A Fish Called Wanda

A Fish Called Wanda

Year: 1988

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Charles Crichton

ComedyCrime

A group of criminals find themselves at odds after a diamond heist gone wrong. A seductive con artist pursues a prim and proper lawyer, complicating the already chaotic situation. Meanwhile, another accomplice becomes fixated on eliminating a bothersome witness who threatens to expose their scheme. Tensions rise and hilarious mishaps ensue as the thieves struggle to keep their plans from unraveling.

A Fish Called Wanda (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at A Fish Called Wanda (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling streets of London a crooked caper sets the stage for a comedy of errors, where sharp wit clashes with genteel propriety. The city’s rain‑slick alleys and posh offices become a playground for a motley crew whose ambitions are as grand as their egos, and the atmosphere hums with the promise of both chaos and cleverness.

George is a seasoned London gangster whose calm authority is matched only by the earnest, animal‑loving devotion of his right‑hand man Ken. Their partnership feels almost familial, a blend of street‑wise experience and nervous eccentricity that fuels the group’s daring plans. While George exudes confidence, Ken’s stutter and tender heart add a layer of endearing vulnerability to the criminal enterprise.

Across the Atlantic, the flamboyant con artist Wanda arrives with a magnetic charm that instantly disrupts the status quo, and she is accompanied by the volatile weapons specialist Otto, whose short temper and unmistakable anglophobia make him a volatile counterpart. Their chemistry crackles with forbidden attraction, and Wanda’s seductive tactics soon turn toward the prim and proper world of law, setting her sights on the restrained solicitor Archie. Though married to a respectable wife, Archie finds himself irresistibly drawn into a whirlwind of flirtation that threatens to upend his orderly life.

Meanwhile, the gang must contend with an unexpected obstacle: a tenacious witness whose testimony could unravel everything. The resulting tug‑of‑war between silencing that voice and preserving their own secrets generates a cascade of slapstick mishaps and witty banter. All of these elements combine to create a film that balances farcical moments with clever dialogue, inviting the audience to revel in the unpredictable dance of greed, love, and the absurdity of human ambition.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:39

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Heist Farce Comedies like A Fish Called Wanda

Elaborate criminal schemes unravel into hilarious chaos through bungling and betrayal.If you enjoyed the chaotic comedy of errors in A Fish Called Wanda, you'll love these movies. This list features witty crime capers and heist comedies where elaborate plans fall apart due to bumbling criminals and hilarious betrayals, all leading to uproarious outcomes.

farcicalwittychaoticuproariousmischievousdouble-crossingzany

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a straightforward heist plot that becomes complicated by the wildly different personalities and conflicting agendas within the criminal team. The story is driven by a series of escalating mistakes, misunderstandings, and deceptions that build to a frenetic climax, yet ultimately resolve in a satisfying and humorous conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a unique blend of criminal stakes and comedic absurdity. They feature fast-paced, witty dialogue, a farcical tone that turns tension into laughter, and a focus on the humorous fallout of plans gone awry, rather than the grim consequences of crime.

Eccentric Ensemble Comedies similar to A Fish Called Wanda

Mismatched criminals clash in a whirlwind of personalities, deceptions, and humor.Fans of the character-driven chaos in A Fish Called Wanda will enjoy these movies. Discover similar comedies featuring a hilarious ensemble of mismatched criminals and eccentrics, whose interactions and double-crosses create a witty and farcical chain of events.

ensemble castwittycharacter-drivenmischievousfarcicalchaoticeccentric

Narrative Summary

The narrative is propelled by the interactions within a core ensemble of characters, each with a distinct and often exaggerated personality trait or motive. The plot complexity arises from the web of relationships and deceptions between them, leading to a comedy of errors where personal agendas constantly sabotage the group's goal.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their focus on a charismatic, dysfunctional ensemble as the primary source of both conflict and comedy. They share a fast pace, a light tone that finds humor in betrayal, and a structure where character dynamics drive the plot forward in unpredictable and hilarious ways.

Unlock the Full Story of A Fish Called Wanda

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Fish Called Wanda in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Fish Called Wanda is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Fish Called Wanda Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Fish Called Wanda, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Fish Called Wanda Summary

A Fish Called Wanda Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Fish Called Wanda with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Fish Called Wanda Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Fish Called Wanda

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Fish Called Wanda. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Fish Called Wanda

More About A Fish Called Wanda

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Fish Called Wanda: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Fish Called Wanda

Similar Movies to A Fish Called Wanda

Discover movies like A Fish Called Wanda that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.