Ranking the Carry On Films

[@richardgregory3684]

My favourties: Carry On Screaming; Carry On Don't Lose Your Head; Carry On Up The Khyber; Carry On Cleo; Carry On Spying All made when the franchise was at it's very best, relying on inuendo and situation comedy rather than the farce and toilet humour that was to follow in later films, these have lavish sets and costumes - Cleo having borrowed heavily from 1963's _Cleopatra_ , Sid James is wearing the famous armour previously worn by Richard Burton as Anthony for example. The sets for the mad doctors lair, costumes and antique cars seen in Screaming and so on. Often there are large numbers of extras. By the 1970's the series was fading, although oddly enough Carry On Abroad just tickles my sense of humour, much moreso than the other post 1970 productions do.

[@richardgregory3684]

The way the rankins vary on here clearly demonstrate that the franchise switches styles qiue definitively several times. You will often see that some rank the mid-60's ones very highly (Scremaing, Khyber, Lose Your Head etc) and the later 1970's ones low, whereas others will do just the opposite. Although all Caryr On films, the 60's and 70's are quite different in style and the type of humour they employ. The earlyier ones tend to rely on situational comedy and inuendo with a strong story, the later ones rely much more on outright farce and the inuendo is far less subtle.

[@SpaceAgeMark]

Agree with you about Julian Cleary in Colombus, perhaps they should have built it around him, and maybe Rik Mayall too.

[@breakaleg8471]

Good video! I have always been a fan of Carry on films, I was born in 1981 and having parents who frequently watched old comedy it did rub off on me. This is my ranking of the films 1 - Carry on Screaming 2 - Carry on Spying 3 - Carry on Camping 4 - Carry on Constable 5 - Carry on Nurse 6 - Carry on Sergeant 7 - Carry on Cabby 8 - Carry on Teacher 9 - Carry on Regardless 10 - Carry on Doctor 11 - Carry on at your Convenience 12 - Carry on Loving 13 - Carry on Cruising 14 - Carry on Cleo 15 - Carry on Again Doctor 16 - Carry on Cowboy 17 - Carry on Girls 18 - Carry on Jack 19 - Carry on Follow that Camel 20 - Carry on up the khyber 21 - Carry on don’t lose your head 22 - Carry on Behind 23 - Carry on Henry 24 - Carry on Dick 25 - Carry on Up the Jungle 26 - Carry on Abroad 27 - Carry on Matron 28 - Carry on Columbus 29 - Carry on England 30 - Carry on Emmanuelle

[@mpharris1999]

Interesting list

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

Nice ranking! My favourites are Carry on Screaming, Carry on Up the Khyber and Don't Lose Your Head.

[@GarryShepherdDreamGazePostPunk]

Camping will aye be my favourite💙🔥🔥 Though I love them all Good job Martin👍

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Carry On Cleo used the sets from the mega expensive Cleopatra movie, if I recall correctly

[@mpharris1999]

That’s right

[@j0hnf_uk]

The historic ones tended to be better in some respects as they had more of a story to go along with, but the, 'modern day', ones, played more on the commonality that viewers could relate to, as did the earlier ones about, 'services', i.e. hospitals, police, teaching, etc. The style of humour was very gentle to begin with and focused more on the romantic side of the main character(s). It wasn't until a bit later on when they started doing pastiches of other popular genres when the true tongue-in-cheek humour came along. They were pretty well paced and weren't rushed in telling their stories. There was a little bit of a revival of the, 'modern day', ones toward the end of the 60's and into the 70's, with the established stars living up to expectations, along with a few new, younger faces to go along with. Once Sid James had gone and Charles Hawtrey was out of the series, their was only really Kenneth Williams left, and he did his best with the material available. By the mid 70's, they'd pretty much run out of material and the last couple, but one, from the, 'classic', era managed to squeak by, but only just. As for the last one of the 70's, that simply didn't work as the visual aspect of being, 'saucy', was ruined by the overt sexuality. I won't mention the attempt to revive the series in '92. Again, it just didn't work as the style of humour had become passé by then.

[@malcolmabram2957]

You are right, they cannot be remade. It is a unique genre in a unique period. They are full of sexual innuendo, but never go over the mark into smut, and thereby very funny. My one wish is they are never forgotten. If you are low, just watch a carry on film, relaxing, not sophisticated and excellent at cheering you up.

