Comedy movies about the Middle Ages have been around for decades, and they still bring a smile to our faces. From the classical Monty Python’s The Holy Grail to the more recent Your Highness, medieval comedy movies have provided us with some of the most memorable laughs and lines in the history of film. Here are our picks for the best medieval comedy movies that will have you laughing out loud.
Best Medieval Comedy Movies
- Black Knight (2001)
- Your Highness (2011)
- The Little Hours (2017)
- The Pirates (2014)
- The Court Jester (1955)
- The Three Musketeers (1973)
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)
- Galavant (TV Series 2015-2016)
- Ella Enchanted (2004)
- Army of Darkness (1992)
- Blackadder II (TV Series 1986)
- Time Bandits (1981)
- Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
- Les Visiteurs (1993)
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
15. Black Knight (2001)
- Cast: Martin Lawrence, Marsha Thomason, Tom Wilkinson
- Duration: 1h 35m
This classic medieval comedy starring Martin Lawrence, follows Jamal, an employee at a medieval-themed amusement park, who is pulled into a vortex while cleaning a magical medallion and transported back to England in 1328.
Dressed in his modern attire and speaking with an odd manner of speech, Jamal is mistaken for a Frenchman, and he must use his wits and street smarts to stay alive. Quick-witted dialogue and an unforgettable performance by Martin Lawrence make Black Knight a must-see medieval comedy movie.
14. Your Highness (2011)
- Cast: Danny McBride, Natalie Portman, James Franco
- Duration: 1h 21m
Your Highness is a 2011 medieval comedy movie about lazy princes who must set out to save the kingdom. Thadeous, the younger brother of the perfect Fabious, has grown tired of being overlooked and is content to live a life of revelry. When Belladonna, Fabious’ future bride, is kidnapped by a terrifying sorcerer, the two brothers team up to save her.
With help from a mysterious warrior, Isabel, they must battle against horrific creatures and treacherous knights before they can reach princess Belladonna. With plenty of slapstick comedy, Your Highness is an irreverent and hilarious adventure for all ages.
13. The Little Hours (2017)
- Cast: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci
- Duration: 1h 30m
Set in the medieval era of 1347, The Little Hours follows the handsome and willing servant Massetto who is on the run from Lord Bruno for committing adultery with his wife. He finds refuge in a convent, where he must pretend to be deaf and mute in order to remain safe. Despite the sexually-repressed lifestyle of the nuns, Massetto’s presence creates an emotional upheaval as they seek a distraction from their tedious monotony. His charming character is sought out by the women of the convent, leading to an entertaining and comedic display of their attempts to gain his affection.
12. The Pirates (2014)
- Cast: Nam-gil Kim, Son Ye-Jin, Hae-Jin Yoo
- Duration: 2h 10m
The Pirates is a comedic take on the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty period. When an imperial envoy loses the Emperor’s Royal Seal to a giant whale, Jang Sa-Jung (Kim Nam-Gil) embarks on a mission to retrieve the seal. Along the way, he and his team of bandits come across a group of pirates, led by Yeo-Wol (Son Ye-Jin). The ensuing misadventures make for a hilarious and action-packed pirate movie.
11. The Court Jester (1955)
- Cast: Danny Kaye, Glynis Johns, Basil Rathbone
- Duration: 1h 41m
Set in days of yore when chivalrous knights reigned and the Royal Court was abuzz with intrigue, The Court Jester is a classic comedy film directed by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank. It stars Danny Kaye as Hubert Hawkins, an entertainer-by-trade who becomes the jester in King Roderick’s court (Cecil Parker). King Roderick, however, is an illegitimate ruler who sits on the throne in place of the rightful heir.
This sets off an array of events involving nefarious Sir Ravenhurst (Basil Rathbone), the rebel Black Fox (Edward Ashley), and the Maid Jean (Glynis Johns). With its mix of slapstick, puns, and witty dialogue, The Court Jester is a timeless classic of medieval comedy.
10. The Three Musketeers (1973)
- Cast: Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch, Richard Chamberlain
- Duration: 1h 46m
This classic adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ legendary tale, The Three Musketeers, follows the exploits of d’Artagnan as he sets off to Paris in the 17th century. With a heart full of ambition, he hopes to join the legendary Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and make a name for himself.
As he journeys through Paris, d’Artagnan soon finds himself embroiled in the clever schemes of Cardinal Richelieu, who is plotting to weaken the power of the Queen of France and her ally, the Duke of Buckingham. With plenty of action, adventure, and humor, this timeless classic medieval comedy is sure to bring laughs for all ages. We also highly recommend The Four Musketeers (1974) as a worthy follow-up.
9. A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999)
- Cast: Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Everett
- Duration: 1h 56m
A story of young love and mischief, A Midsummer Night’s Dream captures the essence of Shakespeare’s classic comedic play. The film follows the forbidden love between Lysander (Dominic West) and Hermia (Anna Friel), who are determined to escape the arranged marriage her father Egeus (Bernard Hill) has promised to Demetrius (Christian Bale).
After managing to flee to the forest, they stumble upon a fairy world, the home of Oberon (Rupert Everett) and Titania (Michelle Pfeiffer), the King and Queen of the fairies. What follows is a series of misadventures as Oberon’s mischievous servant sprite Puck (Stanley Tucci) plays tricks on the lovers. If you’re looking for a lighthearted comedic romp that oscillates between our reality and the magical realm of the fairies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is certainly worth a watch.
