Where to Stream All ‘The Naked Gun’ Movies and Other Classic Spoof Films
Liam Neeson may be nearing the end of his action film career, but his comedic journey is just beginning with the release of the new film The Naked Gun.
This legacy sequel continues the legacy of the Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and David Zucker trio, known for creating some of the funniest films from the ’80s and ’90s.
Luckily, many classics from Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker are easily accessible for streaming.
The Watch With Us team has crafted a guide to help you find where to watch all the The Naked Gun films, along with a selection of other exceptional spoofs produced by ZAZ.
‘The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!’ (1988)
The inaugural Naked Gun film revived the brief 1982 TV comedy, Police Squad!, which is currently unavailable for streaming. Leslie Nielsen returns as Lt. Frank Drebin, whose deadpan style solidified his status as a comedy icon. This movie was bold from its opening sequence—where Frank takes down America’s foes—to the climactic scene at Angel Stadium, where he must thwart an attempt on Queen Elizabeth II’s life (Jeannette Charles).
Priscilla Presley showcased her comedic talent as Frank’s romantic interest, Jane Spencer, with their whirlwind romance being a standout aspect. Ricardo Montalbán also delivers a memorable performance as the antagonist, Vincent Ludwig, who, among the franchise’s villains, truly appeared threatening, making his eventual downfall even more humorous.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is available for streaming on Paramount+.
‘The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear’ (1991)
In The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear, O. J. Simpson’s Detective Nordberg finds himself in various comedic predicaments once more. However, this sequel unexpectedly shifts the mishaps to then First Lady Barbara Bush (Margery Ross). Between the films, Frank and Jane have ended their relationship, and she becomes involved with the new antagonist, Quentin Hapsburg (Robert Goulet).
Although Goulet may not possess the same charisma as Montalbán, he performs admirably, and his character meets a similarly absurd conclusion. Remarkably, this sequel is even more over-the-top than the original Naked Gun.
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear is available for streaming on Paramount+.
‘Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult’ (1994)
The concluding film in the original trilogy parodies contemporary hits such as The Untouchables, Thelma and Louise, The Shawshank Redemption, and even The Crying Game. Frank discovers that retirement isn’t for him, and his marriage to Jane is unraveling. He agrees to go undercover in prison to capture the mad bomber Rocco Dillon (Fred Ward).
Rocco and his mother, Muriel Dillon (Kathleen Freeman), plot to disrupt Hollywood during the Oscars, leading to Frank and Jane causing chaos at the Academy Awards. Be on the lookout for Anna Nicole Smith in a comedic role as Rocco’s mistress, alongside cameos from stars such as James Earl Jones, Shannen Doherty, and Pia Zadora.
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult is available for streaming on Paramount+.
Sometimes timing is crucial for major streaming platforms like Max. HBO and Max couldn’t have foreseen the announcement of Spaceballs 2 this month, which has since propelled the original Spaceballs into the top 10 movies on the platform shortly after its debut. That’s not the only comedic highlight this month…
‘Airplane!’ (1980)
Disaster films were immensely popular in the ’60s and ’70s, and Airplane! parodies this entire genre while giving Nielsen his breakout comedic role as Dr. Rumack, a passenger aboard a plane plagued by food poisoning. Former military pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) purchased a ticket solely to win back his ex-girlfriend, Elaine Dickinson (Julie Hagerty), who is a stewardess on the flight.
Ted and the crew, including Elaine and Dr. Rumack, must convince him to take control of the aircraft and safely land it. While that sounds serious, rest assured that the film is packed with rapid-fire jokes, much like the style adopted in the Naked Gun series.
Airplane! is available for streaming on Paramount+.
‘Airplane II: The Sequel’ (1982)
Unlike the first film, ZAZ did not reunite for Airplane II: The Sequel. However, Hays and Hagerty return as Ted and Elaine, with the premise taking a strange turn into science fiction as the flight destination is humanity’s base on the moon. Ted has been institutionalized for voicing concerns regarding the unsafe space shuttle, while Elaine has moved on to a new partner, Simon Kurtz (Chad Everett).
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Similar to the first film, Ted manages to board the flight again, where he displays his heroics while Simon reveals his true nature. Although it’s not as funny as the original Airplane, it remains enjoyable.
Airplane II: The Sequel is available for streaming on Paramount+.
‘Top Secret!’ (1984)
Before they regrouped for The Naked Gun, Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker gave Val Kilmer his breakout role in Top Secret!, an outrageous spoof of spy thrillers and Elvis Presley films. Kilmer stars as rock star and secret agent Nick Rivers, sent to East Germany to prevent General Streck (Jeremy Kemp) from uniting the country under communism.
While Top Secret! has minimal plot compared to either of the Airplane films, Kilmer’s charm shines through, making it an excellent comedy in its own right.
Top Secret! is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
