British comedies hold a special place in the hearts of many, and distinguish themselves even among countless other beloved comedy movies. While there are plenty of quintessential British comedies that have found success on an international scale, some aren’t widely seen beyond the UK. The pastdecade has brought forth many fantastic British comediesthat deserve more recognition than they’ve received.
British humor is typically dry and sarcastic, which is a key part of its appeal. However, while it can explore darker comedic territory, it’s equally capable of being wonderfully uplifting and heartwarming.The 1980s were a standout decade for British comedy, producing many films and shows that remainhighly rewatchable classicstoday.
More recent examples, however, have also left an indelible mark on British history. With a combination of animation and live-action movies, thebest British comedieshave become a staple of the film industry.Monty Pythonand Edgar Wright’s Cornetto trilogy stand among the most celebrated films ever made.
10Starter for 10
Released in 2006
Starter for 10is set in the 1980s in the Southeast of England, following Brian Jackson (James McAvoy) during his first year at college. Centering on the working-class lives of Brian and his friends, the film taps into a theme highly relevant to British comedies and sitcoms. However,Starter for 10may not be as widely known among British comedies.
That being said,it’s undeniably a vital and influential film within the genre. Written byOne Day’s David Nicholls,Starter for 10was an early film inJames McAvoy’s career, showcasing his potential for lead roles and helping to establish him as a prominent actor.
9A Fish Called Wanda
Released in 1988
AfterMonty Pythonconcluded,Michael Palin and John Cleese collaborated onA Fish Called Wanda, making it one of thePython comedy troupe’s initial joint venturesfollowing the series. This film is a classic crime caper, reminiscent of the lighthearted, old-fashioned British comedies.A Fish Called Wandais still incredibly popular to date, and has come to be regarded as a cult classic decades later.
WhileCleese and Palin provide the quintessential British comedic core, the inclusion of American criminals played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline distinguishesA Fish Called Wandafrom the usual Monty Python style.
8The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Released in 2011
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotelfollows an eclectic collection of British retirees, portrayed by severalbeloved British comedic actors, as they settle in Jaipur.The film represents Indian culture with respect, while consistently poking fun of the stuffy British characters who are out of their element. The cast features Bill Nighy, Judi Dench, and Dev Patel, and is one of 2011’s most successful films.
This is a rare and heartwarming comedy, notably featuring an older cast. Not only didThe Best Exotic Marigold Hoteltop the UK charts during its debut, but it also became a surprise international hit — grossing almost $137 million worldwide.
7Four Weddings and a Funeral
Released in 1994
AlthoughFour Weddings and a Funeralis now one of the most prominentrom-coms of the 1990s, the film was not an instant success on release. Since then, critics have praised the feature for how well it blends British comedy and romance, andHugh Grant’s presence as the lead virtually guarantees its placeamong the most quintessential British comedies.
Four Weddings and a Funeralundeniably found a far greater audience beyond the U.K., and perhaps it was for the best, given that its widespread success was probably dependent on reaching a global audience.
6The Full Monty
Released in 1997
At its heart,The Full Montyis a raunchyBritish comedy following a group of unemployed steelworkers in Yorkshire who create a striptease actto help aid their financial troubles. The men on the show do not fit the typical model mold, and that’s part of its charm, as they still attract a lot of attention in their town.
While packed with British humor,The Full Montyalso skillfully navigates several serious themes, such as homosexuality and fatherhood, making it a truly distinctive story. As a result, it joins the ranks of the most intriguingR-rated comedies released in the 1990s.
5Hot Fuzz
Released in 2007
Hot Fuzzis one-third ofEdgar Wright’s Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy, and a strong contender for the best of the series. It’s the second entry to Wright’s set of films, andHot Fuzzis packed with fast-paced jokes and classic one-linersthat audiences have loved and remembered for years.
Hot Fuzzplays on familiar comedy tropes, following a big-city cop who moves to a small town and teams up with a clumsy local officer to tackle a hidden criminal underworld. One of the film’s most memorable scenes features Nicholas (Simon Pegg) and Danny (Nick Frost) chasing an escaped swan.
4Shaun of the Dead
Released in 2004
Shaun of the Deadis the first entry in the Cornetto Trilogy, and it’s often considered one of the most iconic British comedies from that decade, despite the scrutiny it has fallen under. The film playfully skewers classic zombie movie tropes, largely through the lens of Shaun’s small-town desire to simply “go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint and wait for all this to blow over…”
Compared to the other films in Wright’s trilogy,Shaun of the Deadfeatures less immediately likable characters, a darker tone, andhumor that delves into more serious subjects, aligning well with British comedic sensibilities.
3Paddington 2
Released in 2017
ThePaddingtonfranchise has long been one of the staples of British film and culture. The bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw, teaches audiences about showing kindness and the importance of politeness, whileimbuing the film with classic British charm. For a considerable period,Paddington 2famously reigned supreme, widely considered the greatest film ever made.
Much ofPaddington 2’s comedic brilliance stems from Hugh Grant’s portrayal of the villain, Phoenix Buchanan. Grant’s performance, embodying the best of British comedy, is a significant reason the film is so enjoyable and stands out as the strongest in thePaddingtonfranchise.
2Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Released in 1975
As one of the funniest films of its era,Monty Python and the Holy Grailis arguably the pinnacle of British comedyfilms.Monty Pythonare renowned for their comedic songs, distinctive animation, and often silly humor, which are prominently featured in their many films and sketches. Even without a massive mainstream following, the comedy troupe created a film that has captivated audiences and been cherished for decades.
John Cleese and other Pythons weremasters of deadpan delivery, making even the most absurd lines hilarious by keeping a perfectly straight face. This unruffled demeanor highlights the ridiculousness of a situation, a common technique in British humor where understatement sharpens the joke.
1Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Released in 2005
For years,Wallace and Gromithas been a firm favorite, resonating with viewers not only in Britain but also internationally.Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbitis full of puns and clever wordplaythrough its dialogue and visuals, which are a constant source of entertainment for its audiences. The film gently satirizes elements of British village life, and its comedic tension springs from the clash between ordinary surroundings and extraordinary events.
Aardman is superb at delivering a distinctly British twist on film, andThe Curse of the Were-Rabbitplays on horror conventions in a lighthearted way that’s fun for everyone of any age.
