The Funniest British Comedy Movies, Ranked

The British movie scene has produced some of the funniest comedies, which have made a great name for themselves. A variety of settings has allowed for a wide range of audiences to find something to laugh about, whether with political satire or slapstick physical comedy. While London is often an ideal setting, British comedies have ventured to other areas of the country to find the funny.

Some highly regarded actors have found their big breaks in British comedies. Others have stuck with the genre, proving their aptitude for making viewers laugh. Among the best are films that are based on real events, invaded by zombies, and those that revisit the characters of a much-loved series.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa Puts the Radio DJ in a Sticky Situation

I’m Alan Partridge is an iconic British show centered around a middle-aged radio presenter from Norwich. With his career declining, he does his best to keep pushing on. The film Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa came some years later, after the series had finished, and saw Alan still working in radio.

Alan becomes entangled in a high-risk hostage situation when his begrudged colleague, Pat, becomes frustrated at potentially losing his job. Alan isn’t great at dealing with low-level problems, let alone those with people’s lives in danger. The combination is perfect for plenty of comedy to be generated, particularly as Alan does want to be a hero but isn’t always quite brave enough.

Wicked Little Letters Is an Intriguing Part of History

Shockingly based on a true story, Wicked Little Letters tells of a hate mail scandal that had the wrong woman facing punishment. Residents of a small area begin to receive letters with terribly spiteful messages, and loudmouthed Rose gets the blame. Edith’s parents also receive the letters, and Edith pushes for Rose to be held accountable.

The story itself isn’t pleasant, especially knowing that it was based on truth. However, the scandal plays out with characters that are a little strange and add humor. Rose receives support from other women who want to investigate further, but it’s a close call. The plot is truly interesting and fascinates audiences from the outset.

Johnny English Wasnt Always the Heroic Spy

Any skills that James Bond has, it can be assumed that Johnny English doesn’t possess them at all. But what is a secret security service to do when their top agents have been killed? They must resort to relying on their less capable spies. Johnny English is the comedy equivalent to the Bond franchise, bringing laughter to any part of Johnny’s mission.

Johnny has to intervene when Pascal Sauvage seeks to steal the crown jewels. With the safety of his country in his hands, Johnny tries his best, along with sidekick Bough, to get the job done. The funniest part of the character is his utter confidence, even when he epically fails. Brits are well accustomed to the brilliance of James Bond, so watching Johnny wrongly accuse the Archbishop of being someone he’s not or accidentally play a video of him singing in the bathroom in front of hundreds of people, his antics catch them off guard.

About a Boy Takes a Mans Search for Love Down an Unexpected Path

In one of Hugh Grant’s best roles, he plays Will, a fairly carefree man who wants to find a woman to be with. He decides to attend single parent meetings to interact with single women. Instead, he meets a 12-year-old boy named Marcus, who doesn’t fit in at school and has a difficult time with his depressed mother. Will isn’t used to thinking about anyone else, much less a young, dependent boy.

As Marcus and Will form a friendship, the tables turn, and they become the support for each other that they didn’t know they each needed. It’s a heartwarming story, but it doesn’t come without a large helping of British humor, particularly from Grant’s dry wit. About a Boy is over two decades old but has stood the test of time and remains a classic in British comedy.

The Full Monty Is Hilarious But Moving

At first glance, The Full Monty seems to be an out-and-out comedy about a group of men who attempt to make some money as strippers. However, just below the surface is a wonderful story that touches on body image, friendship and toxic masculinity. A steel mill, which served as employment for a lot of people, was closed down. A few of the ex-workers decide to get together and put on a show, where the end sees them completely stripped.

While the touching moments do darken the tone of the movie, scenes like the main characters automatically dancing in the dole queue upon hearing Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” on the radio keep it both funny and uplifting. It took a while for The Full Monty to be picked up by a production company. However, it became a huge success when it was and even made it to the Oscars.

The Inbetweeners Movie Gives the Lead Characters a Vacation

Rude, awkward and downright hilarious, The Inbetweeners Movie did justice to the series, The Inbetweeners, and provided everything that fans were expecting. The socially inept teens finished their final year in school and took the opportunity to take a trip, with the phrase “sun, sea and sex” firmly in mind. Of course, for them to meet new people, they need to seem normal, which wasn’t always as easy as it sounded.

Simon, Jay, Will and Neil have no idea how to behave. They get themselves into ridiculous situations that leave viewers (and other characters) cringing. Luckily, they bump into a group of girls who find the boys funny and aren’t completely put off by their ungainliness. The film was a true bonus for fans of the show.

Hot Fuzz Pairs up a Cop Duo That Have Different Ideas About the Job

Set in a fictional village in Gloucestershire, Hot Fuzz is the second film of the Cornetto trilogy. It was a triumphant follow-up to Shaun of the Dead but had a new storyline that didn’t relate to its predecessor. Nicholas Angel, a professional police officer, is sent to a laid-back village that doesn’t appear to have as much fast-paced action as London.

Paired up with Danny Butterworth, Nicholas is faced with the challenge of motivating Danny and solving a mysterious crime. Hot Fuzz earned the most at the box office out of the trilogy, earning over $80 million worldwide. Like Shaun of the Dead, the film has some genuinely scary moments, without detracting from the comedy.

Bridget Joness Diary Is the First Movie in a Popular Franchise

A fourth installment is on the way for the Bridget Jones franchise. While fans eagerly await Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, it’s the first film that stands out as the best. In Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget lives in London and is determined to turn her life around when her boss, Daniel Cleaver, leaves her heartbroken.

Renée Zellweger gives a stellar performance in the lead role, conveying her dilemmas in both her work life and love life. Bridget’s friendship group is honest with her and unfiltered, regularly bringing humor. The romantic view of England’s capital city, combined with the Christmas setting, gives the film a wholesome, comforting feel without weakening the comedy. Bridget Jones is a well-known name that is heavily embedded in the British comedy movie scene.

Life on the Road Gives David Brent a Chance to Chase His Dream

The Office UK came before the US version and developed the original, insecure boss, David Brent. The series was the first of many successful shows to be created by Ricky Gervais and was followed up with the movie in 2016, David Brent: Life on the Road. It didn’t involve other characters from the series, as David had moved to a new workplace, but watched his journey of following his dreams of becoming a singer.

As would be expected, the script is relentlessly funny. David is still the awkward, pitiful character who just can’t seem to get it together. His pursuit of stardom is a disheartening path, and he struggles to engage with his band and road manager. But, as with most Gervais projects, there’s a message of hope and kindness that plays out among the comedy.

Shaun of the Dead Redefined Zombie Movies

The first of the Cornetto Trilogy, Shaun of the Dead, refreshed the zombie movie genre. The film is celebrating 20 years and being brought back to cinemas for fans to watch in a remastered update. The plot line is similar to other zombie films: humans are threatened by the living dead, and have to keep themselves safe, otherwise, they could end up in the same condition. But what makes Shaun of the Dead stand out is the high-level humor.

The narrative is put into the context of uncool Brits, who have no idea what they’re doing, even with a few good fight scenes included. When it comes to killing zombies before the zombies kill them, main characters Shaun and Ed, are more concerned about preserving Shaun’s favorite vinyl records instead of using them as weapons. Interestingly, there’s something a bit more realistic about the film’s story than those that involve characters who are well-equipped to deal with such an event. Who actually would know what to do? Certainly not Shaun and Ed.