If You Like Police Academy, You'll Love These 80s Movies!
The 1980s! What a decade, right? Big hair, rad music, and some of the most iconic comedy movies ever made. And when you think of 80s comedy, Police Academy is probably one of the first that springs to mind. The hilarious cast, the slapstick humor, and the totally quotable lines – it's a classic for a reason. But, if you're like me and have watched Police Academy a million times and are looking for something similar to tickle your funny bone, then, guys, you're in the right place! Let's dive into some awesome 80s movies that capture that same comedic spirit.
1. Airplane! (1980)
Okay, let's kick things off with a movie that's arguably one of the funniest of all time: Airplane!. This movie is a non-stop barrage of visual gags, puns, and absurd situations. The plot is simple: a former fighter pilot has to land a commercial airplane when the pilots become incapacitated. But the brilliance is in the execution. From the deadpan delivery of Leslie Nielsen ("Surely you can't be serious!") to the completely over-the-top scenarios, Airplane! is a masterclass in comedic timing. What makes it similar to Police Academy? Well, both movies rely heavily on physical comedy, ridiculous characters, and a general sense of anything-goes humor. Plus, they both have that wonderfully cheesy 80s vibe that we all know and love. If you appreciate the silliness and the constant stream of jokes in Police Academy, then Airplane! is an absolute must-watch. You will find yourself quoting this movie for days after seeing it. The humor is universal, it is timeless, and it is undeniably hilarious. Seriously, if you haven't seen Airplane! yet, drop everything and watch it right now. You won't regret it! And who knows, maybe you'll even learn something about flying a plane... probably not, but you'll definitely laugh a lot. So buckle up, get ready for turbulence, and prepare for a comedic journey that will leave you in stitches.
2. Caddyshack (1980)
Next up, we have Caddyshack, a movie that perfectly blends sports comedy with pure, unadulterated mayhem. Set at a stuffy country club, Caddyshack follows the antics of the members, the caddies, and a groundskeeper's increasingly desperate battle against a gopher. What sets Caddyshack apart is its incredible cast, including Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Chevy Chase, who all bring their unique brands of comedy to the table. Rodney Dangerfield's character, Al Czervik, is especially reminiscent of some of the more over-the-top characters in Police Academy. He's loud, obnoxious, and completely disregards social norms, creating chaos wherever he goes. The humor in Caddyshack is a bit more raunchy and irreverent than in Police Academy, but it shares that same spirit of rebellion against authority and a willingness to push the boundaries of good taste. The movie is also packed with memorable scenes, from the Baby Ruth in the pool to Bill Murray's epic battle with the gopher. Caddyshack is a classic for a reason, and it's a perfect choice if you're looking for a comedy that's both hilarious and a little bit naughty. So grab your golf clubs, get ready to party, and prepare for a round of golf you'll never forget. Just try not to get banned from the country club in the process!
3. Stripes (1981)
Stripes is another 80s comedy gem that shares a lot of DNA with Police Academy. The movie stars Bill Murray as John Winger, a man who impulsively enlists in the army after losing his job and his girlfriend. What follows is a hilarious journey through basic training and beyond, as John and his buddy, Russell (Harold Ramis), stumble their way through military life. Like Police Academy, Stripes relies on a cast of quirky characters, slapstick humor, and a healthy dose of irreverence towards authority. Bill Murray is at his absolute best in this movie, delivering his lines with that trademark dry wit and sarcasm. The movie also features some memorable supporting characters, including John Candy as a hapless drill sergeant and Warren Oates as a no-nonsense officer who's constantly exasperated by John's antics. Stripes has a slightly more grounded feel than Police Academy, but it still delivers plenty of laughs. The training montages are hilarious, the situations are absurd, and the overall message is one of good-natured rebellion. If you enjoy the camaraderie and the fish-out-of-water elements of Police Academy, then Stripes is definitely worth checking out. Enlist today and get ready for a comedic adventure that will have you laughing all the way to the barracks!
4. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
National Lampoon's Vacation is the quintessential road trip comedy, and it's a must-see for anyone who loves 80s humor. The movie follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country journey to Wally World, a fictional amusement park. Of course, things don't go according to plan, and the Griswolds encounter a series of hilarious mishaps along the way. Chevy Chase is perfectly cast as Clark Griswold, the well-meaning but accident-prone patriarch of the family. He's determined to give his family the perfect vacation, but his efforts are constantly thwarted by bad luck and his own ineptitude. National Lampoon's Vacation is similar to Police Academy in its reliance on physical comedy, outrageous situations, and a general sense of chaos. The movie is packed with memorable scenes, from the infamous Aunt Edna strapped to the roof of the car to the disastrous visit to Cousin Eddie's house. While National Lampoon's Vacation is a bit more family-oriented than Police Academy, it still has that same irreverent spirit and a willingness to push the boundaries of good taste. So pack your bags, grab your family, and get ready for a road trip you'll never forget. Just try not to end up stranded in the desert or chased by a pack of wild dogs!
5. Ghostbusters (1984)
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! This movie is a perfect blend of comedy, sci-fi, and action, and it's one of the most beloved films of the 1980s. The story follows a group of parapsychologists who start a ghost-busting business in New York City. What sets Ghostbusters apart is its incredible cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson, who all have amazing chemistry together. The movie is packed with quotable lines, memorable scenes, and some truly impressive special effects for its time. While Ghostbusters has a supernatural element that's not present in Police Academy, it shares that same sense of fun, irreverence, and camaraderie. The Ghostbusters are a group of misfits who come together to solve a problem, and they do it with a lot of humor and heart. The movie also has a great villain in Gozer the Gozerian, a powerful entity who threatens to destroy the world. Ghostbusters is a timeless classic that's sure to entertain audiences of all ages. So grab your proton pack, get ready to bust some ghosts, and prepare for a comedic adventure that will leave you feeling good. And remember, don't cross the streams!
6. Weird Science (1985)
Weird Science is a hilarious and quirky teen comedy that's perfect for anyone who loves 80s movies. The story follows two nerdy high school students who use their computer to create the perfect woman. What follows is a series of comedic mishaps as they try to navigate the challenges of having a super-powered, artificial girlfriend. Weird Science is similar to Police Academy in its reliance on over-the-top humor, outrageous situations, and a general sense of silliness. The movie is also packed with memorable scenes, from the infamous biker bar scene to the explosive climax. While Weird Science is aimed at a younger audience than Police Academy, it still has that same irreverent spirit and a willingness to push the boundaries of good taste. The movie is also notable for its soundtrack, which features some of the biggest hits of the 1980s. So fire up your computer, get ready to create the perfect woman, and prepare for a comedic adventure that will leave you laughing. Just try not to accidentally create a monster!
7. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the ultimate feel-good movie, and it's a must-see for anyone who loves 80s comedies. The story follows Ferris Bueller, a charismatic high school student who fakes an illness to skip school for a day. What follows is a series of hilarious adventures as Ferris, his best friend Cameron, and his girlfriend Sloane explore Chicago. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is similar to Police Academy in its celebration of rebellion against authority and its focus on the importance of friendship. Ferris is a master of manipulation, but he's also a genuinely likable character who just wants to have a good time. The movie is packed with memorable scenes, from the parade sequence to the art museum visit. While Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a bit more sentimental than Police Academy, it still has that same sense of fun and irreverence. So skip school, grab your friends, and get ready for a day of adventure that you'll never forget. Just try not to get caught by the principal!
8. Spaceballs (1987)
Mel Brooks' Spaceballs is a hilarious parody of science fiction films, particularly Star Wars. The movie follows Lone Starr and his sidekick Barf as they try to rescue Princess Vespa from the evil Dark Helmet. Spaceballs is similar to Police Academy in its reliance on slapstick humor, outrageous situations, and a general sense of silliness. The movie is packed with references to other sci-fi films, and it's a must-see for any fan of the genre. Mel Brooks is at his best in this movie, delivering his lines with that trademark comedic timing and energy. The movie also features some memorable supporting characters, including Yogurt (also played by Mel Brooks) and Pizza the Hutt. While Spaceballs is a bit more niche than Police Academy, it still has that same irreverent spirit and a willingness to poke fun at everything. So may the Schwartz be with you, get ready to laugh, and prepare for a comedic adventure that's out of this world!
So there you have it, folks! A list of 80s movies that, if you love Police Academy, you're almost guaranteed to enjoy. These movies all have that same sense of humor, that same spirit of fun, and that same 80s charm that makes Police Academy so special. So go ahead, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to laugh your socks off!