One of the best ways to discover, learn, and appreciate “British humor” is by watching movies. If you are looking for something cheeky and interesting to watch from the United Kingdom, here are the 21 best British comedy movies you should check out:
1. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
English 1h 39m IMDb
Director: Edgar Wright
Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield
Whenever you think of zombie movies, you might automatically think of blood, gore, and violence. However, when you watch Shaun of the Dead, you will get more than all that.
This zombie-comedy film is probably the best of its genre. While there are the typical zombie movie offerings, the film infuses the right amount of light humor. It is often hard to do, but this movie was able to do it.
Shaun of the Dead has become a cult classic. And it deserves every bit of recognition. The duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost leads the cast of this iconic film.
2. Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)
English 1h 57m IMDb
Director: Mike Newell
Stars: Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, James Fleet
Four Weddings and a Funeral is one of the most recognized British romantic comedy films of all time. With the way the movie turned out, you would never think that it was made with a limited budget! This movie was the start of Hugh Grant’s partnership with screenwriter Richard Curtis.
If you are searching for a romantic comedy movie, you can go wrong with this one. The chemistry between the cast is so strong and palpable. There are a lot of funny and witty moments before, during, and after the wedding and funeral scenes of the film.
3. The Full Monty (1997)
English 1h 31m IMDb
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Stars: Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy
What do you do when you are strapped for cash and need to earn quick cash? Well, for a group of unemployed lads, you might as well get into male stripping for one night! But of course, there is more to this movie than just men exposing themselves.
This movie is funny and realistic, allowing you to explore the different reasons and struggles why the men have decided to get into stripping. If you are a fan of dry British humor, there’s plenty of that in The Full Monty! It makes the movie even more entertaining!
4. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
English 1h 48m IMDb
Director: Charles CrichtonJohn Cleese(uncredited)
Stars: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline
If you want to watch one of John Cleese’s best movies, A Fish Called Wanda is right here! However, this film is not just about the great Mr.
Cleese. It has an ensemble cast with Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Klein. Their performances are great and memorable in this heist comedy! They deserve all the awards and accolades that they got!
While the movie takes place in London, the movie gives you a combination of British and American humor.
5. In Bruges (2008)
English 1h 47m IMDb
Director: Martin McDonagh
Stars: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds(uncredited)
While it might not be your typical textbook comedy, there is still plenty of humor in 2008’s In Bruges. Colin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson play hitmen who have to hide in the Belgian city of Bruges after a failed job.
Dark humor is prominent in this movie but it’s integral in the story and its twists and turns. It becomes a vessel in exploring the depths of the human condition. If you want to watch something unpredictable with a touch of wit and humor, then check this out!
6. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
English 1h 47m IMDb
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran
If you love crime dramas with a hint of black comedy, Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels should be on top of your list!
This movie centers on a group of thieves who find themselves in interesting situations with a lot of twists. While there are some intense and violent scenes, this movie still has that humor, uniqueness, and complexity that you can find in Guy Ritchie movies.
7. Carry On Camping (1969)
English (United Kingdom) 1h 28m IMDb
Director: Gerald Thomas
Stars: Sidney James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey
Between 1958 and 1978, a series of Carry On films were released. And Carry On Camping is one of them. This film is one of the funniest in the bunch. If you are familiar with the Carry On franchise, then you shouldn’t miss this one. If you are exploring the series, this movie is a good introduction.
In this film, the cast finds themselves at a campsite. And as predicted, chaos ensues and disaster follows.
8. East Is East (1999)
English 1h 36m IMDb
Director: Damien O’Donnell
Stars: Om Puri, Linda Bassett, Jordan Routledge
If you are searching for a movie that focuses on immigration, culture, tradition, and everything in between, including humor, then don’t miss 1999’s East is East.
In the movie, a Pakistani man married to an English woman has to deal with his children who aren’t as keen as he is to stick to his traditions. East is East, with its humor and satire, gives the viewers the insight into trials and tribulations of a mixed-race family in the 1970s.
9. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
English 1h 51m IMDb
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Stars: Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves
If the source material of your movie is from the great William Shakespeare, then you have to make sure you give it justice. That seems to be no problem with Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing adaptation.
While some people might argue that Shakespeare’s comedies aren’t exactly funny, that doesn’t seem to be the case with this version. It’s beautiful, clever, and witty. The actors interpreted their characters well.
10. Brian And Charles (2022)
English 1h 30m IMDb
Director: Jim Archer
Stars: David Earl, Chris Hayward, Louise Brealey
If you are expecting a laugh-out-loud comedy film, then Brian and Charles might not be for you. However, if you are looking for something that has a unique story that’s funny, quirky, and moving, then this movie is a good choice.
Brian, an inventor in Wales, has always made stuff that doesn’t quite work. However, he finds a mannequin’s head and attempts to make an AI robot. This is the beginning of Brian’s relationship with the robot mannequin, Charles. While others might find the plot absurd, it has that playful British humor you might be into.
11. The World’s End (2013)
English 1h 49m IMDb
Director: Edgar Wright
Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman
If you are a fan of Shaun Of The Dead, you will enjoy The World’s End. It’s a sci-fi comedy film about five friends who revisit the town where their failed pub crawl attempt happened 25 years ago. When they arrive, they realize that aliens have taken over the town.
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost collaborate once again, and they do not disappoint. Despite there being a lot of action scenes, they never lose the comedic elements. Edgar Wright has retained the humor and energy he is known for in his movies.
12. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
English 1h 35m IMDb
Director: Jason Woliner
Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Maria Bakalova, Tom Hanks
Over 15 years ago, the world got to know the notorious and iconic Borat. In Borat’s 2020 offering, he is back in the United States. And this time around, Borat’s daughter joins him!
One of the most interesting things about this movie is Sacha Baron-Cohen’s ability to deliver a humorous satirical take on American culture, including the political climate.
Given the success of the original Borat movie, it’s a challenge to deliver the same for a sequel. However, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm has its solid narrative that can stand on its own.
13. Bean (1997)
English 1h 29m IMDb
Director: Mel Smith
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Peter MacNicol, John Mills
Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean is one of the most iconic characters ever. And it’s only fitting that you not only get to see him and his misadventures on TV, but also on the big screen.
You will love this movie if you are a fan of Mr. Bean’s dry slapstick humor. It’s also one of the best physical comedy movies around. You can watch it with family or friends. If you do, don’t be surprised if you are laughing from beginning to end. That is the Mr. Bean effect!
14. The Inbetweeners (2011)
English 1h 37m IMDb
Director: Ben Palmer
Stars: James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas
The tv show version of The Inbetweeners made a lot of buzz. It’s no wonder a movie about the lads had to be made. It continues right where the series left off. If you have been looking for a British coming-of-age movie that will leave you laughing like there’s no tomorrow, The Inbetweeners is a good choice.
Even if you haven’t watched the whole series, you will, more or less, learn to embrace the characters and their ups and downs, especially in their Grecian holiday.
15. About A Boy (2002)
English 1h 41m IMDb
Director: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Stars: Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette
Adapting a book into a movie is often tricky. However, that’s not a problem with the movie adaptation of Nick Hornby’s. It’s endearing, comical, and real.
Hugh Grant is typically the floppy-hair leading man in romantic films. But in this movie, he had the opportunity to show his range. It is, perhaps, one of his best movies. It is also the movie where we get to see young Nicholas Hoult. He plays Marcus, a kid who tremendously impacts Hugh Grant’s character and his bachelo life.
16. Johnny English (2003)
English 1h 27m IMDb
Director: Peter Howitt
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, John Malkovich, Natalie Imbruglia
Move over, James Bond. There’s a new superstar secret agent in town! Rowan Atkinson temporarily departs from his famous Mr. Bean character to play Johnny English. Atkinson once again showcases his comedic prowess.
If you want to depart from the usual spy movies, Johnny English might be the movie you need. It’s hilarious from start to finish! And while this might be more of a fun spy movie, it still has the stunts and special effects that are at par with other spy films!
17. Ali G IndaHouse: The Movie (2002)
English 1h 25m IMDb
Director: Mark Mylod
Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Emilio Rivera, Gina La Piana
Before he was Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen was Ali G! If you want a piece of outrageous British humor, Ali G is your man! And this movie pretty much sums up what the Ali G character is all about!
The movie’s plot revolves around making Ali G a pawn to overthrow the British Prime Minister. If you watch this movie, you might forget what’s it about, mainly because of the non-stop humor brought by Ali G and the other characters.
18. Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
English 1h 31m IMDb
Director: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle
You can’t speak about British comedy without mentioning Monty Python. In this movie, the legendary comedy group satirizes the legend of King Arthur. And since they are known for great comedy, they deliver that and more in this movie. It is really one of their holy grails!
When watching this movie, you better prepare yourself for all the laughing you are about to do. This movie is nothing but pure comedy – from the opening sequence to the very end! Some might say that the plot doesn’t make sense. But if that doesn’t bother you, just sit back and enjoy this movie!
19. Death At A Funeral (2007)
English 1h 30m IMDb
Director: Frank Oz
Stars: Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Dinklage, Ewen Bremner
A couple of years ago, there was an American remake of this movie. If you laughed at that one, wait until you watch the original.
The idea of a funeral being funny might seem out of place. But in this movie, humor is very much present in such a somber situation. The different characters from the dysfunctional family featured in the movie all add a little something extra to the film.
The film is nearly an hour and thirty minutes long, but the ridiculous and funny happenings can keep you on your toes.
20. Denmark (2019)
English 1h 31m IMDb
Director: Adrian Shergold
Stars: Rafe Spall, Darren Evans, Elis James
Things aren’t going too well in Herb’s life. He finds out that Danish prisoners might be living better lives than him. However, once he reaches his destination, he realizes that prison life might not be the answer to his life’s dilemma.
This poignant movie has both tragedy and comedy thrown in the mix. Through this movie, you get to see a frustrated and exhausted character. But amidst the pains and struggles, it fills you with hope and understanding.
21. The Gentlemen (2019)
English 1h 53m IMDb
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery
Upon looking at the actors involved in the film, you know it’s an All-Star cast. However, that’s not all this movie has to offer.
The movie about a British drug lord, and his attempt to sell off his marijuana business starts a little slow. However, don’t give this movie up! Stick around, and you will find out what makes it great! Once you get to know the characters and their stories, you will enjoy the film’s plot.
As with other Guy Ritchie movies, this action comedy has some cool action scenes and witty dialogues.
Watch These Comedy Movies, Mate!
Experts say laughter is the best medicine. And If you want to have a laugh or two without doing much, there are always the 21 best British comedy movies at your service. These films might have different plots, but they have something in common. They offer quintessential British humor, which you can’t find anywhere else!
