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Best Brian Levant Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Brian Levant has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood, becoming a go-to director for live-action family comedies for decades. While his name might not be instantly recognizable to every moviegoer, his filmography is filled with titles that have become staples of childhood and holiday viewing. From the prehistoric antics of *The Flintstones* to the canine capers of *Beethoven* and *Snow Dogs*, Levant has a knack for crafting films that entertain audiences of all ages with their broad appeal, slapstick humor, and often heartwarming moments. While critical reception for his projects might vary, Levant's movies consistently find a loyal audience who appreciate their unpretentious fun and escapism. Our list celebrates the films where Levant's signature blend of physical comedy, family values, and often absurd situations truly shines brightest. So grab your popcorn and prepare for a nostalgic journey as we count down the best Brian Levant movies that have brought laughter and joy to countless households.
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#1.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
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Meet Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a workaholic mattress salesman who is constantly busy at his job and, as a result, constantly disappoints his son. After missing his son's karate exposition, Howard vows to make it up to him by getting the one Christmas gift he desires: an action figure of his television hero, Turbo Man. Unfortunately for Howard, it's Christmas Eve, and the season's hottest toy is sold out everywhere. This kicks off a frantic, city-wide odyssey as Howard must travel all over town and compete with a horde of other desperate parents—most notably a maniacal and equally determined mailman named Myron (Sinbad)—to find the elusive action figure and save Christmas. *Jingle All the Way* is a quintessential Brian Levant film, perfectly encapsulating his signature style of high-energy, slapstick family comedy. Levant has a distinct talent for placing larger-than-life actors into chaotic, relatable domestic situations, and his casting of global action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger as a bumbling, out-of-his-depth suburban dad is a stroke of genius. The movie's cartoonish mayhem, from the mall riot to the explosive finale, is pure Levant, blending over-the-top physical gags with a genuinely sweet, heartfelt story about a father's love for his son. This expert balance of chaos and heart makes *Jingle All the Way* not just a beloved holiday cult classic, but also one of the most memorable and definitive examples of Brian Levant's directorial work.
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Jingle All the Way (1996)
#11.0Meet Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a workaholic mattress salesman who is constantly busy at his job and, as a result, constantly disappoints his son. After missing his son's karate exposition, Howard vows to make it up to him by getting the one Christmas gift he desires: an action figure of his television hero, Turbo Man. Unfortunately for Howard, it's Christmas Eve, and the season's hottest toy is sold out everywhere. This kicks off a frantic, city-wide odyssey as Howard must travel all over town and compete with a horde of other desperate parents—most notably a maniacal and equally determined mailman named Myron (Sinbad)—to find the elusive action figure and save Christmas. *Jingle All the Way* is a quintessential Brian Levant film, perfectly encapsulating his signature style of high-energy, slapstick family comedy. Levant has a distinct talent for placing larger-than-life actors into chaotic, relatable domestic situations, and his casting of global action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger as a bumbling, out-of-his-depth suburban dad is a stroke of genius. The movie's cartoonish mayhem, from the mall riot to the explosive finale, is pure Levant, blending over-the-top physical gags with a genuinely sweet, heartfelt story about a father's love for his son. This expert balance of chaos and heart makes *Jingle All the Way* not just a beloved holiday cult classic, but also one of the most memorable and definitive examples of Brian Levant's directorial work.
Beethoven (1992)
#22.0In the quintessential suburban life of the Newton family, something is missing until a tiny, adorable puppy wanders into their home and their lives. The family, especially the children, quickly fall for the pup they name Beethoven. However, the small furball doesn't stay small for long, growing into a gigantic, slobbery, and endlessly chaotic St. Bernard. While his loving antics fill the family's home with joy and mayhem, his immense size and penchant for destruction constantly test the patience of the uptight patriarch, George Newton (Charles Grodin). The family's newfound happiness is soon threatened by the sinister local veterinarian, Dr. Varnick (Dean Jones), who runs a horrible and secret sideline performing cruel experiments on stolen dogs. With Beethoven on the bad doctor's list, the Newtons must band together to protect their beloved pet from his clutches. This film is a cornerstone on the list of Best Brian Levant Movies because it perfectly showcases his talent for directing heartfelt, family-centric comedies. Levant masterfully blends broad physical slapstick—often centered around the massive dog's chaotic presence—with a genuinely warm story about the powerful bond between a family and their pet, creating an enduring classic that defined early '90s live-action family entertainment.
The Spy Next Door (2010)
#33.0Former CIA spy Bob Ho takes on his toughest assignment to date: looking after his girlfriend's three kids, who haven't exactly warmed to their mom's beau. And when one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a top-secret formula, Bob's longtime nemesis, a Russian terrorist, pays a visit to the family. This collision of espionage and suburbia forces Bob to use his unique set of skills to protect the children while trying to keep his secret identity safe and win their approval. The film is a quintessential entry in director Brian Levant's filmography, perfectly embodying his knack for high-concept, family-friendly comedies. Levant, the mind behind hits like *Beethoven* and *Jingle All the Way*, specializes in placing an overwhelmed protagonist into a chaotic domestic situation, and *The Spy Next Door* fits this template perfectly. What makes it one of his best is the brilliant casting of Jackie Chan, whose unparalleled talent for blending martial arts with inventive slapstick comedy is the ideal engine for Levant's directorial style. The film allows Chan's signature action—where everyday objects become props in intricately choreographed fights—to unfold within the hilarious confines of a suburban home, creating a spectacle of family-focused action that is pure, chaotic fun.
