Cinema

AFI names Blazing Saddles the funniest film of all time

Mel Brooks’ 1974 classic moves to the top of AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs list.

pttl team July 2, 2026 3 min read

Το Blazing Saddles του Mel Brooks ανακηρύχθηκε από το AFI ως η πιο αστεία ταινία όλων των εποχών — Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles has been named the funniest film of all time by the American Film Institute.

Summary

AFI has proclaimed Blazing Saddles the funniest film of all time.
The announcement was made on June 28, 2026.
The move honors Mel Brooks on his 100th birthday.
Blazing Saddles moves from number six to number one.
Mel Brooks is the only filmmaker with three films in the AFI Top 15.

Contents

The change in AFI’s list
AFI’s comment
Mel Brooks’ unique position
What we think
Frequently asked questions

The American Film Institute has proclaimed Blazing Saddles the funniest film of all time, honoring Mel Brooks on his 100th birthday.

AFI announced on June 28, 2026, that the classic 1974 comedy Blazing Saddles is moving to the top of the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs list, rising from sixth place to number one.

The decision carries strong symbolic weight, as it marks Mel Brooks’ centennial and brings renewed attention to one of the most influential satirical comedies in American cinema.

The change in AFI’s list

The American Film Institute described the move as an honorary reorganization of its well-known AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs list. Until now, Blazing Saddles had long held the sixth position, while the top spot belonged to 1959’s Some Like It Hot.

With the new announcement, Blazing Saddles moves to number one, in a decision AFI presented as recognition of Mel Brooks’ contribution to comedy and cinema.

AFI’s comment

AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said that Mel Brooks was right when he had argued that his film was funnier than Some Like It Hot.

The statement was delivered with a humorous tone, fitting both the occasion and Brooks’ screen persona. Brooks is also an AFI Life Achievement Award honoree.

Mel Brooks’ unique position

Mel Brooks is the only filmmaker with three films in the top 15 of AFI’s list. Alongside Blazing Saddles, The Producers is ranked at number 11 and Young Frankenstein at number 13.

This underlines his lasting impact on film comedy and the way his satire continues to be discussed decades after his films first reached audiences.

What we think

AFI’s choice feels more like a symbolic tribute than a simple ranking change. Blazing Saddles remains one of Mel Brooks’ boldest and most recognizable comedies, and its rise to the top serves as a reminder of how enduring satire can be when it is paired with a clear cinematic identity.