10 Movies & Shows Like Spaceballs (1987)

Description: Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! shares Spaceballs' campy aesthetic and irreverent humor. Both films parody classic sci-fi tropes, though Mars Attacks! does so through a 1950s B-movie lens rather than Star Wars parody.

Fact: Based on a controversial trading card series from 196The film's Martians were inspired by the aliens in Plan 9 from Outer Space. Jack Nicholson plays two roles in the film.

Description: This film shares Spaceballs' vibrant visual style and quirky characters, though it plays its sci-fi premise straight rather than as parody. Both feature memorable alien designs and a sense of fun amidst cosmic stakes.

Fact: Luc Besson wrote the script as a teenager. The film's costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Bruce Willis initially turned down the role.

Description: While more action-oriented than Spaceballs, Men in Black shares its comedic approach to alien encounters and secret government agencies. Both films blend sci-fi elements with humor, though MIB leans more toward buddy-cop dynamics.

Fact: Inspired by a little-known comic book series. Will Smith's character was originally written for a white actor. The neuralyzer was based on real CIA memory experiments.

Description: While more violent than Spaceballs, Starship Troopers similarly satirizes military culture and propaganda through its over-the-top portrayal of space warfare. Both films use exaggerated scenarios to comment on serious themes.

Fact: Based on Robert A. Heinlein's novel. Director Paul Verhoeven intentionally made the film fascistic to critique militarism. The bugs were inspired by real insects and cost $1 million each to animate.

Description: Like Spaceballs, Galaxy Quest is a parody of science fiction tropes, particularly Star Trek. Both films use humor to poke fun at the genre while still delivering an entertaining space adventure. They share a similar satirical tone and feature self-aware characters who often break the fourth wall.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a parody of Star Trek conventions. Tim Allen's character was partially inspired by William Shatner's portrayal of Captain Kirk. Many Star Trek actors, including George Takei and Jonathan Frakes, have praised the film for its accurate portrayal of fandom.

Description: This film shares Spaceballs' absurdist humor and satirical take on space travel and alien encounters. Both movies feature quirky characters and bizarre situations that mock traditional sci-fi narratives while maintaining an adventurous spirit.

Fact: Based on Douglas Adams' radio series and novels. The original radio show was created in

Description: While more family-oriented, Zathura shares Spaceballs' playful approach to space adventure. Both films use familiar sci-fi elements in unexpected, humorous ways.

Fact: Spiritual successor to Jumanji. Based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg. Features early performances from Kristen Stewart and Josh Hutcherson.

Description: Like Spaceballs, Guardians blends sci-fi with comedy, featuring a ragtag crew on a space adventure. Both films use humor to undercut typical space opera seriousness, though Guardians has more emotional depth.

Fact: Based on an obscure Marvel comic. Chris Pratt lost 60 pounds for the role. The soundtrack became a bestseller.

Description: This road trip comedy with an alien shares Spaceballs' irreverent humor and references to sci-fi pop culture. Both films feature self-aware characters who frequently break genre conventions.

Fact: Features cameos from many sci-fi icons. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost wrote the script. The alien's voice is Seth Rogen.

Description: Seth MacFarlane's series combines Star Trek-style sci-fi with humor much like Spaceballs. While more dramatic than Mel Brooks' film, it similarly balances parody with genuine affection for the genre.

Fact: Originally conceived as a Star Trek parody. Features many Star Trek alumni. The show's tone became more serious in later seasons.