Snow Dogs (2002)
#44.0In this classic fish-out-of-water comedy, the plot is set in motion when a Miami dentist inherits a team of sled dogs, and he's got to learn the trade or lose his pack to a crusty mountain man. Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as Dr. Ted Brooks, whose perfectly polished life is thrown into chaos when he journeys to the snowy wilds of Alaska to claim his inheritance. There, he must wrangle a pack of mischievous but loyal canines, face off against their formidable lead dog, Demon, and contend with the intimidating mountain man Thunder Jack (James Coburn), who wants the dogs for himself. *Snow Dogs* is a quintessential entry on any list of Brian Levant's best work, as it perfectly showcases his directorial trademarks. Levant excels at crafting family-friendly, animal-centric comedies, and this film fits that mold flawlessly, standing alongside his work on *Beethoven*. The movie leans heavily into the physical, slapstick comedy that Levant is known for, giving Cuba Gooding Jr. ample room to shine in his chaotic attempts to become a musher. By blending broad humor with a genuinely heartwarming story about discovering one's roots and forging an unlikely family, *Snow Dogs* represents the exact kind of charming, feel-good entertainment that defines Brian Levant's successful career.
Max 2: White House Hero (2017)
#55.0*Max 2: White House Hero* stands as a quintessential Brian Levant film, showcasing the director's mastery of the family-friendly, animal-centric adventure. While the original *Max* was a more somber drama, Levant skillfully retools the franchise into his signature style, swapping heavy themes for a lighthearted and patriotic caper. The film is a masterclass in his well-honed formula: a highly intelligent and heroic canine protagonist, a young owner who learns lessons in responsibility, and a plot filled with accessible humor and low-stakes thrills. Levant's direction injects the classic "boy and his dog" narrative with energy and charm, proving that even in a sequel, his ability to craft heartwarming and entertaining stories for all ages remains as sharp as ever. The film earns its place among Levant's best by expertly balancing its core elements against an exciting, high-profile backdrop. Setting the action in the White House provides a fun and unique playground for adventure, allowing for gentle political satire and "spy-lite" antics that are perfect for a younger audience. The chemistry between Max and the President's son, TJ, forms the emotional heart of the story, a bond that feels genuine and is central to foiling the villain's plot. By combining sincere emotion with fun, slapstick action and the undeniable appeal of a heroic dog, *Max 2: White House Hero* is not just another entry in Levant's filmography; it is a polished and confident demonstration of the very genre he helped define.
The Flintstones (1994)
#66.0The modern Stone Age family the Flintstones hit the big screen in this live-action version of the classic cartoon, bringing the beloved world of Bedrock to life. The story begins when the generous Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) helps his best friend Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis) adopt a child. Grateful, Barney sees an opportunity to repay him when Slate Mining tests its employees to find a new executive, and he cleverly ensures Fred gets the job. But no good deed goes unpunished, as Fred's promotion makes him the unwitting pawn in an embezzlement scheme, threatening his job, his friendships, and the very life he knows in his prehistoric suburbia. *The Flintstones* is arguably the quintessential Brian Levant film, representing the pinnacle of his talent for crafting large-scale, high-concept family entertainment. Levant's direction is the key reason the film belongs on this list; he masterfully undertook the monumental task of translating a 2D animated world into a tangible, live-action reality. The incredible production design, from the foot-powered cars to the dinosaur-powered appliances, was brought to life under his vision, creating a world that felt both fantastical and lived-in. Furthermore, Levant expertly balanced the slapstick humor and pun-filled dialogue of the source material, guiding a perfectly-cast ensemble to create a film that was a massive commercial success and remains a vibrant, fun, and enduring example of his directorial legacy.
Problem Child 2 (1991)
#77.0In *Problem Child 2*, Junior and his ever-patient father, Ben, move from Cold River to Mortville, a town comically populated with eligible single women. Hoping for a fresh start, Ben is eager to begin dating again, but his plan hits a major snag: Junior. Threatened by the idea of a new mother, Junior systematically sabotages each of Ben's dates with a series of elaborate and destructive pranks. The chaos escalates when Junior meets his female counterpart, Trixie, a problem child who is even more devious than he is. Together, they must contend with their parents' budding romance while fending off the town's most aggressive bachelorette, the domineering and wealthy Lawanda Dumore. This sequel stands as a prime example of Brian Levant's signature directorial style, cementing its place among his best films. Levant excels at orchestrating high-energy, cartoonish slapstick, and *Problem Child 2* is a masterclass in that brand of comedy, from the infamous "Vomit-a-tron" carnival ride to the disastrous wedding finale. The film perfectly captures his ability to wring laughs from familial chaos, centering on an anarchic protagonist whose outrageous behavior drives the narrative forward, a theme seen again in his work on *Beethoven* and *Jingle All the Way*. While unapologetically crude and over-the-top, Levant finds an underlying, unconventional heart in the story, ultimately celebrating the formation of a blended family perfectly suited to its own brand of mayhem, making it a quintessential and defining entry in his filmography.
