7 Best Parody Movies That Imitate Pop Culture Elements

Parody films are among the sub-genres of films that have a long history in the history of cinema. Often considered a comedy subtitle, these films are characterized by ironic imitation of the plot or style of another film. While parody films offer viewers films with high viewing pleasure; it also has the function of presenting a critical perspective on the film industry. These are also films that often make fun of popular films or elements of popular culture. Such films were present in the original film; It aims to create a cynical atmosphere by using features of the film, especially clichés.

Let’s take a look at the history of parody films, a subgenre of comedy films.

You can also read this article: 14 types of comedy films with examples from our country and the world

History of parody films

Parody films became common during the silent film era, especially in the early 20th century. For example, the films of famous actors such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd were the pioneers of this genre. While these films were ludicrous imitations of the popular films and culture of the time, they also showcased their own comedic style. Parody films became especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, directors such as Mel Brooks; They came to the fore with their masterful work in parody films. Brooks became famous thanks to films such as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. These films created a distinct comedic style, emulating the style of westerns and horror films.

Parody films are often referred to as cult works loved by the audience. This subgenre of the film; By imitating various elements of popular culture, they offer viewers a familiar and entertaining environment. As such, parody films tend to be fairly fluid productions. In addition, parody films offer a critical point of view; They allow viewers to look at popular culture from a different perspective.

However, parody films can also be criticized. Some critics; they think these films don’t respect original films and cultural elements. In addition, some parody films have gone down in history as sensational productions due to severely offensive attitudes.

Today we have collected 7 classic movies for you selected from all these parody movies. This section, which is accompanied by brief movie previews, also has some interesting information about the movies.

Enjoy reading…

1 Scary Movie – Scary Movie (2000) – IMDB: 6.2

Scary Movie is a parody of horror films and a horror comedy released in 2000. The film was directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and the cast included Anna Faris, John Abrahams, Carmen Electra and Shannon Elizabeth. Despite negative reviews from some critics, the film was a major success at the box office and became one of the most successful parody films of all time.

Scary Movie is famous for its jokes that combine horror movie clichés. movie; Scream features scenes and characters inspired by popular horror films such as Blair Witch Project, The Sixth Sense and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Also, one of the interesting aspects of the movie is; Some of the actors who played in the original films also appear as extras in Scary Movie. The film was quite successful at the box office, grossing $278 million worldwide. Scary Movie was nominated for Best Picture at the MTV Movie Awards in 2001.

The plot of the film revolves around a group of high school students. In the suburb where the murders took place, young people begin to die one by one. As a result of these events, Cindy Campbell and her friends are trying to find out the truth about these murders.

2. Hot shots! – Tight Shooting (1991) – IMDB: 6.7

“Hot shots!” This is a 1991 parody film. Directed by Jim Abrahams, this film stars Charlie Sheen, Cary Elwes, Valeria Golino and Lloyd Bridges. The film was inspired by popular films such as Top Gun and used the clichés of such films, earning $180 million in worldwide box office. To give some interesting information about the movie, it was completely new for the filmmakers to use a computer for the movie scenes instead of renting a real F-16 plane for the movie, and one of the first movies that was made was Hot Shots. .

The main role in the film is played by Topper Harl, one of the best pilots in the United States. At the peak of his career, he left the military aviation following the loss of his father and developments. Years later, Topper is recalled to the Air Force and assigned to uncover a sabotage plot. In an attempt to complete his mission, Topper tries to reunite with another aviation pilot, Ramada, who is also his ex-girlfriend.

3. Robin Hood: Men in Tights – Prince of Dumb Robin Hood (1993) – IMDB: 6.7

Robin Hood: Men in Tights is a comedy-parody film released in 1993. Directed by Mel Brooks, the film stars Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Amy Yasbeck, Roger Rees and Dave Chappelle. Although the film did not perform well at the box office, it has developed a cult following over time. The reason why Mel Brooks took on the role of Robin Hood is because he read Robin Hood stories while studying English and was fascinated by the character.

