Spoof films have long entertained audiences by poking fun at genres, tropes, and cultural moments with wit and absurdity. In a new feature, The Guardian has ranked the 20 best spoof movies ever made, spotlighting the finest examples of parody done right.

Topping the list is the 1980 classic Airplane!, revered for its rapid-fire gags and absurdist take on disaster films. Close behind is This Is Spın̈al Tap (1984), the definitive rock mockumentary that hilariously skewers heavy metal clichés. Young Frankenstein (1974), Mel Brooks’s black-and-white homage to classic horror, also features near the top for its brilliant blend of parody and affection.

Mel Brooks dominates the ranking, with Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, and High Anxiety all recognized for their genre-bending brilliance. Other standout entries include Monty Python’s Life of Brian, The Naked Gun, Team America: World Police, Galaxy Quest, and Scary Movie—each uniquely subverting expectations while staying true to their genre roots.

Surprises in the list include Clueless (a modern-day spoof of Jane Austen’s Emma) and a Bollywood entry, Duplicate Sholay, proving that parody transcends language and culture. Whether subtle or outrageous, these films remind us that satire, when done well, is both timeless and universal.