May the homage be with you...
George Lucas nicked most of Star Wars from other people, *cough* Kurosawa *cough*, so it only seems fair that the Force has been fuelling comedy since 1977. And when you think about it, there's plenty of material ripe for tomfoolery. Lucas' desire to create a new galactic nomenclature for example. He really let his imagination run wild with a name like Jar Jar Binks, and in doing so, opened himself up for massive amounts of spoofing.
That's just how some people show their love for the saga. From subtle nods and winks to, the likes of Spaceballs, we round up the greatest Star Wars parodies this side of The Force Awakens.
25. Sesame Street
Star S'mores
Trust Sesame Street to reinvent the saga through dessert staples. Before they even set out on their quest to rescue Princess Parfaita and her two Oreo hair buns from the evil Empire, Luke Piewalker and Chewie have another problem to deal with: Flan Solo's desire to eat Chewie. In this sweetened world, Chewie is no longer a Wookie he's a cookie. And Flan Solo? Yeah, he's the cookie monster. Thankfully, Luke suggests a visit to his wizened mentor in order to teach Flan to curb his desires, the great Only-One Cannoli.
24. Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986)
Star Destroyer car
The whole purpose of Ferris' day off is to cut loose, which he does tremendously well. Little does he, or his buddy Cameron, realise that the real fun happens while they entrust Cam's father's priceless Ferrari to a couple of city valets. They jump the Ferrari 250 GTS over a speed bump - filmed in super slow motion as the undercarriage looms onto our screens, impossibly long and intricate, to John Williams iconic score. Possibly the greatest advert for a car. Ever.
23. The LEGO Movie (2014)
Bon Vivants
What did you think, a spaceship is just gonna appear out of the blue? Think again Batman, anything is possible in The LEGO Movie. Including The Millennium Falcon and its crew of bon vivants, swooping into the middle of the movie to give Chris Pratt their spare hyperdrive and somehow make everything more awesome. "Chewie," Han says begrudgingly, "We're supposed to be halfway to a sweet party on Naboo right now." So glad they took the detour and gave us a glimpse at that brick-built hunk of junk.
22. George Lucas In Love (1999)
Lucas' origin story
This meta-spin on the creation of Star Wars is the work of a university student, who bagged much acclaim and awards for reimagining George Lucas' life as he penned... Space Wheat. Hang on, what now? The fictional Lucas steals parts from his real everyday existence as inspiration for his space opus. For example, a certain bun-haired pal teaches him a valuable lesson. Even the posters for the short are modelled after Star Wars artist Drew Struzan's legendary wall art.
21. Friends
The One With The Princess Leia Fantasy
Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) proves her loyalty and willingness to do whatever it takes to relax Ross (David Schwimmer). She re-enacts the ultimate fan-boy fantasy by dressing up as slave-girl Leia as part of their romantic repertoire, which he then manages to ruin twofold by humming a weird version of John Williams theme tune and picturing his mother wearing said outfit. Also, yes, Rachel did get the hair wrong, but you can't question her enthusiasm.
20. Troopers
The intergalactic troopers
CollegeHumor's episodic webseries is what Spaceballs might have been like had the plot focused solely on the inane activities of the Stormtroopers. Except the dunderheaded pair here, Larry and Rich, are aboard a spacecraft called the Dreadcruiser serving their leader Dreadlord. It runs for twelve episodes with each gleefully mocking the Imperial lackeys at every opportunity, usually at the hands of Aubrey Plaza's droll Princess.
19. Deconstructing Harry (1997)
Star Wars Bar Mitzvah
In one of Woody Allens stand-out moments of surrealism, two old women find themselves in the midst of a Star Wars-themed Bar Mitzvah. Complete with red-eyed Darth Vader table decorations, multiple Princess Leias serving up hot noodle kugle, and a Wookiee mixing the drinks. Star Wars clearly is the new religion for young Donald who is told, through glittery cardboard lettering, that the Force is with him.
18. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
I Am Your Father
One of the great throwaway gags of a movie series positively groaning with them, arrives right as Powers is about to take out Dr Evil. At a serious disadvantage, Dr. Evil still tries to gain the upper hand over Austin by booming, I AM YOUR FATHER! When Austin starts to believe it, asking if it's really true, Evils downbeat retraction is timed to perfection. No... I cant back that up.
17. Hardware Wars (1978)
The whole film
Named by Lucas as his favourite spoof, Ernie Fosselius short Star Wars parody was also the first, arriving a mere seven months after A New Hope.Hampered by a shoestring budget, the lightsabers are flashlights, the ships are steam irons and Chewchilla the Wookiee is quite obviously The Cookie Monster dyed brown. Still who's gonna argue with the original sweded take on a galaxy far, far away? Especially when it's this much fun.
