Spaceballs contains numerous parodies:
- The scene at the diner where an alien bursts from a patron's chest is a parody of Alien. John Hurt plays the role in both films.
- Numerous parodies of Star Wars exist in the film:
- The Schwartz is a parody of the Force
- Lone Starr parodies both Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.
- Princess Vespa is a parody of Princess Leia.
- Dark Helmet is a parody of Darth Vader.
- Barf is a parody of Chewbacca.
- Yogurt is a parody of Yoda.
- Dot Matrix is a parody of C-3PO
- Mega Maid is a parody of the Death Star.
- Planet of the Apes is parodied when Skroob, Dark Helmet, and Colonel Sandurz crash land in the remains of Mega Maid.
- The Wizard of Oz is parodied in the scene where Lone Starr, Barf, Vespa, and Dot meet Yogurt.
- Krull
- The Bridge on the River Kwai
- Prince Valium is a parody of Prince Valiant
- Star Trek is parodied when President Skroob uses the teleporter. Furthermore, Snotty is an obvious parody of Scotty.