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 past decade has brought forth many fantastic British comedies that 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 remain highly rewatchable classics today.

More recent examples, however, have also left an indelible mark on British history. With a combination of animation and live-action movies, the best British comedies have become a staple of the film industry. Monty Python and Edgar Wright’s Cornetto trilogy stand among the most celebrated films ever made.

10

Starter for 10

Released in 2006

Starter for 10 is 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 10 may not be as widely known among British comedies.

That being said, it’s undeniably a vital and influential film within the genre. Written by One Day‘s David Nicholls, Starter for 10 was an early film in James McAvoy’s career, showcasing his potential for lead roles and helping to establish him as a prominent actor.

9

A Fish Called Wanda

Released in 1988

After Monty Python concluded, Michael Palin and John Cleese collaborated on A Fish Called Wanda, making it one of the Python comedy troupe’s initial joint ventures following the series. This film is a classic crime caper, reminiscent of the lighthearted, old-fashioned British comedies. A Fish Called Wanda is still incredibly popular to date, and has come to be regarded as a cult classic decades later.

While Cleese and Palin provide the quintessential British comedic core, the inclusion of American criminals played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline distinguishes A Fish Called Wanda from the usual Monty Python style.

8

The Best Exotic Marigold H๏τel

Released in 2011

The Best Exotic Marigold H๏τel follows an eclectic collection of British retirees, portrayed by several beloved 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 did The Best Exotic Marigold H๏τel top the UK charts during its debut, but it also became a surprise international hit — grossing almost $137 million worldwide.

7

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Released in 1994

Although Four Weddings and a Funeral is now one of the most prominent rom-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, and Hugh Grant’s presence as the lead virtually guarantees its place among the most quintessential British comedies.

Four Weddings and a Funeral undeniably 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.

6

The Full Monty

Released in 1997

At its heart, The Full Monty is a raunchy British comedy following a group of unemployed steelworkers in Yorkshire who create a striptease act to 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 Monty also skillfully navigates several serious themes, such as homoSєxuality and fatherhood, making it a truly distinctive story. As a result, it joins the ranks of the most intriguing R-rated comedies released in the 1990s.

5

H๏τ Fuzz

Released in 2007

H๏τ Fuzz is one-third of Edgar 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, and H๏τ Fuzz is packed with fast-paced jokes and classic one-liners that audiences have loved and remembered for years.

H๏τ Fuzz plays 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.

4

Shaun of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ

Released in 2004

Shaun of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ is 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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅ features less immediately likable characters, a darker tone, and humor that delves into more serious subjects, aligning well with British comedic sensibilities.

3

Paddington 2

Released in 2017

The Paddington franchise 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, while imbuing the film with classic British charm. For a considerable period, Paddington 2 famously reigned supreme, widely considered the greatest film ever made.

Much of Paddington 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 the Paddington franchise.

2

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Released in 1975

As one of the funniest films of its era, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is arguably the pinnacle of British comedy films. Monty Python are renowned for their comedic songs, distinctive animation, and often silly humor, which are prominently featured in their many films and sketches. Even without a mᴀssive mainstream following, the comedy troupe created a film that has captivated audiences and been cherished for decades.

John Cleese and other Pythons were masters of ᴅᴇᴀᴅpan 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.

1

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Released in 2005

For years, Wallace and Gromit has been a firm favorite, resonating with viewers not only in Britain but also internationally. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is full of puns and clever wordplay through 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, and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit plays on horror conventions in a lighthearted way that’s fun for everyone of any age.