Are We There Yet? (2005)
#88.0The fledgling romance between Nick (Ice Cube), a playboy bachelor, and Suzanne (Nia Long), a divorced mother of two, is threatened by a particularly harrowing New Year's Eve. When Suzanne's work keeps her in Vancouver for the holiday, Nick offers to bring her kids to the city from Portland, Oregon, seeing it as a chance to win her over. The kids, who have never liked any of the men their mom dates, are determined to turn the trip into a nightmare for Nick, unleashing a series of pranks and sabotage that transform his prized Lincoln Navigator and his sanity into collateral damage on their disastrous road trip. This film is a quintessential entry on the list of Best Brian Levant Movies because it perfectly encapsulates the director's signature style. Levant has built a career on high-concept family comedies where a beleaguered protagonist is thrown into chaotic situations, a formula he perfected in films like *Beethoven* and *Jingle All the Way*. *Are We There Yet?* masterfully applies this template, leveraging the fantastic comedic friction between Ice Cube's cool, child-averse persona and the relentless mayhem caused by the two kids. The movie is a showcase of Levant's talent for orchestrating escalating physical comedy and slapstick chaos while ultimately delivering a heartwarming story about the formation of a new family, making it one of the most memorable and successful examples of his work.
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)
#99.0In this prequel to the 1994 live-action hit, the Flintstones are at it again. The Flintstones and the Rubbles head for Rock Vegas, with Fred hoping to court the lovely Wilma. Nothing will stand in the way of love, except for the conniving Chip Rockefeller, a playboy born in Baysville who has made it in the cutthroat town of Rock Vegas and has his own sights set on Wilma's family fortune. In a whirlwind of dinosaurs, drive-ins, and dastardly schemes, the film asks the prehistoric question: will Fred win Wilma's love? This film easily earns its place on a list of the best Brian Levant movies as it perfectly encapsulates his directorial signatures. Levant built a career on translating high-concept, nostalgic properties into vibrant live-action, and *Viva Rock Vegas* is a prime example. He doubles down on the imaginative, pun-filled production design he established in the first film, creating a Rock Vegas that pops with saturated color and a larger-than-life, cartoonish aesthetic. The film is packed with his signature brand of broad physical comedy and family-friendly slapstick, leaning into the source material's charm without reservation. While it features a new cast, the movie's unwavering commitment to fun and its visually inventive world make it a definitive and colorful entry in Brian Levant's filmography.
Planet Terry
#1010.0While *Planet Terry* stands as a unique entry on this list because it never became a film, its inclusion is a testament to Brian Levant's core creative sensibilities, as he was the original creator of this Marvel Star Comics series. The comic followed the adventures of a young boy, Terry, who roams the galaxy on his flying "star-cycle" with his powerful but cantankerous female robot, Robota, and a multi-limbed alien named Omnius. Their quest was a deeply personal one: to find Terry’s parents, who were mysteriously whisked away into space years prior, leaving him an orphan on a desolate planetoid. This foundational concept is pure, uncut Levant, containing all the thematic DNA that would define his later directorial work. The blend of high-concept sci-fi adventure with a heartfelt, family-centric goal is a blueprint for the kind of stories he excels at. One can easily imagine the witty banter between Terry and Robota playing out with the same comedic timing seen in *Beethoven* or the frantic, imaginative action sequences feeling right at home alongside the chaos of *Jingle All the Way*. *Planet Terry* represents the ultimate "what if" in Levant's filmography—a project that showcases his knack for character, adventure, and humor in its purest, unrealized form, earning its spot as a conceptual cornerstone of his career.
Police Academy
#1111.0While "Police Academy" is a quintessential 80s comedy classic, its inclusion on a list of Brian Levant's best films is a common point of confusion. The film was actually directed by Hugh Wilson, who established the franchise's signature blend of slapstick humor and an ensemble of lovable, eccentric characters. The movie's anarchic spirit and its success in launching a massive franchise certainly align with the high-concept, crowd-pleasing style that Levant would later master in his own directorial efforts throughout the 1990s. This association is understandable, as both Hugh Wilson's work on *Police Academy* and Brian Levant's filmography—which includes major hits like *Beethoven*, *The Flintstones*, and *Jingle All the Way*—captured the often chaotic and family-friendly comedic energy of their time. However, the credit for introducing the world to Carey Mahoney, Larvell Jones, and the rest of the bumbling cadets belongs firmly to Wilson. Therefore, while it shares a similar comedic DNA, *Police Academy* is a classic from another director's catalog.
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