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The Death of Stalin poster
7.0 / 10(2,262 votes)IMDbR20171h 47m$24.6M Worldwide GrossBelgium, Canada, France, United Kingdom, United States of America

The Death of Stalin

“He’s dead, and the backstabbing has just begun.”

Synopsis

When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government?

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Official Red Band Theatrical TrailerOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2018-03-13

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Dubai International Film Festival

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

March 9, 2018

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Digital Streaming Debut

April 5, 2024

VOD & Digital Platforms

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

August 16, 2018

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedBudget Recovered (1.89x ROI)

Production Budget

$13M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$24.6M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

1.89x

+$11.6M net gain

Theatrical Status

Budget Return

Box office tier

Budget: $13MWorldwide: $24.6M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Armando Iannucci
Screenplay & Story
Fabien Nury, David Schneider, Ian Martin, Armando Iannucci
Original Score
Christopher Willis
Original Title
The Death of Stalin
Country of Origin
Belgium, Canada, France, United Kingdom, United States of America
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 47m
Production Budget
$13M
Worldwide Gross
$24.6M
Production Studios
Gaumont, Quad Productions, Main Journey, France 3 Cinéma, La Compagnie Cinématographique, Panache Productions, AFPI, Title Media, Free Range Films

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Armando Iannucci

Screenplay & Story

Fabien Nury, David Schneider, Ian Martin, Armando Iannucci, Thierry Robin

Original Score & Music

Christopher Willis

Director of Photography

Zac Nicholson

Film Editing

Peter Lambert

Producers

Kevin Loader, Laurent Zeitoun, Yann Zenou, Nicolas Duval Adassovsky, Jean-Christophe Colson

Literary Origin & Source Material
Comic Book:Thierry RobinComic Book:Fabien Nury

Department Leadership Roster

Fabien Nury

Screenplay

Kevin Loader

Producer

Armando Iannucci

Armando Iannucci

Director

David Schneider

David Schneider

Screenplay

Ian Martin

Screenplay

Laurent Zeitoun

Laurent Zeitoun

Producer

Yann Zenou

Yann Zenou

Producer

Armando Iannucci

Armando Iannucci

Screenplay

Nicolas Duval Adassovsky

Nicolas Duval Adassovsky

Producer

Peter Lambert

Editor

Cristina Casali

Production Design

Christopher Willis

Original Music Composer

Zac Nicholson

Zac Nicholson

Director of Photography

Suzie Harman

Costume Design

Ronald Grauer

Visual Effects Supervisor

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)MA15+

Mature Accompanied — Restricted to persons 15 and older.

CanadaR
Germany (FSK)12

FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.

France (CNC)U

Tous publics — Universal audience.

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Death of Stalin.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Death of Stalin

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The Death of Stalin about?

When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government?

Who directed The Death of Stalin?

The Death of Stalin was directed by Armando Iannucci.

Who stars in The Death of Stalin?

The principal cast of The Death of Stalin includes Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jeffrey Tambor, Jason Isaacs, Michael Palin.

When was The Death of Stalin released and how long is it?

The Death of Stalin was released in 2017 with a total runtime of 1h 47m.

What was the box office and production budget of The Death of Stalin?

The Death of Stalin had a reported production budget of $13M and grossed $24.6M at the worldwide box office (1.89 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).

Who composed the musical score for The Death of Stalin?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The Death of Stalin was composed by Christopher Willis.

Is The Death of Stalin based on a book or true story?

The Death of Stalin is adapted from the following source material: Comic Book: "Thierry Robin", Comic Book: "Fabien Nury".

What is the age rating and content advisory for The Death of Stalin?

The Death of Stalin holds official age classifications: AU: MA15+ (Mature Accompanied — Restricted to persons 15 and older.); CA: R; DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).