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Comedy Genius

Celebrating side-splitting cinema, from slapstick legends to today's anarchic voices.

Fooling about became a fine art through the early decades of cinema, but comedy genius is too often under-recognised.

It’s the gift of perfect timing, an expertly executed sight-gag, a zinging wise-crack, a giddy rush of manic energy. Whether perfectly choreographed, brutally raw, or conjured out of improvisation and collaboration, the best comedy is ultimately disruptive.

It punctures pomposity, and blows a raspberry at social convention: the proto-feminist whiplash of screwball wit, the rambunctious working-class revolt of Carry On, the purposeful anarchy of alternative comedy.

Our three online collections (Rentals, Subscription, Free) celebrate the changing face of what – and who – we find funny.
 

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BridesmaidsBridesmaids

Comedy 2011 125 minsDirector: Paul Feig

Much more than a girls-being-bad comedy, this matrimonial farce finely captures female friendship in all its glory.

Rent for Β£3.50

Withnail & IWithnail & I

Comedy 1988 107 minsDirector: Bruce Robinson

Richard E. Grant steals the show in the indomitable cult classic following two washed-up actors as they embark on a booze-filled getaway to the Lake District.

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Duck SoupDuck Soup

Comedy 1933 69 minsDirector: Leo McCarey

The Marx Brothers' lunatic satire of international relations finds Groucho in his his most memorable role as Rufus T. Firefly - leader of Freedonia. A comic masterpiece.

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Citizen RuthCitizen Ruth

Drama 1996 106 minsDirector: Alexander Payne

Laura Dern is hilarious an addict unwittingly caught in the midst of America's culture wars, in Alexander Payne's superb first feature - previously unreleased in the UK.

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Chasing AmyChasing Amy

Comedy 1996 113 minsDirector: Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith's quirky charmer features an early-career Ben Affleck as the comic-book artist who discovers the girl of his dreams is a lesbian.

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The AssociateThe Associate

Comedy 1996 114 minsDirector: Donald Petrie

Whoopi Goldberg plays an investment banker forced to invent a male superior in this unjustly forgotten, feminist workplace satire.

Rent for Β£3.50

In the LoopIn the Loop

Comedy 2009 106 minsDirector: Armando Iannucci

Armando Iannucci returns to the world of his hit show The Thick of It as Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) and Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) deal with a Middle-East crisis of their own making.

Rent for Β£3.50

The Death of StalinThe Death of Stalin

Comedy 2017 107 minsDirector: Armando Iannucci

Chaos and comedy ignite in Armando Iannucci’s acerbic satire, as Soviet officials frantically react to the passing of their glorious leader.

Rent for Β£3.50

MindhornMindhorn

Comedy 2017 88 minsDirector: Sean Foley

Julian Barratt is hilarious as the washed-up actor forced to reprise his 80s TV role as a sleuth with a robotic truth-telling eye, to help catch a deranged killer.

Rent for Β£3.50

Swimming with MenSwimming with Men

Comedy 2018 97 minsDirector: Oliver Parker

Rob Brydon leads a motley crew who pool their resources as part of a synchronised swimming team, in this buoyant feelgood comedy.

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Adult Life SkillsAdult Life Skills

Comedy 2016 96 minsDirector: Rachel Tunnard

Anna (Jodie Whittaker) is an emotionally stunted 30-year-old living in her mum’s shed, learning to confront adult reality, in Rachel Tunnard’s quirky debut.

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The WeekendThe Weekend

Comedy 2016 94 minsDirector: Sheridan De Myers

Street-smart Hackney comedy about three friends whose unexpected cash windfall funds the mother of all parties; from the talents behind YouTube hit Mandem on the Wall.

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Brewster's MillionsBrewster's Millions

Comedy 1985 101 minsDirector: Walter Hill

Richard Pryor plays the everyman who inherits a vast estate with a massive catch: he’ll have to spend $30million in 30 days in order to inherit it all.

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Bustin' LooseBustin' Loose

Comedy 1981 93 minsDirector: Oz Scott

Richard Pryor sets out on the road to redemption, as an ex-con ferrying a busload of troubled kids on a wild cross-country adventure.

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Car WashCar Wash

Comedy 1976 96 minsDirector: Michael Schultz

Richard Pryor, Bill Duke, Antonio Fargas are among the ensemble cast for the cult comedy set in a California car wash.

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Toni ErdmannToni Erdmann

Comedy 2016 162 minsDirector: Maren Ade

A lonely prankster upends the life of his high-powered daughter in a riotous comedy, deep and sharp.

