Mel Brooks’ 1974 film *Blazing Saddles* has been named the funniest film of all time by the American Film Institute (AFI), displacing Billy Wilder’s *Some Like It Hot* from the top spot. The announcement coincides with the celebrated filmmaker’s 100th birthday, highlighting his enduring influence on comedy.

*Blazing Saddles* is widely recognized for its bold humor, including a notable scene featuring a group of cowboys creating a symphony of flatulence around a campfire after eating beans. The film’s irreverent style and willingness to challenge social norms have made it a lasting favorite among audiences and critics alike.

Brooks, who also directed *The Producers* (1968) and *Young Frankenstein* (1974), is the only director to have three films ranked within AFI’s Top 15 funniest movies, with *The Producers* at No. 11 and *Young Frankenstein* at No. 13. He has long maintained that *Blazing Saddles* is “far funnier than Some Like It Hot.”

Commenting on the decision, AFI President Bob Gazzale said the institute was pleased to “right this wrong” as Brooks celebrated his centennial. “It’s good to be the king, and may he live to be a 2,000-year-old man,” Gazzale added.

Brooks has also spoken about the impact of modern sensibilities on comedy. In a recent interview with the BBC, he described today’s “politically correct” culture as “the death of comedy,” suggesting that a film like *Blazing Saddles* “would never be green-lit today.”

The recognition by AFI reaffirms Brooks’ significant role in shaping American comedic cinema, acknowledging a career that reflects both sharp satire and timeless humor.