8 Classic Comedies That Are Just Head-Scratchers Today

Movies have been borrowing elements from one another since the early days of cinema, which can be amusing for viewers who recognize the humor, but it can make them harder to comprehend in later years. Watching a film that cleverly pokes fun at itself when it first comes out is enjoyable because it spoofs, mocks, and satirizes movies from that period. Some of the finest examples of this kind of filmmaking have produced timeless comedies like “Blazing Saddles” or “Airplane!”, but not all classic comedies age well or remain coherent today.

Movies that parody franchises, such as “Scary Movie” or genre spoofs like “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” not only make fun of specific genres but rely on viewers having seen multiple other movies to fully appreciate the humor. As a result, contemporary audiences may find themselves puzzled, questioning what was so amusing or what was being alluded to. However, just because a film doesn’t make immediate sense today does not automatically mean it’s poor; instead, older viewers or those who initially watched the movie will likely have a richer and more enjoyable experience due to their prior knowledge.

8. The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

Directed by John Landis

Before creating arguably the best parody film ever, Airplane!, the comedy writing trio Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker (ZAZ) first produced The Kentucky Fried Movie, an anthology sketch film. This movie was filled with quick, successive sketches that showcased their unique and absurd style from the get-go. Those who aren’t familiar with 1970s pop culture, news media, or broadcasting might struggle to understand all the humor references in it.

Today, the film “The Kentucky Fried Movie” seems rather outdated, but its impact is primarily connected to the successful careers that followed for those involved in its production. For instance, the team ZAZ went on to create numerous comedic masterpieces, including the “Naked Gun” series. Remarkably, the following year after “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” director John Landis directed “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” Although viewers found it amusing at the time, revisiting it now provides a glimpse into the promising comedic journeys of several emerging talents in the industry.

7. Top Secret! (1984)

Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker (ZAZ)

After the triumph of the comedy trio ZAZ’s classic spoof film, Airplane!, they created another humorous production filled with self-referential jokes. Unlike Airplane!, however, the film Top Secret! does not hold the same timeless charm as its predecessor. References to various media from Elvis Presley movies to Cold War espionage films now seem quite outdated. Although there is much enjoyable satire, only those familiar with older forms of media will fully appreciate the humor in this largely forgotten comedy.

In his first big-screen appearance, Val Kilmer starred in the film “Top Secret!”, a comedic masterpiece filled with witty one-liners and an unending flow of jokes. Kilmer played the role of Nick Rivers, a character reminiscent of Elvis Presley’s movie career, complete with absurd situations that mirrored those found across Presley’s 31 films. Despite some elements in “Top Secret” potentially confusing today’s audience, this underappreciated comedy, brimming with genuine talent, is worthy of much more recognition.

6. Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)

Directed by Carl Reiner

The movie “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid,” although it was a witty and humorous comedy, might not be easily understood by those unacquainted with the film noirs of the 1940s. In a unique way, this undervalued production directed by Carl Reiner blended Steve Martin’s character, Rigby Reardon, into scenes from 19 other films where he shared the screen with legendary Hollywood stars from the Golden Age, such as Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis. By seamlessly integrating dialogue from old movies and fresh footage featuring Martin, this unconventional comedy gave birth to a fresh, hard-boiled mystery.

In the vein of zany humor reminiscent of classic film noirs, “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid” combined the offbeat comedy style of Martin with the distinctive mood of detective stories. Following their previous success with “The Jerk“, this film had a more specialized audience appeal but remained just as entertaining as any classic comedy. As a playful tribute to film noir, this movie is only comprehensible to those who share a deep affection for films such as “The Big Sleep” or “Double Indemnity.

5. Hot Shots! (1991)

Directed by Jim Abrahams

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the resurgence of the iconic Top Gun franchise, particularly after the smashing success of its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. This renewed interest in the series might make it easier for contemporary viewers to enjoy the spoof film, Hot Shots, without getting too lost. However, there are still numerous inside jokes and references that will likely fly over most audiences’ heads.

In this witty satire, Charlie Sheen steps into the shoes of the Tom Cruise stand-in, Lieutenant Sean “Topper” Harley. This self-referential comedy is crammed with jokes, and it manages to keep things entertaining without stretching its 84 minutes runtime.

