
Mel Brooks's 5 funniest films you need to rewatch
What's the story
Mel Brooks is a celebrated filmmaker whose unique brand of satire, slapstick, and parody is simply unbeatable. His films have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, making us laugh for decades. Here, we take you through five of his most iconic comedy classics that continue to entertain us with their clever humor and timeless appeal.
Western parody
'Blazing Saddles': A western satire
Released in 1974, Blazing Saddles is a satirical take on the Western genre. The film cleverly uses humor to address social issues like racism while delivering laughs through its absurd plot and outrageous characters. The story follows a black sheriff who teams up with an unlikely ally to save a town from corruption. With its sharp wit and comedic timing, Blazing Saddles remains one of Brooks's most acclaimed works.
Monster spoof
'Young Frankenstein': A monster comedy
In 1974, Brooks released Young Frankenstein, a parody of classic films about the infamous monster created by Dr. Frankenstein. The film stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who inherits his grandfather's castle and continues his experiments with reanimation. With its black-and-white cinematography and humorous nods to old movies, Young Frankenstein is both a loving homage and a hilarious spoof.
Broadway satire
'The Producers': A Broadway farce
Originally released in 1967, The Producers tells the story of two theatrical producers who plot to put on the worst musical ever made to defraud investors out of money. However, their plan backfires when the show turns out to be an unexpected hit. Famous for its outrageous humor and memorable performances by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, this film was Brooks's directorial debut.
Sci-fi spoof
'Spaceballs': Sci-fi parody
Released in 1987, Spaceballs is Brooks's hilarious take on sci-fi blockbusters such as Star Wars. The movie depicts Lone Starr's efforts to rescue Princess Vespa from the evil Dark Helmet while satirizing popular sci-fi tropes in the process. With its witty gags and iconic characters, Spaceballs has become a cult favorite among fans.
Medieval parody
'Robin Hood: Men in Tights': Medieval comedy
In 1993's Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Brooks gives his hilarious spin to the legendary story of Robin Hood robbing rich people to return to poor ones. Cary Elwes plays Robin Hood to an ensemble cast including Richard Lewis as Prince John. With plenty of slapstick humor, catchy musical numbers, and witty dialogues, this film delivers loads of laughs while poking fun at past adaptations.