Life of Brian (1979)
Overview · Where to watch · Cast & crew · Reviews
He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.
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.
- Released: 1979-08-17
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Status: Released
- TMDB rating: 7.8/10 from 5,115 votes
Directed by Terry Jones.
Top cast
- Graham Chapman as Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
- John Cleese as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- Terry Gilliam as Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
- Eric Idle as Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
- Terry Jones as Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
- Michael Palin as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
- Terence Bayler as Gregory
- Carol Cleveland as Mrs. Gregory
- Kenneth Colley as Jesus
- Neil Innes as A Weedy Samaritan
Where to watch Life of Brian
- United States: stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel; watch free on The CW, Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Plex Channel; rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube; buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- United Kingdom: rent on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube; buy on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Canada: stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads; watch free on Plex; rent on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video; buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video
- Australia: rent on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube; buy on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Movies like Life of Brian
If you enjoyed Life of Brian, these movies have a similar feel:
- Fackham Hall (2025)
- The Onion Movie (2008)
- Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
- Raising Arizona (1987)
- Amazon Women on the Moon (1987)
- Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic (2005)
- Coming 2 America (2021)
- The TV Set (2007)
- The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)
- Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years (2025)
- Chris Rock: Selective Outrage (2023)
- Sextuplets (2019)
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