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The LobsterThe Lobster

Science Fiction 2015 118 minsDirector: Yorgos Lanthimos

Colin Farrell, Ben Whishaw and Rachel Weisz star in this bleakly hilarious dystopian drama from Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth).

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ChevalierChevalier

Comedy 2015 105 minsDirector: Athina Rachel Tsangari

Athina Rachel Tsangari's biting and hilarious dissection of the male ego was awarded Best Film at the 2015 BFI London Film Festival.

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The Big SickThe Big Sick

Comedy 2017 120 minsDirector: Michael Showalter

The hilarious, breakout indie comedy about a Pakistan-born comedian and his culture-clash relationship with an American grad student.

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Forgetting Sarah MarshallForgetting Sarah Marshall

Comedy 2008 111 minsDirector: Nicholas Stoller

Dumped and devastated Peter (Jason Segel) holidays to Hawaii only to discover his ex is shacked up there with a debauched rock star (Russell Brand).

Rent for Β£3.50

The Edge of SeventeenThe Edge of Seventeen

Comedy 2016 104 minsDirector: Kelly Fremon

Kelly Fremon Craig’s coming-of-age comedy eschews quirkiness for genuine warmth, while boasting a hilarious supporting turn from Woody Harrelson.

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What We Do in the ShadowsWhat We Do in the Shadows

Comedy 2014 86 minsDirector: Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement

An achingly funny mockumentary about New Zealand’s hitherto unknown vampire (and werewolf) communities, from the creators of Flight of the Conchords.

Rent for Β£3.50

Hunt for the WilderpeopleHunt for the Wilderpeople

Comedy 2016 101 minsDirector: Taika Waititi

Juvenile delinquent Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) forms an unlikely partnership with Sam Neill’s grizzled bushman in this hilarious wild adventure from Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows).

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G.B.F.G.B.F.

Comedy 2013 93 minsDirector: Darren Stein

Three high-school girls wage war to win the latest must-have social accessory - a Gay Best Friend.

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SightseersSightseers

Comedy 2012 88 minsDirector: Ben Wheatley

Young lovers Chris and Tina turn their first holiday together into a rural killing spree in Ben Wheatley's priceless black comedy.

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Black Mountain PoetsBlack Mountain Poets

Comedy 2016 85 minsDirector: Jamie Adams

Alice Lowe and Dolly Wells play criminal sisters who steal the identity of two poets, only to be charmed by the world of competition poetry.

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PrevengePrevenge

Comedy 2017 88 minsDirector: Alice Lowe

Alice Lowe directs and stars in this riotous tale of a pregnant serial killer, hellbent on revenge.

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Appropriate BehaviourAppropriate Behaviour

Comedy 2015 86 minsDirector: Desiree Akhavan

Desiree Akhavan directs and stars in this witty, razor-sharp and fearless comedy following the sexual misadventures of a bisexual Brooklynite.

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Frances HaFrances Ha

Comedy 2012 86 minsDirector: Noah Baumbach

Barbie creators Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach hit their stride with this critical smash about an awkward girl and her complex passions.

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Love & FriendshipLove & Friendship

Comedy 2016 93 minsDirector: Whit Stillman

Whit Stillman crosses the Atlantic for this irresistible Jane Austen adaptation, following the delicious and devious exploits of Lady Susan (Kate Beckinsale).

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Man UpMan Up

Comedy 2015 88 minsDirector: Ben Palmer

Simon Pegg’s date is hijacked by Lake Bell in this effervescent urban comedy, a fresh twist on the British rom-com.

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Shaun of the DeadShaun of the Dead

Comedy 2004 99 minsDirector: Edgar Wright

The original β€˜rom-zom-com’: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are the slacker mates tasked with battling a zombie apocalypse in Crouch End.

Rent for Β£3.50

Alan Partridge: Alpha PapaAlan Partridge: Alpha Papa

Comedy 2013 90 minsDirector: Declan Lowney

It’s Alan’s finest hour, as the veteran DJ for North Norfolk Digital (Steve Coogan) is called into action to mediate a hostage situation following a siege.

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The JerkThe Jerk

Comedy 1979 94 minsDirector: Carl Reiner

Steve Martin brought his sensational standup persona to the screen, in his utterly hilarious screen debut about a loser who momentarily finds success.

