8 Hilarious Comedy Movies Similar to Fawlty Towers

If you loved the hilarious antics of hotel owner Basil Fawlty in "Fawlty Towers," then you're in for a treat! We've rounded up 8 side-splitting comedy movies that are just as charming and entertaining. Get ready for a laugh riot as you explore a collection of films that will have you rolling on the floor with laughter.

1) A Fish Called Wanda

A Fish Called Wanda is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers in many ways. Both movies are British comedies that excel at creating hilarious situations and memorable characters. While Fawlty Towers focuses on the misadventures of hotel owner Basil Fawlty and his dysfunctional staff, A Fish Called Wanda follows the story of four individuals involved in a jewel heist, each with their own quirks and motivations. John Cleese's involvement in both movies is evident, as he brings his signature brand of humor to both his portrayal of Basil Fawlty and Archie Leach in A Fish Called Wanda. The witty dialogue and physical comedy in both films keep the audience laughing throughout. However, A Fish Called Wanda takes the comedy even further with its outrageous scenarios and boundary-pushing humor. The characters in A Fish Called Wanda, such as Otto (played brilliantly by Kevin Kline), are larger than life and deliver some of the funniest moments in the film.

Release date: December, 1988
IMDB Rating: 7.5

2) Fierce Creatures

Fierce Creatures, released in 1997, is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers for several reasons. Both films fall under the comedy genre and share key topics such as farce and black comedy. Fierce Creatures, like Fawlty Towers, features John Cleese, who delivers another exceptional performance. Cleese's character in Fierce Creatures is somewhat Fawlty-esque, showcasing his talent for playing hilariously arrogant characters. Additionally, both films involve a chaotic and humorous workplace setting - a hotel in Fawlty Towers and a zoo in Fierce Creatures. While Fawlty Towers is a series, Fierce Creatures is a cinema movie, allowing viewers to enjoy a longer runtime packed with laughs. Fierce Creatures may not have garnered as much critical acclaim as Fawlty Towers, but it still delivers an uplifting and heartwarming experience, along with a reasonable plotline.

Release date: March, 1997
IMDB Rating: 6.4

3) And Now for Something Completely Different

And Now for Something Completely Different is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers in its ability to capture British humor perfectly. Both films showcase the genius of John Cleese, who not only stars in them but also plays a significant role in their creation. While Fawlty Towers revolves around the misanthropic and incompetent hotel owner Basil Fawlty, And Now for Something Completely Different is a compilation of the best sketches from the first and second seasons of Monty Python's Flying Circus. The film serves as an excellent introduction to the Monty Python team and their early work for the BBC. With sketches like the Parrot Sketch, Dirty Fork, Hell's Grannies, and Fresh Fruit Self Defence, the film outshines its TV series counterparts and remains memorable. Although different in format, both Fawlty Towers and And Now for Something Completely Different are comedic gems that deserve to be treasured.

Release date: September, 1971
IMDB Rating: 7.5

4) Monty Python's Flying Circus

Monty Python's Flying Circus is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers because both are iconic British comedies that showcase the brilliance of British humor. While Fawlty Towers focuses on the misadventures of the incompetent hotel owner Basil Fawlty, Monty Python's Flying Circus takes a surreal and sketch comedy approach with the Monty Python troupe. Both series have a knack for creating hilarious and memorable characters, from John Cleese's brilliant portrayal of Basil Fawlty to the comedic genius of Graham Chapman and John Cleese in the Monty Python sketches. However, the similarities end there. Fawlty Towers is rooted in a farcical and class-prejudiced world, while Monty Python's Flying Circus embraces crossdressing, cutout animation, and surrealism. If you've enjoyed Fawlty Towers, you should definitely watch Monty Python's Flying Circus for its unique brand of humor and timeless comedy sketches.

Release date: April, 2018
IMDB Rating: 8.8
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5) The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers, but with a political twist. In Fawlty Towers, we have the misanthropic and incompetent hotel owner, Basil Fawlty, played brilliantly by John Cleese. Similarly, in The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer, we have the fresh-faced Michael Rimmer who worms his way into an opinion poll company and eventually rises through the political ranks. Both characters use their positions to assert control and navigate their way through the chaos around them. However, while Fawlty Towers focuses on the hilarious mishaps that occur in the hotel, The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer satirizes the world of politics in 1970s Britain. It highlights the deceit and manipulation that is accepted as the norm, with Peter Cook's character using every opportunity to gain more power.

