncover a murderous conspiracy. The film lovingly spoofs action blockbusters like Bad Boys II and Point Break, but filters them through a quaint countryside lens. Director Edgar Wright masterfully blends satire with genuine thrills, resulting in a film that’s equal parts hilarious and exciting. With razor-sharp editing, endlessly quotable lines, and wild shootouts, Hot Fuzz isn't just a great parody—it’s one of the smartest action comedies ever made.
From the creators of Airplane!, Top Secret! delivers a delirious mashup of Elvis movies and WWII spy thrillers. Val Kilmer stars as an American rock ’n’ roll star swept into a bizarre resistance plot in Nazi-occupied France. The movie throws historical accuracy out the window in favor of surreal visual gags and rapid-fire wordplay. What sets Top Secret! apart is its unpredictability. You never know if the next joke will be a pun, a slapstick stunt, or a background gag you barely notice. It’s a hidden gem in the parody genre, overflowing with creativity and a fearless dedication to the ridiculous.
'Spaceballs' is Mel Brooks’ epic takedown of 'Star Wars' and sci-fi blockbusters in general. With characters like Dark Helmet, Lone Starr, and Yogurt, the film swaps the Force for 'The Schwartz' and galactic battles for interstellar absurdity. It’s a galaxy full of puns, product placement jokes, and fourth-wall breaks. While it satirizes 'Star Wars' with loving irreverence, it also takes aim at merchandising, Hollywood greed, and even itself. Its jokes still resonate decades later, thanks to unforgettable lines and outlandish visuals. If you’ve ever wanted to see a parody that’s both silly and smart, 'Spaceballs' delivers at warp speed.
Mel Brooks rewrites the Western in 'Blazing Saddles', a film that takes every cowboy cliché and flips it on its head with bold satire. Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder lead the charge in a plot that’s part frontier showdown, part meta-Hollywood commentary. The film broke boundaries with its unfiltered take on racism and genre tropes, mixing slapstick with sharp social critique. 'Blazing Saddles' shocked audiences in 1974—and still holds its comedic power today. It’s outrageous, fearless, and way ahead of its time.
'Not Another Teen Movie' compiles every teen drama and rom-com cliché into one chaotic high school parody. It’s a full-blown roast of films like 'She's All That', 'American Pie', and '10 Things I Hate About You', starring a pre-Captain America Chris Evans as the stereotypical jock. While it can be crude, the film is laser-sharp in its mimicry of overused tropes—from prom reveals to football showdowns. It’s a wild ride through the genre’s most ridiculous moments, all dialed up to eleven.
'The Spy Who Shagged Me' ramps up the absurdity from the first 'Austin Powers', sending the shagadelic spy back to the 60s to retrieve his stolen mojo. Mike Myers expands his cast of characters with the unforgettable Fat Bastard and an even more eccentric Dr. Evil. With more quotable moments and outlandish set pieces, it cemented the franchise as a cultural juggernaut. It's cheeky, outrageous, and endlessly watchable—a parody sequel that actually delivers.
'This Is Spinal Tap' created the modern mockumentary, following a fictional British rock band as they navigate a disastrous tour. The satire is pitch-perfect, blending real-world rock star absurdity with hilariously improvised dialogue. From malfunctioning stage props to amps that go to eleven, the film nails the excess and ego of rock culture. It’s subtle, smart, and endlessly quotable—rock parody at its most brilliant.
Submit to make your ranking count.