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The Big LebowskiThe Big Lebowski

Comedy 1998 117 minsDirector: Joel Coen

Arguably one of the greatest comedies of modern times; the Coen brothers’ deconstructed film noir following slacker hero β€˜The Dude’ (Jeff Bridges).

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BowfingerBowfinger

Comedy 1999 97 minsDirector: Frank Oz

Hysterically funny Hollywood satire, with Steve Martin as a director who'll stop at nothing to make a movie with his top star (Eddie Murphy).

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Monty Python's the Meaning of LifeMonty Python's the Meaning of Life

Comedy 1983 107 minsDirector: Terry Jones

Mr. Creosote, live organ transplants, salmon mousse... The Python's cinematic swansong contains some of the troupe's most notorious and hilarious sketches.

Rent for Β£3.50

Privates on ParadePrivates on Parade

Comedy 1983 113 minsDirector: Michael Blakemore

Musical comedy with John Cleese. In Singapore, 1948, the Song and Dance Unit tour their 'Jungle Jamboree' review.

Rent for Β£3.50

The MissionaryThe Missionary

Comedy 1983 86 minsDirector: Richard Loncraine

In his first substantial feature-film role away from the involvement of his Monty Python cohorts, Michael Palin stars as a 19th-century missionary tasked with setting up a mission for fallen prostitutes.

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Serial MomSerial Mom

Comedy 1993 94 minsDirector: John Waters

Kathleen Turner is brilliant as a house-proud serial killer in John Waters' gloriously funny suburban satire.

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Notting HillNotting Hill

Comedy 1999 124 minsDirector: Roger Michell

Richard Curtis and Hugh Grant followed Four Weddings with this featherlight, frequently funny romance between an ordinary bloke and a visiting Hollywood starlet.

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Half BakedHalf Baked

Comedy 1998 82 minsDirector: Tamra Davis

Dave Chappelle stars in the fondly (if hazily) remembered stoner comedy, as an entrepreneur whose weed business goes up in smoke.

Rent for Β£3.50

East Is EastEast Is East

Comedy 1999 97 minsDirector: Damien O'Donnell

Damien O'Donnell's charming comedy-drama about Zaheed Khan (Om Puri), the patriarch of a Pakistani-British family whose children begin to reject their heritage and embrace UK life.

Rent for Β£3.50

Bhaji on the BeachBhaji on the Beach

Comedy 1994 101 minsDirector: Gurinder Chadha

Gurinder Chadha's charming and critically acclaimed comedy about a group of British Asian women from Birmingham who bond during a day-trip to Blackpool.

Rent for Β£3.50

Wild WestWild West

Comedy 1993 84 minsDirector: David Attwood

Defying opposition from his conservative Pakistani family, Zaf Ayub dreams of becoming Southall's greatest gift to country & western.

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Nanny McPheeNanny McPhee

Comedy 2005 98 minsDirector: Kirk Jones

Emma Thompson leads an all-star cast as the governess who uses magic to tame a widower’s seven unruly children.

Rent for Β£3.50

PaddingtonPaddington

Children's 2014 95 minsDirector: Paul King

Unexpectedly beautiful and bewitching return for the marmalade-loving bear with a sense of adventure.

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Chicken RunChicken Run

Animation & Artists Moving Image 2000 84 minsDirector: Peter Lord and Nick Park

Mel Gibson’s Rocky the rooster helps the chickens escape from fascistic farmers in Aardman Animations first foray into feature films.

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Wild TalesWild Tales

Comedy 2014 122 minsDirector: Damian Szifron

This Oscar-nominated, AlmodΓ³var-produced anthology of six tales of ordinary madness is the most riotously enjoyable portmanteau film since Pulp Fiction.

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I'm So Excited!I'm So Excited!

Comedy 2013 90 minsDirector: Pedro AlmodΓ³var

Pedro AlmodΓ³var’s highly enjoyable over-the-top comic satire is set on an aeroplane experiencing in-flight difficulties.

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The Station AgentThe Station Agent

Drama 2003 90 minsDirector: Thomas McCarthy

Before Tyrion Lannister, Peter Dinklage excelled as another sardonic misanthrope in this award-winning indie comedy from director Tom McCarthy (Spotlight).

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ClerksClerks

Comedy 1994 92 minsDirector: Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith ushered in a new wave of no-budget indie filmmaking, and introduced the world to his enduring one-man brand, with this classic convenience-store comedy.

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Intolerable CrueltyIntolerable Cruelty

Comedy 2003 100 minsDirector: Joel Coen

The Coen brothers update the acerbic, fast-talking style of the screwball comedy, with George Clooney and Catherine Zeta Jones as scheming, warring lovers.

