Parody films are popular for a simple reason. They bring levity to any subject, no matter how serious. If that's the kind of entertainment you're looking for right now, here are five parody movies that will give you the best experience.
Mafia Mamma (2023, 5.4 on IMDb)
Available on: Hulu, Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Amazon Prime
Although it wasn't meant to be a parody, this movie is almost impossible to watch unless you assume it's parodying the entire mafia movie genre, which it does brilliantly.
Starring Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci, Mafia Mamma tells the story of Kristin, an American woman in her early forties who one day receives a phone call from Italy informing her that she has inherited her recently deceased grandfather's estate and must come to Italy to manage his business. Excited about a vacation in Italy, she soon learns that the inheritance is a mafia business.
Galaxy Quest (1999, 7.4 on IMDb)
Available on: Apple TV+, Netflix, Amazon Prime
Mocking the entire sci-fi genre, this parody of the Star Trek franchise revolves around the cast of the fictional, once-popular sci-fi show of the title, who capitalize on the remnants of their fame by participating in autograph signings across the US. But one day, their now-pathetic lives become more exciting when they become involved in a cosmic war when a fleet of alien spacecraft approaches Earth, mistaking the TV show for real footage of a declaration of war.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988, 7.6 on IMDb)
Available on: Apple TV+, Hulu, Paramount+, Amazon Prime
This parody of police procedurals and action movies stars Leslie Nielsen as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, who inadvertently ruins every evil plan of every villain he encounters. In the movie, Frank Drebin foils the plans of an international group of terrorists to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II while uncovering a global conspiracy to change the world order.
Airplane! (1980, 7.7 on IMDb)
Available on: Apple TV+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime
Inspired by Zero Hour!, Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers' parody of disaster movies tells the story of Ted Striker, a war veteran-turned-taxi driver with a drinking problem who is dumped by his flight attendant girlfriend, Elaine. In an attempt to win her back, Ted buys a ticket on the flight she works on and ends up being the only person who can keep the plane from crashing after the flight crew comes down with severe food poisoning.
Shaun of the Dead (2004, 7.9 on IMDb)
Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime
This spoof of zombie apocalypse movies follows Simon Pegg's Shaun, an ordinary and boring salesman from London, who finds himself and his loved ones in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Soon, Shaun and his friend Ed are the only ones left who can fend off the ravenous monsters with nothing more than a few gardening tools.