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Monty Python and the Holy Grail

  • 1975
  • PG
  • 1h 31m
IMDb RATING
8.2/10
589K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
893
174
John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Monty Python in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
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Play trailer2:29
6 Videos
99+ Photos
FarceParodyQuestSatireSketch ComedySlapstickSword & SorceryAdventureComedyFantasy

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.

  • Directors
    • Terry Gilliam
    • Terry Jones
  • Writers
    • Graham Chapman
    • John Cleese
    • Eric Idle
  • Stars
    • Graham Chapman
    • John Cleese
    • Eric Idle
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.2/10
    589K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    893
    174
    • Directors
      • Terry Gilliam
      • Terry Jones
    • Writers
      • Graham Chapman
      • John Cleese
      • Eric Idle
    • Stars
      • Graham Chapman
      • John Cleese
      • Eric Idle
    • 894User reviews
    • 102Critic reviews
    • 91Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #159
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos6

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:29
    Trailer
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 1:01
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 1:01
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 40th Anniversary
    Trailer 2:30
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 40th Anniversary
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 3:44
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    Trailer 1:26
    Monty Python and the Holy Grail
    John C. Reilly and Steven Coogan Show Us the Real 'Stan & Ollie'
    Clip 2:04
    John C. Reilly and Steven Coogan Show Us the Real 'Stan & Ollie'

    Photos148

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    + 142
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    Top cast48

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    • Second Swallow-Savvy Guard…
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    • Directors
      • Terry Gilliam
      • Terry Jones
    • Writers
      • Graham Chapman
      • John Cleese
      • Eric Idle
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews894

    8.2588.5K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' is acclaimed for its absurdist humor, clever wordplay, and iconic characters. The film blends satire, surreal comedy, and historical parody, creating timeless appeal. Memorable scenes like the Black Knight and Bridge of Death contribute to its legacy. The ensemble cast, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, and Eric Idle, enhances the comedic impact. Despite some critiques on pacing and repetitive jokes, its innovative animation and self-referential humor solidify its status as a comedy classic.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    8josephrygaard

    Before Watching: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

    "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975) is a genius piece of British comedy. If you want to get as much out of it as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before watching:

    This movie is absolute nuts. First some cautions, though - there is some gore and blood (although so over-the-top is comedic), a few scenes which might be classified as religiously offensive, and a longer scene which is highly sexually suggestive. All these things can be uncomfortable for people that are sensitive to the respective categories and should in that case be taken into account.

    As for the rest of the movie, it is insane. Humor is usually created when there is a plot-twist that deviates from one's expectations, and in that sense, this movie is nothing but humor. Its sole purpose is to make sure the viewer never stands steady and comfortable in what to expect, and that this the only expectation one can have. If quirky yet brilliant and genius humor like this is appreciated, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is an absolute feast, and make sure to watch the Special Editions that features the short "Dentist On the Job."

    My personal grade: a hilarious 8/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.
    Infofreak

    I used to think this was the funniest movie ever made.

    Being brought up on Python going to see this movie on its original release was one of the highlights of my movie going childhood. For many years I thought 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' was the funniest movie ever made. Now over twenty five years later repetition and familiarity may not have ruined the movie completely but they have spoiled my enjoyment somewhat. Even so it's still a comedy classic and I envy anyone who is watching it for the first time. Python (Cleese, Chapman, Palin, Jones, Idle and Gilliam) were on top form throughout, and apart from one or two less successful bits it's hilarious stuff, and arguably their most consistent movie. (I still think their TV work was their best, the non-linear sketch format suiting their style more than extended pieces). Python bores can quote this verbatim but don't let them put you off. This is one wacked out romp full of fun and surprises, and still has more laughs than 90% of today's so-called comedies. Highly recommended.
    9mjw2305

    Monty Python at their best

    In the Realm of King Arthur, the Monty Python team set out on a quest to recruit the best Knights in the kingdom and find the Holy Grail.

    This is Classic Python Mayhem, where we encounter Killer rabbits, Knights who go Nee! and Horny Nuns who lure the unsuspecting in with there Grail Shaped Beacon.

    The Cast all give Typically Hilarious Performances, bringing another must see to the Python Loving Audience.

    If You Like Monty Python, you'll love it, if you don't then stay away.

    If you've never seen Monty Python before then give it a try, yes it's dated but its still great fun.

    9/10

    Also see, The Life Of Brian and The Meaning of Life
    10Manthorpe

    They could grab it by the husk.....

    King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table set out on a quest to find the Holy Grail...as told to do so by a cartoon God that lives in the clouds...

    Easily the most hilarious and original comedy ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail claims it's undisputed throne through insanely ridiculous situations and characters that will very likely never be duplicated. Pure comedic genius that doesn't go stale with age or decades of competition having been released. Simply seeing the way comedy films are made today, this film will very likely have a long reign before anything can even hold a candle to it. An absolute belly-laugh fest that never lets up.

