The genius of Mel Brooks is undeniable; he has created iconic movies that spoof everything, such as campfire scenes, historical figures, movies, and much more. I love watching these movies; they are hysterically funny. When I’m feeling down, I put one in the DVD player, and I’m transformed into a better mood from laughing so hard.
Look for Brooks in his movies; he appears in most of them, just like Alfred Hitchcock, Stan Lee, and Stephen King. Only he’s a much better actor.
You can watch these movies on DVDs that you purchase from retailers or online merchants. There are times when video websites may play one; you might need a paid subscription to watch.
Blazing Saddles
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071230/
There is no funnier western than this (1974) parody. A corrupt politician wants to destroy a town to make way for the railroad. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Only he wants to do it and still get reelected. Hmm. The townspeople have asked for a new sheriff, so he appoints an African American to the job, who shows up dressed to the nines and has Gucci saddlebags. From there, things go sideways and downhill at the pace of a laugh a minute. Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, and a host of other legendary actors make this hysterically funny. You just cannot miss the fart scene. Trust me.
History Of The World Part 1
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082517/
From the dawn of mankind, people have sought to understand history. This film is anything but a boring classroom history lesson. It takes a stab at, well, just about everything. The Spanish Inquisition, Roman emperors, chariot races, the French court, and much more are featured. Look for John Hurt, Madeline Kahn, Hugh Hefner, and many more. See the world’s biggest reefer and see a Viking funeral that will leave an impression.
Young Frankenstein
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072431/
Arguably the best parody of the “Frankenstein” movies, this offering from Mel Brooks is unforgettable. Watch the monster perform on stage in a song and dance routine. That’s right- this one sings and dances. He also has the classic onstage meltdown, which is so common to performers. Sigh. Brooks used a lot of regular actors and actresses, such as Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn, who are comedic geniuses. You’ll laugh all the way through the film. You may have to explain the ending to small children, but I’ll leave that to moms and dads everywhere.
The 2000 Year Old Man
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388667/
Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner make a comedic duo that will have you laughing until you hurt. This animated short shows an ancient man, voiced by Mel Brooks, and an unseen interviewer, voiced by Carl Reiner. The two talk about history, but the answers given by the ancient man will have you laughing until your sides hurt.
Dracula: Dead And Loving It
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112896/
Leslie Neilson has a lot of fun playing a buffoon on film: in this movie, he’s the infamous Count Dracula. This parody of the Dracula films is truly hysterical. Mel Brooks plays Dr. Van Helsing in a way no one has done before. Look for sight gags, one-liners, and much more. Who kills the Count in this movie? It’s not who you think. And it’s funny.
The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072608/
I’ll bet you didn’t know that Sherlock Holmes had a brother, did you? His name: Sheer Luck Holmes. Gene Wilder, a favorite actor in movies created by Mel Brooks, brings a unique character to life. Sherlock has to leave the country on another case, so he leaves one to his younger brother. Watch for Dom DeLouise, Marty Feldman, and many other fine actors in this parody of the famous detective movies. The ending will surprise you; it’s one of my all-time favorites.
Robin Hood: Men In Tights
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107977/
Actor Cary Elwes takes on the part of the quintessential hero, Robin Hood. He’s back from the Crusades with his faithful Saracen sidekick, Achoo, son of A sneeze. The movie parodies many phrases, movies, and parts of American culture of the time, including the Vice President at the time, Dan Quale, who didn’t serve in Vietnam because it was rumored his father got him a deferment for being in college. The entire movie is a farce, filled with song-and-dance scenes such as “We’re Men, Men In Tights.” Look for Mel Brooks as a peddler who’s selling the latest thing that ladies love- circumcision. All you have to do is, well, watch the film.
High Anxiety
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076141/
This is a great spoof of the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. He’s taken on iconic scenes from movies such as “The Birds,” “Vertigo” and many others, making them hysterically funny. Brooks is a psychiatrist with the condition of “high anxiety.” He has been assigned to the Psychoneurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous. He soon notices some very strange goings-on and is determined to get to the bottom of it. When he’s framed for murder, well, it’s Mel Brooks. Watch the movie, laugh, and enjoy.
Life Stinks
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102303/
What happens when an ultra-rich businessman accepts a bet that he can live for 30 days on the street without any help from anyone? Goddard Bolt, played by Mel Brooks, finds out the hard way. Along the way, he finds out that the homeless population has a culture of its own, including those with huge hearts and compassion for people. There are gags aplenty, and cast members such as Leslie Ann Warren make the movie funnier than you can imagine. The emergency room scene is beyond funny.
Spaceballs
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094012/
This was a great parody of the phenomenon known as “Star Wars.” Mel Brooks got exclusive permission from George Lucas to spoof his film directly and show movie merchandise as long as no real merchandise was ever produced or sold. Pity. I think Spaceball merchandise would have been a great seller. I can only imagine that Lucas did, too. Brooks plays President Skroob and Yogurt, who has a different take on philosophy than other sages. Rick Moranis takes on the part of Dark Helmet. The entire storyline is different than Star Wars, and as such, it is a comedy classic in its own right. The jokes never stop flying.
Mel Brooks’ contribution to cinema is immeasurable. His films are not just comedies; they are cultural artifacts that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. In exploring his top movies, we not only indulge in laughter but also appreciate the art of filmmaking and the power of satire. Brooks’s work is a reminder of the joy and insight that cinema can bring into our lives, making us cherish every moment of these cinematic gems.
