John Landis is one of his generation’s most versatile and enduring directors, creating films ranging from broad comedies to innovative horror-comedy hybrids, producing some iconic cult classic movies, making him one of the best directors of all time. Landis has a distinctive style marked by his ability to combine irreverent humor with genre-blending storytelling. His creative partnerships with A-list stars like Eddie Murphy and John Belushi have given audiences numerous unforgettable moments, cementing his legacy and shaping ’80s and ’90s Hollywood.
Landis’ films have the rare quality of becoming almost instant cult classics in the 90s (and 80s) while also standing the test of time in terms of technical quality and narratives. His influence has spanned decades, with many of his movies continuing to be rediscovered by new generations of viewers. Whether through laugh-out-loud comedies or genre-changing horror, Landis’ work resonates with a distinct combination of sharp satirical dialogue, larger-than-life characters, and expert comedic timing.
10 Into The Night (1985)
Starring Jeff Goldblum And Michelle Pfeiffer
Jeff Goldblum stars as Ed Okin, an insomniac whose mundane life takes a wild turn after he encounters a mysterious woman, Diana, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, being chased by murderous criminals. A whirlwind adventure across Los Angeles follows, involving diamond smuggling, international intrigue, and various assailants trying to capture the duo. The film blends dark comedy and suspense, offering a stylish, nocturnal journey through an iconic city that becomes a lead character in itself.
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Landis, known for his ability to fuse genres, mixes suspense with humor seamlessly in this film, making it an underrated movie in his career. Goldblum’s deadpan delivery combined with Pfeiffer’s electric personality makes the film engaging, and Landis’ direction turns the L.A. nightscape into a noirish playground for the characters to roam in. While Into the Night didn’t become a mainstream hit, it is one of Jeff Goldblum’s best movies, and its unique storytelling and Landis’ creative mood and atmosphere continue to make it a fan favorite for those who appreciate quirky thrillers with a comedic edge and impeccable acting.
9 Oscar (1991)
Starring Sylvester Stallone And Tim Curry
Sylvester Stallone takes on a very rare comedic role as Angelo “Snaps” Provolone, a gangster attempting to go as a straight businessman to fulfill a promise to his dying father. The film is set over one chaotic day as Snaps tries to transition from mob boss to respectable businessman. Still, his plans are constantly derailed by misunderstandings, scheming employees, and family drama. Landis directs the film with a fast-paced, absurd energy, taking inspiration from the many screwball comedies of the 1930s and ’40s.
Oscar
is a remake of the 1967 French film of the same name, set in Depression-era New York.
Although Oscar again wasn’t a commercial success, Landis’ direction ensures that the physical comedy and rapid-fire dialogue shine. Stallone proves he can handle comedy well, supported by the fact that a strong ensemble cast, including Marisa Tomei and Tim Curry, surround him. The film’s witty script and slapstick elements, coupled with Landis’ adept handling of farce, make it an underrated entry in his career. Oscar may not have garnered the attention of his more iconic films, but its blend of gangster themes with classic zany humor makes it a unique and funny movie.
8 The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
Starring George Lazenby And Donald Sutherland
This outrageous sketch comedy film was John Landis’ breakout, marking his first significant collaboration with the writing trio of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, who would later create Airplane! and The Naked Gun. The Kentucky Fried Movie is a collection of sketches that parody TV shows, commercials, and popular films, delivering everything from slapstick humor to witty satire. It set the stage for many of John Landis’ best movies and subsequent success in the comedy genre.
The Kentucky Fried Movie,
along with
Animal House,
both directed by Landis, played a significant role in pioneering and popularizing the ‘gross-out’ genre of movies. This genre went on to become a staple in Hollywood in the years that followed
.
The film’s experimental structure and irreverent humor were groundbreaking for its time, and it quickly became a cult hit while incredibly only being the second official film that Landis directed. While the budget was exceptionally modest, Landis created an engaging and varied comedic experience, showcasing his ability to balance absurdity with clever dialogue. Its influence on later sketch comedies is undeniable, giving Landis the credibility to take on more significant projects. The Kentucky Fried Movie may be somewhat polished. Still, its anarchic energy and willingness to push boundaries make it a crucial part of Landis’ early career and one that potentially helped give him a career in the first place.