Rent for Β£3.50

Local HeroLocal Hero

Comedy 1983 111 minsDirector: Bill Forsyth

An American oil-man goes native while on a mission to buy up a Scottish fishing village, in Bill Forsyth’s tribute to Scotland’s irresistible charm.

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Gregory's GirlGregory's Girl

Comedy 1981 92 minsDirector: Bill Forsyth

The ultimate depiction of coming-of-age awkwardness, Bill Forsyth’s comedy about a teen who falls for the new female footballer on the school team.

Rent for Β£3.50

Rita, Sue and Bob TooRita, Sue and Bob Too

Drama 1987 93 minsDirector: Alan Clarke

A married man seduces two teenage babysitters in Alan Clarke’s mix of bawdy comedy and social comment, based on Andrea Dunbar’s Bradford plays.

Rent for Β£3.50

Carry On CampingCarry On Camping

Comedy 1969 89 minsDirector: Gerald Thomas

Happy campers Sid Boggle (Sid James) and Bernie Lugg (Bernard Bresslaw) are troubled by hippies in one of the best-loved films of the famed series.

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The Importance of Being EarnestThe Importance of Being Earnest

Comedy 1952 96 minsDirector: Anthony Asquith

The evergreen wit and verbal dexterity of Oscar Wilde’s classic play is artfully captured in Anthony Asquith’s colourful adaptation.

Rent for Β£3.50

On ApprovalOn Approval

Comedy 1944 79 minsDirector: Clive Brook

Splendid lead performances and a well-crafted, witty script make this adaptation of the Frederick Lonsdale play a delight.

Rent for Β£3.50

Mr. TopazeMr. Topaze

Comedy 1961 97 minsDirector: Peter Sellers

Charming character comedy, unseen for decades, starring Peter Sellers as a school teacher corrupted by big business.

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A Show Called Fred Ep 5A Show Called Fred Ep 5

1956 28 minsDirector: Richard Lester

Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan invite you to leap into your dustbin and dance in this episode of their 50s comedy show

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Son of FredSon of Fred

1956 19 minsDirector: Richard Lester

Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan serve up some inspired goonery in this madcap Milligan-penned crazy comedy show from 1956.

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My Little ChickadeeMy Little Chickadee

Comedy 1940 84 minsDirector: Eddie Cline

Two of comedy's coarsest wise-crackers, W.C. Fields and Mae West, saddle up for this ribald comic western.

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My Man GodfreyMy Man Godfrey

Comedy 1936 93 minsDirector: Gregory La Cava

Carole Lombard and William Powell star in the classic screwball comedy about a tramp who becomes a high-society butler.

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Remember the NightRemember the Night

Comedy 1939 94 minsDirector: Mitchell Leisen

Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray are the shoplifter and attorney who fall for other in this charming, Christmas comedy scripted by Preston Sturges.

Rent for Β£3.50

The Goose Steps OutThe Goose Steps Out

Comedy 1942 75 minsDirector: Will Hay and Basil Dearden

Will Hay's third film for Ealing Studios finds the legendary comic parachuted into Nazi Germany when British intelligence discover that he's the spitting image of an enemy master spy

Rent for Β£3.50

Oh, Mr. Porter!Oh, Mr. Porter!

Comedy 1937 84 minsDirector: Marcel Varnel

A bumbling railway worker played by Will Hay is appointed as stationmaster in the isolated, and apparently haunted, Northern Irish town of Buggleskelly.

Rent for Β£3.50

Spring MeetingSpring Meeting

Comedy 1941 94 minsDirector: Walter C. Mycroft and Norman Lee

A penniless woman’s attempts at matchmaking her way to riches go awry when her son falls for the wrong daughter of a nobleman.

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Sullivan's TravelsSullivan's Travels

Comedy 1941 91 minsDirector: Preston Sturges

Preston Sturges' comic masterpiece about a filmmaker who decides to experience life as a tramp in order to help write his socially significant screenplay.

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The Palm Beach StoryThe Palm Beach Story

Comedy 1942 88 minsDirector: Preston Sturges

Marriage and money cause unending chaos in this sublime screwball comedy from of of the masters of the form - Preston Sturges.

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The Lady EveThe Lady Eve

Comedy 1941 94 minsDirector: Preston Sturges

A female con artist falls in love with her target in Preston Sturges’s comedy, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda.

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