The 1980s was a unique decade for British comedies and films in general, with a golden tinge on the ten-year run that produced some incredible cinematic works. In contrast to many American comedies at the time, the differences between the two are often noted, with British work dripping in irony, satire, and self-deprecation, which create a unique brand of comedy. It was also a time when many of Britain’s rising stars and comedians were really coming into their own and blossoming into internationally known talents.
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There are many films from the time that stand out as rewatchable British classics, such as A Fish Called Wanda and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. These films represent some of the very best of comedy, from the surreal and absurd sketch comedy of Monty Python to films that lean on social commentary and hilarious premises to provide the breeding ground for comical moments. The 1980s produced some incredible films that helped shape British films, not just comedies, and helped foster a new generation of talent and cinematic brilliance.
10 The Tall Guy (1989)
Starring Jeff Goldblum And Rowan Atkinson
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The Tall Guy RComedyRomance
The Tall Guy follows an American actor living in England as he navigates both his personal and professional life in pursuit of love and career success. Released in 1989, the film delves into the comedic and romantic challenges faced by the protagonist in a foreign land.
Director Mel Smith Release Date February 1, 1989 Writers Richard Curtis Cast Emma Thompson , Jeff Goldblum , Rowan Atkinson , Geraldine James , Emil Wolk , Kim Thomson , Harold Innocent , Anna Massey , Joanna Kanska , Peter Kelly , Tim Barlow , Hugh Thomas , Angus Deayton , Robin Driscoll , Harriet Keevil , Tony Forsyth , Stephen Marchant , Ian Lindsay , Kate Duchêne , Angela Meredith , Kate Lonergan , Jason Isaacs , Martin Sadler , Susan Field , Fred Bryant Runtime 92 minutes Expand
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Acting giants Jeff Goldblum, Emma Thompson, and Rowan Atkinson all star in this romantic comedy directed by Mel Smith. The main protagonist (who also narrates) is an American actor working in England, Dexter King (Goldblum), who has starred alongside Ron Anderson (Atkinson) in a two-man play called ‘The Tall Guy‘ for six years in which Anderson is the main star. Dexter is bored with his life until an allergic reaction sees him fall in love with his nurse (Thompson), and the three leads form a comical love triangle that develops over the film.
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The film is notable for many reasons, but mainly as the feature film debut of legendary screenwriter Richard Curtis, who went on to write some of Britain’s most beloved films, like Notting Hill, Bridget Jones Diary, and Love Actually. The chemistry between the three leads is about as palpable as expected, with them bouncing off one another and creating comical magic in each scene. The film’s premise is a bit rudimentary, but the performances help elevate the material, and the writing and directing of some emerging, talented hands make it more than worth the watch.
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9 Time Bandits (1981)
Starring John Cleese And Sean Connery
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8.3/10 Time Bandits PGFamilyFantasyScience FictionAdventureComedy
Time Bandits is a fantasy adventure film directed by Terry Gilliam. The story follows a young boy named Kevin who joins a group of dwarfs on a journey through various historical eras, using a stolen map to navigate different time periods. Along the way, they encounter iconic figures and ultimately confront an evil force. The film combines elements of history, humor, and fantasy in a visually distinctive narrative.
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*Availability in US Director Terry Gilliam Release Date July 16, 1981 Studio(s) HandMade Films Writers Terry Gilliam , Michael Palin Cast Craig Warnock , David Rappaport , Kenny Baker , Mike Edmonds , Malcolm Dixon , John Cleese , Sean Connery , Shelley Duvall Runtime 110 Minutes Main Genre Family Expand
Time Bandits, written and directed by Terry Gilliam – a founding member of the Monty Python comedy troop – is a surreal, fantasy adventure that incorporates elements of sci-fi and comedy. It follows the story of a young boy, Kevin, who is taken on a wicked journey through time with a group of thieves who steal valuables and treasure from the various time periods in history that they travel to. The story features real-life and fictional characters like Napoleon and Robin Hood in a hilarious and genre-bending creation.
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Terry Gilliam is one of the premiere geniuses in modern British comedy, and he shows many signs of his creativity and humor in this absurd but whimsical piece. The film features an ensemble cast, including John Cleese, Sean Connery, and Shelley Duvall, who all do an excellent job with their parts and enhance the story with their delivery and sincere performances. The imagination and visual storytelling are fantastic, with some laugh-out-loud moments, but other films manage to produce more cohesive comedies with funnier moments overall.
8 How To Get Ahead In Advertising (1989)
Starring Richard E. Grant And Rachel Ward
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How to Get Ahead in Advertising RFantasyComedyDrama
How to Get Ahead in Advertising follows a British ad executive who experiences a surreal crisis when intense pressure from his work and a skin-cream client manifests as a talking boil on his neck. Released in 1989, this dark comedy explores themes of stress and identity in the advertising industry.