Even though the references to Top Gun are still comprehensible, fewer people today will instantly understand references to films like 9½ Weeks or The Fabulous Baker Boys due to their age and decreasing popularity. In contrast, timeless classics such as Gone with the Wind and Rocky continue to resonate in the 21st century, while certain elements of Hot Shots have started to feel outdated. Although viewers might not grasp every joke, fans of Two and a Half Men will be thrilled to see Jon Cryer, who later starred alongside Charlie Sheen in the show, appearing as Lieutenant Jim “Wash Out” Pfaffenbach.

4. Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)

Directed by Jay Roach

Austin Powers, the character portrayed by Mike Myers, has become a well-known figure in pop culture today. However, contemporary viewers might not grasp that this character is a blend of familiar character archetypes and stereotypes. The film “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” was a satire of 1960’s British spy movies, specifically the charmingly womanizing persona of Sean Connery’s James Bond. Combining this with the vibrant counterculture of Swinging London and psychedelic hippie aesthetics created a film that is somewhat puzzling without knowledge of these cultural contexts.

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that the groovy banter and nostalgic nods to ’90s culture, such as The Jerry Springer Show, in Austin Powers might be a tad too obscure for today’s younger audience. Yet, what truly sets this 60s spy apart is his surprisingly progressive stance on matters of consent when it comes to courting the fairer sex. Despite his womanizing ways, Austin Powers managed to embody some rather contemporary ideals in that realm.

3. Scary Movie (2000)

Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans

For many years, parody films have been popular, but the Wayans brothers brought new life to this genre in the 21st century by satirizing modern horror flicks. Scary Movie, which they produced, took a self-deprecating look at recent horrors. Building on the stories of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this comedy series spoofed various aspects, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to The Sixth Sense. It combined these pop culture jabs with plenty of humor that might make you squirm. Although viewers may still find a chuckle or two in Scary Movie today, they won’t fully grasp the significance of its cultural references due to their age.

Back in the day, I was thoroughly entertained by “Scary Movie”. It became a blockbuster and spawned numerous sequels during the 2000s. These follow-ups kept mocking the hottest horror flicks of that era, such as “The Haunting”, “The Ring”, “Signs”, and even movies outside the horror genre like “8 Mile”. At the time these films were unveiled, it was crystal clear what they were lampooning. However, as the years have passed, quite a few of their target movies have lost their cultural impact, which means that some of the humor in “Scary Movie” may not resonate with younger audiences today.

2. Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)

Directed by Mel Brooks

Director Mel Brooks ruled over the realm of self-referential comedy films in the 1970s, contributing significantly to the genre’s popularity through works such as the witty Western satire “Blazing Saddles” and spooky parodies like “Young Frankenstein”. However, one of Brooks’ later self-referential spoofs, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”, while still amusing, might not resonate as strongly today. This film takes aim at the Robin Hood legend, but its primary target was the 1991 movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”. Many jokes in this film directly mimic and mock Kevin Costner’s action-adventure, but viewers today may lack some context for these jokes due to the passage of time.

In a playful twist, the movie “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” intentionally mocked the overly serious atmosphere of the original “Prince of Thieves.” The film introduced an entertaining dose of humor through elements like breaking the fourth wall and incorporating catchy hip-hop tunes. Stars such as Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, and Dave Chappelle were instrumental in keeping the humor flowing, although some parts may not be as amusing today. However, while “Men in Tights” did have its funny moments, it hasn’t stood the test of time quite like director Mel Brooks’ more iconic works.

1. Last Action Hero (1993)

Directed by John McTiernan

The film titled “Last Action Hero” presented an intriguing case of creators referencing their own work within the movie itself. Directed by John McTiernan, who is renowned for his work on “Die Hard“, and starring action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, this film humorously addressed their iconic status while critiquing the action genre. The plot of “Last Action Hero” was unique as it intertwined reality and fiction, with Schwarzenegger portraying both a fictional action hero character and a fictionalized version of himself, thus creating an engaging blend of fact and fantasy.

In “Last Action Hero”, characters like Jean-Claude Van Damme made brief appearances, and the movie featured self-referential scenes reminiscent of Schwarzenegger’s iconic one-liners and dialogue. To fully grasp its humor, it helps to be familiar with the major action films from the 1980s and early 1990s. Although “Last Action Hero” has gained cult status, its high-quality production might make you question whether it’s a satire, as it seems odd for a parody film to have a budget surpassing that of the films it mocks.

2025-05-01 19:49