Top 10 Best British Comedies on BritBox Ranked!

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There’s no need for persuasion; British comedy is simply golden. It’s filled with wit, subtle humor, and self-mockery that aligns perfectly with the distinctive British knack for laughing at misfortunes. The English comedy scene rarely resorts to brashness but instead, it shines with irony, turning ordinary circumstances into side-splitting genius. “Pinwright’s Progress,” a British sitcom from 1946, was the pioneer in this genre, where Mr. J. Pinwright (James Hayter) ran a small shop and faced various challenges. Since then, the Brits have never ceased to amaze us with their clever wordplay, deadpan delivery, and deep understanding of human idiosyncrasies, creating numerous humorous predicaments in the awkward charm of everyday life. Let’s explore the 10 funniest comedies available on BritBox right now to tickle your funny bone!

10
Red Dwarf

1988’s “Red Dwarf” was a pioneering blend of science fiction and comedy, with its unique characters and unconventional humor captivating audiences. The series follows an odd assortment of personalities stranded in deep space: the carefree Dave Lister (Craig Charles), his fastidious hologram roommate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), the self-centered, cat-like humanoid character referred to simply as Cat (Danny John-Jules), and the neurotic service mechanoid Kryten (Robert Llewellyn).

The way they interact is far from smooth, with frequent arguments over seemingly unrelated topics such as curry and quantum physics, all while exploring cosmic phenomena, alternate realities, and time conundrums. This quirky space-adventure comedy has earned a devoted following due to its unique blend of humor and scientific exploration.

9
The Office

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s “The Office” (2001) masterfully utilized the mockumentary style, revolutionizing TV comedy by presenting an uncomfortable depiction of mundane office life. This series is set in the monotone backdrop of a Slough paper company and centers around David Brent, a character who embodies an awkward and misguided sense of workplace masculinity.

With candid on-camera conversations and authentic, cringe-worthy scenes, the raw realism of The Office resonated worldwide, giving birth to the highly successful American adaptation starring Steve Carell. By discarding conventional sitcom elements, it presented the laughably awkward truth behind everyday office encounters, even a rather uncomfortable dance sequence, causing viewers to cover their faces in embarrassment.

8
Only Fools and Horses

1981’s “Only Fools and Horses” series chronicles the escapades of Derek “Del Boy” Trotter (David Jason) and his younger brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst), who reside in the London working-class district of Peckham. Del Boy is perpetually pursuing wealth through various shortcuts and questionable business ventures. They share a small flat with relatives, including Granddad and later Uncle Albert, and run Trotter’s Independent Traders together, peddling dubious goods from their iconic yellow three-wheeled van.

In a memorable episode titled “Heroes and Villains,” Del and Rodney donned Batman and Robin costumes for a swanky party. Unfortunately, their Reliant Robin car malfunctioned, leaving them to dash through the mist in their outfits. This unintentional display of superheroes scared off a group of muggers. The British comedy series “Only Fool and Horses” continues to be one of the nation’s most cherished comedic productions.

7
Extras

As a movie critic, allow me to express that diving into the world of Ricky Gervais’ “Extras” (2005) is like stepping into a mirror reflecting the raw desperation of an aspiring actor, Andy Millman. This mockumentary cleverly skewers the grandeur of the entertainment industry, showcasing celebrity appearances, such as Daniel Radcliffe, who masterfully depicts an over-the-top rendition of himself – a young man eager to break free from his “Harry Potter” image.

Just like Kate Winslet portrays a fictionalized version of herself, making a Holocaust film to potentially win an Oscar, this series satirizes the superficial allure of fame. This is particularly evident through the perspective of Ashley Jensen’s character, Maggie. The story beautifully explores the human experience in poignant moments of connection amidst degradation, weaving a heartwarming tale about friendship and pursuing dreams.

6
Inside No. 9

Inside No. 9, aired in 2014, is an intelligent comedy series that Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton conceived and execute as the main characters of each episode. Each self-contained tale unfolds at a location bearing the number 9 – house, train compartment, karaoke room, among others – masterfully blending horror and humor with unexpected turns. The talented pair, delivering captivating performances in every episode, are further elevated by an impressive roster of guest stars such as Diane Morgan, Simon Callow, and Gemma Arterton.