Director Bruce Robinson Release Date May 5, 1989 Cast Rachel Ward , Richard E. Grant , Richard Wilson , Jacqueline Tong , Susan Wooldridge , John Shrapnel , Hugh Armstrong , Mick Ford , Jacqueline Pearce , Christopher Simon , Gino Melvazzi , Victor Lucas , Dawn Keeler , Kerryann White , Vivienne McKone , Donald Hoath , John Levitt , Gordon Gostelow , Pip Torrens , Tony Slattery , Rachel Fielding , Pauline Melville , Roddy Maude-Roxby , Francesca Longrigg , Tanveer Ghani Runtime 95 minutes Expand
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How To Get Ahead In Advertising is, without doubt, one of the most bizarre British films of all time, not just comedies, and it features many elements of British humor that make it a standout in the genre. The plot follows advertising guru Denis Dimbleby Bagley (Richard E. Grant), who has a boil on his shoulder that grows so large it develops its own sinister persona. The boil shape-shifts and transforms into a version of Denis’ original head, convincing doctors to lance the normal head, leaving the boil now in charge of Denis’ body and life.
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The black comedy is a cleverly satirical work that focuses on themes of consumerism, corporate advertising, and the sometimes soulless nature of business culture. Grant nails the multiple characters and personas he must perform throughout the film, and for as bizarre and ridiculous as the plot is, it is played with a dry British smile that makes it surprisingly feel realistic and effective. Obviously, it won’t be a film that suits everybody’s tastes with such an unnerving premise, but it remains a cult classic that showcases someone of the uniqueness of the country’s humor.
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7 Educating Rita (1983)
Starring Michael Caine And Julie Walters
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Educating Rita PGDramaComedy
Educating Rita follows Rita, a spirited 26-year-old hairdresser seeking self-discovery, as she enrolls in the Open University. There she encounters Dr. Frank Bryant, a disenchanted literature professor entangled in personal turmoil, whose life is reinvigorated by the challenge Rita presents.
Director Lewis Gilbert Release Date June 16, 1983 Writers Willy Russell Cast Julie Walters , Michael Caine , Michael Williams , Maureen Lipman , Jeananne Crowley , Malcolm Douglas , Godfrey Quigley , Dearbhla Molloy , Kim Fortune , Pat Daly , Philip Hurd-Wood , Christopher Casson , Hilary Reynolds , Jack Walsh , Rosamund Burton , Marcus O’Higgins , Mark Drew , Gabrielle Reidy , Des Nealon , Marie Conmee , Oliver Maguire , Derry Power , Alan Stanford , Gerry Sullivan , Patricia Jeffares Runtime 110 minutes Expand
Lewis Gilbert’s Educating Rita is a comedy-drama written by Willy Russell, based on his 1980 stage play, that stars Julie Walters and Michael Caine. The pair play married hairstylist Rita (Walters), who is looking to further her career and go back to education, and an alcoholic professor, Dr. Bryant (Caine), who is struggling to come to terms with his divorce, who helps Rita see her academic potential. The two form an unlikely mentorship, with the film exploring many themes like love, self-discovery, and the value of learning.
The British Film Institute (BFI) ranked Educating Rita as the 84th greatest British film of the 20th Century.
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Walters and Caine are absolutely magnetic, with an undeniable chemistry that helped see the film win a succession of awards, including BAFTA and Golden Globe wins for the two stars, as well as three Academy Award nominations for the film. The witty dialogue, delivered to perfection in combination with the overall story and character development, creates an excellent production deserving of its acclaim. It sees moments of drama punctuated with classic British humor that tells a story with real heart and soul that helps the two main characters see their own value.
6 Victor/Victoria (1982)
Starring Julie Andrews And James Garner
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Victor/Victoria PGComedyMusicalRomance
Victor/Victoria is a sophisticated musical comedy that explores themes of identity and deception through the story of a woman who convincingly masquerades as a male female impersonator. Directed by Blake Edwards and starring Julie Andrews, the film is set in 1930s Paris and showcases intricate gender roles and social dynamics within a compelling narrative framework.
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*Availability in US Director Blake Edwards Release Date April 25, 1982 Writers Blake Edwards Cast Julie Andrews , James Garner , Robert Preston , Lesley Ann Warren , Alex Karras , John Rhys-Davies , Graham Stark , Peter Arne , Herb Tanney , Michael Robbins , Norman Chancer , David Gant , Maria Charles , Malcolm Jamieson , John Cassady , Mike Tezcan Runtime 134 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
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Musical comedy Victor/Victoria is a film that seems way ahead of its time, written and directed by the exceptional Blake Edwards, that sees Julie Andrews star as the titular character. Andrews plays Victoria, a singer who is struggling to make ends meet, so she has the idea for a new act, pretending to be a man who is then impersonating a woman in hopes of finding fame and fortune. The unique and innovative story is a clever concept that focuses on topics like gender, stereotypes, societal pressure, and the pitfalls of show business.
