Airplane! (1980)

What did we do before the advent of the internet and the explosion of memes?

Well, we had movies like "Airplane!"

Surely, you may be thinking, "You can't be serious?"

Indeed, I am serious, and please, don't call me Shirley.

You see, I just paraphrased "Airplane!"

This is how we disseminated memes in the days prior to the internet.

We would quote our favorite lines from "Airplane!" Or maybe a Monty Python sketch.

And "Airplane!" is filled with countless quotable lines.

These lines are delivered in a rapid, deadpan manner, without any laugh track.

The humor is sophomoric, obvious, predictable, and corny. The reason it's funny is because it's sophomoric, predictable, and corny.

In fact, the jokes come so fast in the movie, they aren't that funny when you first hear them, but become funnier the more you quote them.

Yes. We had memes before the internet. "Airplane!" was full of them.



You should not watch Airplane! if...

• You do not enjoy slapstick comedy or quick-witted, pun-based humor.
• You prefer serious or dramatic movies over comedies.
• Sexually suggestive humor or crude jokes are offensive to you.
• You demand a highly realistic and logical story. Airplane! thrives on the absurd and unexpected.
• It is recommended for viewers aged 13 and above due to its mature content.

People who loved this movie also loved...
The Princess Bride (1987)

A touch of romance in this swash-buckling adventure doesn't hurt its comedy roots. The Princess Bride melds humor, action, love, and fantasy into one memorable film. Its quirky characters and hilarious dialogue are sure to entertain you.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

"Airplane!" (1980) and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) are both films that masterfully blend humor, eccentricity, and a sense of whimsy that captivates audiences. Both films are rich in memorable characters, iconic lines, and scenes that are embedded in pop culture. They possess a unique charm and timeless appeal that transcends generations. Enthusiasts of Airplane!'s absurd humor and non-stop gags will appreciate Willy Wonka's darkly comic tone and the charismatic yet eccentric performance of Gene Wilder.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Lovers of "Airplane!" will also love "Blazing Saddles" due to their shared genre and style of humor. Both films are satirical comedies that utilize parody, slapstick humor, and absurdity to poke fun at their respective genres - disaster films for "Airplane!" and westerns for "Blazing Saddles". The irreverent humor, quick-witted dialogue, and unexpected visual gags in both films are similar, and they both contain numerous pop culture references and social commentaries. These qualities make "Blazing Saddles" a great choice for anyone who appreciates the comedic style of "Airplane!".

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Both "Airplane!" (1980) and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975) are classic examples of absurdist humor and sharp satire, employing over-the-top scenarios, slapstick comedy, and clever wordplay that challenge conventional storytelling. The films share a similar comedic DNA, with their irreverent tone, unpredictable plot twists, and memorable one-liners. They not only mock their respective genres - disaster films for "Airplane!" and medieval epics for Holy Grail - but also broader social norms and expectations, providing a hilarious and thoughtful commentary on their contemporary societies. For fans of the laugh-out-loud humor of "Airplane!," the zany antics of Monty Python are likely to hit the same comedic sweet spot.

National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)

Both "Airplane!" (1980) and "National Lampoon's Animal House" (1978) are iconic examples of American comedy from the late 70s and early 80s that utilize a similar brand of irreverent, slapstick humor. These films both feature comedic ensembles, absurd situations, and a barrage of visual gags and one-liners. They also share a satirical approach, lampooning societal norms and institutions (the aviation industry and higher education, respectively). Therefore, fans of the zany, fast-paced comedy in "Airplane!" are likely to appreciate the similar style of humor found in Animal House.

Caddyshack (1980)

"Airplane!" and "Caddyshack" are classic comedies released in 1980 that share a similar sense of irreverent and slapstick humor. They are filled with memorable one-liners, eccentric characters, and ludicrous plot scenarios. The humor in both films often relies on the element of surprise, absurdity, and non-sequiturs. If you appreciate the comedic style of "Airplane!," chances are you will enjoy the humor of "Caddyshack" as well.

Stripes (1981)

Connoisseurs of the 1980 comedy "Airplane!" are likely to appreciate "Stripes" (1981) due to the similar brand of humor employed in both films. Like "Airplane!," "Stripes" is characterized by its irreverent comedy, slapstick humor, and satirical take on established conventions, in this case, military life. Both films also showcase the comedic talents of popular actors of their time, with "Airplane!" featuring Leslie Nielsen and "Stripes" starring Bill Murray. Consequently, the humor, tone, and style of "Stripes" align closely with what fans enjoyed about "Airplane!," making it a recommended watch for them.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

"Airplane!" (1980) and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) are iconic movies of their time that offer a blend of offbeat humor, memorable one-liners, and an ensemble cast of quirky characters. Their irreverent humor, rooted in the culture and zeitgeist of their respective decades, offers a unique, entertaining perspective on societal norms. While "Airplane!" is a screwball parody of disaster movies, Fast Times is a coming-of-age comedy-drama; both films share a sharp wit, hilarious gags, and a knack for turning potentially dramatic situations into comedic gold.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Both "Airplane!" (1980) and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) are iconic films that perfectly encapsulate the essence of comedy in the 80s. Both films are packed with witty, fast-paced humor, unexpected twists, and memorable, quotable lines. They share a certain irreverence towards authority, a love of absurd situations, and a knack for breaking the fourth wall. While "Airplane!" is a parody of disaster films, and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is a coming-of-age story, they both maintain a light-hearted, comedic tone throughout, making them a must-watch for fans of classic comedy cinema.

There's Something About Mary (1998)

Fans of "Airplane!" (1980) will love "There's Something About Mary" (1998) because both feature a unique blend of slapstick comedy, eccentric characters, and absurd situations that define their respective humor styles. Both movies take normal, everyday situations and escalate them to hilarious extremes, using physical comedy, visual gags, and clever dialogue to keep the audience laughing. They also share a certain irreverence and willingness to push boundaries, making them appealing to viewers who enjoy comedy that's a bit off the beaten path.

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988):

If you love "Airplane!," you're likely to enjoy another classic from the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team. It's filled with slapstick humor, visual gags, and ludicrous situations. Leslie Nielsen stars as Lt. Frank Drebin, delivering one hilarious line after another with a poker face.

M*A*S*H (1970):

This dark comedy set during the Korean War is as full of satire and absurdity as "Airplane!". M*A*S*H's unique blend of smart humor and real-life pathos was highly innovative at its release and remains influential to this day.

Spaceballs (1987):

A parody of the Star Wars franchise by Mel Brooks. Piloting Winnebagos and wielding Schwartz-rings, the film's lovable characters stumble through space in this hilarious spoof. You're likely to enjoy it if you loved "Airplane!"

Remember, everyone's sense of humor is different so feel free to sample a bit of each to see if any of them tickles your funny bone!

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