[@robwalkerletthemusicplay]

Hi Martin great that you did this as I’m a big carry on fan . Can’t disagree with your list the only one I’d have higher is carry on camel as I’m a big Phil silvers fan . I really need to get the entire series very soon cheers Martin 👍

[@mpharris1999]

The complete box set is pretty cheap nowadays. I like Phil Silvers but don’t feel he fits the Carry On style.

[@holydiver73]

Here’s my ranking. Some of the places may shock, but this is purely based on how much they made me laugh, how much I enjoy them and the nostalgia I feel for them. (That’s Carry On also not included). 30 Columbus 29 Emmanuelle 28 England 27 Girls 26 Jack 25 Spying 24 Follow That Camel 23 Regardless 22 Again Doctor 21 Up the Jungle 20 Screaming 19 Cowboy 18 Teacher 17 Dick 16 Behind 15 Matron 14 Cleo 13 Up the Khyber 12 Doctor 11 Henry 10 Constable 9 Loving 8 At Your Convenience 7 Don’t Lose your Head 6 Sergeant 5 Nurse 4 Abroad 3 Cruising 2 Cabby 1 Camping

[@mpharris1999]

Very interesting, shows how there’s something for everyone with the Carry On films.

[@holydiver73]

@@mpharris1999 I watch them so often that my list may be totally different next week.

[@Skeksi_Man]

I love seeing how everyone else ranks the Carry on films.... it always baffles me how highly rated Carry on screaming is as I’ve never liked that one much. Here’s my personal ranking... 1 - Carry on doctor 2 - Carrry on Loving 3 - Carry on abroad 4 - Carry on again Doctor 5 - Carry on at your convenience 6 - Carry on camping 7 - Carry on girls 8 - Carry on behind 9 - Carry on cowboy 10 - Carry on up the jungle 11 - Carry on Matron 12 - Carry on cruising 13 - Carry on cabby 14 - Carry on Henry 15 - Carry on cleo 16 - Carry on spying 17 - Carry on dick 18 - Carry on regardless 19 - Carry jack 20 - Carry on up the khyber 22 - Carry on constable 23 - Carry on don’t lose your head 24 - Carry on nurse 25 - Carry on teacher 26 - Carry on screaming 27 - Carry on follow that camel 28 - Carry on sergeant 29 - Carry on Emanuel 30 - Carry on England 31 - Carry on Columbus Sadly the black & white carry on movies lose several places for me as I really struggle to enjoy black & white movies.... they would probably be much higher if colourised. And like you I’m not a huge fan of the historical ones so they feature kind of mid tier...

[@mpharris1999]

Interesting. What is it about B&W films you struggle with? I think Screaming is well regarded because it is a well made film that would stand up outside of the series.

[@thomasanderson2757]

Carry On Films Ranked: 1. Carry On Abroad (1972) 2. Carry On Spying (1964) 3. Carry On Up the Khyber (1968) 4. Carry On Follow That Camel (1967) 5. Carry On Cleo (1964) 6. Carry On Cruising (1962) 7. Carry On Matron (1972) 8. Carry On Camping (1969) 9. Carry On Behind (1975) 10. Carry On Sergeant (1958) 11. Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) 12. Carry On Cabby (1963) 13. Carry On Again Doctor (1969) 14. Carry On Screaming! (1966) 15. Carry On England (1976) 16. Carry On Doctor (1967) 17. Carry On Up the Jungle (1970) 18. Carry On Jack (1964) 19. Carry On Constable (1960) 20. Carry On Regardless (1961) 21. Carry On Loving (1970) 22. Carry On Don't Lose Your Head (1967) 23. Carry On Henry (1971) 24. Carry On Nurse (1959) 25. Carry On Dick (1974) 26. Carry On Cowboy (1965) 27. Carry On Girls (1973) 28. Carry On Teacher (1959) 29. That's Carry On! (1977) 30. Carry On Columbus (1992) 31. Carry On Emmannuelle (1978)

[@mpharris1999]

Very interesting

[@thisiswhereweare9006]

I love Carry on Abroad too! Very funny and underrated.

