Every Comedy Movie Starring Alan Rickman, Ranked

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Alan Rickman, known for his distinctive, rich, leisurely voice, is without a doubt one of the most exceptional British actors in history. Spanning the realms of film, television, and stage, this actor garnered numerous honors during his career, such as a BAFTA Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and two Tony Awards.

Known predominantly for his roles as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, Alan Rickman’s acting portfolio spans much further than these iconic characters might suggest. Despite his reputation for serious roles, some of his finest performances can be found in comedies. Unfortunately, not all of Alan Rickman’s comedy films are worthy recommendations. It would have been wise for his agent to steer him clear of certain projects. Fortunately, the high-quality movies outweigh the lesser ones.

11
‘Gambit’ (2012)

In the movie Gambit, Harry Deane (played by Colin Firth), a weary British art curator, is fed up with his snobbish billionaire boss, Lionel Shabandar (Alan Rickman). To retaliate against him, Deane concocts a plan to deceive Shabandar into purchasing a counterfeit Monet artwork. He assembles an ideal crew for the task, but events don’t unfold as anticipated.

Hardly as Good as the Original

If you’re interested in watching a movie about difficult bosses from around the 2010s, I recommend “Horrible Bosses”, not “Gambit”. For a more enjoyable film featuring Colin Firth in a tuxedo, give “Kingsman” a try. Additionally, for a superior take on the same story, you should watch the 1996 Oscar-nominated film by Ronald Neame. Interestingly enough, the Coen Brothers wrote the screenplay for this movie, but unfortunately, many of the jokes fall flat and the heist aspects aren’t particularly groundbreaking.

10
‘Blow Dry’ (2001)

In a serene setting of Keighley, Yorkshire, we meet Phil Allen (Alan Rickman), a tranquil retired hairstylist who shares his days with his son. However, peacefulness is abruptly disrupted when his estranged wife reappears, accompanied by her new partner. A shocking revelation awaits them both; how will they navigate this unexpected turn of events?

Powerful, but Misplaced

Romantic comedies should balance romance and humor effectively, but “Blow Dry” skews more towards the romantic side than the humorous one. Rickman delivers a strong performance, and the film handles weighty themes such as terminal illness, LGBTQ relationships, resilience, and good parenting admirably. However, it lacks the necessary elements to captivate fans of the genre. A more effective approach might have been to develop it as a serious drama instead.

9
‘Nobel Son’ (2007)

Protagonist, referred to as Nobel Son, trails Eli, a self-absorbed professor who seemingly flourishes due to his unkindness. Later on, Eli finds out that he’s set to receive the Nobel Prize. However, fortune seems to desert him, beginning with the kidnapping of his son. The abductors demand $2 million for the boy’s release, reminiscent of Hans Gruber’s ransom tactics. The query arises: will he comply and pay them?

Has a few Redeeming Qualities

In this movie, there’s a heavy emphasis on witty, yet dark humor, which is typical for such films. However, it appears that none of the characters come across as genuinely amusing, making the humor feel misplaced. To make matters worse, the jokes often don’t line up with the storyline, causing viewers to be bewildered. On the brighter side, the narrative moves along nicely, and the debates between Eli and his wife are captivating, keeping you engaged throughout the film.

Stream it on Starz

8
‘The January Man’ (1989)

1980s saw numerous movies mimicking ‘Dirty Harry’, and ‘The January Man’ is one such imitation with a dash of humor. The plot revolves around a former NYPD detective who gets drawn back into his old profession by his brother (a police commissioner) due to the emergence of a city-terrorizing serial killer. During the investigation, he unexpectedly finds assistance from his artist neighbor, Ed, played by Alan Rickman.

Veering to the Wrong Path

In this film, Alan Rickman delivers an exceptional portrayal of an artist, and Kevin Kline’s law enforcement character exudes both charm and raw masculinity. Regrettably, the movie seems to struggle with its identity. Although it hints at a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase, it spends a considerable amount of time developing the romantic relationship between the main character and the mayor’s daughter. There are some amusing scenes along the way, but that’s about it. It had potential for more depth.

7
‘Bottle Shock’ (2008)

The movie Bottle Shock is centered around the famous 1976 wine competition known as the “Judgment of Paris.” In this contest, wines from California were pitted against French wines in a blind taste test. In the film, Alan Rickman portrays Steven Spurrier, a wine connoisseur living in Paris who organized the event and went to California on a quest for a particular type of wine.

Much to Admire but Little to Laugh About

In a nutshell, the film Bottle Shock delves into Bohemian culture through humor, but its enjoyment hinges on appreciating the stunning visuals and exceptional acting. Chris Pine gives a charming, humorous portrayal of a younger Château Montelena CEO, Bo Barret, while Rickman maintains his eccentric charm. However, the comedy falls flat in most aspects. The slapstick scenes are redundant, and the jokes about wealth feel over-explained and repetitive.

