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Best Mel Brooks Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Mel Brooks is a comedic genius, crafting films that blend satire, absurdity, and unforgettable characters. From the zany antics of *Young Frankenstein* to the historical parodies of *History of the World, Part I*, his movies have entertained generations with their sharp wit and over-the-top humor. His films are often cited as some of the most quotable and laugh-out-loud funny movies ever made. We've compiled a list of what we believe to be the best Mel Brooks movies. However, this is just our opinion! We encourage you to use the drag-and-drop feature below to reorder the list and share your own ranking. Tell us which Mel Brooks films are your favorites and why! We're eager to see your personalized top ten.
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#10.
Life Stinks (1991)
10/11
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In the 1991 comedy *Life Stinks*, Mel Brooks delivers a surprisingly tender yet undeniably funny tale that challenges societal perceptions of wealth and poverty. The film centers on Goddard Bolt (Brooks himself), a wealthy and notoriously uncaring businessman who makes a rash bet: he'll spend 30 days completely penniless on the gritty streets of Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to him, this self-imposed exile will plunge him into a world far removed from his gilded cage, forcing him to confront the harsh realities faced by the homeless community. As Goddard navigates the challenges of survival, his hardened heart begins to thaw, particularly when he encounters Molly (Lesley Ann Warren), a captivating homeless woman who offers him a glimpse of humanity and ultimately, love, amidst the despair. While not as overtly slapstick as some of his other renowned works, *Life Stinks* firmly earns its place on a list of Mel Brooks' best movies due to its characteristic blend of sharp social commentary and surprisingly heartfelt storytelling. Brooks, at this stage in his career, proved his ability to deliver laughs without sacrificing substance, using Goddard's journey to satirize corporate greed and the often-invisible plight of the marginalized. The film’s humor, though often derived from Goddard’s fish-out-of-water struggles and the absurdities of his situation, is always underscored by a genuine empathy. It's a testament to Brooks' versatility as a filmmaker that he could craft a story that is both a biting critique of society and a genuine romantic comedy with a powerful message about finding one's humanity.
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Young Frankenstein (1974)
#11.0Mel Brooks' *Young Frankenstein* is a masterful parody of classic Universal monster movies, particularly the Frankenstein cycle. The film follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Dr. Victor von Frankenstein, as he inherits his ancestral castle in Transylvania. Upon arrival, Frederick encounters a cast of memorable characters, including his grandfather's loyal hunchbacked assistant, Igor, the vivacious and capable lab assistant, Elizabeth, and the stern, ever-present housekeeper, Frau Blücher. Initially dismissing his grandfather's work as mere madness, Frederick's perspective shifts dramatically when he unearths the secret journal detailing the reanimation experiments. This film's inclusion on a "Best Mel Brooks Movies" list is undeniable. *Young Frankenstein* showcases Brooks' signature blend of slapstick, wit, and keen observational humor, all while paying loving homage to its source material. The film’s brilliant black-and-white cinematography, coupled with Peter Boyle's iconic portrayal of the monster and Gene Wilder's perfect deadpan delivery as Frederick, creates an atmosphere that is both genuinely spooky and hilariously absurd. The razor-sharp dialogue, impeccable comedic timing, and the sheer creative energy poured into every frame solidify *Young Frankenstein* as a pinnacle of Brooks' comedic genius and a beloved classic of cinematic comedy.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
#22.0In Mel Brooks' iconic 1974 Western satire, *Blazing Saddles*, a burgeoning railroad project targets the unsuspecting town of Rock Ridge, a quaint (and remarkably homogenous, with a peculiar penchant for the surname Johnson) settlement inconveniently situated in its path. The politically ambitious and morally bankrupt Hedley Lamarr, eager to seize the valuable land, employs a ruthless strategy: making the town so unbearable that its residents will flee. When Lamarr's scheme leads to the demise of the current sheriff, the desperate townsfolk appeal to the Governor for a replacement. Lamarr, seeing another opportunity for manipulation, persuades the Governor to appoint Bart, the West's first Black sheriff, a move he believes will further destabilize the town and pave the way for his land grab. *Blazing Saddles* absolutely earns its place on a list of the best Mel Brooks movies for its audacious brilliance and groundbreaking humor. Brooks masterfully skewers Western tropes, racial prejudice, and political corruption with a relentless barrage of sight gags, witty wordplay, and surprisingly sophisticated meta-commentary. The film's willingness to push boundaries, tackling sensitive subjects with a fearless, anarchic glee, cemented its status as a cult classic and a landmark in comedy. Its enduring legacy lies not just in its laugh-out-loud moments, but in its sharp social critique delivered through a lens of pure, unadulterated comedic genius.