Release date: July, 1971
IMDB Rating: 6.9

6) The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It

The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It takes a hilarious spin on the detective genre, much like Fawlty Towers does with the comedy genre. While Fawlty Towers focuses on the misadventures of an incompetent hotel owner, The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It follows the grandson of the world's first consulting detective and his bumbling sidekick. Both shows feature brilliant writing and performances, with John Cleese at the helm in both. However, The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It adds a fun twist by incorporating references to iconic detective characters like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. This 55-minute feature is a quick and enjoyable ride that cleverly pokes fun at the detective genre in both English and American media. If you loved Fawlty Towers and enjoy a good detective spoof, this movie is a must-watch for you.

Release date: September, 1977
IMDB Rating: 6.2

7) Life of Brian

Life of Brian is a satirical comedy that is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers in its British humor and clever writing. While Fawlty Towers focuses on the misadventures of hotel owner Basil Fawlty, Life of Brian tells the story of Brian of Nazareth, who spends his life being mistaken for a messiah. Both films excel in creating hilarious and memorable characters, with John Cleese playing a prominent role in both. However, Life of Brian takes a more ambitious approach with its narrative, weaving together historical situations and modern attitudes to lampoon religious zealotry and societal norms. The film's bold satire and clever commentary make it a must-watch for fans of British comedy, even if their faith is not strong enough to survive Python's unique brand of humor.

Release date: November, 1979
IMDB Rating: 8
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8) Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers because both have a brilliant combination of classic sketches and new material that will leave you in stitches. While Fawlty Towers focuses on the misadventures of hotel owner Basil Fawlty, Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl showcases the comedic genius of the Monty Python troupe. The live concert format of the movie allows fans to enjoy a mix of their best sketches and newer ones, with oddities sprinkled in between. From the Michelangelo/Pope sketch to the philosophers soccer match, there are plenty of laughs to be had. The songs in the movie are always supremely entertaining, and even when a moment doesn't quite hit the mark, there's never a dull moment with Monty Python's clever wordplay and deadpan humor.

Release date: May, 1983
IMDB Rating: 7.8

9) The Meaning of Life

"The Meaning of Life" is reminiscent of "Fawlty Towers" in its absurd and irreverent British humor. Both films showcase the comedic genius of John Cleese, who effortlessly portrays eccentric characters. While "Fawlty Towers" focuses on the misadventures of an incompetent hotel owner, "The Meaning of Life" takes a broader approach, exploring life's stages in a uniquely silly way. It tackles taboo subjects with outrageous scenes, such as a headmaster teaching sex education by having intercourse in front of his class and a gluttonous man who literally eats until he explodes. Despite their differences in format and subject matter, both films share a sharp wit and a talent for pushing boundaries. If you enjoyed the hilarious chaos of "Fawlty Towers," you'll find "The Meaning of Life" equally entertaining, albeit in a more audacious and philosophical manner.

Release date: July, 1983
IMDB Rating: 7.5

10) Blackadder the Third

Blackadder the Third takes us back in time to the Regency era, serving up a delightful blend of British humor and historical shenanigans. Just like Fawlty Towers, this series features a bumbling protagonist, Mr E. Blackadder, who finds himself entangled in a web of fads and crazes while serving as the butler to the Prince George. While Fawlty Towers had the manic charm of John Cleese, Blackadder the Third brings us the comedic genius of Rowan Atkinson as the butler, who hilariously navigates the stupidity of his prince. Both shows excel at creating memorable characters and delivering side-splitting one-liners. However, while Fawlty Towers showcased the chaos of a hotel, Blackadder the Third immerses us in the world of the Regency era, with historically accurate and enjoyable episodes. So, if you're craving more British humor and fancy a journey back in time, don't miss out on Blackadder the Third.

Release date: September, 1987
IMDB Rating: 8.6
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11) Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers in its portrayal of British humor and its quirky characters. Both shows have a unique charm that captures the essence of British comedy. While Fawlty Towers focuses on the misadventures of the incompetent hotel owner Basil Fawlty, Only Fools and Horses follows the escapades of two brothers from London's rough Peckham estate as they navigate through dodgy deals in search of a big score. Both shows excel in creating hilarious situations and memorable characters, with John Cleese's portrayal of Basil Fawlty and David Jason's portrayal of Del Boy being standouts. However, despite their similarities, Only Fools and Horses brings its own flavor to the table with its working-class setting and clever callbacks woven into the stories. So, if you loved Fawlty Towers, you should definitely give Only Fools and Horses a watch for its charming characters, hilarious dialogue, and unexpected twists.

