19 Hilarious Comedy Movies Similar to Black Books

If you loved the witty banter and hilarious misadventures of Bernard, Manny, and Fran in Black Books, then you're in for a treat! Check out these 19 uproarious comedy movies that will have you rolling with laughter. From quirky characters to outrageous situations, these films are sure to tickle your funny bone just like your favorite bookshop trio.

1) Spaced

**Spaced**: Friends Tim and Daisy, 20-something North Londoners with uncertain futures, must pretend to be a couple to live in the only apartment they can afford. 'Spaced' is, for my money, one of the best comedy series produced in the English language in the last ten years; genuinely, laugh-out-loud funny, scrupulously well-written, brilliantly acted and with a kicking soundtrack that has introduced me, at least (and I'm guessing a few others) to some fantastic little-known bands (Using LemonJelly long before they were famous, for example) - this must rank alongside 'Black Books' in its cult-but-inclusive appeal.

Release date: September, 1999
IMDB Rating: 8.5
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2) Becker

Becker, the similar movie, shares some similarities with Black Books. Both are comedy series with a male protagonist set in the 2000s. However, while Black Books revolves around Bernard Black, a grumpy bookshop owner, Becker follows the life of Dr. John Becker, a doctor who despises everything around him. The two shows, despite their differences, are united by their witty and sarcastic humor, giving viewers a hilarious perspective on life. If you enjoyed the dry comedy and quirky characters of Black Books, you'll find yourself chuckling at the misadventures of Dr. Becker and his eccentric group of friends.

Release date: November, 1998
IMDB Rating: 7.3

3) Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

Release date: September, 2004
IMDB Rating: 7.4

4) Just Shoot Me!

Just Shoot Me! is reminiscent of Black Books in its comedic exploration of workplace dynamics. While Black Books focuses on the misadventures of a bookshop owner and his eccentric employees, Just Shoot Me! follows the story of a hot-tempered journalist who is forced to work at her father's fashion magazine after being fired. Both shows use humor to highlight the quirks and idiosyncrasies of their characters, creating an entertaining and relatable viewing experience. However, Just Shoot Me! has a more lighthearted and mainstream feel compared to the darker and more offbeat humor of Black Books. With its amusing situations and well-developed characters, Just Shoot Me! is a must-watch for fans of shows like Friends and Third Rock from the Sun.

Release date: March, 1998
IMDB Rating: 6.9

5) The Angry Beavers

Release date: April, 1997
IMDB Rating: 7.2

6) Cousin Skeeter

Cousin Skeeter is a hilarious comedy series that will transport you back to the 90s. Just like in Black Books, the main characters find themselves in amusing and sometimes absurd situations. While Black Books revolves around a bookshop in Britain, Cousin Skeeter takes place in the US and follows the adventures of a young boy and his cousin. Both shows have a unique charm that keeps you hooked from start to finish. So if you enjoyed the wit and humor of Black Books, be sure to check out Cousin Skeeter for a nostalgic and laughter-filled experience.

Release date: September, 1998
IMDB Rating: 6.8

7) The Famous Jett Jackson

The Famous Jett Jackson is reminiscent of Black Books because both shows revolve around the lives of unconventional protagonists. In Black Books, Bernard Black runs a bookshop with questionable customer service skills, while Jett Jackson stars in his own television show as a teenage action hero. Both characters find themselves in unique situations that lead to comedic adventures. However, while Black Books is set in a British bookshop, The Famous Jett Jackson takes place in a small South Carolina town. These different settings bring their own cultural nuances and comedic opportunities to each show. So, if you're a fan of offbeat humor and enjoy exploring the eccentricities of different cultures, you should definitely give The Famous Jett Jackson a watch.

Release date: October, 1998
IMDB Rating: 7.2

8) Undressed

Undressed is reminiscent of Black Books mainly due to their shared comedy genre. While Black Books focuses on the misadventures of Bernard, Manny, and Fran in a bookshop, Undressed explores the diverse sexual relationships of high schoolers, college students, and post-college roommates. Both series have their unique charm: Black Books is known for its witty dialogue and eccentric characters, while Undressed pushes boundaries with its exploration of taboo topics. However, their differences are evident as well. Black Books is set in a British bookshop and revolves around the world of literature, while Undressed takes place in the US and delves into the complexities of human relationships. Additionally, Black Books has received multiple awards, highlighting its widespread acclaim, while Undressed has a more mixed reception. If you enjoyed the quirky humor and offbeat characters of Black Books, Undressed offers a different kind of comedy that tackles controversial subjects with a touch of youthful exuberance.

