32 Years Later, This Campy Comedy Still Feels Like a Fever Dream & Fans Love It

If you had told me one of my favorite comedies out there was born from a Saturday Night Live skit, I would've laughed in disbelief. Yet here I am, ready to defend this ridiculous movie at all costs.

I think that the beauty of appreciating cinema in general mainly lies in staying open to ideas. Yes, this particular idea may come off as too much (it probably is) or even unhinged to some, but that's where the true beauty of the movie is.

And the thing about taking risks with unconventional films is that they often lead to the most memorable viewing experiences. They don't need to be Oscar-worthy to earn a special place in our hearts. All they need is just to be unapologetically themselves. And that's exactly what this movie is.

Coneheads (1993): Aliens in America

The story follows the Conehead family. They are aliens from the planet Remulak who crash-land on Earth and must blend in with suburban America while waiting for rescue. Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin reprise their SNL roles as Beldar and Prymaat Conehead.

You can expect Coneheads to fully commit to its premise. Our aliens aren't trying to be subtle at all. They're being themselves, explaining away their obvious differences with deadpan delivery.

Commitment to the bit definitely elevates what could've been a one-note joke into something genuinely entertaining. And besides, there's something oddly heartwarming about watching this family navigate normal American life while staying true to who they are. If you think about it, it's really just a social commentary.

Joe Willams (Far Out) made a similar observation, writing:

“The fact that the film was about an immigrant family didn’t quite sink into people’s minds until well into the 2000s, but it is the resounding factor that makes Coneheads such a classic.”

Coneheads Is Infinitely Specials & Deserves Your Time

No wonder why Coneheads developed such a devoted following over the years. As Redditor Jagermonsta shared:

“Coneheads is a classic. One of the best SNL movies that was made. So many great cameos/bit parts. We just watched it again the other evening.”

Every scene is played with such conviction that you can't help but get swept up in the absurdity. The cast treats this story with the same seriousness as a Shakespeare play, and that's exactly why it works.

So here's my suggestion: the next time you're scrolling endlessly wondering what to watch, remember this and give Coneheads a chance. It's currently available to stream for free on Hoopla.