18 Movies Similar to Monty Python’s Flying Circus

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is reminiscent of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" in that it continues the tradition of surreal humor and silliness that made the original series so beloved. While "Monty Python's Flying Circus" is a sketch comedy show, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" takes that humor and creates a low-budget, hilarious adventure with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in search of the Holy Grail. Both the series and the movie feature the iconic Monty Python style of comedy, combining elements of crossdressing, cutout animation, and surrealism. However, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" expands on the humor by adding elements of adventure and fantasy, making it a must-watch for fans of the original series.

Monty Python Live (Mostly) reunites the Monty Python team on stage for their final performance after over 30 years. While the movie captures the essence of their original skits, it falls short of recapturing the magic. As a die-hard fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus, I was initially excited to see the reunion. However, the performances felt a bit flat, lacking the energy and freshness of the original sketches. Unlike the film adaptation of their skits, Monty Python Live (Mostly) offers no improvements or unique elements, often recreating the skits word-for-word. Additionally, some of the team's best skits were missing from this performance. Although I enjoyed the movie, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't already a devoted fan.

"The Meaning of Life" is a wacky and irreverent comedy that delves into the various stages of life, just like its predecessor "Monty Python's Flying Circus." While "Flying Circus" is a sketch comedy series, "Meaning of Life" takes the same surreal and silly approach and applies it to a full-length movie. Both films share the same British humor and feature the iconic Monty Python cast, including John Cleese and Eric Idle. However, "Meaning of Life" pushes the boundaries even further with its outrageous scenes and offensive behavior, such as the infamous Mr. Creosote eating until he explodes. It's a movie that doesn't hold back, tackling touchy topics like Catholic dogma, gluttony, and the foolishness of war. While "Meaning of Life" may not have achieved the same cult status as "Holy Grail," it is undoubtedly one of Monty Python's best works.

Life of Brian, released in 1979, is reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Both movies are comedy films from the Monty Python troupe, known for their unique and surreal humor. While Monty Python's Flying Circus is a sketch comedy series, Life of Brian is a feature-length film with a more coherent narrative. In Life of Brian, the Python team satirizes religious zealotry, mob hysteria, and biblical epics by juxtaposing historic situations with modern attitudes. The film tackles various themes such as identity, revolution, and the power of belief. With its clever writing and iconic moments, Life of Brian stands as one of Monty Python's masterpieces. If you enjoyed Monty Python's Flying Circus, you should definitely watch Life of Brian for its satirical brilliance and laugh-out-loud humor.

Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl is a delightful film that captures the essence of the Monty Python troupe's live performances. While it may not reach the same heights as Monty Python's Flying Circus, it still manages to entertain with a combination of classic sketches and new material. The film showcases the troupe's ability to seamlessly blend absurd comedy with musical numbers, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Some sketches may fall flat, but the moments that do work are pure comedic gold. Highlights include the Michelangelo/Pope sketch, the Olympic races, the philosophers' soccer match, and of course, Terry Gilliam's iconic animations. The songs in the film are consistently entertaining, with a few performed by an extra pianist/singer. Although it may not be as sharp or unconventional as the troupe's other works, Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl is still a must-watch for any Monty Python fan.

And Now for Something Completely Different: An anthology of the best sketches from the first and second seasons of Lataj?cy Cyrk Monty Pythona (1969). Monty Python used this collection of sketches from their first and second TV series (re-packaged and staged again) to break into the American market. A gamble, but a successful one. All the greats are here ? Parrot Sketch, Dirty Fork, Hell's Grannies, Fresh Fruit Self Defence, Marriage Guidance ? and more besides. The animated links, specially created for the movie, are funny and well put-together: and new versions of Killer Cars and the story of the Spot are excellent. In many cases the film versions of the sketches outshine those in the TV series and are more memorable, particularly those which first appeared in series 1. This is a very good introduction to the team and a strong reminder of their early work for the BBC.