Release date: July, 1999
IMDB Rating: 6.3

9) Girlfriends

Release date: September, 2000
IMDB Rating: 7.4

10) Undeclared

Undeclared, released in 2001, is reminiscent of Black Books, a British sitcom from 2000. Both shows fall under the comedy genre and share some common themes, such as a male protagonist and a unique group of characters. While Black Books revolves around the misadventures of Bernard Black, a grumpy bookshop owner, Manny, his quirky employee, and Fran, their neighbor, Undeclared focuses on the college experiences of freshman Steve Karp, his girlfriend, and their dormmates. The humor in both shows is clever and the storylines are original, making them highly entertaining. Black Books, with its distinct British humor, has garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards, while Undeclared unfortunately got canceled, leaving its fans craving for more. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed the eccentricity and wit of Black Books, Undeclared is definitely worth watching.

Release date: September, 2001
IMDB Rating: 7.9

11) The Proud Family

The Proud Family is reminiscent of Black Books in its ability to captivate audiences with its witty and hilarious storytelling. Both shows have a unique charm that keeps viewers coming back for more. While Black Books revolves around the misadventures of Bernard Black, a grumpy bookshop owner, Manny, his well-meaning but clumsy employee, and Fran, the shop owner next door, The Proud Family follows the teenage girl Penny Proud as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. Despite their different settings and storylines, both shows excel in creating relatable characters and delivering clever humor. Black Books, set in a British bookshop, explores the eccentricities of its characters with sharp wit and sarcasm. On the other hand, The Proud Family, an animated series, infuses its storytelling with vibrant visuals and engaging dialogue. Though they may differ in genre and animation style, both shows share a common thread of comedic brilliance that will leave you eagerly anticipating each episode.

Release date: September, 2001
IMDB Rating: 6.5

12) She Spies

She Spies: 3 cute, humorous women are taken out of prison to work for the government as spies - a crime fighting unit. I know what you're thinking, "How is this reminiscent of Black Books?" Well, let me tell you, my friend. While Black Books is a British sitcom centered around a grumpy bookshop owner, She Spies takes a completely different route with its action-packed, campy, and humorous female-led spy team. Both shows share a lighthearted and comedic tone, but She Spies adds an extra layer of excitement with its high-octane spy escapades. So, if you've enjoyed the witty banter and eccentric characters of Black Books, give She Spies a try. Who knows, you might just find yourself rooting for these ladies as they navigate their way through dangerous missions while wearing high heels.

Release date: July, 2002
IMDB Rating: 6.1

13) What I Like About You

What I Like About You is reminiscent of Black Books in its comedic portrayal of quirky characters and their misadventures. Both shows revolve around a dysfunctional workplace, with Black Books featuring a bookshop run by the grumpy Bernard Black, and What I Like About You showcasing the chaotic lives of sisters Valerie and Holly. While Black Books is set in a British bookshop, What I Like About You takes place in New York City, adding a vibrant and bustling backdrop to the story. The humor in both shows is top-notch, with Black Books offering dark and witty comedy, while What I Like About You leans more towards physical comedy and situational humor. The cast of both shows shines, with Dylan Moran's portrayal of Bernard Black and Amanda Bynes' hilarious performance as Holly standing out. Overall, if you enjoyed the offbeat humor and eccentric characters of Black Books, What I Like About You is a delightful American sitcom that will leave you laughing out loud.

Release date: September, 2002
IMDB Rating: 6.6

14) Strange Days at Blake Holsey High

Strange Days at Blake Holsey High is reminiscent of Black Books in its quirky and offbeat humor. Both shows have a unique charm that keeps you hooked from start to finish. While Black Books revolves around a dysfunctional bookshop and its eccentric characters, Strange Days at Blake Holsey High takes us on preternatural adventures at a mysterious boarding school. The witty banter and absurd situations in Black Books are mirrored in the wacky and sometimes lame bits of Strange Days at Blake Holsey High. They both have a way of making you laugh and feel entertained, offering a delightful escape from reality. So if you loved the hilarious misadventures of Bernard, Manny, and Fran in Black Books, you should definitely give Strange Days at Blake Holsey High a watch for its entertaining and fun-filled episodes.

