Laughter Is the Best Medicine: 11 Films That Prove Mel Brooks Is a Comedic Genius

Mel Brooks is a name that stands out in the world of comedy. Brooks has left a lasting mark on the world of movies with his ability to make people laugh and push the limits of what is funny. His films have shown over and over again that laughter really is the best medicine. While some of these flopped, we still love him. Let’s take a trip through the films of Mel Brooks, a true comedic master, and laugh our way through the whole lot.

1. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Young Frankenstein 1974
Image Credit: Gruskoff/Venture Films.

“It’s Alive!” This hilarious spoof of old scary movies shows how funny Mel Brooks can be. Young Frankenstein is about Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, played by Gene Wilder, who gets his famous grandfather’s castle and continues his grandfather’s experiments to bring the dead back to life.

The film’s witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and perfect timing make it a classic comedy that pays tribute to the famous Frankenstein story while adding Brooks’ own unique comic twist.

2. The Producers (1967)

The Producers 1967
Image Credit: Embassy Pictures.

Mel Brooks’ true cinematic career began with The Producers, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The story is about a down-and-out Broadway director and his neurotic accountant, who devise a plan to put on a show that is sure to fail and take the extra money from investors.

This comedy shows Brooks’s irreverent sense of humor, clever writing, and Zero Mostel’s wondrous act. Brooks became known as a comedic force to be reckoned with because of the crazy idea behind the movie and how funny it was.

3. History of the World: Part I (1981)

History of the World Part I 1981
Image Credit: 20th Century-Fox.

History of the World: Part I is a funny collection of short stories that retells important historical events in a fun way. Brooks plays many different parts in the movie, consisting of short stories from the Stone Age to the French Revolution. This movie shows how Brooks can make historical events funny by adding absurdity, clever humor, and memorable skits.

4. Blazing Saddles (1974)

Blazing Saddles Welcome Sheriff 1974
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Blazing Saddles is a satirical western that makes fun of the genre’s stereotypes and uses humor to discuss social problems. Brooks co-wrote and directed this hilarious movie about a black sheriff (Cleavon Little) dealing with racism in a small town. With irreverent humor, sharp satire, and memorable one-liners, the movie is a bold, boundary-pushing comedy masterpiece that challenges conventions and stays current.

5. Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)

Dracula Dead and Loving It 1995
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

In Dracula: Dead and Loving It, which is a parody of famous vampire movies, Brooks pokes fun at the horror genre with his own brand of comedy.

Leslie Nielsen plays Count Dracula in this movie, which is a funny take on the well-known monster story. Brooks’s style comes through in the film’s smart wordplay, physical comedy, and crazy characters. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that this was Mel Brook’s last directorial effort and a commercial failure. 

6. High Anxiety (1977)

High Anxiety 1977
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Brooks directs and plays in the comedy High Anxiety, which is a loving tribute to Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful movies. Brooks plays a psychiatrist who is afraid of heights. The plot contains suspenseful moments, slapstick humor, and nods to movies. The movie shows how well Brooks can mix suspense and comedy while giving tribute to one of the best directors in film history.

7. Silent Movie (1976)

Silent Movie The New Flamencos 1976
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Mel Brooks’s Silent Movie is a unique comedy in which the silent film age is embraced. Brooks and his co-stars try to make a quiet movie in a world where talking movies are the norm. With visual jokes, physical comedy, and a ton of cameos from famous people, the movie catches the spirit of silent movies and adds Brooks’ signature humor.

8. Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Robin Hood Men in Tights 1993
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

In Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Brooks retells the story of Robin Hood and his group of Merry Men funnily. With Cary Elwes as the hero, the movie makes fun of old Robin Hood stories and medieval tales with the humor that Brooks is known for. The movie is a funny comedy that makes people laugh out loud because of its smart wordplay, sight gags, and over-the-top actions.

9. Life Stinks (1991)

Life Stinks 1991
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

In Life Stinks, Mel Brooks portrays a wealthy businessman who accepts a wager to live on the streets of Los Angeles as a homeless person for a month. Despite being a box office flop, Brooks looks at social problems with this funny set-up while adding his usual sense of humor to the story. The movie’s mix of satire, slapstick, and heartwarming moments shows that Brooks can funnily handle essential topics.

10. Spaceballs (1987)

Spaceballs 1987 Rick Moranis
Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Brooks shows how funny he can be in Spaceballs by making fun of science fiction. This funny take on the Star Wars world is full of jokes, puns, and references to other works of art.

With characters like Rick Moranis’s Dark Helmet and Bill Pullman’s loveable Lonestar, Spaceballs is an adventure that will make you laugh out loud. It mixes slapstick comedy with sci-fi elements to make a comedy gem for people of all ages.

11. The Twelve Chairs (1970)

The Twelve Chairs 1970
Image Credit: UMC Pictures.

In The Twelve Chairs, Brooks takes a Russian book and turns it into a comedy that takes place in Russia after the Revolution. In the movie, a group of people seek hidden family jewels. With a mix of adventure, humor, and absurdity, Brooks tells a funny and exciting story about greed and desire that shows off his sense of humor.

15 Problematic 90s Movies That Are Still on Your Favorite Rewatch List

Forrest Gump 1994
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

A lively period in cinema, the 1990s produced several exciting movies that have had a lasting impact on popular culture. These films, which range from uplifting comedies to challenging tragedies, frequently appear on our top rewatch lists. But as time passes and society’s values have changed, some of these cherished classics have revealed troubling aspects that call for re-analysis.

12 Once Popular Movies That Would NEVER in a Million Years Be Made Again

White Chicks 2004
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

The film landscape has developed over time, reflecting society’s shifting ideals and social standards. Some classic films, while popular at the time, may not hold up to today’s standards and sensitivities. According to IMDb, let’s look at some once-popular movies that would face significant hurdles if they were made today.

26 Comedy Films That Cancel Culture Forbids You From Laughing at Today

The Jerk 1979
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Has cancel culture come for your favorite films? Several classic comedies were once considered hilarious that are deemed offensive today. Here are twenty-six of them.

25 Nostalgic Movies Everyone Needs to See at Least Once in Their Lifetime

Stand by Me 1986 train tracks
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

Take a trip down memory lane with this hand-picked list of classic films that have forever changed the face of cinema. These movies represent the spirit of different times and genres, from inspiring stories of friendship and adventure to terrifying suspense and beautiful romance.

12 Plot Points That Popular Movies Didn’t Bother Resolving for Audiences

The Karate Kid 1984 Daniel and Ali
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

Do any of your favorite films have plot holes that were never resolved? You’re not alone. An entertainment community poster asked for examples of said plot holes. Here is what the forum volunteered. Did you notice?