Super Troopers Is Still an Untouchable Cult Classic

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Some movies win over both critics and audiences, but others connect more strongly with one group than the other. This was definitely the case with Jay Chandrasekhar’s hilarious and outrageous 2001 comedy, Super Troopers. The film launched the comedy group Broken Lizard and became a beloved cult classic, even though it didn’t receive much positive attention from reviewers. With another sequel coming out this summer, the early 2000s cop comedy remains a surprisingly popular and endlessly quotable hit.

While Super Troopers wasn’t a hit with critics, it was a popular favorite at Sundance, and it’s still a funny movie 25 years later. The film’s playful pranks and rebellious humor are just as enjoyable now, and its lighthearted silliness is surprisingly contagious. It’s easier than ever to appreciate its unique charm and playful disregard for rules.

Broken Lizard’s Super Troopers Has the Right to Remain Hilarious

Movies featuring rebellious or over-the-top police officers were common in the 80s and 90s, but many haven’t stood the test of time. Films that portray authority figures as abusive or excessively violent often fall flat unless handled carefully. While the genre was once popular – think of the numerous Police Academy films that people rarely watch today – Super Troopers is a notable exception. It’s a comedy about Vermont state troopers who playfully harass drivers and playfully freak out stoned motorists, largely because they’re bored and have little to do.

As a comedy fan, I’ve always found there’s something special about Super Troopers. It’s a bit uneven, a little weird, honestly – kind of like early Mike Judge or Kevin Smith films like Office Space and Clerks. But that’s actually part of what makes it so good! There’s something really relatable about seeing a group of guys trying to have fun and find some excitement even when they’re stuck doing a boring job. I think that’s a big reason why Super Troopers, along with those other films, really connected with audiences and built such a dedicated cult following, especially after they first came out in theaters.

Much of the humor in Super Troopers comes from the silly, harmless trouble the state troopers get into. They spend more time pranking each other than actually doing police work in their small Vermont town. A lot of the jokes focus on Trooper Farva, a loud, annoying radio operator who doesn’t realize everyone is making fun of him. Super Troopers isn’t just another cop movie about tricking drivers; it’s a comedy about workers finding ways to entertain themselves in a boring job, even one that’s supposed to be about authority. In fact, these troopers are more likely to be goofing off than taking charge.

While Super Troopers does have a plot involving a drug smuggling investigation and the troopers trying to save their jobs, it’s mostly a comedy about their hilarious pranks and one-upmanship. The film focuses on the troopers trying to make each other laugh – and occasionally messing with clueless drivers – all while enjoying their authority, even if they abuse it.

Super Troopers 2 Pulled It Off (But Can’t Pull Over Any Further)

Although Broken Lizard made an earlier, lesser-known film called Puddle Cruisers, 2001’s Super Troopers is the movie that truly launched their career. It remains their most popular and cherished work. Their 2006 film, Beerfest, is also quite funny, but Super Troopers has a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow. When Broken Lizard decided to make a sequel to Super Troopers, fans eagerly offered their financial support even before filming began.

When movie studios doubted people would see a sequel to the popular comedy Super Troopers after so many years, the comedy group Broken Lizard turned to their fans for funding. The crowdfunding campaign was a huge success, raising almost $5 million – far more than expected – and the movie came out in April 2018. While Super Troopers 2 isn’t quite as funny or memorable as the original, it still has plenty of enjoyable moments. The Broken Lizard team clearly still has great chemistry, and they’ve successfully brought back the characters fans love.

Despite receiving generally negative reviews, Super Troopers 2 was a hit with audiences and actually earned more money than the first Super Troopers. Although it cost more to make than the original, which was made on a small budget, Searchlight Pictures was pleased with the sequel’s performance and decided to move forward with Super Troopers 3: Winter Soldiers, a third film that had been hinted at during the release of Super Troopers 2.

It’s too soon to say if Super Troopers 3 will live up to the first two movies. But even after 25 years, people still really enjoy the original Super Troopers and its wild humor. While Broken Lizard hasn’t had the same level of success with all their projects, the first Super Troopers remains their best work and really established their style. They’re at their funniest when they’re being silly and causing trouble, and fans are hoping the third movie captures that same energy.

Despite Newfound Fame, Broken Lizard’s Greatest Asset Will Return For Super Troopers 3

When talking about what makes Super Troopers so good, you can’t forget Brian Cox’s fantastic performance as Captain John O’Hagan. He brilliantly plays the frustrated leader stuck dealing with the antics of his Vermont state troopers. Beyond the movie’s clever writing and memorable lines, and the great chemistry between the main actors, Cox’s hilarious and exasperated portrayal is a huge reason why Super Troopers is so funny – and fans were thrilled to see him return for Super Troopers 2. It was uncertain if he’d be able to reprise the role, though, given how much more famous he’s become since the first movie, especially thanks to his work on Succession.

The highly acclaimed actor’s recent, Emmy-nominated role has significantly boosted his popularity and recognition – something he’s earned after years of hard work. This led some fans to wonder if he would reprise his role as Captain O’Hagan in the upcoming film. Fortunately, he will be returning! Audiences can expect to see him in the finished movie, continuing to deliver hilarious and memorable scenes with his distinctive, powerful voice as he complains about the mischievous and often unruly behavior of the characters around him.

Despite recent critical acclaim for Brian Cox, the surprising success of the Super Troopers movies continues. What started as a low-budget comedy has somehow become a three-film series, even though most critics weren’t fans. And that’s actually a good thing! With everything going on in the world, people could really use a good laugh. Luckily, the hilarious antics are back in Super Troopers 3: Winter Soldiers, and hopefully, it will be just as funny and unpredictable as the first movie.

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2026-04-24 03:11