Release date: September, 1981
IMDB Rating: 9
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12) Nie lubie poniedzialku

"Nie lubie poniedzialku" is reminiscent of "Fawlty Towers" in its comedic style and farcical elements. Just like Basil Fawlty, the main character in "Nie lubie poniedzialku" finds himself in a series of unfortunate events on one unlucky day. The movie satirizes the Polish reality during the period of harsh Communism, presenting exaggerated situations that still hold a grain of truth. The Italian protagonist, through a hilarious chain of events, is mistaken for someone else and ends up in the middle of a big ceremony, despite not speaking Polish. The film's irreverent tone and caricatured characters add to the humor, much like the misanthropic and eccentric characters in "Fawlty Towers.

Release date: August, 1971
IMDB Rating: 7.6

13) The Chastity Belt

The Chastity Belt, also known as Up the Chastity Belt, is a British sex comedy from 1972 that shares some similarities with Fawlty Towers. Both movies fall under the comedy genre, but that's where the similarities end. While Fawlty Towers is a series set in a hotel, The Chastity Belt is a cinema movie set in medieval times. Fawlty Towers revolves around the misadventures of Basil Fawlty, an arrogant hotel owner, while The Chastity Belt follows the story of Lurkalot, a servant who sells chastity belts on the side. Despite their differences, both movies excel in their comedic portrayal of eccentric characters. So, if you've enjoyed the hilarity of Fawlty Towers and are in the mood for a different kind of comedy with a historical twist, The Chastity Belt might just be the movie for you.

Release date: January, 1972
IMDB Rating: 5.2

14) Play It Again, Sam

Play It Again, Sam is a delightful comedy that will transport you to a world of romance, laughter, and Casablanca. This film stars Woody Allen, who brings his neurotic persona to the screen once again, delivering plenty of laughs along the way. While Woody Allen didn't direct this film himself, it still feels like a classic Woody Allen flick, thanks to his script and the talented cast. In fact, Play It Again, Sam marks the first on-screen pairing of Allen and Diane Keaton, who would later collaborate on Allen's masterpiece, Annie Hall. The movie pays tribute to Casablanca, as Allen's character, a film critic obsessed with the classic movie, attempts to navigate the world of dating with the help of a married couple and the illusory image of his idol, Humphrey Bogart. The humor in this film is top-notch, with Allen's dry and witty dialogue providing plenty of laughs.

Release date: May, 1972
IMDB Rating: 7.6

15) No Sex Please - We're British

No Sex Please - We're British is reminiscent of Fawlty Towers due to its British humor and farcical elements. Both movies revolve around the theme of mishaps and misunderstandings, resulting in comedic chaos. While Fawlty Towers takes place in a hotel run by the bumbling Basil Fawlty, No Sex Please - We're British centers around a newlywed couple whose apartment becomes filled with mail-order Swiss porn. In both films, the characters try to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the absurd situations they find themselves in. However, unlike Fawlty Towers, which is a series, No Sex Please - We're British is a cinema movie based on a Broadway play. This difference in format allows the latter to explore the comedic potential of the premise in a more condensed manner. Overall, if you enjoyed the humor and wit of Fawlty Towers, you'll appreciate the delightful absurdity of No Sex Please - We're British.

Release date: July, 1973
IMDB Rating: 5.4

16) Till Marriage Do Us Part

Till Marriage Do Us Part, also known as Mio Dio, come sono caduta in basso!, is a delightful Italian comedy that will surely tickle your funny bone. Although this movie is set in a different time and place, it shares some similarities with the beloved British series Fawlty Towers. Both Fawlty Towers and Till Marriage Do Us Part are farces that revolve around the misadventures of their main characters. While Basil Fawlty, the protagonist of Fawlty Towers, is a maniacal hotel owner with a short fuse, Eugenia di Maqueda, played by the luscious Laura Antonelli, is an orphan who discovers on her wedding night that her new husband is actually her brother. These unexpected revelations set off a chain of hilarious events that ensue throughout the film. Both stories are fueled by manic energy and involve elements of class prejudice and snobbery.

Release date: October, 1974
IMDB Rating: 6.7

17) Sextette

**Sextette** is a movie that encapsulates the glamorous and chaotic world of a silver screen sex symbol, just like **Fawlty Towers** captures the comedic misadventures of hotel owner Basil Fawlty. While **Fawlty Towers** is a British comedy series known for its manic farce and British humor, **Sextette** is an American comedy film filled with romance and musical elements. Both movies share a penchant for farcical situations, but the similarities end there. **Sextette** takes the chaos to a whole new level as the main character, played by Mae West, is asked to intervene in a political dispute on her wedding day. With its star-studded cast, including Timothy Dalton and Dom DeLuise, **Sextette** is a delightful romp that showcases Mae West's charm and wit.

Release date: March, 1978
IMDB Rating: 3.8

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