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Best Mel Smith Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Mel Smith's unique comedic genius left an indelible mark on British entertainment, spanning decades from his groundbreaking work on *Not the Nine O'Clock News* to his beloved partnership with Griff Rhys Jones in *Alas Smith and Jones*. Beyond the small screen, his distinctive presence and sharp wit graced numerous feature films, where he often brought a blend of deadpan humor, a touch of absurdity, and a grounded realism to his roles. His contributions as an actor and director ensured a legacy of memorable performances and enduring cinematic moments. With such a varied and brilliant filmography, it's a challenge to pick just one favorite. Now, we're inviting you to celebrate his incredible career by participating in our "Best Mel Smith Movies" poll. Cast your vote for the films you believe showcase his finest work, from his most iconic appearances to those hidden gems that deserve more recognition. We look forward to seeing which of his cinematic achievements resonate most with you!
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#5.
Blackball (2003)
5/5
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"Blackball" (2003) is a charming underdog sports comedy that chronicles the tumultuous journey of Cliff Starkey, a gifted but rough-around-the-edges lawn bowls player from the working class. Driven by a fierce desire to challenge the dominant Australian teams, Cliff navigates the provincial circuit, achieving regional champion status only to face a sudden ban. His fortunes take a surprising turn when a shrewd sports agent, Rich Schwartz, recognizes his potential and leverages his charisma to make him a media sensation, ultimately leading to the lifting of his ban. The film climaxes with the ultimate test: can Cliff recapture his winning form and mend his fractured relationships in time to lead his team to victory against their formidable rivals? While Mel Smith is primarily known for his comedic prowess in sketch shows and other directorial efforts, "Blackball" showcases a different side of his talent behind the camera. Smith's direction in this film emphasizes the humor found in the absurdity of the sport and the eccentric characters that populate it, while also grounding the narrative in a relatable tale of ambition and social mobility. His ability to balance the inherent silliness of lawn bowls with a genuinely engaging sports narrative, coupled with a strong performance from the cast, makes "Blackball" a standout film that demonstrates his versatility as a filmmaker, thus earning its place on a list of his best movies for those appreciating his wider directorial scope.
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Bean (1997)
Bean (1997) finds the titular character, Rowan Atkinson's iconic Mr. Bean, in a precarious position at the prestigious Royal National Gallery. Despite his chronic napping on the job, Bean's continued employment is secured by the gallery's chairman, a testament to his unusual resilience. However, his employers, eager to be rid of him, orchestrate his reassignment to the United States. There, he is tasked with a seemingly important, yet ultimately calamitous, role: officiating the unveiling of "Whistler's Mother" at a Los Angeles art gallery, a mission that promises the signature blend of mishap and unintended chaos we've come to expect from Bean. While Mel Smith is not directly involved in the production or acting of "Bean (1997)", the film undeniably aligns with the comedic sensibilities that defined Smith's career as a writer, director, and performer. Mel Smith was renowned for his masterful execution of slapstick and observational humor, often centering on characters who are out of their depth and navigate social awkwardness with disastrous yet hilarious results. "Bean" embodies this very spirit, showcasing a protagonist whose social ineptitude and physical comedy create a universally understood language of laughter. The film’s success in delivering consistent, laugh-out-loud moments through its central character’s escalating predicaments makes it a fitting addition to a list celebrating the best of Mel Smith’s comedic legacy, as it shares a spiritual kinship with the kind of entertainment he so brilliantly cultivated.
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The Tall Guy (1989)
In "The Tall Guy" (1989), American actor Dexter Haven, played by Jeff Goldblum, finds himself navigating the eccentricities of London's theater scene in his quest for both love and a steady paycheck. As he struggles to make his mark, Dexter becomes entangled with a flamboyant West End production and the fiery nurse, Mary, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and awkward romantic entanglements. The film is a charming exploration of an outsider's journey through a quirky world, punctuated by witty dialogue and memorable performances. This film is a standout entry in Mel Smith's directorial work, deserving of a spot on any "Best Mel Smith Movies" list. Smith masterfully balances the romantic comedy elements with a sharp, observational humor that was his signature. He expertly guides Goldblum through a character that is both relatable in his struggles and inherently funny in his earnestness. The film's energetic pacing and vibrant portrayal of London's theatrical life, infused with Smith's characteristic British wit, make "The Tall Guy" a consistently entertaining and endearing cinematic experience that showcases his talent for crafting accessible and genuinely amusing comedies.