7 Spies Like Us (1985)
Starring Chevy Chase And Dan Aykroyd
In this Cold War comedy, Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd star as two incompetent government employees who are mistaken for secret agents and sent on a mission to the Soviet Union. A series of bumbling misadventures follows as the duo attempts to navigate dangerous situations with little more than their quick wit and a variety of lucky coincidences. Spies Like Us is a classic buddy comedy that plays on the political tensions of the time, with Landis expertly balancing action, humor, and satire.
Spies Like Us
is an homage to the famous Bob Hope and Bing Crosby ‘
Road to..
‘ movie series. Bob Hope himself appears in one of the film’s scenes.
While the film didn’t receive overwhelming critical praise, like Oscar, its combination of slapstick humor and Cold War parody has made it a cult favorite; Chase and Aykroyd’s comedic chemistry is undeniable, and Landis’ direction keeps the pace brisk, ensuring that the jokes land well without dragging the plot behind. Spies Like Us may not have reached the iconic status of some of Landis’ other films. Still, it remains a testament to his ability to direct some iconic actors in high-energy comedies with broad appeal, something he would become infamous for later in his career.
6 ¡Three Amigos! (1986)
Starring Steve Martin And Chevy Chase
Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short are the stars of ¡Three Amigos!, a comedy about three silent film actors mistaken for real heroes by a small Mexican village seeking protection from a local bandit named El Guapo. The movie is both a spoof of iconic Westerns and a tribute to classic adventure films, with Landis bringing together the comedic talents of his three leads to present a playful and ridiculous escapade with an entertaining narrative throughout the film.
|
John Landis’ Highest Grossing Movies: |
Amount Grossed Worldwide: |
|---|---|
|
Coming To America (1998) |
$289 million |
|
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) |
$142 million |
|
Beverley Hills Cop III (1994) |
$120 million |
|
Trading Places (1983) |
$90 million |
|
An American Werewolf In London (1981) |
$62 million |
|
Spies Like Us (1985) |
$60 million |
|
The Blues Brothers (1980) |
$57 million |
|
Three Amigos! (1986) |
$39 million |
Landis’ direction allows each actor to display their distinct comedic style while cohesively upholding the film’s wacky, exaggerated tone. The combination of physical comedy, musical sequences, and satirical references to the Western genre make ¡Three Amigos! a cherished movie for fans of ’80s comedy. Although, seemingly like all of Landis’ earlier work, it didn’t achieve great success at the box office upon its initial release, the film has since attained cult status. Landis’ ability to expertly combine absurdity with genuine emotion is significant in its enduring popularity.
5 An American Werewolf In London (1981)
Starring David Naughton And Jenny Agutter
A truly groundbreaking fusion of horror and comedy that follows two American tourists, David and Jack, who are attacked by a werewolf while traveling in England. As David copes with the aftermath, including terrifying visions and a growing realization that he himself is transforming into a werewolf, Landis balances genuinely frightening moments with exceptional dark humor. An American Werewolf in London is renowned for its innovative, practical effects, particularly the werewolf transformation, which rightfully earned the inaugural Academy Award for Best Makeup.
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Landis’ skill at merging horror and comedy was revolutionary, influencing numerous filmmakers and horror comedies in the following years. The film’s combination of gruesome scenes, humor, and psychological suspense remains unparalleled, and the practical effects continue to impress modern audiences to this day. An American Werewolf in London solidified Landis’ reputation as a director capable of transcending genre boundaries, making it one of the finest horror-comedies ever created and the first jewel in Landis’ film career.
4 National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
Starring John Belushi And Tim Matheson
Regarded as one of the most influential comedies of all time, Animal House chronicles the escapades of a rowdy fraternity at Faber College. They were led by the rebellious Bluto (John Belushi); the Delta Tau Chi fraternity causes constant chaos on campus, challenging the authority of the more refined, respectable students and defying the administration who want to put a stop to their antics. The film’s blend of physical comedy, incisive social commentary, and memorable performances by legendary actors propelled it to instant classic status.
Animal House was shot on a budget of only $3 million ($14,014,286 adjusted for inflation) and it dominated the box office and secondary sales, grossing $141 million ($659 million adjusted for inflation), making it the highest-grossing comedy movie of its era.