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The 10 Funniest 1980s British Comedies On This List: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
The Tall Guy (1989) |
6.2/10 |
|
Time Bandits (1981) |
6.9/10 |
|
How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989) |
6.8/10 |
|
Educating Rita (1983) |
7.2/10 |
|
Victor/Victoria (1982) |
7.6/10 |
|
Withnail and I (1987) |
7.5/10 |
|
Local Hero (1983) |
7.3/10 |
|
A Fish Called Wanda (1988) |
7.5/10 |
|
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983) |
7.5/10 |
|
Brazil (1985) |
7.8/10 |
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The film was a huge critical success, seeing it nominated for seven Academy Awards and being adapted into a hit Broadway musical in 1995. Andrews is the obvious standout, delivering an iconic performance in a character that takes on multiple personas and roles, even some at the same time, and pulls it off flawlessly. The rest of the ensemble cast, including James Garner and Robert Preston, all deliver, and the musical elements combined with the comic dialogue and sharp delivery make it a film that breaks new ground in the comedy genre.
5 Withnail And I (1987)
Starring Paul McGann And Richard E. Grant
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Withnail and I RComedyDrama
Withnail and I is a British black comedy film directed by Bruce Robinson. Set in 1969, it follows two out-of-work actors, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann), as they leave their squalid London flat for a holiday in the countryside, seeking both escape and rejuvenation. The film explores themes of friendship, desperation, and the harsh realities of their bohemian aspirations.
Director Bruce Robinson Release Date June 19, 1987 Writers Bruce Robinson Cast Richard E. Grant , Paul McGann , Richard Griffiths , Ralph Brown , Michael Elphick , Daragh O’Malley , Michael Wardle , Una Brandon-Jones Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
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In one of Britain’s premiere cult classics, Withnail and I is a black comedy written and directed by Bruce Robinson (The Killing Fields) that follows the lives of two struggling actors. The plot sees the two (Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann) move from their flat share in bustling Camden Town to a country cottage – owned by Withnail’s uncle – in the idyllic lake district. The story then follows their disastrous attempt at a relaxing and cultured weekend as mishaps, drugs, alcohol, and their own issues create nonstop chaos and problems.
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As with any ‘buddy’ comedy, the chemistry and camaraderie between the two needs to be just right, and it is, feeling genuine and realistic throughout the entire film, bouncing off each other in every scene. The film has several dark moments of somber introspection between the two, but that makes the snappy dialogue, cracking delivery, and interplay between them pop that much more. It is an excellent example of Britain’s love for dark humor and finding comedy in hapless situations that make it endlessly rewatchable and hilariously quotable.
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4 Local Hero (1983)
Starring Peter Riegert And Denis Lawson
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Local Hero PGComedyDrama
Local Hero follows a representative from an American oil company who travels to Scotland with the aim of purchasing a village to construct a refinery. As negotiations unfold, unexpected events challenge his task, creating a narrative that explores cultural exchanges and environmental themes.
Director Bill Forsyth Release Date February 17, 1983 Studio(s) Enigma Productions , Goldcrest Films International , Celandine Films Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Writers Bill Forsyth Cast burt lancaster , Peter Riegert , Denis Lawson , Fulton Mackay , Peter Capaldi , Jennifer Black , Jenny Seagrove , Norman Chancer , Rikki Fulton , Alex Norton , Christopher Rozycki , Gyearbuor Asante , John M. Jackson , Dan Ammerman , Tam Dean Burn , John Gordon Sinclair , Caroline Guthrie , Jimmy Yuill , Karen Douglas , Kenny Ireland , Sandra Voe , Harlan Jordan , Charles Kearney , David Mowat , John Poland Runtime 111 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
Bill Forsyth’s Local Hero is a comedy-drama that sees an American oil company executive (Peter Riegert) sent to the small Scottish village of Ferness. The film’s plot follows the executive as he is initially tasked with purchasing the town and the surrounding area for his company, but he interacts and bonds with the locals and comes to realize the love, passion, and joy that accumulates in little-known, rural places. The fish-out-of-water scenario is wonderfully played as the gorgeous setting, and differences between cultures really shine through.
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The film was very well received, both critically and commercially, currently sitting at a 100% rating on film review website Rotten Tomatoes. The ensemble cast, including Burt Lancaster and Peter Capaldi, all nail their performances, and the culture clash comedy is extremely effective, with an understated yet potent dialogue that is incredibly well acted. The film has an underlying warmth that makes some of the comedy stand out and creates a unique emotive combination that helped the film achieve its beloved status.
