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

The fact that a film like Rat Race features so low on this list is testament to Atkinson's consistency of output, and largely careful approach to taking roles. The film is basically fine, but let down by inconsistent writing.

The cast is fantastic, if a little bloated in terms of major characters, featuring prominent roles for the likes of John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Seth Green, and others.

Atkinson's role is slightly problematic, playing an Italian tourist named Enrico, with all the hammy accent and wild gesticulation that this required in 2001. The film's premise is fun in principle, a kind of Ocean's Eleven meets Wacky Races as it were, but ultimately the comedy is just not particularly strong.

Enrico does actually win the titular race, which should leave him two million dollars better off, but is foiled by a narcolepsy gag which is repeated throughout the film. Eventually it is agreed the prize money should go to charity, and the credits roll as the cast unironically dance to Smash Mouth's All Star.

Despite a poor critical reception, the film would prove a relative commercial success, and has gained something of a cult following in recent years.