Every ‘Naked Gun’ Movie In Order
The ‘Naked Gun’ movies are a beloved comedy series that began in the 1980s, known for their slapstick humor and absurd situations. Starting as a spinoff from the TV show ‘Police Squad!’, they follow the clueless detective Frank Drebin, originally played by Leslie Nielsen, through hilarious misadventures. The franchise mixes clever wordplay, physical comedy, and deadpan delivery, making it a staple for fans of silly, lighthearted fun.
This list covers every ‘Naked Gun’ movie in release order, including the original trilogy and the 2025 legacy sequel. Each entry gives a clear look at the plot and what makes the film special, keeping things simple and fun. Let’s jump into the chaotic, laugh-filled world of the ‘Naked Gun’ series.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
Frank Drebin, played by Leslie Nielsen, is a bumbling detective working to stop a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. His investigation is a mess of misunderstandings, wild gags, and a romance with Jane, played by Priscilla Presley. The film sets up the series’ signature style with fast-paced humor and ridiculous scenarios. It’s a direct continuation of the ‘Police Squad!’ TV show.
This movie is a comedy classic, packed with iconic moments like the baseball game chaos and Nielsen’s perfect deadpan delivery. The blend of clever puns and physical comedy makes it a timeless start to the franchise. It’s hard to beat for its non-stop laughs.
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
Frank Drebin returns to tackle an energy industry conspiracy in Washington, D.C. He reconnects with Jane, but their romance faces challenges as he stumbles through the case with his usual mix of incompetence and dumb luck. The plot is loaded with gags, from exploding buildings to absurd disguises. It keeps the same goofy vibe as the first film but goes bigger.
The sequel shines with scenes like the Blue Note jazz club disaster and new characters like the villain Quentin Hapsburg, played by Robert Goulet. It stays true to the original’s humor while upping the stakes, making it a fan favorite for its relentless comedy.
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994)
Frank Drebin comes out of retirement to stop a terrorist attack at the Academy Awards. Now married to Jane, he goes undercover, leading to more ridiculous mishaps and classic gags. The story mocks Hollywood and awards shows while delivering the slapstick fans expect. It’s the final film of the original trilogy.
This movie is packed with cameos and over-the-top moments, like the wild awards ceremony. Though some say it’s less sharp than the earlier films, it still brings plenty of laughs and wraps up Frank’s story with the same silly charm.
The Naked Gun (2025)
Frank Drebin Jr., played by Liam Neeson, takes over as the new bumbling detective, following in his father’s footsteps to save Police Squad from shutting down. He investigates a murder and a bank robbery, joined by Beth, played by Pamela Anderson, with plenty of absurd gags and action. The film keeps the franchise’s slapstick roots while updating the humor. It’s a legacy sequel that honors the original trilogy.
This reboot delivers a high joke rate, with Neeson’s deadpan style and Anderson’s comedic timing shining through. Fans of the original films will enjoy the nods to classics like the bank heist scene, though some feel it doesn’t fully match the original’s magic. It’s a fun, modern take on the series’ goofy legacy.
Which ‘Naked Gun’ movie makes you laugh the hardest? Drop your favorite gag in the comments and let’s keep the comedy going!