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Best Jim Abrahams Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Get ready to celebrate the comedic genius of Jim Abrahams! This list showcases the films that have cemented his status as a master of parody and slapstick. From laugh-out-loud classics to cult favorites, Abrahams's work has consistently delivered unforgettable moments and quotable lines. Explore the side-splitting offerings of this visionary filmmaker and relive the hilarity that has entertained audiences for decades. Now it's your turn to decide! Scroll through the list below and cast your votes for the movies you believe are the absolute best Jim Abrahams films. Rate your favorites, share your opinions, and see how your choices stack up against other fans of Abrahams's comedic brilliance. Let the voting begin!
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#3.
Ruthless People (1986)
3/9
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"Ruthless People" (1986) perfectly encapsulates the anarchic spirit of the "anything for a laugh" school of comedy pioneered by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. A seemingly simple kidnapping scheme spirals into outrageous absurdity when Sam Stone, a vile clothing mogul, discovers his loathed wife Barbara has been abducted. The kidnappers, a sweet but financially strapped couple, Carol and Ken, see this as justified revenge for Sam's underhanded business dealings, unaware that Sam is ecstatic to be rid of his obnoxious spouse and is in no hurry to pay the ransom. What follows is a hilarious rollercoaster of double-crosses, inept criminals, aerobics-fueled mayhem, and Barbara's surprisingly resilient spirit, all driven by the gleefully amoral core of its characters. Beyond the twisted plot, "Ruthless People" earns its spot on any "Best of Jim Abrahams" list through its signature blend of rapid-fire gags, slapstick comedy, and quotable one-liners. While Abrahams didn't direct, his distinctive writing style shines throughout, influencing the overall tone and comedic sensibility. The film's success lies in its willingness to push boundaries and embrace the ridiculous, showcasing Abrahams' genius for crafting comedic scenarios that are both surprising and hysterically funny. It's a testament to his talent for crafting scenarios that make you laugh until it hurts, even if you feel a little guilty for doing so.
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Airplane! (1980)
"Airplane!" (1980) is a relentlessly hilarious disaster parody that takes off with alcoholic pilot Ted Striker, a man haunted by wartime trauma and crippling fear of flying, inexplicably boarding a passenger jet. His mission: to win back his stewardess girlfriend. However, mid-flight, a disastrous bout of food poisoning sweeps through the plane, incapacitating both passengers and crew. It's up to Striker, with the unlikely and often unhelpful assistance of a glue-sniffing air traffic controller and his own vengeful former Air Force captain, to somehow land the plane and save the day. Expect the unexpected at every turn, from inflatable autopilot to celebrity cameos delivering deadpan absurdities. "Airplane!" undeniably earns its place among the best of Jim Abrahams' filmography. The film showcases Abrahams' and his collaborators Zucker and Zucker's signature style of rapid-fire, gag-a-second comedy, leaving no comedic stone unturned. Its brilliance lies in the sheer volume and variety of jokes, encompassing visual gags, puns, slapstick, and perfectly delivered deadpan dialogue. "Airplane!" set a new standard for parody films, influencing countless comedies that followed and solidifying Abrahams' reputation as a master of the genre. The film's enduring popularity and quotability are testaments to its comedic genius and its rightful place in the pantheon of the best Jim Abrahams movies.
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Top Secret! (1984)
"Top Secret! (1984)" is a hilarious spoof of espionage films and Elvis Presley musicals, following the ridiculously charismatic American rock star Nick Rivers on his trip to East Germany for a cultural festival. Little does he know, this seemingly innocuous gig will thrust him into a world of international intrigue when he falls for the beautiful Hillary Flammond, a member of the French Resistance. Rivers, along with the bumbling Agent Cedric, embarks on a mission to rescue Hillary's father, Dr. Paul Flammond, a brilliant scientist being held captive by the Germans who want him to create a deadly new naval mine. Expect ridiculous disguises, nonsensical dialogue, and plenty of musical numbers turned on their head in this action-packed comedy. "Top Secret!" earns its place on the list of "Best Jim Abrahams Movies" for its relentless barrage of visual gags, pun-laden humor, and utter commitment to the absurd. Like "Airplane!" before it, "Top Secret!" doesn't let a single scene go by without at least one joke, often layering multiple gags on top of each other. Abrahams, along with his ZAZ (Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker) partners, perfected the art of parody here, taking aim at Cold War thrillers, WWII dramas, and even the innocent charm of 1950s musicals. The film's willingness to push the boundaries of silliness, combined with its quotable one-liners and unforgettable characters, makes it a quintessential example of the ZAZ comedic style and a must-see for any fan of their brand of humor.