A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman is an animated, factually incorrect biography of Graham Arthur Chapman, one of the founding members of the comedy group Monty Python. While Monty Python's Flying Circus showcases the surreal sketch comedy that the troupe is known for, A Liar's Autobiography takes a different approach by presenting an animated narrative that lacks the Monty Python charm. Although the film is narrated by Graham Chapman himself, it fails to capture the madcap world of Monty Python that fans have come to love. The animation styles used are diverse, but Terry Gilliam's signature style is notably absent. Additionally, the crude jokes and references in the film lack the charm that would make them truly funny. Despite these differences, A Liar's Autobiography has a slightly spooky feel and is reminiscent of the psychedelic film Yellow Submarine, albeit without the same level of enchantment.

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer is a 1971 British comedy film that shares similarities with Monty Python's Flying Circus. Both films embrace satire and offer a humorous take on British society. While Monty Python's Flying Circus showcases the surreal sketch comedy of the Monty Python troupe, The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer presents a fresh-faced young man who manipulates his way into an opinion poll company, eventually rising through the Tory ranks in the politically charged 1970s Britain. Both films highlight the absurdity of their respective contexts, presenting exaggerated characters and situations to deliver biting social commentary. However, The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer takes a slightly more serious tone, focusing on the deceitful journey of its protagonist, while Monty Python's Flying Circus maintains a lighter and more whimsical approach.

Blackadder II is like Monty Python's Flying Circus set in the Tudor court of Elizabeth I. It's a cult favorite that combines old-fashioned British sarcasm with hilarious characters. Lord Edmund Blackadder, played by Rowan Atkinson, strives to win the favor of Queen Elizabeth I while avoiding a grisly fate if he offends her. While Monty Python's Flying Circus showcases the surreal sketch comedy of the Monty Python troupe, Blackadder II offers a witty and sarcastic take on history. The episodes are filled with verbal and physical comedy, and the fantastic delivery of the lines makes up for their occasional predictability. If you're a fan of British humor and in need of a laugh, Blackadder II is the perfect choice.

Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy, a comic oratorio inspired by Monty Python's Life of Brian, is reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Both films showcase the absurdity and surreal humor that the Monty Python troupe is known for. While Monty Python's Flying Circus is a sketch comedy series, Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy takes the form of a stage musical. The latter, filmed at its only European performance at the Royal Albert Hall, celebrates forty years of Monty Python. With its catchy songs and hilarious performances, Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy is a must-watch for any fan of Monty Python's unique brand of comedy.

"At Last the 1948 Show" is a groundbreaking, splendidly silly, and surreal sketch comedy series, written by and starring The Goodies' Tim Brooke-Taylor, Monty Python's Graham Chapman and John Cleese, and comedy legend Marty Feldman. Although not as mad or as silly as "Monty Python's Flying Circus," this show is just as valuable in seeing where the roots of Python (and The Goodies) came from. With some gems like the Four Yorkshiremen, the Plain Clothes Policeman, and the Chartered Accountant Dance, "At Last the 1948 Show" showcases the comedic talents of Cleese, Chapman, Brooke-Taylor, and Feldman. While Aimi MacDonald's introductions and links may get tedious, the comedy sketches stand up well. If you enjoyed the surreal humor and absurdity of Monty Python, you should definitely give "At Last the 1948 Show" a watch.

Fawlty Towers, released in 1980, is reminiscent of the main movie, Monty Python's Flying Circus. Both are British comedy series that showcase the brilliance of John Cleese. While Monty Python's Flying Circus is a surreal sketch comedy featuring the entire Monty Python troupe, Fawlty Towers revolves around the misanthropic and arrogant hotel owner, Basil Fawlty, portrayed brilliantly by John Cleese. Basil's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance ensure that accidents and trouble are never far away at his hotel. The similarities lie in the sharp wit, clever writing, and impeccable comedic timing displayed in both shows. However, Fawlty Towers stands out with its manic farce, class prejudice, and snobbishness, giving it a unique flavor.

