Life of Brian

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2:47

Life of Brian

R

1979

1h 33m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

74 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman) is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother (Terry Jones), the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin) and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.

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Critics Consensus

One of the more cutting-edge films of the 1970s, this religious farce from the classic comedy troupe is as poignant as it is funny and satirical.

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Tom Huddleston

Time Out

Dec 12, 2024

5/5

It’s still extremely funny, as quotable now as it ever was, and as searingly, eye-openingly intelligent.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Apr 7, 2023

5/5

It’s a relentless onslaught of consummate comedy that’s so flawlessly crafted, it’s easy to overlook how impeccably the scenes are played.

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Robbie Collin

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

Apr 26, 2019

I'm desperate for another piece of comedy to do what [Life of Brian] did.

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Chris Barsanti

PopMatters

Apr 22, 2026

9/10

The jokes bristle with ideas about the absurdity of dogma and obedience to power, but the Pythons didn’t care about making audiences angry over religious hypocrisy.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Nov 8, 2024

8/10

A considerably effective parody, particularly as it sends up the arbitrary interpretation of signs and symbols, the follies of blind faith, and the atrocities conducted in the name of religion.

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John Ferguson

Radio Times

Aug 17, 2024

5/5

This inspired send-up of religious epics was surrounded by controversy on its release, but it is, nevertheless, the Monty Python team's most assured and satisfying cinematic work.

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Mark H

@RT87208984 Aug 30, 2026

One of the best films ever. Funny, smart, goofy, a cut above the other Python films for me.... Right from the start all the way thru, quotable moments of comedic genius.

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Omar M

@RT89873234 Jul 27, 2026

One of the top funniest movies of all time. Nothing beats it.

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Greig A

@RT96107346 Jul 20, 2026

Hands down one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. I didn't stop laughing the entire time.

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Nicholas P

@RT88054743 Jul 19, 2026

Look on the bright side of life.

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Stephen C

@steve989 Jul 5, 2026

as an irishman, this is virtually perfect. i hope all people on this planet can see the beauty and message in this film. thank you george harrison

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Evan M

@Evangate Apr 27, 2026

Hilarious, blasphemous, endlessly quotable, and proof that when everyone starts following the crowd, somebody should probably yell, "What the fuck are you doing?"

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Synopsis

Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman) is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother (Terry Jones), the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin) and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.

Director: Terry Jones
Producer: John Goldstone
Screenwriter: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
Distributor: Warner Bros., Criterion Collection, Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Python (Monty) Pictures Limited, Handmade Films
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 1979, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 18, 2019
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 25, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $150.2K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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