The Producers (1967)
#33.0Mel Brooks' directorial debut, *The Producers*, is a riotous black comedy that hilariously skewers the cutthroat world of Broadway. The film centers on ambitious but down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock and his timid accountant, Leo Bloom. Together, they hatch a daring scheme: to find the worst possible play, over-capitalize it with a multitude of investors, and then ensure its spectacular failure. Their chosen vehicle? A tasteless musical celebrating Adolf Hitler, a concept so offensively absurd it guarantees widespread condemnation and, crucially, no demand for refunds. This masterful satire firmly cements *The Producers* as one of Mel Brooks' best films due to its audacious premise, razor-sharp wit, and unforgettable characters. Brooks fearlessly tackles dark subject matter with a gleeful irreverence that defined his comedic style. The film's impeccable pacing, brilliant performances from Zero Mostel as Bialystock and Gene Wilder as Bloom, and its incredibly quotable dialogue have cemented its status as a classic of comedic cinema. It's a testament to Brooks' genius that he could find the humor in such a profoundly offensive subject, turning a potentially disastrous idea into a timeless masterpiece of laughter.
Spaceballs (1987)
#44.0When the nefarious Dark Helmet hatches a plan to snatch Princess Vespa and steal her planet's air, space-bum-for-hire Lone Starr and his clueless sidekick fly to the rescue. Along the way, they meet Yogurt, who puts Lone Starr wise to the power of "The Schwartz." Can he master it in time to save the day? This iconic science-fiction parody, with its sharp wit and outlandish characters, perfectly encapsulates Mel Brooks' signature brand of comedy. Spaceballs earns its place on the list of best Mel Brooks movies due to its masterful deconstruction of the then-burgeoning sci-fi blockbuster genre, particularly *Star Wars*. Brooks lovingly skewers tropes, creates unforgettable quotable lines ("May the Schwartz be with you!"), and populates the film with a cast that gleefully embraces the absurdity. It's a testament to his ability to blend high-concept parody with accessible, laugh-out-loud humor, solidifying its status as a beloved cult classic and a prime example of his comedic genius.
History of the World: Part I (1981)
#55.0Mel Brooks' "History of the World: Part I" is an audacious and irreverent cinematic romp through pivotal moments in human history, delivered with his signature blend of slapstick, satire, and sheer silliness. This uproarious version of history proves that nothing is sacred, boldly tackling everything from the Stone Age to the Spanish Inquisition with a gleeful disregard for convention. Expect anachronistic gags, musical numbers that would make Broadway blush, and an unblinking willingness to poke fun at even the most revered historical figures and events, all while showcasing Brooks' uncanny ability to find the absurd in the grand. The film firmly cements its place on any "Best Mel Brooks Movies" list due to its quintessential Brooksian spirit. It's a testament to his comedic genius, demonstrating a fearless approach to subject matter and a masterful command of parody. From the razor-sharp wit of the dialogue to the outlandish visual gags and the sheer commitment to silliness, "History of the World: Part I" embodies the very essence of what makes Mel Brooks a legendary filmmaker. It's a film that celebrates laughter as the ultimate equalizer, proving that even the most significant historical events can be fodder for hilarious and unforgettable entertainment.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
#66.0In the wildly hilarious parody *Robin Hood: Men in Tights* (1993), the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, fresh from the Crusades, returns to England only to discover his home in ruins and his king, Richard, unjustly exiled by the tyrannical King John and his villainous Sheriff of Rottingham. Unfazed, Robin, with his band of unlikely but spirited compatriots, rallies to defy the oppressive regime. This riotous adventure features sword fights, daring rescues, and a healthy dose of anachronistic humor as our hero attempts to restore justice to the land in classic Mel Brooks fashion. This film undeniably earns its place among the best Mel Brooks movies for its masterful blend of slapstick comedy, witty wordplay, and sharp satire. Brooks' signature style is evident in every scene, from the musical numbers that burst into unexpected routines to the relentless barrage of sight gags and pop culture references. *Men in Tights* lovingly skewers the classic Robin Hood tale while simultaneously offering a brilliant commentary on power, corruption, and the enduring spirit of rebellion, all delivered with the irreverent, laugh-out-loud sensibility that has defined Mel Brooks' legendary career.
Silent Movie (1976)
#77.0"Silent Movie (1976)" plunges aspiring filmmakers Mel Funn, Marty Eggs, and Dom Bell into the chaotic world of a financially precarious studio. Their audacious plan? A modern silent movie. To elevate its marketability, they embark on a star-studded recruitment drive, facing constant opposition from the studio's creditors. This comedic endeavor culminates in a film famously containing only a single spoken word, delivered by an unexpected participant, showcasing the audacious and often absurd humor that defines Mel Brooks' directorial style. This film undeniably earns its place on a "Best Mel Brooks Movies" list due to its quintessential Brooksian spirit. It embraces a high-concept premise and executes it with anarchic glee, a hallmark of his work. The reliance on physical comedy, slapstick, and visual gags is pure Brooksian craftsmanship, demonstrating his mastery of silent film conventions even within a modern context. Furthermore, the film’s meta-commentary on Hollywood and the filmmaking process, coupled with its audacious decision to limit dialogue so drastically, exemplifies Brooks' willingness to push boundaries and deliver unique comedic experiences that are both clever and hilariously executed.