Time Bandits: This movie is reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus in its absurd and surreal humor. Both films take you on a wild and unpredictable journey, leaving you unsure of what will happen next. While Monty Python is known for its sketch comedy, Time Bandits tells a fantastical story about a young boy who joins a group of time-traveling dwarves in their quest for treasure. The witty dialogue and hilarious situations in both films will have you laughing out loud. However, Time Bandits adds an extra layer of adventure and fantasy, with its time-traveling premise and larger-than-life characters. If you loved Monty Python's Flying Circus and want to experience a similar blend of comedy and fantasy, Time Bandits is a must-watch.

A Fish Called Wanda is a delightful British comedy that will have you in stitches from beginning to end. The film revolves around a jewel heist in London, where four quirky individuals team up and attempt to double-cross each other for the loot. The plot thickens with their efforts to fool a proper barrister. Just like Monty Python's Flying Circus, A Fish Called Wanda is filled with hilarious moments and absurd situations that will leave you gasping for breath. While Monty Python's Flying Circus is a sketch comedy series, A Fish Called Wanda is a full-length feature film. However, both share a similar brand of British humor that is clever, witty, and absolutely hilarious. John Cleese shines in both movies, displaying his impeccable comedic timing and ability to create unforgettable characters. In A Fish Called Wanda, Cleese's portrayal of Archie Leach, a likable buffoon of a lawyer, is simply brilliant.

"The Zero Theorem" is reminiscent of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" in the sense that both movies showcase the unique and surreal style of Terry Gilliam. While "Monty Python's Flying Circus" is a sketch comedy series, "The Zero Theorem" is a cinematic film that explores deep philosophical questions. Both movies have a British humor touch, with witty dialogue and absurd situations. However, "The Zero Theorem" takes a more serious tone, delving into the meaning of life itself. It tackles existential themes while presenting a visually engaging and thought-provoking story. If you enjoyed the clever humor and creative storytelling of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," you should definitely watch "The Zero Theorem" to see Terry Gilliam's talent shine in a different genre.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, released in 2010, is reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Both films share a surreal and imaginative quality that transports the audience to unconventional worlds. While Monty Python's Flying Circus showcases the absurd and hilarious sketches of the Monty Python troupe, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus takes us on a journey with a traveling theater company that offers unexpected experiences to its audience. Both films challenge traditional storytelling and embrace a sense of whimsy and wonder. However, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus delves into deeper themes of immortality and the consequences of making deals with the devil, while Monty Python's Flying Circus focuses more on sketch comedy and British humor.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, released on August 10, 2018, is reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Both movies share a similar comedic tone with a touch of surrealism. However, while Monty Python's Flying Circus is a sketch comedy series, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote is a feature film. The main_movie, released on April 14, 2018, showcases the absurd and hilarious sketches of the Monty Python troupe, while the similar_movie tells the story of Toby, a disillusioned film director who gets pulled into a world of time-jumping fantasy when a Spanish cobbler believes himself to be Sancho Panza. The main_movie is a classic in British humor, while the similar_movie offers a creative and wacky adventure, blurring the lines between dreams and reality.

A Cinderella Story: Starstruck is reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus, but with a twist. While Monty Python's Flying Circus is known for its surreal sketch comedy and British humor, Starstruck takes a classic fairy tale and gives it a modern, comedic spin. The main character, Finley Tremaine, dreams of becoming a performer and captures the attention of a handsome lead actor. However, her plans go awry, and she is forced to disguise herself as a cowboy named "Huck" to pursue her dreams. Like Monty Python's Flying Circus, Starstruck features moments of crossdressing and clever humor, but in a family-friendly and romantic setting. It's a delightful blend of comedy, drama, family, musical, and romance genres that will leave you entertained and charmed.