AceShowbiz - One of Mel Brooks’ timeless comedy films, History of the World, Part 1, is making waves on streaming platforms, achieving remarkable success 45 years after its initial release. Originally debuting in 1981, the film grossed $31 million at the box office and has recently surged to the #5 spot on HBO Max’s U.S. movies chart as of January 23, 2026. This resurgence coincides with the airing of the new documentary series, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, produced by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. The two-part documentary delves into Brooks’ storied career, exploring his evolution from a writer and performer to one of Hollywood’s legendary comedy directors.

History of the World, Part 1 arrived after Brooks had already solidified his reputation with iconic hits such as The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. While it performed well at the box office, critical reception was mixed, with the film currently holding a 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Renowned critic Roger Ebert was particularly harsh, describing the film as “a rambling, undisciplined, sometimes embarrassing failure from one of the most gifted comic filmmakers around.” In contrast, other reviewers noted the film’s humor, despite its inconsistencies and occasionally dark tone.

In 2020, ScreenRant recognized History of the World, Part 1 as one of the top ten anthology films of all time. Furthermore, in 2024, it was included in their list of the 25 best films set in ancient Rome, albeit the film only partially focuses on that era. The movie also appeared in another ScreenRant ranking of the best films set during the French Revolution. One of its most memorable scenes, the Last Supper parody, was ranked #6 among Brooks’ funniest moments, highlighting the film's lasting impact on comedy.

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