Life of Brian

Play trailer

2:47

Life of Brian

R

1979

1h 33m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

73 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.

Watch on Prime Video

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Tom Huddleston

Time Out

12/12/2024

5/5

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

Go to Full Review

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

04/07/2023

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.

Go to Full Review

Robbie Collin

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

04/26/2019

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

Go to Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

11/08/2024

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.

Go to Full Review

John Ferguson

Radio Times

08/17/2024

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.

Go to Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

01/18/2024

With forgiveness from all condemnations, I laughed from start to finish with Life of Brian. [Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Johnathon W

@Hoppynsc 2d

Monty Python's sharpest film, thanks to the actors delivering a mix of brilliant performances along with a smart story that makes fun of religiosity. The troop remains brilliant, bouncing between different roles effortlessly, from a Roman Centurion to a mad prophet. Graham Chapman is especially effective a Brian, a simple man who keeps getting confusing for a prophet when he's just trying to do the right thing. Behind the camera, this is a sharp commentary on religion, not attacking Jesus but how followers misinterpret his words and beliefs. Plus, it's mixed in with some absurdist humor, from speech impediments to alien attacks. While not as funny as "Holy Grail", definitely Monty Python's smartest film.

See more

Hola C

@RT89066995 Apr 8

es una mierda, es la mayor mierda que nunca haya vistop!!!

See more

Bill Cosby T

@Maoboba69 Mar 22

Um dos meus filmes de comédia favorito 🤣🤣🤣

See more

Melissa L

@Agent99 Jan 29

I thought it was amusing, but a bit overhyped.

See more

Fire T.

@fireterrell07 Jan 27

I enjoyed this movie a lot. A classic!

See more

Michael G

@MM_Geigle Dec 28

Okay, I'm a Catholic. I go to Church TWICE a week, go to adoration, etc. etc. And I see not just cathoics, but people of all religions, complaining how this film is blaphemous. The thing is, Jesus appears TWICE in the movie AND the director was catholic. So, I'm just saying, if your catholic or athesist, muslim or hindu, WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!! It is extreamly funny and so are their 4 other films! You will start crying from laughter in some of the scenes! And remember, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"!

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Terry Jones

Director

Graham Chapman

Wise Man #2

John Cleese

Wise Man #1

Terry Gilliam

Man Even Further Forward

Terry Jones

Mandy Cohen

Michael Palin

Wise Man 3

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

86%

83%

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

Watchlist

How to Get Ahead in Advertising

65%

77%

How to Get Ahead in Advertising

Watchlist

The End

56%

51%

The End

Watchlist

Up in Smoke

45%

82%

Up in Smoke

Watchlist

History of the World: Part I

62%

81%

History of the World: Part I

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Life of Brian: Trailer 1

2:47

View more videos

View more photos

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)

Most Popular at Home Now