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Ruthless People (1986)
"Ruthless People" (1986) perfectly encapsulates the anarchic spirit of the "anything for a laugh" school of comedy pioneered by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. A seemingly simple kidnapping scheme spirals into outrageous absurdity when Sam Stone, a vile clothing mogul, discovers his loathed wife Barbara has been abducted. The kidnappers, a sweet but financially strapped couple, Carol and Ken, see this as justified revenge for Sam's underhanded business dealings, unaware that Sam is ecstatic to be rid of his obnoxious spouse and is in no hurry to pay the ransom. What follows is a hilarious rollercoaster of double-crosses, inept criminals, aerobics-fueled mayhem, and Barbara's surprisingly resilient spirit, all driven by the gleefully amoral core of its characters. Beyond the twisted plot, "Ruthless People" earns its spot on any "Best of Jim Abrahams" list through its signature blend of rapid-fire gags, slapstick comedy, and quotable one-liners. While Abrahams didn't direct, his distinctive writing style shines throughout, influencing the overall tone and comedic sensibility. The film's success lies in its willingness to push boundaries and embrace the ridiculous, showcasing Abrahams' genius for crafting comedic scenarios that are both surprising and hysterically funny. It's a testament to his talent for crafting scenarios that make you laugh until it hurts, even if you feel a little guilty for doing so.
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Hot Shots! (1991)
"Hot Shots! (1991)" delivers a relentless barrage of sight gags, slapstick humor, and witty one-liners, solidifying its place as a quintessential Jim Abrahams comedy. Starring Charlie Sheen as the maverick pilot Topper Harley, the film lovingly skewers the over-the-top machismo and patriotic fervor of "Top Gun," throwing in elements of other iconic action movies for good measure. Alongside a stellar cast that includes Lloyd Bridges' hilariously inept Admiral Benson, Cary Elwes' rival Kent Gregory, and Valeria Golino as Harley's love interest, the movie follows a squadron of flyers as they prepare for a perilous mission, all while battling incompetence and inner demons (mostly of the silly variety). "Hot Shots!" undeniably belongs on a list of the best Jim Abrahams movies because it showcases the director's signature comedic style at its finest. Like "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun," it relies on a rapid-fire delivery of jokes, often playing with absurdity and breaking the fourth wall. The movie's success lies in its commitment to leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of laughter, poking fun at clichés and tropes with relentless energy. Abrahams' ability to blend physical comedy with clever writing, delivered by a perfectly cast ensemble, makes "Hot Shots!" a timeless and endlessly quotable comedy classic.
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Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)
"Hot Shots! Part Deux" is the hilariously absurd sequel to the original "Hot Shots!", once again directed by Jim Abrahams and starring Charlie Sheen as the intrepid, yet slightly unhinged, Topper Harley. This time, Topper has retreated to a peaceful monastery to find inner peace, only to be dragged back into the world of espionage by the CIA. They desperately need him to lead a perilous rescue mission deep into Iraq to save a group of hostages. The catch? They also need to rescue the rescue team sent to rescue the *last* rescue team who were supposed to rescue the hostages initially left behind after Desert Storm. Expect a whirlwind of sight gags, celebrity impersonations, and over-the-top action sequences that gleefully lampoon everything from "Rambo" to "Apocalypse Now." "Hot Shots! Part Deux" secures its place among the best of Jim Abrahams' filmography through its masterful application of the comedic style he helped pioneer alongside the Zucker brothers in films like "Airplane!" and "Top Secret!". The film's relentlessly silly humor, delivered with a deadpan seriousness, is a hallmark of Abrahams' work. "Hot Shots! Part Deux" further solidifies his reputation for spoofing established genres with an affectionate yet merciless eye. The film's rapid-fire jokes, slapstick antics, and willingness to embrace the absurd make it a comedic tour-de-force and a shining example of Abrahams' unique and enduring brand of humor.