8. Galavant (TV Series 2015-2016)
- Cast: Joshua Sasse, Timothy Omundson, Vinnie Jones
- Seasons: 2 (10 episodes)
Galavant is a musical medieval comedy TV series that follows the adventures of a dashing knight, Galavant (Joshua Sasse), on his quest to reclaim his reputation and the love of his life, Queen Madalena (Mallory Jansen). He is aided on his journey by Princess Isabella (Karen David) and his squire, Sid (Luke Youngblood).
Meanwhile, the evil King Richard (Timothy Omundson), who had stolen away Madalena from Galavant in the first place, attempts to win her affection. As Galavant embarks on his journey through the Middle Ages, viewers are treated to a plethora of comical moments, and unexpected turns that give this show its unique charm.
7. Ella Enchanted (2004)
- Cast: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes
- Duration: 1h 36m
Ella Enchanted is a classic fairytale about a young girl who has been cursed with a magical ‘gift’ of obedience by a fairy named Lucinda. Starring Anne Hathaway, this modern take on the classic Cinderella story is funny and touching. With help from an enchanted book, Ella embarks on a hilarious adventure filled with charming characters and magical creatures willing to help her break the curse and find true happiness.
Along the way she meets Prince Charmont, whom she falls in love with as they fight against the evil forces that are trying to keep them apart. With witty dialogue and a romantic storyline, Ella Enchanted is an entertaining movie with lighthearted moments sure to put a smile on your face.
6. Army of Darkness (1992)
- Cast: Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert
- Duration: 1h 21m
A cult classic, Army of Darkness is a comedy horror flick, that follows the journey of Ash Williams, a man transported to the Medieval period of 1300 and must battle the undead with his trusty chainsaw and special “boomstick”. After being captured by Lord Arthur, he is made a slave alongside Duke Henry the Red and some of his followers.
Ash is then thrown into a pit where he must defeat some monsters to gain the respect of Arthur’s army. The movie is full of hilarious moments and some truly comical dialogue that will keep you entertained throughout.
5. Blackadder II (TV Series 1986)
- Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny
- Seasons: 1 (6 episodes)
This classic British comedy series features Rowan Atkinson (known best for his role in Mr. Bean) as the great-grandson of Prince Edmund Plantagenet, Lord Edmund Blackadder. Set 60 years after the death of Edmund’s ancestor, Blackadder is now the courtier to Queen Elizabeth I in a stratified and chaotic England.
The main plotline revolves around Blackadder’s attempts to win the Queen’s favor and become King, but Lord Melchett, her right-hand man, always foils him. Filled with absurd and witty humor, Blackadder II is a must-see for any fan of classic British medieval comedies.
4. Time Bandits (1981)
- Cast: Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, John Cleese
- Duration: 1h 50m
Time Bandits is a British fantasy comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam. The story follows a young boy who escapes his mundane life when six dwarves steal a time-traveling map and take him on a journey through time to meet some of the most infamous figures in history.
Along the way, they must also contend with the Evil Genius, who is constantly pursuing them and determined to get his hands on the precious map. From Robin Hood to Napoleon, this adventure is full of hilarious moments and epic battles.
3. Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
- Cast: Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Roger Rees
- Duration: 1h 44m
A classic parody of the traditional Robin Hood story, Robin Hood: Men in Tights is a comedic adventure set in medieval England. Starring the legendary hero Robin of Locksley, who has just returned from fighting in the Holy Crusades alongside King Richard the Lionheart, only to find that his beloved homeland has been decimated by Prince John, Richard’s brother and usurper of the throne.
In an effort to restore justice and reclaim his family home, Robin gathers a rag-tag group of merry men to battle Prince John and the Sheriff of Rottingham. Along the way, he falls in love with Marian of Bagelle, a maid of the court. With its memorable performances and humor, this is a truly classic farce and one of the best medieval comedies of all time.
2. Les Visiteurs (1993)
- Cast: Christian Clavier, Jean Reno, Valérie Lemercier
- Duration: 1h 47m
This French time-travel comedy stars Jean Reno and Christian Clavier as Godefroy de Papincourt, Count of Montmirail, and his servant, Jacquouille la Fripouille, respectively. Being accidentally transported to modern-day 1993 via a wizard’s spell gone wrong, the two are left befuddled by the technological advances of their new time period.
As they go about their attempts to return home, the pair causes a great deal of havoc and destruction in their wake and a series of hilarious moments. Personally, this movie remains one of my all-time favorite medieval comedies to this day, and I highly recommend Les Visiteurs 2 (1998) as well.
1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
- Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle
- Duration: 1h 31m
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) is a hilarious romp through Medieval England that turns history on its comedic head. King Arthur, along with his brave knights, set off on an unforgettable quest to find the Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter obstacles such as Tim the Enchanter, killer rabbits, and holy hand grenades! But when the order finally prevails in Camelot, the knights find themselves in a perilous situation when they are stopped by none other than God himself.
Of course, their quest comes to an abrupt end when the police intervene and bring comedic relief to this zany tale. Monty Python and the Holy Grail has become one of the most beloved medieval comedies of all time having over 500,000 votes on IMDb. It is an absolute must-see for anyone looking for a good laugh!
