There’s nothing quite like an absurd and hilarious comedy movie to flip your mood around and leave you in good spirits for days. British comedies from the 1980s have a distinct ability to be bizarre and insightful at the same time, which is what makes them so appealing and endlessly rewatchable. The decade was, anyway, a fascinating time to find big fish in a small pond. It was the perfect backdrop for comedy to reflect and ridicule the era, and British filmmakers utilized it to the max by crafting a series of quirky comedy movies.
Whether leaving into satire or slapstick, mixing together with crime or romance, British comedies knew just how to find the funny without losing sight of what made their subjects so charming. Pioneering troupes like Monty Python were trailblazers in the industry, known for pushing boundaries and being creative within the silly. While they only came out with one movie in the 1980s, their influence was largely felt throughout the decade.
Today, even years later, certain British comedies are treasured because of how delightfully odd and bitingly snide they were. Beyond offering laughter, the movies also captured the essence of English culture, telling stories that were relatable and poignant at the same time. This list looks back at the creativity of British comedies of the 1980s.
10 The Tall Guy (1989)
The Tall Guy is a romantic comedy that centers around and is narrated by Dexter King, a down-on-his-luck American actor stuck in a London theater company and living an uneventful life in Camden Town. At work, he endures the tyrannical antics of the two-man play’s lead actor, Ron Anderson. A terrible allergy turns his life around because Dexter meets and falls in love with a quirky nurse named Kate. At the same time, Dexter lands the lead role in a new play based on The Elephant Man.
Absurd and Oddly Entertaining
Starring Jeff Goldblum, Emma Thompson, and Rowan Atkinson as the phenomenal leads, The Tall Guy combines hilarious everyday dilemmas with sharp British wit. It’s got references and name-drops that most foreign audiences would not get, but that does nothing to lessen the joy of watching the comedy play out. The movie excels because of the charming and unforgettable pairing between Goldblum and Atkinson, but more than anything, it is the script by Richard Curtis and the direction by Mel Smith that makes it a quintessential British comedy.
9 Educating Rita (1983)
Based on Willy Russell’s stage play of the same name, Educating Rita tells the story of Rita, a working-class hairdresser who craves something more profound in her routine. To broaden her horizons, she signs up for an Open University course and is assigned to study under the brilliant literature professor, Dr. Frank Byrant, who uses alcohol as a means to escape his jaded reality. As Rita blossoms under Frank’s guidance, he finds himself rediscovering his love for teaching and both undergo personal growth.
An Inspiring Comedy With Strong Lead Performances
Russel’s screenplay and Lewis Gilbert’s direction bring depth and nuance into an unlikely student-teacher relationship, eventually crafting a movie known for its intelligent, untainted, and heartwarming narrative. Julie Walters and Michael Caine carry the film, with the former showcasing Rita’s journey and the joy of growth quite poignantly. Caine, on the other hand, imbues Frank with a certain melancholy, which is why it’s incredible to see him grow passionate later. Both Walters and Caine won BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards for their iconic roles.
8 How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989)
A ridiculously exaggerated but extremely clever dark comedy, How to Get Ahead in Advertising follows Denis Dimbleby Bagley, a mentally troubled advertising executive who is working on an ad for a pimple cream when he suffers a nervous breakdown. He’s frustrated by the ethics of his profession, which leads a boil to develop on his neck. The boil eventually grows into a second head with a mind of his own.
A Satire On The Greedy ‘80s
As strange as it may sound, How to Get Ahead in Advertising actually delivers an interesting message about the advertising world, the endless pressures that come with it, and the battle between professional growth and personal morals. Directed by Bruce Robinson, it takes a bold and unconventional stand, and while its offbeat tone polarized some, the movie garnered a cult following later. Richard E. Grant’s performance is a particular highlight.
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7 Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987)
Rita, Sue and Bob Too is a light-hearted and unserious comedy set against the backdrop of a run-down city in West Yorkshire. It centers on the lives of two teenage best friends, Rita and Sue, who babysit for Bob and Michelle, an older married couple. They both develop crushes on Bob and start a sexual relationship with him. Even after Bob’s marriage falls apart and Michelle leaves him for good, the trio continues their relationship at the risk of social stigma.
Breaks Stereotypes with Its Honest Storytelling
Penned by Andrea Dunbar and directed by Alan Clarke, the movie is loosely based on Dunbar’s own experiences growing up, which adds a sympathetic realism to the story. It shocked some and was praised by many; its unflinching tone delivered a unique blend of comedy and drama. Michelle Holmes and Siobhan Finneran gave award-worthy performances as the curious and passionate girls longing for independence and experiencing life while they’re still young.
6 Brazil (1985)
Brazil (1985)
- Release Date
- December 18, 1985
Hailed by critics as a sensational piece of work, Brazil transports you to a dystopian future and tells the story of Sam Lowry, a low-level bureaucrat who yearns to escape the nightmarish, hyper-consumerist society. But instead, he gets entangled in an absurd mess that began with a mix-up in the teleprinter and led to the arrest of an innocent man. Amidst the disturbing adventure to right the wrong, he falls in love with Jill, the woman of his dreams.
