How to Create a Great Parody

Parody is a delicate art form, blending homage with humour, and originality with overt borrowing. The Scary Movie franchise stands out as a prime example of how to walk this tightrope effectively. By weaving together references to iconic horror films and reimagining well-worn tropes, Scary Movie achieves a blend of familiarity and hilarity that entertains audiences while poking fun at its inspirations. Aspiring writers can learn a lot from how the film cleverly combines the influence of multiple movies into something fresh and entertaining. Here are some key takeaways.

1. Embrace the Tropes, Then Exaggerate Them

The foundation of parody lies in understanding the genre you’re mocking. In Scary Movie, the creators didn’t just cherry-pick scenes from horror films; they immersed themselves in the clichés and quirks of the genre. From the "final girl" archetype to the obliviousness of authority figures, every trope is amplified to absurdity.

For example, Scary Movie riffs on the iconic Scream opening with Drew Barrymore. Instead of a simple phone call with a sinister edge, the parody amplifies the ridiculousness: questions turn absurd, reactions become over-the-top, and suspense is swapped for slapstick. By cranking the dial on familiar moments, the film becomes both a homage and a hilarious critique of its source material.

Writer’s Tip: Dive deep into the genre you're parodying. Identify the tropes and think about how to exaggerate, subvert, or invert them in a way that makes your audience laugh without losing sight of what made those elements iconic.

2. Reference with Purpose, Not Laziness

A good parody doesn’t just name-drop or imitate iconic scenes for the sake of recognition; it uses those references to build humour and drive the narrative. Scary Movie manages this by weaving in elements from Scream, The Sixth Sense, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and others without feeling like a disconnected mashup.

For example, Cindy’s over-the-top survival moments borrow from Scream but simultaneously mock the improbably resourceful final girls of horror films. The references work because they’re tied to the film’s plot, creating a comedic rhythm that keeps the story moving.

Writer’s Tip: References should serve your story. Avoid shoehorning in elements just for recognition. Instead, let them complement the narrative or deliver a punchline in a way that feels integral, not gratuitous.

3. Inject Freshness Into Familiarity

A parody’s charm lies in its familiarity—but leaning too hard on old jokes or too-obvious references can make it stale. Scary Movie succeeds because it doesn’t just replay iconic horror moments; it adds a twist. Take the example of the killer's mask from Scream: in Scary Movie, the mask becomes an exaggerated, almost cartoonish face, and the killer’s ominous aura is undercut by goofy antics like dancing to pop songs.

This blending of the known and the unexpected keeps the audience engaged. They’re in on the joke because they recognize the references, but they’re surprised and delighted by how the film spins them into something new.

Writer’s Tip: Ask yourself: What’s the expected reaction to this reference? Then flip it on its head. Injecting surprise is crucial to keeping your parody fresh.

4. Combine Multiple Sources, But Give Them a Unified Voice

One of Scary Movie’s standout achievements is its ability to blend references from multiple films without becoming chaotic. The secret lies in unifying these disparate elements under a consistent comedic tone.

Though the film pulls from a range of horror classics, its absurd humor, crude jokes, and slapstick antics act as a glue, ensuring each reference feels like part of the same world. This cohesiveness prevents the movie from feeling like a series of disconnected skits.

Writer’s Tip: If your parody draws from multiple sources, ensure they align tonally. Decide on the comedic voice of your piece—be it slapstick, satire, or absurdity—and let it guide how you integrate each element.

5. Balance Satire with Story

Parody isn’t just about mocking something—it’s about telling a story within that mockery. Scary Movie uses its absurdity to build a cohesive (if ridiculous) narrative, loosely following Scream’s plotline but adding its own comedic twists.

For instance, Cindy’s journey mirrors the "final girl" trope but is laden with humor that satirizes her choices, the killer’s ineptitude, and the melodrama of horror finales. Despite the laughs, there’s a structure that keeps the audience invested.

Writer’s Tip: Never let the jokes outweigh the plot. Even in a parody, the story should provide a sense of progression and resolution. Humour is the seasoning, not the whole dish.

6. Be Unafraid of Absurdity

Scary Movie thrives on its willingness to go all-in on absurd humor. Whether it’s the killer struggling with a ceiling fan or Cindy breaking into an inexplicable kung fu fight, the film’s humor often comes from embracing the utterly ridiculous.

While not every parody needs to lean into slapstick, a touch of absurdity can be a powerful tool. It creates a distinct comedic identity and ensures the audience never takes the film too seriously—something essential for a parody.

Writer’s Tip: Test the limits of absurdity in your parody. Push boundaries to make your comedy distinct, but always ensure the humour aligns with the tone you’ve established.

7. Respect the Source Material (Even While Mocking It)

At its core, Scary Movie works because it comes from a place of love for the horror genre. While it ridicules the tropes and clichés, it’s clear the creators have a deep understanding and appreciation of horror films. This respect allows the humour to feel affectionate rather than mean-spirited.

Writer’s Tip: Understand and respect the material you’re parodying. Your audience will sense when your humour is rooted in disdain versus appreciation. A parody is more effective when it feels like a love letter with a mischievous streak.

Writing a successful parody is about more than just stealing ideas—it’s about recycling them into something new, clever, and hilarious. Scary Movie teaches us that with the right balance of homage, humour, and originality, it’s possible to create a parody that not only entertains but stands the test of time.

As you embark on your parody-writing journey, remember to dig deep into your source material, craft a cohesive story, and never shy away from absurdity. After all, the best parody doesn’t just mock—it celebrates.