10 Best British Comedies

10 Best British Comedies

The UK has been creating hilarious movies for decades, and sometimes they don’t get the love they deserve – especially from American audiences. But, who can say that they don’t appreciate a British classic such as Monty Python?! Spoiler alert: I’m a huge fan, so there are two on this list.

Well, there are plenty of other British comedies to watch, and I’m rounding up my favorite 10 best British comedies! Are you ready for a laugh?

1. Alfie (1966)

Starting off this list with an older comedy, Alfie stars Michael Caine in his much younger years. Caine may be famous for his roles in American director Christopher Nolan’s movies these days, but in the 1960s he was one of the most well known British actors around.

Alfie stars Caine as a British playboy whose sexual exploits finally start to catch up with him.

2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Next up is a true classic, 1975’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Monty Python was a British comedy troupe that rose to fame in the late 1960s, and who went on to profoundly influence the comedy scene both in the UK and abroad.

The troupe released another movie before Holy Grail, but this one is considered to be their first full-length feature. The story follows King Arthur and a group of other knights as they hunt for the Holy Grail during the Middle Ages. Watch it with your friends and you’ll be quoting it for weeks on end.

3. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Another Monty Python is a must on this list of the 10 best British comedies! Number two on my list is Monty Python’s Life of Brian. This truly hilarious film from the famous comedy troupe is centered around Brian, a young Jewish man who is mistaken as the Messiah.

Brian was born on the same day as Jesus in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for the Christian Messiah and eventually ends up going on the run. The movie spares no religion and so if you’re easily offended, I’d skip this one. But, if you can take their one-liners with a grain of salt it is truly hilarious!

4. Withnail and I (1987)

Withnail and I is a British cult classic. The movie is well-loved in the UK, but the humor is very British and so many Americans and other English speakers don’t really understand the appeal. So, I recommend that you watch this one with your English friends. They may be able to explain anything that gets lost in translation.

The movie follows a duo as they travel from London to the countryside for a bit of a break. The story is loosely based on director Bruce Robinson’s life in the 1960s in London. The main characters are a pair of failed actors who enjoy drinking – maybe a bit too much. Join them as they get into antic after antic, and see if you get the jokes.

5. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Up next is a movie from one of the members of Monty Python, John Cleese. In fact, Cleese is perhaps one of the most famous British comedy actors out there. Cleese doesn’t appear in A Fish Called Wanda, but he wrote the script along with the director Charles Crichton.

American film lovers will recognize a young Jamie Lee Curtis as one of the main characters in this one. The movie is about a group of criminals who manage to steal several valuable diamonds. Things start to go wrong when the ring leader decides to hide the diamonds, just before he gets arrested. Who will find the diamonds now? Watch it yourself to see what unfolds.

6. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

You can’t have a list of British movies without at least mentioning the great Hugh Grant. Four Weddings and a Funeral stars Mr. Grant alongside Richard Curtis, another famous British actor. If the movie stars Hugh Grant, you know what it is: a romantic comedy!

You’ll also probably recognize another ‘90s star, Andie MacDowell as Grant’s love interest.  The couple cross paths at a wedding, and then three more plus a funeral, but things never seem to work out between them. Even if you don’t like rom-coms, I’m sure you’ll find yourself laughing along with this one.

7. Snatch (2000)

Snatch may be one of the most well-known British comedies on my list! Featuring the always amazing Brad Pitt, Jason Statham, and Benicio del Toro, there is bound to be at least one actor that you recognize. This movie is just as funny as it is interesting: it’s a crime story that actually ended up being a comedy.

The movie is actually two stories that are interconnected. One of the stories is a search for a stolen diamond and the other is the story of a boxing promoter who convinces an Irish bare-knuckle fighting champion to box for him.  Don’t miss this accidental comedy if you want to appreciate a bit of British humor.

8. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Shaun of the Dead is the first movie in actors Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s “Cornetto Trilogy. ” Many critics argue that the first movie is the best out of all three. You never know until you try, and it’s a good thing the best one of the first one!

The movie follows a man named Shaun, who is trying to get his girlfriend back and get the rest of his life sorted while there is a zombie uprising happening around him. Pay attention as you watch this one: it’s filled with social commentary and other somewhat hidden jokes about British society. You may also want to watch this one with a Brit if you aren’t sure you understand everything.

9. In Bruges (2008)

Colin Farrell fans, you’ve found your British comedy! In Bruges stars Farrell alongside another great Irish actor, Brendan Gleeson, and critics call the movie one of the best modern British comedies out there.

The movie tells the story of two Irish hitmen who are forced to hide out in Bruges. Fans of  The Grand Budapest Hotel will recognize the hit men’s boss, played by Ralph Fiennes. In a twist of fate, one of the hitmen is ordered to take out the other.

10. In the Loop (2010)

In the Loop may have been released in 2010, but it has aged very well. It was created by the same producers as the American Veep and is a stinging commentary on politics. It is about two different governments that fail in an attempt to avoid war, and as you watch you’ll likely think to yourself, “Wow, this sounds familiar!”

This movie is extremely pessimistic, but it’s a part of what makes it giggle-inducing.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a laugh, you’ve come to the right place. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about my favorite 10 best British comedies! Cue up any of the movies above if you want to improve your mood and get to know the Brit’s sense of humor!

And, if you’re in London, why not join one of our walking tours? You’ll be able to ask any of our local guides which movies they prefer – maybe they know of a few that I don’t! Click here to learn more about our options and to make your booking. Cheers!