The ’90s were an important time in British history. On a political level, the decade represented the UK’s move away from the draconian Thatcherite politics that had ruled the ’80s to the New Labour Government of Tony Blair, including an end to The Troubles in Ireland with the Good Friday Agreement. On a cultural level, bands such as Oasis, Blur, and Spice Girls had pushed ‘Britpop’ onto the world stage.
On a similar level, the British movie industry was certainly not slouching, with some of the most important British movies of all time being released during what many term to be ‘The Last Great Decade.’ While some of these movies were dramas, an overwhelming majority were comedy films — at least in that darkly humorous British style.
East Is East (1999)
Set in ’70s Manchester, East is East follows George Khan, a Pakistani immigrant who is trying to raise his kids to be respectable Pakistanis. However, as they’ve been raised in the UK, his kids aren’t necessarily willing to abandon the values of modern Britain.
East is East is an important and comedic look into the lives of immigrants in the ’70s, as the film deals with important issues including class, racism, and sexism. In more ways than one, this period piece is still extremely relevant today.
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Guy Ritchie’s first theatrical film and the one that put him on the map, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels would set up what many would come to classify as the quintessential features of a ‘Guy Ritchie’ movie. Notably, his debut film features such signatures as fast talking cockney gangsters, eccentric criminals with quirky names, quick editing, and hilariously dark violence.
In addition to being directed by Ritchie, the film also stars Jason Flemyng, Jason Statham, and Vinnie Jones in this iconic piece of ’90s British cinema. Though it was arguably remade in Ritchie’s follow-up Snatch which all but refines the original formula, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is still a must see for fans of Ritchie and ’90s-era crime capers.
The Full Monty (1997)
Starring Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, and Tom Wilkinson, The Full Monty is a comedy that follows a group of down-on-their-luck working class men who decide to start their own striptease show to make some quick cash.
The film is one of the most iconic British movies of all time, with it becoming a cultural phenomenon in native United Kingdom and launching the careers of Carlyle and Addy. It was considered to be a such a sleeper hit that its nomination for Best Picture in 1997 came as a massive surprise. Unfortunately, it lost to Titanic, which swept most of the Oscars in that year.
Guest House Paradiso (1999)
Based on the underrated British sitcom Bottom, the late-great Rik Mayall and his comedic partner Adrian Edmondson bring Richie and Eddie to the big-screen in the form of Guest House Paradiso.
The film shows Richie and Eddie running a terrible hotel, with the pair treating each other and their guests awfully. The film contains everything one would expect from Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Starring Kenneth Branagh (who also directed the film), Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves, Michael Keaton, and Denzel Washington, Much Ado About Nothing is an adaptation of the classic Shakespearean comedy of the same name.
Branagh does an incredible job of adapting this classic Shakespeare play, with strong performances from the cast leading to one of the most enjoyable movies of the ’90s. Much Ado About Nothing is also generally considered to be one of the better Shakespeare films out there and is also one of The Bard’s most financially successful adaptations.
The Madness Of King George (1994)
Starring Nigel Hawthorne, Dame Helen Mirren, and Ian Holm, The Madness of King George takes a comedic look at the true story of the ageing King George III and how he started to display signs of madness in an age that didn’t understand mental health.
While the film is technically a comedy, the stellar performances of the cast allow for a careful balance between the poignant and the comedic. Nigel Hawthrone was nominated for Best Actor thanks to his compelling portrayal of King George III, but he lost to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump.
Trainspotting (1996)
Trainspotting is a seminal piece of British cinema, with the movie dealing with the harrowing (and sometimes funny) topic of drug addiction in Edinburg. The film does well to balance the more serious aspects of its story with the (darkly) funnier themes.
In addition to starring Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, and Ewan Bremner, Trainspotting was also directed by the Danny Boyle, who would go on to have one of the most critically acclaimed careers after the release of this movie. Trainspotting got a sequel in 2017 and this time, it tackles hitting middle-age and the disillusionment that comes with it.
Notting Hill (1999)
One of the most iconic romantic rom-coms of all time, Notting Hill tells tells the story of how a travel book seller in the North London district of Notting Hill managed to fall in love with a world famous movie star, played by Julia Roberts.
Notting Hill is both heartfelt and truly hilarious, with the surreal nature of celebrity being called into question throughout the movie as a point of comedy. The movie also features one of the most iconic movie soundtracks of all time, making it more irresistible to fans of British films and romantic features.
Bean (1997)
One of the most iconic comedy characters of all time is undoubtedly Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean, with his sitcom becoming one of the most watched comedies ever made while also being a fundamental part of a generation’s childhood. This, despite the fact that the original series only had one season with fifteen episodes in it — although those who grew up with it swear it was longer.
Due to the popularity of the Mr. Bean sitcom, Mr. Bean received a movie in the form of Bean (alternatively titled Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie), with Mr. Bean bumbling his way into the USA and getting into some awkward scrapes. Mr. Bean would go on to officially appear one last time in the sequel Mr. Bean’s Holiday, although he would still star in various cameos for ads and music videos.
Four Weddings & A Funeral (1994)
Starring Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, John Hannah, and Kristen Scott Thomas, Four Weddings and a Funeral is the gold standard for British romantic comedies, kickstarting the Richard Curtis/ Hugh Grant partnership that would continue across several movies.
The film takes place across four weddings and a funeral, with Will (Grant) trying to woo the elusive American, Carrie (MacDowell), who he bumps into while attending the titular events for his friends. Four Weddings and a Funeral is one of the greatest British movies of all time and is a must-see for fans of both British cinema and romantic comedies in general.
