Top 10 Rowan Atkinson Moments

Script written by Max Lett.

Top 10 Rowan Atkinson Moments

Get out your favorite teddy bear and get ready for some clumsy comedy. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Rowan Atkinson moments.

For this list, we’re choosing moments from Atkinson’s career that we find the funniest; whether it’s on TV, in movies or as part of his onstage comedy act. And, since the man is an unparalleled physical performer, this is going to be a good one.

#10: Flubbing the Ceremony
“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)

Rowan Atkinson is set loose on an unsuspecting couple that’s attempting to get married. While he tries to bond them in wholly matrimony, Father Gerald has some trouble getting their names right. It’s a hilariously awkward moment as he makes his best puzzled face and powers through his sermon, corrected every so often by the bride and groom. Atkinson expertly stutters and trips through his lines, making this a standout moment in the film and his career.

#9: The Ninth Doctor Spoof
“Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death” (1999)

Whether Whovians consider this special to be canon or not, this bridge between the original series and the 2005 reboot sees Rowan Atkinson plays the ninth doctor opposite Jonathan Pryce’s The Master. In a standout scene, The Doctor must convey to his nemesis that the Daleks plan to kill them both. But the only way to do this is by covertly using an extinct alien language of flatulence. And, just like the two respected actors that they are, Atkinson and Pryce keep straight faces as they fart in each other’s general directions.

#8: Post-Credit Cooking
“Johnny English Reborn” (2011)

Atkinson breaks out his considerable physical skills in this after-credits sequence where he cooks dinner for his date – possibly, in record time. Though we’re used to seeing Atkinson engage in balletic pratfalls and physical entanglements, it’s a great change to see him in this very coordinated display of culinary skill. Set to the recognizable tune of “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” Atkinson is perfectly timed to the beats and for once doesn’t make a fool of himself. To the contrary actually; this secret agent is the epitome of smooth.

#7: Zazu Sings the Coconut Song
“The Lion King” (1994)

It’s not easy being king, but it’s harder being the king’s advisor. Atkinson lends his dulcet tones and proper British accent to the no-nonsense, straight-talking bird in the lion’s den, and must keep his newest king amused with a song. Neither Scar nor Zazu seems to be happy about the proceedings, but the audience definitely is as Atkinson impresses us with his singing voice.

#6: A Mr. Bean-type Character Performs at the Olympics
“London Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony” (2012)

You can’t put on a worldwide show in England without a few big names. Not quite Mr. Bean, but – according to Atkinson himself – a Mr. Bean-like character manages to make an appearance – and a mess – when he shows up to the festivities. It’s business as usual for the popular character as he attempts to keep up with an entire orchestra amidst a bout of sneezing and a daydream sequence. With just some facial embellishments – and a little slow motion running and cheating – he cracks the audience up.

#5: Conservative Conference
“Not the Nine O’Clock News” (1979-82)

In this off-kilter sketch, Atkinson’s comedic timing is perfect as usual as he manages to parody all the superiority and obnoxiousness of a conservative party member. In the bit, Atkinson attempts to prove that everybody has the conservative party wrong and that they aren’t all bigoted yuppies. He even comes up with a few suggestions on how to deal with criminal youths. Hilarious satirical racism ensues.

#4: A Warm Welcome
“Rowan Atkinson Live” (1981-86)

Aside from being a wonderful mime, a great physical actor and an all-around versatile comedian, Rowan Atkinson also puts on a hilarious one-man show featuring a slew of imaginary characters. In this live performance, he’s great as a conciliatory and quick-witted Satan who is welcoming a few new arrivals to hell. All alone onstage, he keeps things lively and funny with his perfect punch lines, jolly jokes and wonderful wordplay.

#3: Mr. Bean’s Dance Scene
“Mr. Bean’s Holiday” (2007)

As Mr. Bean, Atkinson is no stranger to physical comedy and in this scene he puts on a hilarious performance while trying to make some quick cash. He goes through a myriad of different musical styles and improvises wonderfully, from classical to rock to… Shaggy? His final number hits the mark as he mimes a famous opera aria with all the emotion and intensity of a trained theatre actor.

#2: Blackadder’s Alternate Life
“Blackadder’s Christmas Carol” (1988)

On Christmas Eve, Blackadder gets a visit from Hagri- we mean, the ghost of Christmas Future, who allows him a glimpse at what his life could be like if he turned from good to evil. Atkinson seems a bit out of place dressed as a futuristic space commander, but he pulls it off. His assistant however is not so epically clad. In this future, synth rock music abounds, made-up words are thrown around willy-nilly and Blackadder goes bad.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Rufus
“Love Actually” (2003)
- The Burnt Diary
“Blackadder” (1983-89)
- Invisible Drum Kit
“Rowan Atkinson Live” (1981-86)
- Reverend Walter Goodfellow
“Keeping Mum” (2005)

#1: Mr. Bean with a Turkey on His Head
“Mr. Bean” (1990-95)

Things aren’t easy when you’re Mr. Bean and tasks as simple as stuffing a gigantic Christmas turkey turn into wild adventures. Overzealous as always, our almost-silent protagonist goes full bore when he starts to stuff. But when he loses his wristwatch inside of it, he has no choice but to dive in headfirst to retrieve it. The sketch is classic and always delivers the laughs as Bean stumbles around with the giant bird on his head, attempting not to be seen by date.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Rowan Atkinson moment? For more hilarious Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.