Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
This is the movie that really pushed British romantic comedies into the limelight. Written by Richard Curtis (who is also one of the founders of the charity Comic Relief), it features Hugh Grant in one of his now signature “fluffy” roles alongside top names in UK comedy and Andie McDowell. Obviously, the story is of four weddings and one funeral in London. London features heavily in many scenes, particularly the funeral but there are landmarks throughout the movie.
Attack the Block (2011)
Featuring a pre-Star Wars John Boyega and a pre-Doctor Who Jodie Whitaker, this is only film in this list that isn’t a rom-com. Everyone know that living in London is cool but then a ‘Sawf’ (South) London tower block becomes an intergalactic war zone as a gang of tough inner city kids battle against savage alien invaders. The movie was written and directed by Joe Cornish who went on to co-write Ant-Man. You might think of it as War of The Worlds meets Boyz in the Hood meets Skins (the Channel 4 comedy show).
Man Up (2005)
Possibly one of the least known in this selection, Man Up is definitely worth watching, so much so that it made it into the best comedy list by Film Oracle who describe it as “funny, sweet, and refreshing. Featuring many recognisable names, it is the classic story of boy meets girl, only the girl is not who her blind date thinks she is. It’s a great story how one meeting can change your life.
Love Actually (2003)
Although it hasn’t grossed as much as Four Weddings and A Funeral, Love Actually has become a mainstay on the Christmas viewing schedule. Another huge success from Richard Curtis, it is a set of interwoven stories delving into all aspects of love with a great sound track. The cast is a laundry list of Oscar and Bafta nominees, including Hugh Grant, naturally.
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Reuniting two of the inimitable Monty Python team (Michael Palin and John Cleese – who also wrote the movie), A Fish Called Wanda has some true belly laugh moments (let’s not spoil it though – just look out for the chips and ketchup). There’s a wonderful interplay between the two Brits and the two Americans (Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline) that results in a very typical British comedy that has universal appeal.