The opening episode, titled “Sardines,” is centered around an awkward game of the same name at a countryside gathering. As guests pile into a closet, hidden truths come to light. Den of Geek noted that it echoes an era of meticulously crafted, minimalistic television dramas, where stellar acting and scriptwriting are the main attractions.

5
One Foot in the Grave

Richard Wilson’s character Victor Meldrew stood as the voice of midlife annoyance in the series One Foot in the Grave (1990). As everyday frustrations piled up in suburban living, his iconic saying, “I can’t believe it!” perfectly encapsulated this feeling. Wilson shared with The Guardian that he often hears people repeating Meldrew’s catchphrase, “I don’t believe it,” to which he responds, “You’d better.

The character’s ongoing struggle against petty life injustices and bureaucratic hassles struck a chord with the British audience as the show’s heartfelt emotion transforms everyday irritations into hilarious scenarios. Victor’s patient wife, Margaret, serves as a calming balance to Meldrew’s temper, creating a complex dynamic that explores the nuances of aging and married life.

4
Absolutely Fabulous

Darling, Sweetie, the British television series “Absolutely Fabulous” (1992) is remarkably authentic and distinctly British in its portrayal. It has gained immense popularity, with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley embodying Eddie and Patsy, who navigate through the fashion and media industry with a constant stream of cigarettes and champagne. Eddie’s daughter Saffy, played by Julia Sawalha, offers a sensible contrast to her mother’s extravagant lifestyle, while June Whitfield portrays the grandmother character, delivering dry wit that effectively underscores Eddie’s self-importance.

Patsy’s unrestrained indulgence in pleasure and blatant disregard for societal expectations craft a comedy that is remarkably hilarious. This work masterfully skewers celebrity culture and the exaggerated notions of the fashion world, reminding us of how absurdly ridiculous it can seem.

3
The IT Crowd

The hilarious TV series The IT Crowd (2006) masterfully portrays both technological and social awkwardness through the antics of an exceptional trio of misfits – Roy (Chris O’Dowd), Maurice Moss (Richard Ayoade), and Jen (Katherine Parkinson). This comedic threesome has etched their names in the history books of workplace comedies. An iconic scene unfolds in The Work Outing, where Roy finds himself stuck in a disabled restroom, leading to a chain reaction of absurd events. As reported by The i Paper, “The Work Outing could be the finest farce in British sitcom history.” This show serves as a platform for exceptional comedic talents, with Matt Berry’s humor being outrageously inappropriate, Chris Morris’ influence shaping its subversive undertones, and Noel Fielding representing the alternative comedy scene.

2
Keeping Up Appearances

Riiicchhhaaard!” is a well-known catchphrase from the British sitcom “Keeping Up Appearances” (1990). This comedy masterfully mocks social climbing and middle-class snobbery by featuring one of Britain’s most beloved characters, Hyacinth Bucket, who insists on pronouncing her name as Bouquet. Patricia Routledge brilliantly portrays the character of Hyacinth, who is delusional about her social status and constantly tries to impress others despite her long-suffering husband, Richard, and embarrassing family.

In simpler terms, Pop Matters noted that Hyacinth’s presence at a church event or charity shop would empty the room instantly, even causing the vicar to flee upon sight of her coming. The show transforms ordinary household scenarios into amusing plots, revealing the absurdity of social aspiration, with unfortunate events piling up for poor Hyacinth Bucket.

1
Father Ted

Although it’s categorized as an Irish comedy, Father Ted (1995) is deeply cherished in Britain. The series follows three priests living on the isolated Craggy Island, where ordinary life is transformed into hilarious absurdity. Dermot Morgan’s character, Father Ted Crilly, along with his less-than-bright companions Father Dougal and Father Jack, and the quirky Mrs Doyel, brewed a perfect mix of comedic brilliance.

In the sitcom “Father Ted,” Crilly receives a highly esteemed religious honor, The Golden Cleric, yet grapples with maintaining humility amidst his secret delight of the limelight, resulting in a witty portrayal of hypocrisy. IMDb notes that this episode is brimming with hearty laughs, and they just keep coming. Father Ted masterfully satirizes religious organizations and provincial mindsets, all while conveying a sense of camaraderie and sincere fondness for its less-than-perfect characters.

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2025-04-05 07:02