Spoof films have garnered a tough reputation over the years, as their humor has generally lost its creativity. The comedy is rooted in the audience’s familiarity with anything popular, so lesser filmmakers eventually indulged obvious, lazy jokes. It became a game of references rather than inspired, understanding wit. And the genre was already walking a fine line of silliness.
However, there are still a few gems now and then, and many early spoof movies remain beloved classics. One of their trademarks is an unexpected celebrity cameo, either acting out of character or playing off their career, resulting in some especially memorable surprises.
Mars Attacks! - Tom Jones
This charming spoof of classic 50’s sci-fi is a rather underrated film from Tim Burton. Stories about alien invasions are certainly expansive enough to spoof, and Burton’s wicked sense of humor blends in surprisingly well.
It’s a terribly strange movie, so the silliness may not please everyone. But here’s another performer, as himself. Tom Jones’ concert isn’t crashed by spies, but aliens. They actually seem to enjoy his music at first, dancing until they’re noticed. Once they start shooting, Jones’ reaction is priceless.
Hot Shots! Part Deux - Martin Sheen
While the original was more distinctly interested in Top Gun, this one shifted course towards broader spoofing. A number of war films are parodied, led by a Rambo caricature.
Many of these films’ popular traits are spoofed, and Charlie Sheen’s dry sense of humor fits well. But including Martin Sheen himself was a great surprise. The two Sheens cross paths, and the narration of their inner dialogues overlap, transforming a mere reference into deeply meta-humor.
This Is The End - Emma Watson
While disaster movies are generally silly enough already, this spoof of apocalyptic tales is pretty unusual. The actors are all playing themselves, and the story spoofs a number of familiar survival situations. Now, Emma Watson wasn’t previously known for her comedy. But she certainly is now, by playing against type.
The refined and well-renowned actress throws out curse words and ultimately robs the group of immature protagonists with violent axe-swinging. The sheer attitude is unexpectedly convincing, and the irony of her famous role as Hermione isn’t lost on her victims.
Airplane! - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
One of the all-time greatest spoof movies, and surely an inspiration for everything that followed. It’s a masterful parody, that also spoofs the newly popular disaster genre of the time. It’s easily one of the most quotable films of all time, brimming with genuine enthusiasm and appealing edge.
While the role is just a tad larger than a typical cameo, Abdul-Jabbar briefly plays himself, working as a pilot. And in one particularly iconic sequence, a young boy tests Abdul-Jabbar’s patience by reciting his father’s criticism about the man’s basketball habits.
Robin Hood: Men In Tights - Patrick Stewart
Mel Brooks is arguably the reigning king of the genre, with multiple hits that were tremendously imaginative. Like so, even when this film indulges juvenile humor or slapstick, the comedy is always good-natured and clever. And although Patrick Stewart is now quite well known for toying with expectations, this cameo was an early treat.
The famous captain plays King Richard, and first delivers his traditional, convincing dignity and theatrical presence. It seamlessly becomes tongue-in-cheek when Stewart is allowed to punish Prince John and kiss the titular Robin’s bride.
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery - Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell has a very particular comedic personality, that’s so innately entertaining he can get away with the most bizarre or manic performances. Nearly each of them, throughout his career, feel like accumulated chaos and hilarious improvisation. The laughs just seem to come that naturally.
This film spoofs the James Bond franchise as a whole, and the primary antagonist decides to kill a seemingly invulnerable associate. As the villain menacingly insists on rejecting failure, he fails to kill Will Ferrell’s “Mustafa”, who survives both burning and shooting. Will Ferrell briefly screaming off camera arguably steals the film.
Scary Movie 3 - George Carlin
George Carlin, the incomparable comedic genius, is here allowed to parody The Matrix Reloaded. In fact, this franchise becomes more of a collection of parodies as the series continues.
But that shouldn’t keep audiences from enjoying this epic surprise. Carlin carries all of the same demeanor of the original “Architect” character, wise with superior intelligence. The performance quickly changes course, riffing on the absurdity of the language and scenario. Sure, some of the writing is a tad weak, but Carlin seriously elevates the material.
The Naked Gun: From The Files Of Police Squad! - Reggie Jackson
Yet another perfect spoof movie, that remains utterly timeless thanks to ingenuity and the naturally gifted Leslie Nielson. Playing in the sandbox of cop movies, the plot isn’t wandering as aimlessly as it seems. But it’s certainly frenetic, and the film is stock full of a delightful weirdness.
The famed baseball player Reggie Jackson plays a right fielder who has been hypnotized in an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. The sheer number of actual baseball professionals in this film is stunning, especially amusing for fans.
Paul - Sigourney Weaver
This film probes nearly every sci-fi trope imaginable, while riffing on road-trip movies too. It’s a careful blend of references and parody, even poking fun at the fanbase itself. The culture of conventions and fandom is frequently teased. However, much like its jokes about religion, there is no actual sense of malice.
Everything feels like it’s in good fun. Although Sigourney Weaver’s voice appears throughout the film, her physical appearance is an absolute delight. It’s also a particular surprise after Paul had been fearing “the Big Guy”. Her foul language and unquestionable toughness make for a hilarious showdown.
Spaceballs - John Hurt
This movie was mainly a spoof of Star Wars, and it’s surprising that the divisive, now frequently celebrated prequels never invited that search for more money. However, the story was perfectly willing to parody a number of other classics. Perhaps one of the film’s most laugh-out-loud moments is the Alien parody.
Right at the end of the film, John Hurt reprises his role as an unlucky host for the deadly chestburster. But the iconic creature subsequently breaks into song and dance, and without Hurt’s setup, the contrast wouldn’t work so perfectly.