Stream it on Prime Video

6
‘Dogma’ (1999)

In this reimagined tale, two fallen angels, longing for redemption, seek a way back to Heaven by exploiting certain teachings within divine dogma. However, if they manage to find a loophole, it would challenge the notion of God’s omniscience and infallibility. To prevent this potential catastrophe, the powerful seraph Metatron (portrayed by Alan Rickman) dispatches two prophets and the last of their kind on a quest to halt these angels’ endeavor. Will they succeed in preserving Heaven’s order?

Mining Humor from the Scriptures

The movie sparked criticism from the Catholic Church, yet it’s highly entertaining. It gently pokes fun at theology, offering religious satire that’s more respectful than some media outlets may suggest. Moreover, it is filled with witty recurring jokes. With an impressive ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Salma Hayek, acting performances are generally strong. Alan Rickman stands out particularly well, earning him a Satellite Award for his role.

5
‘Snow Cake’ (2006)

The movie “Snow Cake” starts off with ex-convict Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) traversing through Canada. Showing kindness, he gives a lift to a young hitchhiker, but the two unfortunately get into an accident that results in her death. Alex then makes his way to the hitchhiker’s home to inform her mother about the tragic incident, and during this time, he develops a relationship with one of the neighbors.

Blending Laughs with Misfortunes

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Arctic, this romantic comedy follows Alex’s gradual transformation from deep-seated malice to consciousness, triggered by unfavorable events. To this day, it stands as a potent, emotionally resonant film that explores a fundamental question: just how far are individuals willing to go to set things right? Rickman delivers a compelling performance as Alex. Moreover, the humor sneaks up on you when you least anticipate it.

4
‘Love Actually’ (2003)

Love Actually delves into the intricate facets of love by presenting ten distinct narratives revolving around numerous characters, many of whom are found to be connected as the story unfolds. In one tale, the married CEO of a design firm, Harry (portrayed by Alan Rickman), becomes smitten with his assistant, Mia.

No Dull Story

Up for the Golden Globe Award in the category of Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, this film delivers a sharp, realistic perspective on relationships. The script, brimming with urgency and everyday authenticity, is punctuated with humor that springs from common situations like “Where did you go?” followed by an unexpected response. Although Alan Rickman doesn’t have extensive screen time, his performance will leave you satisfied. This film is certainly worth watching during the Christmas season.

3
‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (2005)

In “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” Arthur Dent (played by Martin Freeman) is attempting to prevent a bulldozer from demolishing his house. At this moment, his friend Ford Prefect (Mos Def) whiskks him away to outer space. As it turns out, Ford is an extraterrestrial being who has just rescued Arthur from a cosmic catastrophe known as Armageddon. Consequently, Arthur embarks on numerous exciting journeys across the galaxy, encountering various intriguing characters such as a melancholic android, whose voice is provided by Alan Rickman.

A Plethora of Fun Characters

In a remarkable first attempt at directing, Garth Jennings showcased his talent with “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a role that previously saw him as a zombie in “Shaun of the Dead.” This sci-fi comedy delves into human selfishness and personal anxieties, offering an enjoyable, inspiring tale about the delight of self-discovery. The wit remains crisp throughout the film’s 109 minutes, making it hard to miss even for casual viewers.

2
‘The Search for John Gissing’ (2001)

From the perspective of a cinema enthusiast, I’d say that “The Search for John Gissing” is a tale woven around corporate intrigues. As a swift-ascending executive, I find myself dispatched to London to manage a merger and oust a pivotal staff member known as John Gissing, portrayed by the brilliant Alan Rickman. Given his predilection for stability, it’s no surprise that Gissing isn’t exactly overjoyed with my arrival. In fact, he pulls out all the stops to make life as challenging as possible for this newcomer like myself.

Leaving with a Fight

The movie does very well, largely thanks to Rickman’s quirky and laugh-out-loud performance. Even though humor nowadays might be considered mild, the wit remains sharp enough to resonate with everyone, even those unimpressed by business strategies. Nominated at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, The Search for John Gissing will keep you grinning well beyond the ending credits.

1
‘Galaxy Quest’ (1999)

Is there a more engaging ’90s movie featuring aliens that rivals Galaxy Quest? This film revolves around the cast of a popular 1970s sci-fi TV series with a similar title, who find themselves in trouble when they are approached by extraterrestrial beings seeking their help to combat a threat within their territory. The aliens fail to distinguish reality from fiction, leading them to believe that the actors can perform feats identical to those portrayed on their show.

A Classic in Every Right

In a leisurely yet masterful unfolding, the film Galaxy Quests delves into the harmful aspects of fan culture, leveraging Alan Rickman’s captivating presence to infuse his character with venom and no hint of kindness. The cinematography, sharp and realistic, adds authenticity to a tale that already feels grounded in reality. Most of the humor comes from mutual innocence (from both sides), making every dialogue delightful. It’s unfortunate that it didn’t evolve into a franchise series, as its potential was evidently vast.

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2025-01-20 00:32