3 A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Starring John Cleese And Jamie Lee Curtis
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9/10 A Fish Called Wanda RComedyCrime
British thief George Thomason and his advisor Ken Pile bring in two arrogant Americans, con artist Wanda Gerschwitz and weapons expert Otto West, for a diamond heist. When the plan goes wrong, Wanda tries to seduce Archie Leach to find out where George has hidden the diamonds.
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*Availability in US Director Charles Crichton , John Cleese Release Date July 15, 1988 Writers John Cleese , Charles Crichton Cast John Cleese , Jamie Lee Curtis , Kevin Kline , Michael Palin , Maria Aitken , Tom Georgeson Runtime 108 min Main Genre Comedy Expand
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A Fish Called Wanda is a comedy heist film co-written and directed by Charles Crichton with input from the legendary John Cleese. The film’s plot sees a group of diamond thieves all attempt to deceive and turn on each other in order to be the one to end up with the diamonds stolen by their leader, who was recently incarcerated. The comedy is full of intricate wordplay, misunderstandings, misdirections, and razor-sharp delivery that make it one of the finest British comedies ever made.
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The film’s ensemble cast all do a stellar job with their roles, with Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis having impeccable tension and Kevin Kline actually winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as the eclectic Otto. The cast all have wonderful comedic timing, and the multi-layered narrative has a unique intricacy but never gets confusing while incorporating all the usual aspects of British comedy. A Fish Called Wanda is wonderfully directed, with a subtle brilliance that allows the writing and performances to be the stars of the show.
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2 Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life (1983)
Starring Graham Chapman And John Cleese
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Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life RComedyMusical
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life is a comedy consisting of a series of satirical sketches exploring life’s existential questions. Released in 1983, the film presents surreal vignettes, including a London insurance company becoming a pirate ship, and National Health doctors pursuing unconventional medical procedures.
Director Terry Jones Release Date March 31, 1983 Writers Graham Chapman , John Cleese , Terry Gilliam , Eric Idle , Terry Jones , Michael Palin Cast John Cleese , Terry Gilliam , Eric Idle , Terry Jones , Graham Chapman , Michael Palin , Carol Cleveland , Simon Jones Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
In one of the most quintessentially British comedies ever conceived, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life is a musical sketch comedy by the Monty Python troop directed by Terry Jones. Monty Python was a collective of the best British comics who formed a group, performing various sketch shows and comedy works. The film features a multitude of sketches, each with unique characters, settings, and philosophies that play out to form one overarching theme: wondering what is the meaning of life.
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Though the troop’s previous works in Holy Grail and Life of Brian both had a cohesive and structured story, The Meaning of Life goes back to their roots with a sketch format, allowing them to expand creatively. While some sketches are stronger than others, the cast all play many different roles and characters and have a unique chemistry together, with a seemingly preternatural sense of each other’s timing and delivery. The absurdity, the satirical wit, and the musical elements all join forces to create a masterwork of British comedy.
1 Brazil (1985)
Starring Jonathan Pryce And Robert De Niro
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10/10 Brazil (1985) RComedySci-Fi
In a dystopian future, a low-level government employee becomes entangled in a bureaucratic nightmare after encountering the woman of his dreams. As he navigates an oppressive system marked by inefficiency and surveillance, his quest for freedom and love spirals into chaos, highlighting the absurdity of totalitarian regimes and the human desire for individuality.
Director Terry Gilliam Release Date December 18, 1985 Studio(s) Embassy International Pictures , Brazil Productions Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Terry Gilliam , Tom Stoppard , Charles McKeown Cast Jonathan Pryce , Robert De Niro , Katherine Helmond , Ian Holm , Bob Hoskins , Michael Palin , Ian Richardson , Peter Vaughan , Kim Greist Runtime 142 Minutes Main Genre Sci-Fi Expand
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One of the best British comedies of all time, Brazil is a dystopian black comedy written and directed by Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits), who has his hand in many iconic comedies from the 1980s and beyond. Set in a futuristic dystopian world, the film’s plot follows lowly worker Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), who wishes to leave his mind-numbing work in search of the woman who has infiltrated his dreams. The dreams soon turn to nightmares as the film descends further into dark comedy, incredibly absurd visuals, and a hilarious take on many societal issues.
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The film has an incredible ensemble cast, with the likes of Robert De Niro, Michael Palin, and Katherine Helmond all playing significant roles. The film satirizes many elements of technology, bureaucracy, and capitalism, with the majority of its humor coming from the engaging performances, absurd scenarios, and subtle yet barbed jabs at modern society. The film is a masterclass in writing and directing with a brilliant score and incredible visuals, and the whole film comes together to create the best 1980s British comedy.
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