10 Movies and Shows Like ‘History of the World: Part I’ (1981)

Description: Blazing Saddles is similar to History of the World: Part I in its irreverent and satirical take on historical and cultural themes. Both films are directed by Mel Brooks and share a comedic style that parodies serious subjects with absurd humor, slapstick, and anachronistic jokes. The films also break the fourth wall, engaging the audience directly.

Fact: Blazing Saddles was one of the first mainstream films to use extensive racial humor and satire to critique racism. The famous campfire beans scene was improvised by the cast. The film was initially controversial but has since been recognized as a classic of American comedy.

Description: Airplane! shares a similar comedic tone with History of the World: Part I, featuring rapid-fire jokes, visual gags, and absurd situations. Both films parody well-known genres (disaster films for Airplane! and historical epics for History of the World) with a mix of slapstick and witty dialogue.

Fact: Airplane! is a parody of the 1957 film Zero Hour! and follows its plot closely. The film was initially panned by critics but later gained a cult following. The line 'Surely you can't be serious' was ad-libbed by actor Robert Hays.

Description: Top Secret! is a parody of spy films and Elvis Presley movies, much like History of the World: Part I parodies historical epics. Both films feature absurd humor, visual gags, and a non-linear storytelling style that keeps the audience guessing.

Fact: The film was directed by Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers, who also did Airplane!. The underwater bar fight scene was filmed backward to create a surreal effect. Val Kilmer made his film debut in this movie.

Description: The Princess Bride shares a similar blend of comedy and adventure with History of the World: Part I. Both films use satire and meta-humor to subvert traditional genre tropes (fairy tales for The Princess Bride, historical epics for History of the World).

Fact: The film was based on a novel by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay. Andre the Giant's character, Fezzik, was written specifically for him. The film was not a box office hit initially but gained a massive following through home video.

Description: Spaceballs, like History of the World: Part I, is a Mel Brooks parody film that lampoons a popular genre (sci-fi for Spaceballs, historical epics for History of the World). Both films feature Brooks' signature humor, including meta-jokes, puns, and over-the-top characters.

Fact: Spaceballs was the first film to parody the Star Wars franchise with permission from George Lucas. The character Yogurt was inspired by Yoda but with a merchandising twist. The film's spaceship, Eagle 5, is actually a Winnebago.

Description: The Naked Gun shares a similar comedic style with History of the World: Part I, relying on visual gags, puns, and absurd situations. Both films parody serious genres (police procedurals and historical epics) with a mix of slapstick and deadpan humor.

Fact: The film is a spin-off of the TV series Police Squad!, which was canceled after six episodes. Leslie Nielsen's deadpan delivery became iconic after this film. The famous scene where Nielsen's character disrupts a baseball game was filmed at a real MLB game.

Description: Hot Shots! parodies action films, particularly Top Gun, with the same over-the-top humor that History of the World: Part I uses for historical epics. Both films rely on visual gags, puns, and absurd situations to mock their source material.

Fact: The film was directed by Jim Abrahams, one of the creators of Airplane!. Charlie Sheen's character is a parody of Tom Cruise's Maverick in Top Gun. The film features a cameo by Lloyd Bridges, who also starred in Airplane!.

Description: Robin Hood: Men in Tights is another Mel Brooks parody, this time targeting the Robin Hood legend and earlier film adaptations. Like History of the World: Part I, it uses anachronistic humor, musical numbers, and exaggerated characters to mock its source material.

Fact: The film was a response to the serious tone of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). Cary Elwes, who plays Robin Hood, also starred in The Princess Bride. The film features a cameo by Patrick Stewart as King Richard.

Description: Austin Powers parodies the spy genre with the same irreverent humor that History of the World: Part I uses for historical epics. Both films feature exaggerated characters, sexual innuendo, and a self-aware tone that pokes fun at their respective genres.

Fact: Mike Myers plays both Austin Powers and Dr. Evil. The film was inspired by the James Bond series and 1960s spy films. The character of Austin Powers was partly based on Myers' father.

Description: Galaxy Quest is a parody of sci-fi TV shows like Star Trek, similar to how History of the World: Part I parodies historical epics. Both films use humor to critique their genres while also paying homage to them, blending satire with genuine affection.

Fact: The film was initially dismissed as a Star Trek spoof but is now considered a sci-fi classic. Alan Rickman's character was based on Leonard Nimoy's Spock. The Thermians' language was created by linguists to sound alien but logical.