The Pink Panther Films (From Best To Worst)

One of the greatest comedy films of all time. The murder-mystery story is interesting and there is plenty of humour. This film introduced many of the most famous elements of The Pink Panther film series such as the karate fights with Cato and Clouseau’s disgruntled boss Commissioner Dreyfus. Peter Sellers is at his best. The scenes between Clouseau and his reluctant learner Hercule are hilarious, as is Clouseau’s obsession with Maria Gambrelli. The segment with Clouseau in the nudist camp, Clouseau’s disastrous attempt at playing billiards and the endless failed assassination attempts on Clouseau are just a few of the film’s many memorable moments.

Perhaps the funniest Pink Panther film. There’s lots of over-the-top slapstick comedy. Features the most glamorous locations in the series – Gstaad and Nice. The scenes with Christopher Plummer are a little dull though. Memorable moments include Clouseau pretending to be a telephone repairman and Dreyfus in the lunatic asylum.

The most ridiculous but probably also the most fun Pink Panther movie. The story is refreshingly different and the first half of the film is hilarious. It’s great to see Herbert Lom play a more prominent role. The second half is not quite as good – too outrageous and not as funny. Best moments: Clouseau flying in the air about the cathedral in his quasimodo outfit and the world’s greatest assassins trying to kill Clouseau at the Oktoberfest.

Peter Sellers puts on more disguises than any other film. There is more fun with botched assassination attempts on Clouseau and a lot of humour is created from Dreyfus thinking Clouseau is dead. The closing act in Hong Kong is somewhat weaker than the rest of the film and is essentially just a long chase. Best moments: Clouseau returns to his home, which has been turned into a Chinese-themed brothel, and Clouseau defeats the ultra-tough Mr Chong.

More of a crime thriller than a comedy film. Peter Sellers hasn’t quite yet perfected the character of Clouseau. Nevertheless it’s very entertaining and there’s a great cast with David Niven and Robert Wagner. The costume party with the gorilla outfits and Clouseau dressed as a knight is perhaps the finest moment.

Greatly underrated. The first half is very entertaining and well put together with Herbert Lom providing lots of humour in the new footage and some amusing outtakes with Peter Sellers taken from previous films. It’s a pity that the outtakes from Return of the Pink Panther couldn’t be used. The second half with Joanna Lumley interviewing characters like Sir Charles Lytton and Hercule LaJoy from previous films makes for a nice tribute to Peter Sellers and his amazing portrayal of Inspector Clouseau.

It’s a decent attempt at a reboot with some creativity and some nice little references to the original film series like Clouseau spinning the globe. Overall it is very entertaining and quite amusing with an interesting story. Steve Martin puts in a good attempt but is nowhere near the quality of Peter Sellers’ portrayal. Look out for Jason Statham and Beyonce!

There are a few funny moments and Roger Moore’s appearance is great fun but overall the movie is not particularly entertaining. The franchise just couldn’t survive without Peter Sellers. It’s great to see all the significant characters like Dreyfus, Cato, Francois and Sir Charles Lytton involved but they are not given big enough roles.

Everything about it is inferior to the first film – the story, acting and humour. Kevin Cline was much better as Dreyfus than John Cleese.

There is only one Inspector Clouseau. This film clearly proves it. It’s not only Alan Arkin’s fault though as the writing is dreadful and simply not funny at all.

This film should not have been made. Whereas Curse had lots of returning characters, this film only has Herbert Lom and Burt Kwouk returning. A most dreadful script.