Mel Brooks is an entertainment powerhouse with a long and illustrious career spanning over seven decades! He belongs to the exclusive club of EGOT winners, dominating film, TV and stage. However, Mel Brooks is most known for his comedic forrays, earning legendary status with a slew of side-splitting cinema that continues to make generations young and old cry with laughter.
The famed actor and filmmaker made a huge splash in the comedy world with his unique take on the genre. His films have an instantly identifiable style that people love, mixing sheer absurdity with fresh slapstick and satire. Whether you’re new to his works or want to take a trip down comedic memory lane, here are 10 Mel Brooks films you must watch!
1. “Spaceballs” (1987)
“Spaceballs” is one of Brooks’ most well-known films, thanks to its parody of the ever-popular “Star Wars” sage. This film primarily pokes fun at the original “Star Wars” trilogy, but it has moments that have fun with several other heavy-hitters in the science fiction genre. You’ll see callouts to everything from “Planet of the Apes” to “Alien.”
The plot of “Spaceballs” loosely follows the plot of “A New Hope,” albeit with tons of creative liberties and brand-new characters. Of course, every hero and villain is a play on the iconic space opera. You have Dark Helmet and his comically oversized headpiece, Yogurt (played by Mel Brooks) and the Winniebego-driving Lone Starr.
The comedy in this movie is stupid fun, and it’s been a cult classic for decades. As of 2024, there are even talks of a sequel in early development!
2. “Blazing Saddles” (1974)
Here’s another signature Mel Brooks film that pushes the boundaries of comedy. “Blazing Saddles” stars Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder. Brooks plays two supporting roles. The plot revolves around the construction of a new railroad, the appointment of a black sheriff and an alcoholic gunslinger!
Upon its release, “Blazing Saddles” made a splash for its confrontation of racism. This isn’t a film that many producers would touch with a ten-foot pole today! However, Mel Brooks confronted racial issues head-on and with tons of much-needed humor. It’s a non-stop barrage of jokes paired with cartoony action sequences, making it a must-watch.
3. “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” (1993)
We’re all familiar with the tale of Robin Hood. However, this 1993 Mel Brooks flick provides a fresher and far more comedic take on the old classic! “Men in Tights” stars Cary Elwes in one of his funniest roles ever! He plays Robin Hood, who leads his troupe of Merry Men and misfits to take on the corrupt forces of Prince John.
Mel Brooks plays a very small role in this movie, playing Rabbi Tuckman. While many consider “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” one of Brooks’ less successful films, there are plenty of laughs. From the ridiculous characters to the over-the-top musical number, you’ll find many great moments to enjoy.
4. “History of the World, Part 1” (1981)
“History of the World, Part 1” is a clever movie that follows humanity through several historical points, offering humorous takes on events as early as the Stone Age and the French Revolution. Despite its “Part 1” subtitle, Mel Brooks never intended to make a sequel. The name pokes fun at “The History of the World,” an incomplete literary work written in the early 1600s.
Mel Brooks plays five roles. He’s the movie’s Moses, Castillian Dominican Friar Torquemada, King Henry XVI and more. The film is a parody of the epic genre and pokes fun at period pieces. The ensemble cast, great jokes and side-splitting segments make the movie an all-time classic! While Hulu did produce a “Part 2” limited series, nothing beats this original.
5. “The Producers” (1967)
“The Producers” is one of Brooks’ earlier films and marks his directorial debut. It’s also among his most well-known works, spawning a stage musical and film adaptation. The original is a classic cult film known for its unhinged humor and controversial plot points.
The movie is about a theater producer and con artist overselling interests in musicals destined to fail. One such example is the producer finding a script that celebrates Adolph Hitler and managing to bring it to the stage! Despite all the controversy, the concept is unique and super memorable. Pair all that with top-notch performances from Brooks, Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel and more, and you’ve got a must-watch.
6. “Young Frankenstein” (1974)
Here’s another great example of Mel Brooks taking a well-known tale and turning it on its head! “Young Frankenstein” is about the grandson of the original Dr. Frankenstein as he works to complete his grandfather’s work.
Mel Brooks co-wrote the flick with frequent collaborator Gene Wilder. Many regard “Young Frankenstein” as Wilder’s best career performance. The movie is full of crackpot humor and unhinged neuroticism, making it a cult classic many still enjoy today. The film is a quintessential parody of horror classics, long before the likes of “Scary Movie” and other popular parodies hit the scene.
7. “Silent Movie” (1976)
“Silent Movie” is a comedic throwback to the early age of Hollywood. It’s a silent film in every sense, using a full orchestral soundtrack and humorous sound effects paired with intertitles. There is no dialogue! While that may make some film buffs turn away, “Silent Movie” is a joy you should watch.
Because there was no dialogue, Mel Brooks and the company leaned into the slapstick! It manages to be hilarious without uttering a single one-liner. Instead, you have great physical comedy. Plus, there’s a star-studded cast, including Marty Feldman, Bernadette Peters, Dom DeLuise and more.
8. “The Twelve Chairs” (1970)
“The Twelve Chairs” is one of many film adaptations of the Soviet novel of the same name. Of course, this one has Mel Brooks’ signature comedic styling, putting a new spin on a story retold numerous times through film.
The movie follows a con artist, a priest and a former aristocrat searching for a hidden treasure. The treasure is hidden in one of twelve dining chairs that went missing during the Russian Revolution. As you can imagine, the ensuing hijinx are nothing short of hilarious. This film is Mel Brooks’ second outing as a director, and many consider it one of his best works.
9. “High Anxiety” (1977)
“High Anxiety” is a satire of Alfred Hitchcock and his many iconic films. It takes Hitchcock’s signature style and marries it with Mel Brooks comedy to create a memorable movie experience. The film primarily parodies Hitchcock films like “The Birds,” “Vertigo” and “Psycho.”
The plot revolves around a clinical psychiatrist with a deathly fear of heights who tries to prove his innocence after being accused of murder. Mel Brooks stars as Dr. Richard Harpo Thorndyk. The late Madeline Kahn also gives a great performance as Victoria Brisbane, a woman who teams up with Dr. Thorndyk to save her father.
10. “Life Stinks” (1991)
Last but not least, we have “Life Stinks,” an underrated Mel Brooks film with a surprising amount of heart. Some consider “Life Stinks” the worst of Mel Brooks’ works. Many label it as a career blunder. When you watch it, you can see why some think that.
This movie is about a rich and powerful businessman who, after losing a bet, leaves his life of luxury to live on the streets of Los Angeles. The signature Mel Brooks style of parody and fourth-wall-breaking moments are non-existent in this movie. Brooks set out to tell a more human story. Some say the jokes are milder and more straightforward than the comedian’s usual flare, but it’s still a flick worth watching to understand Mel Brooks’ entire career journey.
Enjoy a True Comedic Legacy
Few entertainers can say they’ve done a fraction of what Mel Brooks has! This man has spent his entire life making audiences laugh with ridiculous humor and heart. While the comedy genre has no shortage of great flicks, Mel Brooks films continue to inspire modern filmmakers.
Check out these movies to see the source of that inspiration and enjoy the legacy of a man who was never afraid to push the boundaries for a great laugh!
