Every Rowan Atkinson Film & TV Project Ranked From Worst To Best

In 2007, 15 Royal Navy personnel were detained by Iranian forces in a dispute over territorial waters, amid rising tensions between the two nations. Upon their release a fortnight later, one captive would remark that he was referred to by his gaolers as "Mr. Bean", due to a very tenuous resemblance to Atkinson.

As dark a tale as this may be, it does serve to underline the global relevance that puts Bean firmly at the top of this list.

In a state where civilians have been imprisoned for dancing to Pharrell Williams, or shaking hands in public, this inescapably British series still found its way into being an important reference point in Persian culture.

And this is no accident, many classic sitcoms have limited global reach, for example, many around the world would struggle to relate to the fast paced US city lifestyle of Friends, or the workplace themes of The Office, but the simple laughs produced by Bean's trip to the swimming pool, or his travails in posting a letter are almost universal.

Few projects could eclipse the global reach of a bona fide Disney animated classic, but, owing much to a minimalist approach to dialogue, reliance on physical comedy, and relatable themes, Mr. Bean just about does it.