[@dlk1dlk1]

Who is the African American girl in the poster behind you? I feel as though I should know her but I can't remember her name.

[@mpharris1999]

She’s not African American, she’s British. It’s Velile Tshabalala who was in the Doctor Who Christmas special “The Next Doctor” among many other things.

[@ianhughes9928]

Hi Martin,Bit surprised "Camping" was'nt higher up the chart! Have you ever met anyone from the Carry on's when you've attended autograph sessions or comic cons or similar? Ian

[@mpharris1999]

As I said in the video, it’s let down by the ending, it was still pretty high. I’ve met a few Carry On stars. Obviously most of the big stars died quite a while ago but I’ve met June Whitfield, Leslie Phillips, Bernard Cribbins, Charles Fleischer, Shirley Eaton, Madeline Smith, Alexei Sayle, Richard Wilson, Nigel Planer, Burt Kwouk, Philip Herbert and Nicholas Parsons.

[@ianhughes9928]

That's fantastic Martin.Not sure the Carry On's would ever get made now in these PC days and definitely of their times but some wonderful comedy actors in them

[@TVGreats]

Bit worried about your number 1, but you chose the best

[@charlescrossman2225]

ILL HAVE TO CATCH A FEW MORE! LOVE THE GANG!!!

[@Ray-xh6gb]

Carry on the kyber Roy castle in it

[@TheRoger1978]

At your convenience is my favourite

[@mpharris1999]

Great choice

[@SpuktasticAudio]

My favourite Carry Ons were the early ones so it's obviously a ranking based on personal taste which is fine but has no value for me. Carry On Constable is in my Top 3, so there you go.

[@Ray-xh6gb]

Carry on screaming popular in that

[@Ryan-id1kr]

Good ranking. Here's mine. I haven't seen emmanuelle or columbus. Also not including that's carry on. 28: England 27: Behind 26: Up the jungle 25: Don't lose your head 24: Constable 23: Screaming 22: Cowboy 21: Dick 20: Nurse 19: Sergeant 18: Girls 17: Cleo 16: At your convenience 15: Again doctor 14: Cruising 13: Henry 12: Loving 11: Spying 10: Regardless 9: Follow that camel 8: Teacher 7: Jack 6: Doctor 5: Cabby 4: Matron 3: Abroad 2: Up the khyber 1: Camping

[@mpharris1999]

Very interesting

[@jackwatsonepic626]

They were all good it is hard to distinguish which is the best one even Columbus was a good one on its own it's only because there was only one original actor in it But if you put that aside it wasn't a bad film 🎥

[@Ryan-id1kr]

@@jackwatsonepic626 Yeah I like most of them but I really don't like England or Behind

[@Ryan-id1kr]

@@mpharris1999 Just out of interest, what is it you don't particularly like about the ending to carry on camping?

[@mpharris1999]

@@Ryan-id1kr It's the whole anti-hippy thing but mainly them dressing up as hippies and then "defeating" them by threading their beads together, it's just (for me) poor humour that I find cringeworthy.

[@jonbolton3376]

There aren't too many differences in our top few just i really like England, Cruising and Behind, you really like Screaming and Spying. Like you, Jacki Piper is one of my Carry On sex symbols, along with Sally Geeson.

[@mpharris1999]

That’s controversially high for England. What is it that makes you really like it?

[@holydiver73]

It’s Angela Douglas or Anita Harris for me on the Carry on Sex symbol scale. If I had to choose one, it would be Angela Douglas…..but now my brother has just shouted Valerie Leon and Imogen Haskell at me and now I’m confused.

[@kevinallen2389]

Carry on can Columbus has a USA region one dvd release ages ago. It's a rubbish carry on you can buy it on dvd on Amazon kevin

[@jonbolton3376]

I'm glad you aren't counting That's Carry On, i don't either. Right i'll show you mine and? compare it with yours. I'll start from the bottom (wherelse) 30 Columbus 29 Jack 28 Emmanuelle 27 Henry 26 Up The Jungle 25 Nurse 24 Up The Khyber 23 Cowboy 22 Spying 21 Cleo 20 Follow That Camel 19 Teacher 18 Regardless 17 Don't Lose Your Head 16 Doctor 15 Matron 14 Screaming 13 Cabby 12 Constable 11 Again Doctor 10 Dick 9 Sergeant 8 Camping 7 England 6 Behind 5 Cruising 4 Girls 3 Loving 2 At Your Convenience 1 Abroad

[@codpro627]

Up The Khyber too low and England far too high.

