Life of Brian
1979 | 94 min | Comedy
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (96%) and audiences rate it highly (7.8/10), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Have you seen it?
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Brian Cohen 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, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.8/10 from 5K viewers
- AwardsWeak
No major awards or nominations on record
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$21 million worldwide on a $4 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
Measured from current popularity
Where to watch in US
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
Peacock Premium
TCM
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Peacock Premium Plus
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel
The CW
Kanopy
Fawesome
The Roku ChannelThe CW
Pluto TV
Shout! Factory TV
Plex
Plex ChannelRent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Trailer
Cast & crew
Directed by Terry Jones
- Graham ChapmanWise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
- John CleeseWise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- Terry GilliamMan Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
- Eric IdleMr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
- Terry JonesMandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
- Michael PalinWise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
- Terence BaylerGregory
- Carol ClevelandMrs. Gregory
- Kenneth ColleyJesus
- Neil InnesA Weedy Samaritan