Top 10 Best Running Gags in Movie Franchises
#10: Disappearing Mid-Conversation
“Batman” franchise (2005-) He’s tough. He’s broody. He’s…prone to vanishing randomly mid-conversation. Part of our favorite bat crusader’s mystique is his propensity towards the dramatic. As a result, we get many instances of Batman leaving the other person hanging, often before they even realize he’s gone. How else can he keep up his batty reputation? The joke has shown up fairly consistently in everything from live-action movies to animated flicks since the late 90s. SSurprisingly, this seemingly silly quirk may have a darker meaning. One version for Batman admitted he disappears because he finds it hard to say goodbye. Whatever the reason, the hero’s vanishing act has since become a staple that isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.
#9: Seamus Blowing Things Up
“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11) When we’re first introduced to Harry’s Irish classmate, he definitely struggles with magic a little. The ambitious wizard always tries to go a bit big. Unfortunately, that led to Seamus nearly blowing himself up on two separate occasions in the first film alone. A sixth film Potions class proved that he still had explosive bad luck. Seamus hilariously turned things around in “Deathly Hallows”. When Hogwarts comes under attack by dark forces, his unique set of skills are specifically requested by McGonagall. He manages to put a dent in Lord Voldemort’s forces by blowing up a crucial bridge. Since there has been some criticism that this gag may reinforce negative stereotypes, it’s likely this joke will be left out for any reboots.
#8: Burt Bacharach Cameos
“Austin Powers” franchise (1997-2002) The late Burt Bacharach was one of the most talented composers of the 20th century. Along with lyricist Hal David, he composed pop classics such as “Alfie” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”. But did you know he made cameos as himself in the “Austin Powers” franchise? His first appearance was in “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” where he can be seen playing the piano. Per Mike Myers, the film was itself inspired by Bacharach’s sultry “The Look of Love.” Bacharach’s cameo was so popular that he returned for subsequent films, even reprising his song “What the World Needs Now Is Love”. What an honor…to the “Austin Powers” franchise.
#7: They Look Too Old
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“Jump Street” franchise (2012-) In this multimedia franchise about police detectives going undercover at a high school, age-related jokes were bound to occur. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s flabbergasted reactions towards the youth is a constant winner. Things have changed considerably from the two leads’ high school days which brings about hilarious generational clashes. The gag also doubles as meta commentary on Hollywood’s casting actors in their 20s and 30s as teens. Sure enough, Hill and Tatum don’t look too out of place compared to their supposedly high school counterparts. Since this franchise likes to lean on the fourth wall, the characters are taken to college in the sequel. But the criticisms about their age still don’t go away.
#6: “Hoffman!”
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“Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man” franchise (2002-07) Bosses insistently calling for their bumbling assistants has been a staple since Shakespeare. But there is perhaps no funnier example of this trope than in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” series. J.K. Simmons’s J. Jonah Jameson frequently barks for Hoffman, an employee who appears faster and faster with each call. At times Jameson calls for Hoffman not even knowing he is already in the room, so ingrained is the reflex. Jameson also has a tendency to take Hoffman's suggestions as his own. Arguably the best part? Hoffman is played by Sam Raimi’s real-life brother. This recurring sibling role was a brilliant bit of hilarious casting.
#5: Cornetto Ice Cream
“Three Flavours Cornetto” franchise (2004-13) This colorful gag is so integral to the franchise that it’s its literal name. That’s right! “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “The World’s End” are connected movies known as the “Three Flavours Cornetto” franchise. The delicious treat makes funny appearances in all three films in some fashion. It even serves as a catalyst to a major breakthrough in “Hot Fuzz.” Director Edgar Wright first included Cornetto ice cream as a hangover cure in “Shaun of the Dead.” After receiving free ice cream once, the writers included it in their follow-up films in an effort to score the treat again. It was apparently unsuccessful. Fortunately, the ice cream lives on as a legendary gag.
#4: Fear of Snakes
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“Indiana Jones” franchise (1981-2023) Archeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones has encountered many dangers throughout his journeys. Death traps, poisonous spiders, giant boulders, and what Indy would claim is worst of all: Snakes. His ophidiophobia has been well-established since “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” But why is Jones so afraid of snakes? In “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” it’s revealed that, in his youth, he fell into a snake pit. Since then he’s had to confront his phobia multiple times throughout the films. Indiana even has to deal with their underwater counterparts! Ironically, most of his encounters have been with nonvenomous snakes. Even the greatest of heroes must have one weakness to overcome. We feel you, Indy.
#3: “I Have a Bad Feeling About This…”
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“Star Wars” franchise (1977-) Some gags truly transcend their source material to become pop cultural staples. First uttered by Luke Skywalker himself, the phrase has since been said by nearly every major character of note throughout the series. In fact, it has become de rigueur for a “Star Wars” film to say the phrase at least once. Even BB-8 beeped it in “The Last Jedi,” as confirmed by director Rian Johnson. This 40-plus-year-old gag has even appeared in numerous film franchises (and also in anime!) throughout the years. It's clear that when a situation is looking dire, nothing beats this pithy and infinitely useful response.
#2: It Was All a Dream
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“Back to the Future” franchise (1985-90) “It was all a dream…” is a trope in cinema for a reason. But sometimes reality is truly stranger than fiction. “Back to the Future” turns this trope on its head by making it a full-on gag. In each film entry, protagonist Marty McFly wakes up disoriented in an unfamiliar location. He always thinks that his time traveling exploits have been nothing more than a dream. However, another character quickly steps in and corrects him. Marty McFly’s extreme reactions crack us whether he’s in a completely changed timeline or in the old west. Cheer up, Marty. At least you’re not falling into manure.
#1: Stan Lee
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“Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2008-19) Stan Lee’s MCU cameos went from silly easter eggs to shining tributes to a legend. And it was well-deserved. After all, the man created and co-created iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk and so many more.. As a token of his huge influence, there was a time where no MCU film was complete without some kind of appearance from Lee. You can spot him as a background character or as himself, usually delivering one poignant, hysterical line. In-universe, Guardians 2 suggested he was an informant for the Watchers, keeping tabs on the heroes. This trend sadly came to an end after his death in 2018 and posthumous appearances a year later. His joy for Marvel stories and creative influence will never be forgotten.