Release date: October, 2005
IMDB Rating: 7.9

15) Los Serrano

Los Serrano is a Spanish series that shares some similarities with Black Books. Both shows take place in the 2000s and revolve around a group of characters who find themselves in amusing situations. While Black Books centers around a bookshop in London, Los Serrano follows the lives of the Serrano family in Madrid. The humor in both shows is clever and the characters are well-developed, making them instantly likable. However, Los Serrano brings an added layer of drama and romance to the mix, creating a more dynamic storyline. With its unique blend of comedy, drama, and family dynamics, Los Serrano is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed the witty humor of Black Books.

Release date: August, 2009
IMDB Rating: 7.5

16) Most Extreme Elimination Challenge

Most Extreme Elimination Challenge is reminiscent of Black Books in its ability to make you laugh uncontrollably. While Black Books is a British sitcom about a grumpy bookshop owner, Most Extreme Elimination Challenge is a silly Japanese game show where contestants are eliminated through ridiculous stunts above pools of mud. Both shows have a unique brand of humor that can be described as unbelievably silly and downright immature. In Black Books, the witty banter and comedic timing of the characters keep you engaged, while in Most Extreme Elimination Challenge, it's the combination of outrageous challenges and hilarious voice-overs that will have you erupting in helpless giggles. Although Black Books is a series and Most Extreme Elimination Challenge is a game show, both deliver comedy at its finest. So if you've enjoyed the witty humor of Black Books, you should definitely give Most Extreme Elimination Challenge a watch.

Release date: April, 2003
IMDB Rating: 8.8

17) Romeo!

Romeo! Romeo! No, not the Shakespeare tragedy, but a comedy series called Romeo! that reminds me of the delightful Black Books. While Romeo! may not have the same customer service skills as Bernard from Black Books, it's still worth a watch. Both shows take place in the 2000s, but while Black Books is a British sitcom set in a bookshop, Romeo! is an American comedy about a young boy named Romeo finding out what it means to be a good friend, even if it means breaking the law. Despite their differences in plot, both series have a certain charm that draws you in. So if you've enjoyed the comedic adventures of Bernard, Manny, and Fran, give Romeo! a shot and see what kind of trouble Romeo gets himself into.

Release date: September, 2003
IMDB Rating: 4.2

18) Rescue Me

Rescue Me: Tommy Gavin, a firefighter, battles both the fears of his job and the sight of his ex-wife dating other men. If you loved Black Books, then you'll enjoy Rescue Me. Both shows have a dark comedic tone that keeps you hooked. While Black Books revolves around a grumpy bookshop owner and his misadventures with his employee and neighbor, Rescue Me focuses on the life of a firefighter dealing with personal and professional challenges. Both shows masterfully blend comedy and drama, showcasing the struggles of their flawed yet endearing protagonists. While Black Books takes place in a British bookshop, Rescue Me immerses you in the intense world of New York firefighters. So grab your popcorn and get ready for some laughs and emotional rollercoasters with these two captivating series.

Release date: July, 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.3

19) The New Adventures of Old Christine

The New Adventures of Old Christine is reminiscent of Black Books because both shows fall under the comedy genre and revolve around the daily lives of their quirky characters. While Black Books is set in a British bookshop and features Bernard, Manny, and Fran, The New Adventures of Old Christine follows the life of a divorced mom named Christine. Both shows offer a mix of hilarious moments and relatable situations that keep viewers entertained. However, they also have their differences. Black Books is set in a bookshop, while The New Adventures of Old Christine takes place in a suburban setting. Additionally, Black Books has a British humor and cultural references, while The New Adventures of Old Christine has a more American style of comedy. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed the witty banter and eccentric characters of Black Books, you should definitely give The New Adventures of Old Christine a watch for its own brand of humor and the superb performance of Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the titular character.

Release date: March, 2006
IMDB Rating: 7.2

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