Every Naked Gun Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

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The “The Naked Gun” series is renowned for its comedic brilliance in movie history, largely due to Leslie Nielsen’s timeless deadpan comedy style. It’s filled with slapstick humor, wordplay, and a humorous take on police procedurals. Originally a TV show named “Police Squad!”, “The Naked Gun” expanded into a successful film franchise during the ’80s and ’90s. This summer, the series is coming back as a legacy reboot/sequel, with Liam Neeson taking on the main role, portraying the son of Leslie Nielsen’s character. With the new movie now in theaters, it’s an ideal moment to revisit every “Naked Gun” film so far and rank them from least favorite to favorite, including Neeson’s latest addition.

Ranking these “Naked Gun” films isn’t a walk in the park, as they all offer a unique blend of physical comedy and witty dialogue. The original installments are no exception, with their signature slapstick humor and clever wordplay, which the latest film carries on brilliantly. Each movie has its standout moments, such as Danny Huston’s portrayal of the new villain, Leslie Nielsen’s side-splitting scenes with the Queen of England, and Liam Neeson’s performance in every “Naked Gun” film. So, let’s take a look at how each “Naked Gun” movie compares.

4) Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994)

The third installment of the initial trilogy is often considered the least strong among the series, although it certainly isn’t without merit. Diving deeper than ever into the realm of caricature humor (with both pros and cons), this movie maintains a constant flow of comedy, even surpassing its predecessors in this regard. Directed by Peter Segal, known for movies like “Tommy Boy” and “Get Smart”, the film swiftly transitions from one joke to another. Not all jokes land, but the plot revolving around a danger to the Academy Awards stands out as unique and captivating. While Nielsen delivers another impressive performance, this installment suffers from a reduced focus on the police procedural satire that made the first two films so endearing. As the series began showing signs of wear, with its freshness fading and jokes becoming more hit-or-miss, it’s the weakest in the franchise, but it remains enjoyable throughout.

3) The Naked Gun (2025)

Directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”, Liam Neeson is the leading star in a fresh movie production by Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”). This new project offers a contemporary twist on an established franchise, featuring self-referential humor reflecting today’s political climate in law enforcement. It maintains the original’s classic humor and style while trying to blend old-school comedy with a more sophisticated, self-aware modern humor. Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., bridging the gap between traditional humor and a more updated, meta comedic approach.

Liam Neeson plays a significant part in making this film successful. Although famous for his roles in intense dramas and action movies, Neeson has delivered some impressive comedic performances throughout his career. In this movie, he steps into the spotlight for a comedy of his own, showing his commitment to the role. He follows in the footsteps of Nielsen with his dry wit, which won over audiences. The film is filled with jokes, but not all will be laugh-out-loud funny. However, the balance between successful and unsuccessful jokes is good, indicating Neeson’s talent and the strength of the script supporting him. While it may not reach the level of the franchise’s best installments, this film still deserves recognition alongside the original trilogy.

2) The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)

In 1991, the sequel was released titled “The Smell of Fear“. Similar to its predecessor, it retained the allure and humor, with Lieutenant Frank Drebin once again taking center stage. As usual, his work-related escapades soon spiraled into a series of chaotic mishaps. Although the plot may not reach the level of absurdity as the original, it still manages to provide enough quirky entertainment. In this installment, Drebin thwarts a scheme to replace a clean energy scientist with a doppelganger, aiming to influence White House policies. Despite minor shortcomings, the overall story remains more than eccentric enough to keep viewers engaged.

Nielsen and Priscilla Presley share an undeniable chemistry throughout the movie. This unexpectedly endearing romance fits seamlessly into the larger narrative, which remains remarkably pertinent in today’s political and social climate. While The Smell of Fear doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights set by its predecessor, it underscores the fact that this franchise offers more than a fleeting success.

1) The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

Without a shadow of a doubt, the original “The Naked Gun” remains unrivaled in comedic brilliance. Over the years, it has become an endless source of laughter with its multitude of jokes that often go unnoticed during a single viewing. The movie brilliantly expands on the concept of their brief TV series, “Police Squad!”, crafting a tale so entertaining that multiple viewings are a must. Leslie Nielsen shines as the bumbling yet endearing character Frank Drebin, whose cluelessness adds to the overall hilarity.

He’s extremely genuine and kind-hearted, yet alarmingly oblivious to his environment. Somehow, he still manages to be productive in the end. This character has many unforgettable moments, from an awkward press conference to attending a baseball game, all of which showcase one of the greatest comedic performances on screen in this film. This movie transcends parody; it’s a testament to what films ought to be – a means of escape. It’s challenging not to be swept away by its absurdity as the movie careens forward, filled with joke after joke, and the overall outcome is one of the funniest movies ever created.

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2025-08-06 21:13