In a story set in England, Robin Hood is a man who fights to protect people by rushing to their aid. His first goal is to protect the people who are fed up with the king’s tyranny. However, a loyal servant of the king, the sheriff; He decides to destroy Robin Hood. Robin; Along with Will Scarlett O’Hara and Ahchoo, Little John will fight to the end to protect the public and defeat the sheriff.

4. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery – Dumb Agent: King of Agents (1997) – IMDB: 7.0

Austin Powers is a 1997 comedy. Directed by Jay Roach, the film stars Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley and Michael York. Dealing with 1960s spy movie clichés, Austin Powers won the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedy Performance in 1998 and was nominated for a total of 9 film awards. The film was a huge success at the box office, grossing $296 million worldwide. Austin Powers also received positive reviews from critics and is considered by many to be a classic.

The plot of the film begins with the fact that the British agent Austin Powers wakes up after 30 years. Dr. When Evil reappears to carry out his evil plans of the 1960s, Austin Powers takes action to stop him. However, after 30 years, he realizes that he looks like an old-fashioned agent from the 1960s; begins to try to adapt to the modern world. Austin Powers with his partner Vanessa Kensington, Dr. He resumes his fight to stop Evil.

5. Spaceball – Spaceballs (1987) – IMDB: 7.1

Spaceballs is a science fiction parody film released in 1987. Directed by Mel Brooks, the film also stars Mel Brooks, John Candy, Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis. The film is a cynical interpretation of popular sci-fi films like Star Wars. Spaceballs won the Hugo Award for Best Comedy Film. The film did not do well at the box office, but eventually gained a cult following. An interesting feature of the film is that Rick Moranis’ character of the Beast was inspired by the Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler and not Darth Vader from the Star Wars movie.

The plot of the film takes place in a distant galaxy. President Scrub is plotting to steal air resources from the planet Druidia. However, when this fails, Lone Star and the crocodile alien Barf take action with him to rescue the druid princess Vespa and the android Dot Matrix. Spaceballs offers viewers a different perspective by addressing the clichés and absurd stories of sci-fi films.

6. Naked gun: from the archives of the police! – The Naked Gun (1988) – IMDB: 7.6

The Naked Gun is a 1988 comedy-parody film. Film directed by David Zucker; It featured such names as Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy and O.J. Simpson. This production was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture and performed well at the box office. The film is actually an adaptation of the series “Police Squad!”. This series, which lasted only 6 episodes, was a project that was canceled early due to low ratings. However, an interesting performance by Leslie Nielsen in the series; attracted the attention of filmmakers, leading to the film The Naked Gun. The film presents viewers with a pleasant comedy, ridiculing the stereotypes of detective films. In addition, the script and acting of the film were highly praised.

The plot of the film focuses on the prevention of crimes committed by Los Angeles Police Department detective Frank Drebin. Frank learns that a terrorist group is planning to assassinate the president and tries to stop it. Meanwhile, Frank reunites with his ex-girlfriend Jane and tries to save her life as well.

7. Airplane! – Airplane (1980) – IMDB: 7.7

Airplane!” is a 1980 film parody and comedy about air travel. The film was directed by the trio of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker; The cast includes names such as Robert Hayes, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen and Peter Graves. The film “Hour Zero!” Imitates the plot of a 1957 movie cliché and uses clichés from airplane travel movies. “Airplane!” was named the 10th funniest movie of all time by the American Film Institute. The film was critically acclaimed and was a major success at the box office. In 1980 “Airplane!” won the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay. Leslie Nielsen, who also played in the film, was awarded the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.

An interesting feature of the film is that at the beginning of “Airplane!” classical music from the film is played, accompanied by the sound of aircraft engines. Although this situation worried the audience, the directors refused to remove this scene from the film. “Airplane!” designed to make audiences laugh by parodying clichés and scenes from films about airplane travel.

A film about a former fighter pilot named Ted Stryker; It all starts with the fact that he gets on a plane to return the woman he loves to him. However, during the flight, many people from the crew and passengers, especially the pilot of the aircraft, get food poisoning, and the aircraft becomes uncontrollable. While Ted is fighting to save the plane, he is also trying to win the heart of the woman he loves.