Top 10 Monty Python Characters

Top 10 Monty Python Characters

They are the knights that say, “Ni!” Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Monty Python characters.

For this list, we’re reviewing the best and most inherently ridiculous Monty Python characters featured in any of their films and TV show episodes. We are excluding Mr. Eric Praline as he wasn’t so much a hilarious character, but directly benefitted in getting caught up in memorable, script-driven skits.

#10: Self-Defence Against Fresh Fruit Teacher
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

Everyone should know how to defend themselves and this eccentric expert is committed to ensuring that no one falls victim to fresh fruit! The fresh fruit self-defense expert was made famous in “Flying Circus” and he less-than-gracefully taught his students the best ways to deflect any fruit attack – not something inconsequential like a point-ed stick. Since this is Monty Python we’re talking about, though, the risks of injury are always sky-high. His ridiculous attitude and the sheer situational zaniness have made him unforgettably funny and a favorite among Monty Python fans.

#9: French Taunter
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)

This Frenchman is a mysterious guardsman that mocks King Arthur and his fellow English knights throughout their quest for the Holy Grail. This jerk, along with his French posse, appears in random castles throughout “The Holy Grail” and is slightly more than a mere thorn in our heroes’ sides. The English crusaders are baffled to find these Frenchmen in England and are equally confused that the Frenchman refuses to explain why they are there. Equally prone to lobbing insults and livestock at Arthur and company, these guys are hilarious.

#8: Ministry of Silly Walks Worker
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

Monty Python was notorious for poking fun at the bureaucratic nature of British society and perhaps the best example of this is the Ministry of Silly Walks! This fictional government entity oversees Silly Walks in the country and issues government grants to those that hope to develop their own silly walks. The bizarre nature of this institution’s civil servant is equal to the ludicrous look of its silly walkers! His antics amount to not only some of Monty Python’s best physical humor, but some of the best physical humor in any comedy.

#7: Pontius Pilate
“Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (1979)

In “Life of Brian,” Monty Python takes the Biblically villainous Pontius Pilate and turns him into a lisping bureaucrat! Pontius’ speech impediment causes a wide range of misunderstandings, such as his pronunciation of “Roman” sounding like “woman.” Furthermore, he isn’t one to pick up on sexual innuendos and apparently has some peculiarly named friends, such as Biggus Dickus and his wife Incontinentia Buttocks. Who would’ve thought that Pontius Pilate could be turned into a lovable nitwit?

#6: Arthur Nudge
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

Sometimes known as Arthur Name, Arthur Nudge is a Monty Python character whose use of the term “Nude Nudge” entered British English lexicon as an innuendo for sexual escapades. The confused Arthur, who is presumably a virgin, incessantly prods a fellow pub patron about his sex life with his wife, annoyingly repeating “nudge, nudge,” “wink, wink,” and “say no more.” For this time period, Arthur Nudge pushed irreverent humor on television to its limits.

#5: The Gumbys
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

The Gumbys are moronic men that wear trousers above their waists, scream ridiculous things at one another, have toothbrush mustaches, and put handkerchiefs on theirs heads – among other matching features. Of their many memorable quotations, perhaps the most iconic thing these ape-like men shout is “My brain hurts!” Becoming instantly popular, the Gumbys recurred throughout the “Flying Circus.” And seriously, is there a better name for a ragtag group of characters with much less-than-desirable intelligence? It goes to show that it takes brilliant minds to write complete idiots.

#4: Black Knight
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)

The black knight initially appears to be King Arthur’s most formidable foe; his staunch nature, dark costume, and menacing voice do make him seem like quite the enemy. However, Arthur quickly learns he can hack apart this knight with hilarious results. With every strike, Arthur thinks he has bested this stubborn villain. However, the black knight continues to hold his ground, refusing to admit defeat even when he’s nothing more than a torso and a head, and spouting trash talk worthy of a royal adversary. His ridiculous denial of reality instantly endeared him with fans.

#3: Mr. Creosote
“Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life” (1983)

What better symbol for the epitome of gluttony than an excessively fat and equally wealthy man that eats until he vomits?! Surrounding restaurant diners find themselves throwing up in reaction to Mr. Creosote, which many audience members may be fighting to resist themselves. Mr. Creosote is as equally disgusting as he is funny, with the Monty Python gang literally making Mr. Creosote puke himself into oblivion. He is by far the crudest character featured in any of the Monty Python skits, and one so graphic it’s the only movie scene ever to have disturbed Quentin Tarantino.

#2: Knights Who Say ‘Ni’
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)

These knights are a ridiculous bunch that shout “Ni!” at their enemies to antagonize them! Yet another obstacle in the poor King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail, Arthur’s knights briefly find themselves trying to find a shrubbery to appease these “Ni-sayers” so that they can go on their way and fulfill their quest. These unreasonable lunatics are never appeased, however, even when given their shrubbery. Repetitive and unforgivingly demanding, these knights are forever ingrained as a pinnacle of comedy. Just never say “it” in front of them.

Before we get to our number one Monty Python character, here are a few honorable mentions:
- The Lumberjack
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)
- Tim the Enchanter
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)
- Optimistic Crucified Guy
“Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (1979)
- ‘Upper Class Twit of the Year’ Competitors
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)
- Brian’s Mother
“Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (1979)

#1: The Spanish Inquisitors
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (1969-74)

What’s less terrifying than the Spanish Inquisition in the 20th century? These guys ineffectively use fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, almost fanatical devotion to the pope, and nice red uniforms as their weapons. These backwards inquisitors intrude at a moment’s notice at the mere mention of their name and aren’t exactly good at their jobs. Diabolically funny and undoubtedly iconic, these anachronistic villains truly embody the ridiculous nature of the Spanish Inquisition!

Do you agree with our list? Who are your favorite Monty Python characters? For more excellent Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.