To mark his centennial, the American Film Institute upgraded “Blazing Saddles” to the rank of funniest movie ever made.

Hollywood celebrates Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday

To mark his centennial, the American Film Institute upgraded "Blazing Saddles" to the rank of funniest movie ever made.

By Rance Collins

June 28, 2026 4:26 p.m. ET

Mel Brooks in 2024. Credit:

Presley Ann/Getty

- Mel Brooks is celebrating his 100th birthday.

- Hollywood pals, including Josh Gad, posted tributes in his honor.

- The American Film Institute announced that, in honor of Brooks' birthday, *Blazing Saddles* is now the funniest movie ever made.

The king of comedy Mel Brooks has crossed the century mark. Born on June 28, 1926, Brooks is one of the most —if not *the *most — esteemed laugh-master of Hollywood's 20th century, turning out hit after hit, particularly his lucrative '70s run that saw the release of both *Blazing Saddles* and *Young Frankenstein* in the same year.

An Oscar winner for his uproarious *The Producers* script, Brooks has remained active in his 90s, with the Hulu series *History of the World: Part 2* (a follow-up to his iconic 1981 film) and multiple roles in the *Spaceballs* sequel due next year. Just last month, he surprised fellow funny man Eddie Murphy with an appearance at his American Film Institute salute.

Brooks got a special correction from the AFI for his birthday. The hallowed movie organization released a list of the 100 greatest comedies back in 2004, ranking three Brooks' classics, including *Blazing Saddles *at number 6. As of his birthday, however, AFI has fixed this grave error, elevating the Western spoof all the way to No. 1, displacing the previous funniest ever movie, *Some Like It Hot*. According to the AFI, Brooks has professed that his movie, which tackled deep-seated American issues with hilarious aplomb, is better than the Billy Wilder gender-bending classic.

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"He's right!," AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said in a statement. "We're happy to right this wrong as Mel celebrates his centennial. It's good to be the king, and may he live to be a 2,000 year old man. Happy birthday, Mel!"

In addition to this 1st place ranking, *The Producers* is number 11 and *Young Frankenstein* is slotted at 13.

EW has reached out to Mel Brooks for comment.

Mel Brooks appeared with his wife Anne Bancroft in the 1983 film 'To Be or Not To Be'.

20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Brooks will next appear in the long-awaited sequel to his own *Spaceballs*, in a movie —appropriately titled *Spaceballs: The New One*, set for release in April 2027—co-written by Josh Gad. Gad wrote a heartfelt birthday message for Brooks on Instagram, calling his collaboration with the legendary filmmaker, whom he calls his "comedy idol," "the greatest gift in my life."

"Today we celebrate 100 years of his life and legacy," Gad continued. "He has made us laugh and hurt on the big screen, the small screen, the stage and even on our record players. There is nothing he hasn't won, nothing he hasn't achieved, nothing he hasn't proven and yet at 100, he continues to surprise and thrill us. Whether it's the latest revival of 'The Producers' on the West End, a 'Young Frankenstein' TV series or our upcoming sequel to 'Spaceballs.' At 100, he is a not just getting started and something tells me the best is still yet to come. I love you Mel. I cannot wait for the world to see this next chapter. Thank you for for your trust and your partnership. I can’t wait to show the world what we’ve done!!!!"

Indeed, FX has ordered a season of *Very Young Frankenstein*, which will star Zach Galifianakis. And 'The Producers' will run on the West End through Sept. 19.

A host of other celebrities joined in the celebration, paying homage to the legendary actor, writer, and filmmaker on social media.

"He's like a little curmudgeon who is also a genius, who is also his grandfather and the coolest boy in school," Amy Yasbeck tells EW. Yasbeck appeared in both *Robin Hood: Men in Tights* and *Dracula: Dead and Loving It*. When he cast her in *Robin Hood*, she recalled, Brooks told her she was like the classic film actress Deborah Kerr, known for her prim-and-proper roles as English ladies.

"'You're like Deborah Kerr with a little old Jew inside,' [he said,] and I said, 'And it won't be you, Mel, so don't get any ideas,'" Yasbeck recalls with a laugh. She adds a message directly to Brooks: "I think you've got 100 more in you."

SAG-AFTRA got in on the celebration, too, posting in part that "Mel has cemented his place in our hearts."

Mel Brooks in his 1981 movie 'History of the World: Part 1'.

Everett Collection

Brooks credited his longevity to humor in 2025 as he hit his 99th birthday.

"It's an amazing sound, people laughing at something I created," he told *PEOPLE*. "Making comedy is a great job. It keeps you sane and happy. It gives you a reason to be alive."

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