Enjoy a laugh with these top spoof films available for streaming now:
In the realm of comedy, spoof films have always provided a refreshing twist on popular genres, poking fun at the cliches and tropes that have become synonymous with them. Here's a roundup of some of the best spoof movies currently streaming, catering to a variety of tastes.
First, let's travel to the galaxy of "Spaceballs," a Mel Brooks-directed spoof of "Star Wars" that's known for its skewering of "Star Wars" marketing. Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga play the Han Solo and Princess Leia analogues, while Rick Moranis brings life to the petulant villain Dark Helmet. John Candy, in a memorable role, plays the lovable dog-man Barf. "Spaceballs" is available for streaming on HBO Max.
For those who appreciate the dry humour of the British, "This Is Spinal Tap" is a must-watch. This mockumentary parody of self-serious rock documentaries, created by Rob Reiner, stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer as a buffoonish heavy metal band. Some of the humor in "This Is Spinal Tap" is so dry that it fooled initial audiences into thinking Spinal Tap was a real band. The songs in the movie were written and performed by the cast members. "This Is Spinal Tap" is available for rent/purchase on Apple and Amazon.
"The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" is a spoof movie starring Leslie Nielsen as bumbling Lt. Frank Drebin, created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. Known for its ridiculous puns and slapstick humor, "The Naked Gun" is a parody of cop-show conventions and features a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Los Angeles. Lt. Frank Drebin often succeeds in spite of his own ineptitude. "The Naked Gun" is available for streaming on Paramount Plus.
"Wet Hot American Summer" is a cult classic summer camp spoof filled with raunchy and bizarre humor. Created by members of comedy troupe The State, with real affection for the grubby sex comedies of the 1980s, "Wet Hot American Summer" digs deeply into the minutiae of the movies it's parodying. The cast includes comedy ringers and future superstars, including Molly Shannon, Michael Ian Black, Janeane Garofalo, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, and Amy Poehler. "Wet Hot American Summer" is available for rent/purchase on Apple and Amazon.
For fans of Blaxploitation films, "Black Dynamite" is a standout. Michael Jai White plays the title character, a badass hustler/pimp/former CIA agent out to avenge his brother's death and take down The Man in 1970s Los Angeles. "Black Dynamite" is a Blaxploitation parody that never seems to condescend to its source material, even when it lovingly mocks the technical ineptitude of some early Blaxploitation films. "Black Dynamite" is available for streaming on Tubi.
While primarily noted for horror, Tubi offers free access to some horror spoofs and comedies as part of its ad-supported catalog, including entries in the Scary Movie series known for parodying horror and pop culture. Specific availability may vary, so it's worth checking the Tubi catalogue regularly.
In the upcoming year, "Spaceballs" is set for a belated sequel, with most of the original cast returning. For those who can't wait, Paramount Plus is set to release a new legacy sequel to "The Naked Gun" (2025), starring Liam Neeson, a fresh and funny addition to the spoof genre that plays on police dramas with a straight-faced lead amidst absurd comedy.
Whether you're in the mood for a Star Wars parody, a heavy metal mockumentary, a police drama spoof, a summer camp extravaganza, a Blaxploitation send-up, or a horror spoof, there's a spoof movie out there for you. Happy streaming!
Movies-and-TV catering to a variety of tastes offer entertaining spoofs, such as "Spaceballs" on HBO Max, a spoof of "Star Wars" that humorously pokes fun at its marketing. For those who prefer British humor, "This Is Spinal Tap," a mockumentary available for rent/purchase on Apple and Amazon, parodies self-serious rock documentaries.
If you're fond of Blaxploitation films, "Black Dynamite" on Tubi offers a standout spoof, while the upcoming year promises new additions to the spoof genre, like the "Spaceballs" sequel on Paramount Plus and a new legacy sequel to "The Naked Gun" (2025) on the same platform, starring Liam Neeson.