High Anxiety (1977)
#88.0Dr. Richard Thorndyke, a recently appointed administrator, arrives at the prestigious Psychoneurotic Institute for the Very, VERY Nervous expecting a quiet tenure. However, his arrival coincides with a series of unsettling events and suspicious goings-on within the institute's walls. When Thorndyke finds himself framed for murder, he's forced to confront not only the shadowy secrets of the institute but also his own deeply ingrained personal struggle: a crippling case of "high anxiety." To clear his name and unravel the conspiracy, he must overcome his own debilitating condition, leading to a chaotic and darkly comedic battle for survival. This film undeniably earns its place on a "Best Mel Brooks Movies" list due to its masterful blend of Brooks' signature slapstick, witty dialogue, and a keen eye for skewering societal norms. *High Anxiety* is a brilliant parody, specifically targeting the suspenseful and often melodramatic world of Alfred Hitchcock, whose iconic motifs and character types are lovingly and hilariously recreated. Brooks himself, in a rare leading role, delivers a performance that perfectly captures the endearing and frantic nature of his character, making Thorndyke's escalating panic both relatable and uproariously funny. The film's clever visual gags, razor-sharp satire of the psychiatric profession, and unwavering commitment to absurdity solidify its status as a classic Mel Brooks comedy.
The Twelve Chairs (1970)
#99.0**The Twelve Chairs (1970)** plunges into a frenzied treasure hunt across post-revolution Russia. An aging ex-nobleman, surprisingly resilient and adapted to life under the commissars, learns a life-altering secret: his family's hidden jewels were secreted away within one of a twelve-chair set. This tantalizing revelation sparks a desperate race, as he and the local priest, each with their own motivations, set off separately for Moscow in pursuit of the buried fortune. What follows is a darkly comedic odyssey filled with unexpected alliances, treacherous encounters, and the ever-present absurdity of a society grappling with radical change, all viewed through the lens of those desperate to reclaim a lost past. While not a typical Mel Brooks film in terms of outright slapstick or parody of specific genres, *The Twelve Chairs* shares his signature brand of anachronistic humor and a keen eye for the absurdities of human behavior, particularly in the face of greed and desperation. The film's blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and a somewhat anarchic spirit perfectly aligns with Brooks's comedic sensibilities. The sheer audacity of the premise, the quick-witted protagonists navigating a chaotic new world, and the relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible prize all resonate with the kind of energetic, often chaotic, storytelling that defines Brooks's best work. It's a testament to his ability to find humor in the darkest of circumstances and to craft characters who, while flawed, are undeniably captivating in their pursuit of a dream.
Life Stinks (1991)
#1010.0In the 1991 comedy *Life Stinks*, Mel Brooks delivers a surprisingly tender yet undeniably funny tale that challenges societal perceptions of wealth and poverty. The film centers on Goddard Bolt (Brooks himself), a wealthy and notoriously uncaring businessman who makes a rash bet: he'll spend 30 days completely penniless on the gritty streets of Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to him, this self-imposed exile will plunge him into a world far removed from his gilded cage, forcing him to confront the harsh realities faced by the homeless community. As Goddard navigates the challenges of survival, his hardened heart begins to thaw, particularly when he encounters Molly (Lesley Ann Warren), a captivating homeless woman who offers him a glimpse of humanity and ultimately, love, amidst the despair. While not as overtly slapstick as some of his other renowned works, *Life Stinks* firmly earns its place on a list of Mel Brooks' best movies due to its characteristic blend of sharp social commentary and surprisingly heartfelt storytelling. Brooks, at this stage in his career, proved his ability to deliver laughs without sacrificing substance, using Goddard's journey to satirize corporate greed and the often-invisible plight of the marginalized. The film’s humor, though often derived from Goddard’s fish-out-of-water struggles and the absurdities of his situation, is always underscored by a genuine empathy. It's a testament to Brooks' versatility as a filmmaker that he could craft a story that is both a biting critique of society and a genuine romantic comedy with a powerful message about finding one's humanity.
Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
#1111.0In the 1995 cult classic *Dracula: Dead and Loving It*, a hapless lawyer, played by Steven Weber, finds himself entangled in the seductive (and deadly) world of Count Dracula, portrayed by Leslie Nielsen. Upon arriving at the vampire's imposing castle, the lawyer becomes an unwitting participant in Dracula's eternal quest for sustenance, falling prey to the Count's otherworldly charm and joining him in his nocturnal hunts for fresh blood. This chaotic partnership is soon interrupted by the arrival of the formidable Dr. Van Helsing, a determined vampire hunter who may be the only one capable of finally vanquishing the undead Count. This film unequivocally earns its place on any list of Mel Brooks' best movies due to its masterful blend of gothic horror parody and Brooks' signature slapstick and wordplay. Leslie Nielsen, already a legend in comedic timing thanks to his roles in Brooks' earlier works like *Spaceballs* and *Robin Hood: Men in Tights*, delivers a performance as Dracula that is both chillingly menacing and hilariously absurd. The film lovingly skewers the tropes of classic Dracula films, from the dramatic pronouncements and lavish sets to the overwrought performances, all while maintaining the anarchic spirit and clever gags that are the hallmarks of Mel Brooks' directorial genius. It's a loving tribute to horror cinema that also stands tall as a brilliantly funny comedy.
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