The 2004 film Saved! is primarily known for being a teen dramedy with compelling performances from Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin and Eva Amuri. However, in its subtle presentation, it is actually a parody of private schools, values, and rock bands within Christianity.

Some films can pull out the actor parity quite well, applying nuance in their execution over obvious and outrageous gags for shock value. s of Reddit have spoken about which films were such seamless parodies that they were fooled over their exact genre.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Streaming on Pluto TV

A still from This is Spinal Tap in a concert performance (1984)

For most of This Is Spinal Tap, Redditor d2022m thought "Spinal Tap was a real band". Rob Reiner's 1984 directorial debut revolves around a fictional British hair metal band and their struggles and attempts to return to musical prominence.

A combination of zany humor, impressive casting, and 80s nostalgia has earned the satire cult classic status. This Is Spinal Tap became a landmark in the way of mockumentary film continuously refined by lead actors Christopher Guest and Michael McKean over the years. The film is also a nod to popular rock bands of the 1980s such as Motley Crüe and Poison.

Zoolander (2001)

Streaming on Paramount+

Poster art for Zoolander (2001)

Reddit Zoolander centers on the antics of male model Derek Zoolander, played by the film's director Ben Stiller.

Through several comedic tropes and a glitzy appearance of couture and celebrity, Zoolander perfectly parodies the haute world of fashion. The movie proved to be ahead of its time, with Derek Zoolander's "Blue Steel" gaze being the face of an entire generation, paving the way for selfie culture.

A Deadly Adoption (2015)

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Poster art for A Deadly Adoption (2015)

Reddit ragputiand selected "The Lifetime movie, A Deadly Adoption". Although a TV movie, A Deadly Adoption had audiences convinced that it was a legitimate drama over an actual parody.

In a thriller and family drama approach, A Deadly Adoption neatly pokes fun at the often cheesy and melodramatic tropes better ratings gold for Lifetime and Hallmark, all the while having a meaningful storyline. Having SNL alum's Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig in the lead roles is a cherry on this campy parody sundae.

American Psycho (2000)

Streaming on HBOMax

Characters from the 2000 horror comedy American Psycho.

"American Psycho" was Reddit joe4656's selection for a film that is a veiled parody. The 2000 horror film is adapted from the 1991 Bret Easton Ellis book of the same title.

More commonly known as satire, it is through satirical methods that American Psycho is able to be a nuanced parody, with British actor Christian Bale's flawless performance as Patrick Bateman perfecting the story. The film blends horror and black comedy all the while parodying slasher films, 80s living and the rise of yuppie culture.

Team America: World Police (2004)

Available To Rent On Amazon Prime Video

The heroes walk away from fire in Team America

Reddit One of the 2000s’ best action comedies, Team America is the brainchild of South Park creators and comedic geniuses Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

As the story of Team America: World Police can border on obscene, the outrageous events pulled audiences into the story rather than deterring the attention elsewhere, tied together with its effects and humor. Stone and Parker bring the raunchy comedy of politics and celebrities to life through the use of adult puppets.

Scream (1996)

Streaming on STARZ

Ghostface in a Scream movie

"Scream" was this Reddit 's choice for a seamless parody. The 1996 film was directed by horror king Wes Craven, proving to be an instant success and spawning a multiple-film franchise, as well as being the focus of television series on MTV and Paramount+.

In its execution of jump scares and body counts, Scream acts as a nuanced parody with elements of dark comedy. The film not only makes fun of 80s horror movies but manages to smoothly integrate melodramatic teen moments as well.

Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Streaming on STARZ

Poster art for Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Adapted from characters within the Archie Comics universe, Josie and the Pussycats is an underrated little gem. Reddit marblerye6 thinks that "it took most people well over a decade to finally get it".

​​​​​​Josie and the Pussycats is more than a comic book adaptation. Laced in pop culture, awesome songs, and wacky comedic timing, the movie has stood the test of time. With its vibrant colors and array of product placement, the film personified the Y2K aesthetic, pulling off the art of parody in the process.