The Humor and Critique Remains Fresh as Ever
Visually, Brazil does not appear to be anywhere close to a comedy. Its stylish cinematography and heavy use of technology fabricates a sci-fi world where nothing is impossible, but everything seems surreal. But under Terry Gilliam’s expert direction, the chilling bureaucratic setting transforms into a hilarious and biting satire of society and government. Performances by Jonathan Pryce and Kim Greist heighten the twisted and unforgettable nature and capture the essence of the 80s.
5 Withnail and I (1987)
- Release Date
- June 19, 1987
The same team that worked on How to Get Ahead in Advertising first created Withnail and I, a renowned comedy about two out-of-work actors living in a flat in Camden Town in the late 1960s. They decide to flee the drudgery of London for a quiet and peaceful holiday in the English countryside with their uncle. But their promise of relaxing gets derailed when their weekend turns into a series of comedic disasters fueled by alcohol and bad decisions.
A Riotously Funny and Empathetic Film
A brilliant movie that not only makes you laugh but also captures the essence of British comedies, Withnail and I is a superb watch. Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann star as the self-destructive artists. Their chemistry is frenzied, but it’s hilarious and goes perfectly well with the deteriorating setting. Critically praised for its witty dialogue, memorable scenes, and piercing humor, the movie also marks the conclusion of an era.
4 Local Hero (1983)
- Release Date
- February 17, 1983
- Director
- 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
Written and directed by Bill Forsyth, Local Hero follows Mac, a hot-shot executive from Texas who dreams of retiring to a tropical paradise. His boss sends him to Scotland to negotiate the purchase of a fictional village called Ferness so his company can establish a new oil refinery there. Smooth-talking Mac is initially confident about swaying the locals, but he finds himself charmed by the residents and the natural beauty of the village.
Whimsical and Deceptive Comedy
Forsyth injects this comedy with a whimsical tone and balances the humor with poignant themes of acknowledging life’s little wonders and the small community one builds to live in. The movie also acts as a metaphor for greater themes about corporate greed and environmental conservation. What’s most charming, however, are the performances of Peter Riegert, Burt Lancaster, and Denis Lawson, who raised the bar for soulful comedies and made the movie magical and realistic at the same time.
3 Victor/Victoria (1982)
Victor/Victoria is a captivating musical comedy that follows the journey of a woman who disguises herself as a man impersonating a woman in order to succeed as a cabaret performer in 1930s Paris. This film explores themes of identity and societal expectations, blending humor, music, and romance in a vibrant setting, while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of its unconventional protagonist.
- Release Date
- April 25, 1982
- 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
Set in 1930s Paris, Victor/Victoria follows a struggling soprano named Victoria Grant, who gets into trouble one day and comes up with an idea to change the course of her career. She disguises herself as a man, Victor, and meets with a talent agent, eventually landing a job as a female impersonator. Her act becomes a roaring success, but at the same time, all the attention catches the eye of King Marchand, which puts Victoria’s dual subterfuge in danger.
Colorful and Unpredictable Gender-Bending Musical
Directed by Blake Edwards, the movie is an extravagant combination of humor and romance. The catchy musical numbers are just a bonus. Julie Andrews shines in the lead role, offering her incredible range and comedic timing along with a series of costume changes and perfectly choreographed duet performances. She steals scenes but allows James Garner and Robert Preston to shine just as brightly. Victor/Victoria was nominated for seven Academy Awards and took one home for Best Original Song Score.
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2 Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
Abandoning Holy Grail and Life of Brian’s single-structure storytelling format to return to the troupe’s original sketch format, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life explores the deep and thought-provoking questions about each stage of life, from birth to death, through a series of absurd sketches and musical numbers. It uses signature Monty Python satire and silliness, and takes viewers on a wild journey where each segment offers a unique perspective on the little thing we call life.
The Python Troupe Re-Embraces a Loose Format
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life is the last feature film to star all six Python members, which is what makes it more special. Directed by Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, it reunites the clan and gives them a manic mission to reflect on our collective existence. John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin are outstanding as always, finding truth in humor and taking an unafraid approach towards comedy by talking about sex, religion, war, and death. The film received both controversy and applause, which is testament to its success.
1 A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
- Release Date
- July 15, 1988
Perhaps the most celebrated British comedy to come out of the 1980s, A Fish Called Wanda stars Jamie Lee Curtis as the titular femme-fatale who is a part of a quirky group of criminals. Each of the bickering, inept thieves double-cross each other and try to secure the stolen diamonds for themselves. But Wanda takes advantage of the two members vying for her affections and manipulates everyone, complicating things further.
Classic Example of British Humor
A hilarious crime caper that’s “smartly written, smoothly directed, and solidly cast,” the movie excels in literally every department. It introduces American audiences to British wit through a parade of ridiculous characters played by John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin. Their crazy energy and intelligent banter adds to the film’s charm and delivers jokes every two minutes. Of course, Charles Crichton’s direction ensured it was a commercial and critical success, with Kline even winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
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