One of my earliest memories is being in the theater watching an animated film when the trailer for Naked Gun 2½ came on. I couldn’t stop laughing.
That was my introduction to Leslie Nielsen, and after my dad saw how much I enjoyed it, he rented Airplane! for me that same night.
From then on, I became a lifelong fan, watching every Leslie Nielsen movie I could find. What I discovered was an actor with incredible range, seamlessly shifting between comedy and drama.
Today, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite Leslie Nielsen performances.
Let’s dive in.
10. Captain Harrison – The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Before the comedy, Nielsen was a solid dramatic actor. His portrayal of the steadfast captain of the S.S. Poseidon showed his calm authority and serious demeanor — a performance that made his later comedic work even more impactful.
9. Ryan Harrison – Wrongfully Accused (1998)
By the late ’90s, Nielsen was the king of parody, and this film — a spoof of The Fugitive — was a showcase of his absurdist humor. As a violinist wrongly accused of murder, his deadpan delivery and physical comedy carried the film.
8. Dick Steele – Spy Hard (1996)
A James Bond parody where Nielsen plays secret agent WD-40, this film is full of visual gags, puns, and classic Nielsen chaos. With Weird Al doing the theme song and Andy Griffith as the villain, it’s a fun ride.
7. Richard Vickers – Creepshow (1982)
In a darker turn, Nielsen plays a vengeful sociopath in George A. Romero’s horror anthology. The performance is chilling, proving that Nielsen still had sharp dramatic instincts even after embracing comedy.
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6. President Baxter Harris – Scary Movie 3 & 4
As the bumbling President of the United States, Nielsen introduced his unique style of humor to a new generation. His scenes were standout moments, especially the chaotic White House brawl.
5. Count Dracula – Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
Teaming up with Mel Brooks, Nielsen brings clumsy charm to the role of Dracula. It’s a delightful mix of classic horror tropes and spoof comedy, showcasing his timing and versatility.
4. Commander John J. Adams – Forbidden Planet (1956)
This early sci-fi classic features one of Nielsen’s few straight dramatic leads. He shines as the commanding officer navigating alien threats, offering a glimpse into the foundation of his screen presence.
3. Lt. Frank Drebin – Police Squad! (1982)
Before The Naked Gun, Police Squad! introduced audiences to Detective Frank Drebin, a clumsy but confident lawman. Though short-lived, this TV show is a cult classic and essential viewing for fans.
2. Dr. Rumack – Airplane! (1980)
This is the defining moment in Nielsen’s career. As the ultra-serious Dr. Rumack, his deadpan lines became instantly quotable, transforming him into a comedy icon overnight.
1. Lt. Frank Drebin – The Naked Gun Trilogy (1988, 1991, 1994)
Nielsen perfected his craft as Frank Drebin in this beloved trilogy. He combined physical comedy, verbal absurdity, and unshakeable seriousness to create one of the most memorable characters in cinematic comedy.
Summing It All Up
Leslie Nielsen was an unmatched talent — a master of both comedy and drama. These ten roles only scratch the surface of his legacy. Watching his films is a celebration of what smart, fearless comedy can look like.
