8 Most Hilarious 1980s Comedies to Watch While Waiting for 'The Naked Gun'
These comedies were already great in the 80s, and they've kept their charm for over 40 years.
The first The Naked Gun was released in 1988, when big screens were filled with good and not-so-good comedies. Now, a reboot of the franchise is being prepared for release on August 1.
To get in the right mood before the release of the new The Naked Gun, we decided to remember other worthy comedies from the 80s.
1. 'This Is Spinal Tap', 1984
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
The plot of This Is Spinal Tap revolves around a British punk band going on their first tour of the US in six years.
As the story progresses, the main characters make one senseless decision after another, plunging into satirical chaos and parodying the 1970s and famous rock musicians.
Released at the dawn of the 80s, This Is Spinal Tap was, in many ways, ahead of its time. For a long time, it gathered dust on the shelf of misunderstood masterpieces. Fortunately, the movie received its due recognition and love from viewers.
2. 'Airplane!', 1980
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Even after more than forty years, Airplane! remains one of the most quoted comedies. Considered the trendsetter in film parody, the movie masterfully uses clichés and makes references to other flicks of its time.
The story follows a former military pilot who finds himself on board an airplane whose crew is unable to control the aircraft due to food poisoning. Together with the stewardess, he is forced to save the passengers.
3. 'Coming to America', 1988
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Akeem is the heir to the throne of a small yet prosperous country. However, he cannot choose a bride, so he goes to New York in search of the future queen, taking his assistant, Semmy, with him.
There, the two men find jobs at a diner and live modestly to avoid revealing their true origins. Akeem wants to ensure that his bride will love him for who he is, not his status or wealth.
Love comes quickly, but will a simple worker be able to win the heart of the beautiful Lisa? Especially since her father owns the very diner where Akeem works.
4. 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles', 1987
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Neal, a manager at a large company, is forced to take a business trip right before Thanksgiving. Sitting next to him on the plane is a traveling salesman named Del who violates Neal's personal boundaries.
To make matters worse, the plane makes an emergency landing in Kansas due to heavy snowfall. All the hotels in town are full, so Neal is forced to spend the night in a room with Del.
The next morning, Neal decides to take the train home and Del joins him. An incredible adventure awaits these two very different people, full of both troubles and cute moments.
5. 'Twins', 1988
IMDb Score: 6.2/10
Scientists decided to create the perfect human. However, something went wrong, and two babies were born instead of one.
The twins were completely different from each other – the perfect specimen was sent to live on an island under the supervision of scientists, while the other twin was sent to an orphanage.
Years later, Julius, the embodiment of perfection, finds his lost brother. Vincent grew up to be a cynical adventurer who loves money and women. Now, the brothers are searching for their mother, and all sorts of trouble awaits them along the way.
6. 'The Cannonball Run', 1981
IMDb Score: 6.2/10
The movie tells the story of an actual illegal race that took place in the 1970s. In this race, participants could cross the US from east to west in any car.
Racer JJ and his mechanic decide to cheat and win the race by using an ambulance that no one will stop. For greater authenticity, they add a doctor to their crew and kidnap a photographer to play the role of a patient.
It's a deliberately silly movie that exploits beautiful cars and features guest stars in comic roles, such as Roger Moore, who mocks his own Bond image here.
7. 'Overboard', 1987
IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Joanna is a wealthy woman married to a millionaire. Dean is a simple carpenter whom Joanna called to repair her yacht. In the end, she humiliated him and didn't even pay. Soon, the woman falls overboard and loses her memory.
Dean gets the opportunity to take revenge by convincing Joanna that she is his wife and mother of many children, living a life of constant household chores. Terrified, Joanna takes on the role of a housewife, unable to pluck a chicken or put the children to bed.
Meanwhile, Dean grows increasingly sympathetic to Joanna, and it becomes harder for him to maintain the absurd legend of her past life.
8. 'Adventures in Babysitting', 1987
IMDb Score: 6.9/10
High school student Chris reluctantly agrees to babysit. Then, a friend calls from the bus station and asks her to save her life. Chris grabs the kids and heads off to meet adventures.
There are several problems: Chicago at night is teeming with dangers, time is running out, and one of the teenagers is in love with his babysitter.
This is the directorial debut of Chris Columbus, who would later direct Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Columbus successfully mixes genres, keeping viewers in suspense while creating a warm family atmosphere.
