Life of Brian
“He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
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Type: Featurette • Published 2026-09-15
Top Cast
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Graham Chapman
Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
John Cleese
Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
Terry Gilliam
Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
Eric Idle
Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
Terry Jones
Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
Michael Palin
Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Terence Bayler
Gregory
Carol Cleveland
Mrs. Gregory
Kenneth Colley
Jesus
Neil Innes
A Weedy Samaritan
Charles McKeown
False Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
John Young
Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
Gwen Taylor
Mrs. Big Nose
Sue Jones-Davies
Judith Iscariot
Peter Brett
John Case
Pilate's Wife
Chris Langham
Alfonso / Giggling Guard
Andrew MacLachlan
Another Official Stoners Helper / Giggling Guard
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 17, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 1, 1990
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$4M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$20.8M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
5.21x
+$16.8M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Terry Jones
- Screenplay & Story
- Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Michael Palin
- Original Score
- Geoffrey Burgon
- Original Title
- Life of Brian
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English, Latin
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Production Budget
- $4M
- Worldwide Gross
- $20.8M
- Production Studios
- Handmade Films, Python (Monty) Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Terry Jones
Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Michael Palin
Geoffrey Burgon
Peter Biziou
Julian Doyle
John Goldstone, Denis O'Brien, George Harrison, Tarak Ben Ammar
Department Leadership Roster
Charles Knode
Costume Design
Terry Gilliam
Screenplay
John Cleese
Screenplay
John Goldstone
Producer
Julian Doyle
Editor
Geoffrey Burgon
Original Music Composer
Hazel Pethig
Costume Design
Terry Jones
Screenplay
Graham Chapman
Screenplay
Peter Biziou
Director of Photography
Terry Gilliam
Production Design
Terry Jones
Director
Eric Idle
Screenplay
Michael Palin
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Life of Brian.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Life of Brian.
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I watch way too much but not everything till the end.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Life of Brian
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Life of Brian about?
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.
Who directed Life of Brian?
Life of Brian was directed by Terry Jones.
Who stars in Life of Brian?
The principal cast of Life of Brian includes Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones.
When was Life of Brian released and how long is it?
Life of Brian was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.
What was the box office and production budget of Life of Brian?
Life of Brian had a reported production budget of $4M and grossed $20.8M at the worldwide box office (5.21 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Life of Brian?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Life of Brian was composed by Geoffrey Burgon.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Life of Brian?
Life of Brian holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); 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.).