Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Life of Brian

Play trailer 2:47 Poster for 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

Where to Watch

Life of Brian

Life of Brian

What to Know

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

Critics Reviews

View More (73)
Tom Huddleston Time Out It’s still extremely funny, as quotable now as it ever was, and as searingly, eye-openingly intelligent. Rated: 5/5 Dec 12, 2024 Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) It’s a relentless onslaught of consummate comedy that’s so flawlessly crafted, it’s easy to overlook how impeccably the scenes are played. Rated: 5/5 Apr 7, 2023 Full Review Robbie Collin Kermode & Mayo's Film Review I'm desperate for another piece of comedy to do what [Life of Brian] did. Apr 26, 2019 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 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. Rated: 8/10 Nov 8, 2024 Full Review John Ferguson Radio Times 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. Rated: 5/5 Aug 17, 2024 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) With forgiveness from all condemnations, I laughed from start to finish with Life of Brian. [Full review in Spanish] Jan 18, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More (1000+)
Brent H Most people discover the world of Monty Python through traditional methods, like through their BBC sketch comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus or even their first foray into film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Not me, though. I dove headfirst into what was, and to some extent still is, Python's most controversial film, "Monty Python's Life of Brian." The film is based on the idea of a man who is born on the same day and in the next manger over from Jesus Christ. Leaning quite heavily into the consequences of the circumstances, Brian would eventually be heralded as The Messiah. What I love about this film is that it doesn't mock the life of Christ or make Him the center of the humor. The Python troupe has gone on record to state that Life Of Brian isn't a movie that mocks Jesus Christ. And if you sit down to actually watch the film, it is apparent from the very beginning. While yes, there are instances where Christ is shown or referred to, the humor revolves around a variety of factors. For example, right from the start, while showing what is obviously a reference to the Sermon on the Mount, the real humor of the scene has nothing to do with what Christ is saying. Instead, the film zeros in on the nuance of being a person of the time who is so far away from the front of the crowd that the characters have difficulty deciphering the exact wording of what is being said. While the late Graham Chapman does a wonderful job portraying the reluctant and misappropriated savior of man, Michael Palin is the absolute standout in all 12 roles he takes on, most notably as Pontius Pilate with a speech impediment. Eric Idle steals just about every scene he's in and even contributes one of the all-time greatest songs to end a film, "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life." All of the Python members shine in their own unique way, though, as each actor, including director Terry Jones, tackles multiple roles. This film serves as a commentary on humanity's approach to the idea of religion and the lengths to which they can stray from the actual message that Christ proclaimed. If you watch Life of Brian and don't walk away seeing the absurdity of the things carried out in this world in the name of Christ, then maybe watch it again. I say that as someone who has faith and belief in Christ. I'm in no way offended by the movie because I understand that the Python actors are examining those subtleties of religion that cause us to hate, start wars, and forget the original message. As if I need to add anything else to praise this film, it's quite telling that George Harrison believed in this movie so much that, according to a 2016 Rolling Stone article, after EMI balked at the potentially blasphemous subject matter and pulled financing two days before filming was to begin, Harrison put up the money so the film could be made. According to the article, Python's humor resonated deeply with him. Idle went on to say that Harrison funded the film mainly because he just wanted to see it. Oh, and if you look close enough, you'll see Harrison in a blink-and-you-will-miss-him part. I first saw The Life of Brian in 1995, and I've been quoting it among family and friends for over 30 years now. The movie had such an impact on me that I showed it to my 15-year-old son a few years ago. Go into the movie with an open mind and allow yourself to laugh at the foolishness of man. It didn't unsettle my faith, but it did strengthen my conviction in why I continue to have it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/25 Full Review Movie W 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. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/13/25 Full Review Kyle M Much like its spiritual predecessor – or chronological successor, it’s hilarious under a certain filtered gaze. But while it’s still very humorous with the subjected parody grasped in its quirky glory, it wanes as it progresses into nonsensical boredom. (B-) Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/23/25 Full Review Vince C Great film at the time. Not a lot of point in watching it now. It's hard to realise how controversial it was in 1979. In fact it wasn't for most of us, but certain members of the establishment got very hot under the collar and asked many stupid questions of the Python team. Sad to say, the Python team didn't really give intelligent enough answers. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/15/25 Full Review Anthony M Still one of the funniest, if not the funniest, films ever made. I can't see that changing in the foreseeable future either. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/02/25 Full Review Keith M Funny if you're an 18 year old.....but not on the same level as The Holy Grail. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/04/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Life of Brian

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW
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 47% 82% Up in Smoke Watchlist History of the World: Part I 61% 81% History of the World: Part I Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

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