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Big Business (1988)
"Big Business" (1988) delivers a classic fish-out-of-water story with a comedic twist. Taking place in the 1980s, the film revolves around two sets of identical twins, born decades prior in the same small-town hospital under chaotic circumstances. Due to a harried nurse's error, one twin from a wealthy New York couple is accidentally swapped with one from a poor, local family. Years later, the grown-up twins – Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, each playing two drastically different personalities – find their lives colliding in a hilarious clash of cultures and mistaken identities as they converge on the same town. This sets the stage for a series of escalating comedic mishaps, fueled by physical comedy, witty banter, and the sheer absurdity of the situation. While not strictly directed by Jim Abrahams (he was a producer), "Big Business" deserves a place among the best Jim Abrahams movies because it wholeheartedly embraces the comedic sensibilities he helped pioneer. The film shares a DNA with Abrahams' earlier works, such as "Airplane!" and "Ruthless People," featuring broad, physical humor, rapid-fire jokes, and a gleeful willingness to push the boundaries of the ridiculous. The core comedic premise of mistaken identity and social satire, hallmarks of the Abrahams style, is brilliantly executed here, making it a standout in the late 80s comedy landscape. The film's success owes much to this comedic formula and the fantastic performances of Midler and Tomlin, solidifying its place as a worthy companion to Abrahams' signature brand of humor.
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Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)
In the sleepy town of Clyde, Ohio, life is about to be turned upside down. Hollywood icon Roxy Carmichael is returning to dedicate a local building, an event that dredges up old memories and stirs up new anxieties. Denton Webb, Roxy's former flame, now married and seemingly content, finds himself unexpectedly confronted by his past. But the most profound impact is felt by Dinky Bossetti, a lonely orphan convinced that Roxy is her long-lost mother. As the town prepares for Roxy's arrival, Dinky clings to the hope that her life will finally have meaning, unaware of the tangled web of relationships and secrets that surround her. While "Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael" might not immediately scream "Jim Abrahams," his distinctive comedic sensibilities are subtly infused within the film's quirky characters and offbeat situations. While the film leans more towards heartfelt drama than outright slapstick, Abrahams' influence shines through in the film's sharp wit and its ability to find humor in the ordinary. In a departure from his more outrageous comedies, Abrahams delivers a gentler, character-driven piece that proves his versatility as a director and writer. This film, while different, earns its place among his best works by showcasing a more nuanced and sophisticated side of his comedic genius, making it a worthwhile and often overlooked entry in his filmography.
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Mafia! (1998)
"Mafia! (1998)" is a hilarious spoof of the classic gangster film "The Godfather," with a focus on broad, slapstick humor and absurd situations. Lloyd Bridges stars as the Don, with Jay Mohr as his reluctant son, Anthony, who is thrust into the world of organized crime when his father begins to fade. The film follows Anthony's haphazard attempts to navigate the treacherous world of mob bosses, double-crosses, and comically inept hitmen, all while trying to maintain his sanity and avoid becoming a victim himself. "Mafia!" earns its spot on the "Best Jim Abrahams Movies" list through its commitment to the director's signature style of over-the-top physical comedy, rapid-fire gags, and relentless parody. Like "Airplane!" and "Hot Shots!", "Mafia!" relentlessly lampoons genre conventions, employing visual puns, self-aware humor, and absurdly literal interpretations of familiar tropes. The film's willingness to push the boundaries of comedic absurdity, combined with its strong cast and memorable gags, makes it a prime example of Abrahams's unique and influential comedic filmmaking style.
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Balls of Courage
"Balls of Courage" isn't just any sports movie; it's a hilarious send-up of underdog stories, steeped in the absurdist humor and rapid-fire gags that are Jim Abrahams' trademark. Following the hapless (and frankly, incompetent) Klutz Brothers on their improbable journey to bowling glory, the film relentlessly skewers sports movie clichés, from the inspirational montage to the villainous rivals, all while piling on the visual jokes and pun-laden dialogue that define Abrahams' comedic style. Think "Airplane!" meets "Kingpin," and you're halfway there. What truly cements "Balls of Courage" as a quintessential Jim Abrahams film is its commitment to escalating absurdity and unrelenting silliness. Every scene is packed with visual gags and non-sequiturs, and the characters, though thinly drawn, are delivered with the perfect level of deadpan earnestness that allows the comedy to truly shine. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, offering a barrage of jokes that often fly by unnoticed the first time around, and its pure, unadulterated ridiculousness makes it a perfect addition to any list celebrating the best of Jim Abrahams' unique comedic genius.
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