Landis’ direction of Animal House captures the rebellious essence of the late ’70s while offering timeless humor that continues to resonate with audiences. The film’s success launched the careers of many of its actors, particularly John Belushi, and it remains one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time. Landis’ adept balancing of quirky absurdity with relatable college experiences made Animal House a game-changer for the comedy genre, influencing numerous films that followed in its footsteps.
3 Trading Places (1983)
Starring Eddie Murphy And Dan Aykroyd
Custom Image by Dalton Norman
Trading Places is a satirical comedy in which Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd swap societal positions in a contemporary adaptation of The Prince and the Pauper. Murphy portrays street-smart hustler Billy Ray Valentine, who exchanges roles with Aykroyd’s affluent businessman, Louis Winthorpe III, in a plot devised by two corrupt brokers. The film effectively critiques class, privilege, and the American dream while retaining its genuinely ‘laugh-out-loud’ humor, making it an iconic piece of American cinema.
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Landis’ direction ensures the pointed social commentary never overshadows the film’s comedic premise. Murphy and Aykroyd’s portrayals are exceptional, with their on-screen rapport propelling the storyline and making for many fantastic moments. Landis’ capacity to blend broad comedy with biting satire makes Trading Places one of the finest comedies of the decade. Its exploration of social disparities, engaging plot, and outstanding acting performances elevate it as an exceptional standout in Landis’ career and a box office smash hit with $121 million gross on a $15 million budget.
2 Coming To America (1988)
Starring Eddie Murphy And Arsenio Hall
Once again, Landis teams up with Eddie Murphy, who plays Prince Akeem, an affluent African prince who journeys to New York City to find true love by pretending to be an ordinary, working-class person in Coming to America. This romantic comedy combines Murphy’s generational comedic skills with a perceptive exploration of class and cultural divides. Alongside his faithful assistant, portrayed by Arsenio Hall, Akeem navigates the absurdities of Queens, New York, while upholding the facade of a regular citizen. The movie is brimming with unforgettable and hilarious moments, from Murphy and Hall’s comical character changes to the heartwarming love story at its core.
The homeless men who receive money from Prince Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy are actually the Duke brothers, portrayed by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche, from the movie
Trading Places
(1983), which was also directed by John Landis. The character Billy Ray Valentine, also played by Murphy is responsible for causing The Dukes to lose their fortune.
Landis’ direction in Coming to America guarantees that the film balances humor and a poignant romantic storyline. Murphy’s capacity to portray multiple characters with distinct personalities enhances the film, while Landis’ pacing and comedic timing make it one of the most humorous films of the ’80s. Much like Trading Places blended multiple themes, it is an amalgamation of satire, romance, and stellar performances from the entire cast, ensuring Coming to America endures as a cherished classic with a lasting cultural impact, which could easily have taken the first spot.
1 The Blues Brothers (1980)
Starring John Belushi And Dan Aykroyd
The Blues Brothers is John Landis’ most legendary film, combining comedy, music, and high-energy action in a manner unprecedented by any previous movie. Starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as Jake and Elwood Blues, the film follows the pair striving to bring their old band back together and raise funds to rescue their childhood orphanage. A chaotic journey across Chicago ensues, featuring breathtaking car chases and unforgettable musical performances by icons such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown.
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Landis directs The Blues Brothers with a restless energy that perfectly complements the film’s diverse genres. The film’s car chases are among the most iconic in cinematic history, and the musical numbers bring a sense of delight and spontaneity that heightens the entire experience of watching the movie. Aykroyd and Belushi’s chemistry and Landis’ ability to weave action with comedy and music firmly establish The Blues Brothers as one of Landis’ finest films and a definitive piece of 1980s cinema. Its impact on both comedy and musical films is indisputable, making it worthy of the top position in John Landis’ filmography.
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7.5/10 The Blues Brothers RComedyMusicalCrimeMusicActionAdventure
After being released from prison, Jake Blues (John Belushi) reunites with his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) to save a catholic home where they were raised together. To raise money, they put bring their old band back together and put on a show as “The Blues Brothers.” Set in Chicago and based on Saturday Night Live characters, The Blues Brothers features several musical celebrity cameos such as Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.
Director John Landis Release Date June 20, 1980 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Writers Dan Aykroyd , John Landis Cast John Belushi , ray charles , Cab Calloway , James Brown , Dan Aykroyd , Aretha Franklin Runtime 133 minutes Budget $27 million Expand