The Naked Gun franchise, starring the comedic genius Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling detective Frank Drebin, has delivered gut-busting laughter to audiences for decades. While Nielsen’s impeccable deadpan delivery is unforgettable, the presence of Priscilla Presley added a charming dynamic to the series. This article will rank all Naked Gun movies and the short-lived TV show, Police Squad!, highlighting their comedic brilliance and cultural impact.
From the rapid-fire visual gags to the clever wordplay, the Naked Gun series redefined parody and slapstick comedy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this ranking will guide you through the hilarious journey of Frank Drebin and his unforgettable adventures, featuring the delightful Priscilla Presley.
#1: Police Squad! (1982)
Before Frank Drebin graced the silver screen, he first appeared on television in Police Squad!. This show, a parody of cop procedurals, starred Leslie Nielsen as detective lieutenant Frank Drebin. Though it was short-lived, lasting only six episodes in 1982, Police Squad! set the stage for the comedic style that would define the Naked Gun movies.
Police Squad! was known for its frame-filling visual gags, rapid-fire wordplay, and slapstick humor. ABC executives, however, infamously deemed the show doomed because it required viewer attention to get all the jokes. Despite its cancellation, Police Squad! has had a lasting influence on single-camera comedies.
Critics Consensus: Wacky, inventive, and endlessly quotable, Police Squad! is a hysterically funny leap forward for TV comedy that was tragically ahead of its time. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Alan North, William Duell, Ed Williams
#2: The Naked Gun (2025)
A new chapter begins with Liam Neeson stepping into the role of Frank Drebin’s son, promising a fresh take on the beloved character. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90%, this revival aims to capture the daffy sense of humor that made the original trilogy a hit.
With Liam Neeson’s gravelly gravitas proving to be a perfect fit for Frank Drebin’s deadpan buffoonery, The Naked Gun revives the original trilogy’s daffy sense of humor like it never went out of style.
Critics Consensus: With Liam Neeson’s gravelly gravitas proving to be a perfect fit for Frank Drebin’s deadpan buffoonery, The Naked Gun revives the original trilogy’s daffy sense of humor like it never went out of style. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder
Directed By: Akiva Schaffer
#3: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! brought Frank Drebin to the big screen, solidifying his place in comedy history. The film was a blockbuster hit, proving that audiences were indeed sophisticated enough for a nice beaver joke. The cast included Priscilla Presley as Jane Spencer, Drebin’s romantic interest, and George Kennedy as Captain Ed Hocken.
The film follows Frank Drebin as he tries to foil a plot to turn innocent people into assassins. Its success led to two sequels, further cementing the franchise’s popularity.
Critics Consensus: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is loaded chock full of gags that are goofy, unapologetically crass, and ultimately hilarious. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, George Kennedy, Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalban
Directed By: David Zucker
#4: Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear sees the return of Frank Drebin as he navigates more madcap high jinks. In this installment, powerful energy corporations are the target of Drebin’s investigations, with Priscilla Presley reprising her role as Jane Spencer.
While it delivers some laughs, critics noted that it didn’t quite reach the comedic heights of its predecessor.
Critics Consensus: Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear delivers a handful of moderate laughs, but overall, its strained antics pale in comparison to its gut-busting predecessor. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy, O.J. Simpson
Directed By: David Zucker
#5: Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994)
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult marked the last film in the original trilogy. Frank Drebin, now retired, finds himself back in action when he goes undercover to stop a terrorist plot during the Academy Awards. Priscilla Presley returns as Jane, adding to the familiar comedic dynamic.
While Leslie Nielsen’s performance remained a highlight, this installment was considered a comedown from the original by many critics.
Critics Consensus: Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult can’t help but be sporadically funny thanks to Leslie Nielsen’s dependably solid work, but it’s still a steep comedown from the original. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy, O.J. Simpson
Directed By: Peter Segal
The Naked Gun series, from Police Squad! to Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult, has left an indelible mark on comedy. Leslie Nielsen’s portrayal of Frank Drebin, combined with the charm of Priscilla Presley and the comedic genius of the ZAZ team, created a unique blend of humor that continues to entertain audiences today. With a new installment on the horizon, the legacy of Frank Drebin lives on, promising more laughs and unforgettable moments.
Whether it’s the rapid-fire gags of Police Squad! or the slapstick humor of the films, the Naked Gun series remains a testament to the power of parody and the enduring appeal of Frank Drebin. These films have not only provided laughter but have also influenced countless comedies that followed, cementing their place in pop culture history.
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