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Radioland Murders (1994)
In the raucous world of 1939 radio, the nascent WBN network is gearing up for its grand premiere. However, as Penny Henderson, the owner's beleaguered secretary, navigates a chaotic night of demanding sponsors, a tyrannical boss, and a persistent ex-husband, the broadcast takes a terrifying turn. A chilling, disembodied voice hijacks the airwaves, ushering in a wave of murders amongst the WBN cast. The prime suspect? Penny's estranged husband, Roger, who finds himself on the run from the police as he desperately tries to unravel the mystery behind the killings. While "Radioland Murders" isn't a typical Mel Smith directorial effort, its inclusion on a "Best Mel Smith Movies" list likely stems from the film's distinctive comedic sensibilities and its energetic, ensemble cast. Mel Smith, known for his work in British comedy, often gravitates towards projects that offer a blend of broad humor and quirky characters. "Radioland Murders," with its period setting, Agatha Christie-esque plot, and over-the-top performances, taps into a vein of comedic caper that aligns with Smith's own comedic sensibilities, even if he wasn't directly involved in its creation. The film's playful tone and its embrace of the absurd make it a fitting, albeit unconventional, addition to a curated list celebrating his comedic legacy.
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High Heels and Low Lifes (2001)
"High Heels and Low Lifes" (2001) is a rollicking British crime caper that plunges viewers into the unexpected world of a quick-witted nurse and her companion. When the nurse, while eavesdropping on a friend's phone call, overhears the details of an elaborate bank heist, an audacious plan begins to form. Sensing an opportunity to escape their mundane lives, the duo decides to leverage their newfound knowledge, hatching a daring scheme to blackmail the unsuspecting robbers for a cool $2 million. This premise sets the stage for a series of comedic misadventures and escalating stakes as they navigate the dangerous underworld. While Mel Smith is primarily known for his comedic contributions, "High Heels and Low Lifes" showcases his deft hand as a director in steering a caper that balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine suspense. Smith's ability to elicit strong, often hilarious, performances from his cast, coupled with a sharp screenplay that delivers both witty dialogue and engaging plot twists, makes this film a standout. The film’s charm lies in its relatable protagonists thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and Smith’s direction ensures that the escalating absurdity never overshadows the core of the story – the sheer audacity of two ordinary women taking on criminals. It's a testament to Smith's versatility, proving he could craft entertaining and engaging films that appealed to a broad audience, cementing its place on a list of his best directorial efforts.
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Blackball (2003)
"Blackball" (2003) is a charming underdog sports comedy that chronicles the tumultuous journey of Cliff Starkey, a gifted but rough-around-the-edges lawn bowls player from the working class. Driven by a fierce desire to challenge the dominant Australian teams, Cliff navigates the provincial circuit, achieving regional champion status only to face a sudden ban. His fortunes take a surprising turn when a shrewd sports agent, Rich Schwartz, recognizes his potential and leverages his charisma to make him a media sensation, ultimately leading to the lifting of his ban. The film climaxes with the ultimate test: can Cliff recapture his winning form and mend his fractured relationships in time to lead his team to victory against their formidable rivals? While Mel Smith is primarily known for his comedic prowess in sketch shows and other directorial efforts, "Blackball" showcases a different side of his talent behind the camera. Smith's direction in this film emphasizes the humor found in the absurdity of the sport and the eccentric characters that populate it, while also grounding the narrative in a relatable tale of ambition and social mobility. His ability to balance the inherent silliness of lawn bowls with a genuinely engaging sports narrative, coupled with a strong performance from the cast, makes "Blackball" a standout film that demonstrates his versatility as a filmmaker, thus earning its place on a list of his best movies for those appreciating his wider directorial scope.
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