Crime comedies are an ever popular genre – we do enjoy watching movies about bad guys, and it´s even better if they make us laugh! There are some hilarious British crime comedy movies, many of them made back in the black and white era but still funny today. So here are some of the cream of British crime comedy movies for you to enjoy …
1. The Lavender Hill Mob
For younger readers who are vaguely aware of actor Alec Guinness as the older version of Obi-Wen Kenobi in Star Wars, it may astonish you to learn that he had already had a long and distinguished career before then. In The Lavender Hill Mob, Guinness plays a seemingly mild-mannered bank clerk who masterminds a robbery …
2. The Ladykillers
Forget the appalling Coen Brothers remake, the original version of The Ladykillers is not only one of the best British crime comedy movies, but one of the best British movies period. Alec Guinness again featured as the leader of a gang, lodging with a sweet old lady who has no idea what her house guest is up to …
3. The Italian Job
“You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” This iconic line from Michael Caine is featured in another of the best crime comedies. The remake wasn´t too bad, but can´t compete with this Sixties crime caper, which still seems fresh and funny.
4. The League of Gentlemen
A note to villains: however good you think your plan is, there will always be some tiny detail that gives you away. Crime definitely does not pay off in this tale of a gang of ex-Army officers who think that they have planned the perfect robbery.
5. In Bruges
If you´re a hitman, where would you choose to hide out when a job goes wrong? The pretty medieval Belgian city of Bruges is not an obvious choice, and Colin Farrell´s character agrees. So he´s not too pleased to find out that he might be stuck there for a while … definitely black as far as comedies go!
6. A Fish Called Wanda
If you haven´t seen this film, then watch out for the scene with the chips (French fries to most of you) and the unfortunate goldfish … A group of diamond thieves, one of whom is completely psychotic, attempt to double-cross each other … no honour among thieves here!
7. Two Way Stretch
What´s the best possible alibi you could have to show that you didn´t commit a crime? If you were already in prison … Peter Sellers plans to escape from prison, steal some diamonds (a popular target for theft, naturally) – and then get himself back into prison before anyone even notices he´s gone!
8. The Wrong Arm of the Law
In 1960s Britain, even criminals have their code of behaviour. They never go armed or resist the police. However, things change when a new gang turns up and the police and established crooks have to form an unlikely alliance in order to catch them.
There are some brilliant British crime comedy movies, many of them made decades ago but still as funny as ever. Films such as “The Ladykillers” clearly belong to another era, but can still be enjoyed by a modern audience. What are your favourite crime comedies – do you enjoy the old movies or prefer modern ones?
Top Image Source: themoviedb.org
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a British crime comedy unique?
- British crime comedies often blend witty humor with clever crime plots, featuring quirky characters and dry British wit.
- Are these movies suitable for all ages?
- Most are rated for adults due to themes and language, so it's best to check individual movie ratings before watching.
- Which movie is the funniest in the British crime comedy genre?
- ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ is widely praised for its sharp humor and memorable characters.
- Do British crime comedies feature recurring actors?
- Yes, actors like Idris Elba, Jason Statham, and Helen Mirren often appear in multiple British crime comedies.
- Can I watch these movies if I'm new to British humor?
- Absolutely! These films are a great introduction, offering an entertaining mix of crime and comedy that’s easy to enjoy.
- Are these movies based on true stories?
- Most British crime comedies are fictional but sometimes inspired by real-life crime elements or urban legends.
- Where can I stream British crime comedy movies?
- Many are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
- Do these movies contain a lot of violence?
- While crime is central to the plot, the violence is often stylized or played for laughs rather than being graphic.
- Is there a difference between British and American crime comedies?
- Yes, British versions typically have more subtle, dry humor and focus on character-driven stories.
- What’s a classic must-watch British crime comedy movie?
- ‘Snatch’ is a classic choice, combining fast-paced crime action with clever comedic moments.