[@FanVarious]

I think Carry On Behind has the best theme tune.

[@mpharris1999]

It’s not one I can bring to mind immediately. I’ve always been partial to At Your Convenience with its twist on Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be.

[@comeonuirons]

Tough one - so many good ones - For me Girls would be outside Top 10 - and higher up Khyber and Cabby - Frying tonight!

[@mpharris1999]

Cabby was a tough one because I enjoy it a lot but it’s not really a Carry On.

[@thisiswhereweare9006]

‘Frying tonight!’ - Screaming.

[@jkay5877]

Carry on screaming rules.

[@mpharris1999]

It does indeed

[@russellwhite1581]

I think i would place the black and whites far higher. Especially Cabby.

[@mpharris1999]

Fair enough, I think it depends on what you want from a Carry On, Hudis or Rothwell style humour.

[@traciemarsh1611]

hello martin my 10 favourite are 1 carry on screaming 2 matron 3 dick 4 camping 5 jungle 6 doctor 7 constable 8 abroad 9 kyber 10 henry. my 2 least favourite 1 england 2 jack. but to be fair they are all funny in different ways :) the first one i saw was dont lose your head brilliant movie :) i have all the movies on dvd (including columbus) and the ones that were going to be carry ons :)

[@mpharris1999]

An interesting top 10 and I’m curious why Jack is in your bottom two. Since recording this video I’ve picked up Columbus on DVD.

[@traciemarsh1611]

@is1999 i just didnt think england and jack were very funny x

[@mpharris1999]

Ah ok, that makes sense x

[@traciemarsh1611]

@@mpharris1999 i do watch them sometimes xx

[@Thevinylscavenger]

Not politically correct? Surely not! Thing is you grow up with these and if one is on ITV3 I'll watch it before they all get banned. Maybe I should buy the box set I dunno. Nice you ran through them all. For me probably 15-20 would do. Actually I saw Columbus in the cinema and fell asleep......

[@mpharris1999]

I don’t think they are at a level where they’ll be banned just have warnings before them.

[@ALBHOY66]

apart from Screaming my ranking differs massively from yours , if it's in black & white it's genuinely funny , if it's in colour from the 60's it's good but the 70's films are all pretty poor , but i do agree with you on Jacki Piper

[@mpharris1999]

I don’t disagree that the black & white ones are genuinely funny but few of them feel like Carry On films to me. The Rank era up to Sid’s death are what I think of as “proper” Carry On films.

[@mpharris1999]

That's not what I said, just that the films made after he died don't feel like proper Carry On films. It may be connected to his death but I feel that the later ones (including a few that Sid were in) were trying too hard to compete with the more raunchy sex comedies that were being released and with fewer of the regular cast in the ones after Sid died they didn't have the subtlety in the acting to make them feel like Carry On films rather than the other more generic raunchier films. Screaming is my favourite because it's a brilliant, funny, Carry On, simple as that.

[@mpharris1999]

@@verona8144 For me, the nudity in Abroad, whilst being of a similar quantity to Behind and England, still had the typical Carry On cheekiness whereas in those films it seemed to be just there for titillation. I feel with a couple more of the regulars in it Behind would feel more Carry On to me it’s definitely borderline but England has little to redeem it for me. Cowboy is like Screaming and Spying in that it is more of a homage to a genre than the rest of the series but has enough of the Carry On humour to make it feel like a Carry On.

[@christopherwillimont8807]

Hah I've got it on dvd dude I found it on amazon

[@mpharris1999]

I presume you mean Columbus in which case so do I now but it’s still a bad release of it.

[@Ray-xh6gb]

Phil slivers is boring it does not work with him

[@manojshukla7354]

totally disagree with this list its just random

[@mpharris1999]

It’s not random, it’s my opinion. You’re welcome to disagree with it, I don’t expect everyone to have the same taste as me but to call it random is unfair. What would your ranking be?