    Only the cast of Monty Python could have pulled this film off, with each actor playing many different characters...all hilarious! The genius in the actors' lines themselves are truly to be admired. The comedic style of talking in circles is one technique that most comedies do not try to do, simply because they can't compete with the genius of this film, which uses it flawlessly. Those that do try usually fall flat on their faces. Two particularly excellent examples of this can be seen in the beginning scene, in which the characters discuss the origins of coconuts.....and the other when Lancelot breaks into the swamp castle to save the "damsel in distress." This is merely one technique that the cast has perfected to conjure up laughs consistently throughout the entire film. The only way that I can imagine that someone might not like this film is if they simply do not enjoy it's type of humor. Too bad for them.

    Another hilarious technique used in the film is the use of comedy in the background. From people slamming cats against poles for no apparent reason, to people filling up baskets with mud in the fields....all very strange and hilarious at the same time. It's also simply amazing that all of the characters are played by the same group of actors, which shows the great range all of them have. Some are simply unrecognizable from one character to the other and it sometimes takes a good eye to pick them out, which makes it fun. And I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but this film takes some turns that no sane person could see coming.

    Ridiculous characters in ridiculous situations equals ridiculous laughter.

    The epitome of all-star comedy that will no doubt continue to stand the test of time. Kudos to Gilliam and the rest of the Python crew. If you haven't seen it yet, make it your first priority in life!
    10MaxBorg89

    WHAT is the capital of Assyria? I don't know that!

    I do know, however, that Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the funniest movies ever made. Let's face it, if the Python hadn't showed up in 1969, someone would have created them by now, or the world would be a much sadder place. Alongside Life of Brian, which is the sextet's masterpiece, Holy Grail is an excellent start if you want to get addicted to their surreal humor.

    As suggested in the title, the film deals with the Arthurian stories, freely reinterpreted by the Python ensemble: after recruiting his knights, including Sir Lancelot (John Cleese), Sir Robin (Eric Idle), Sir Bedevere (Terry Jones) and Sir Galahad (Michael Palin), King Arthur (Graham Chapman) embarks on a mission from God (also Chapman, voice only though): to seek and find the Holy Grail. No need to say, the journey is going to be perilous, but also hilarious, our heroes doing their "best" to screw everything up.

    As in Life of Brian, there are so many good bits choosing just one or two feels reductive and disrespectful, given the material. It's pure comedy gold from start to finish, a non-stop gag marathon: from the mock Scandinavian subtitles in the opening credits to the argument about swallows, from the Killer Rabbit to the Black Knight and the jaw-dropping epilogue, you will keep grinning like never before (if you're unfamiliar with these comedians, that is). Actually, after some serious thinking I can select two particular sequences as particularly memorable: the Knights who say "Ni!" and the Bridge of Death. The rest of the film is ace too, but those two scenes are the ones I can't stop thinking of fondly whenever the movie is mentioned.

    Oh, and let's not forget Terry Gilliam's vital contribution: he doesn't appear that much as an actor (his Bridgekeeper is absolute genius, though), but he compensates that with the remarkable animations used to depict part of this epic adventure. Speaking of epic, this picture has one of the most brilliant tag-lines in comedy history, if not film history in general.

    Oh yes, the world wouldn't be quite the same without the Monty Python. Even the most miserable person on the planet will laugh like a lunatic after viewing any of their films.

    P.S. Ni!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Genesis all contributed to this movie's budget.
    • Goofs
      Given the fact that this movie breaks the fourth wall constantly, many crew/equipment goofs may be deliberate. In the final scene, characters even call attention to the film crew as part of the story.
    • Quotes

      King Arthur: I am your king.

      Woman: Well, I didn't vote for you.

      King Arthur: You don't vote for kings.

      Woman: Well how'd you become king then?

      [Angelic music plays...]

      King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king.

      Dennis: [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.

    • Crazy credits
      In the Special Edition DVD, at first a film called "Dentist On the Job" starts playing, and it goes up until the end of its opening credits. Then someone is heard saying that they put in the wrong film. The film stops, a quick reel change slide is put up, and then the real movie starts.
    • Alternate versions
      The 2001 special edition features alternative dialogue when Arthur and Bedevere meet Rodger the Shrubber.
    • Connections
      Edited into The Lord of the Rings (1978)
    • Soundtracks
      Camelot Song (Knights of the Round Table)
      (uncredited)

      Lyrics by Graham Chapman and John Cleese

      Music by Neil Innes

      Performed by Monty Python

      [22m]

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    FAQ23

    • How long is Monty Python and the Holy Grail?Powered by Alexa
    • Why does Tim the Enchanter all of a sudden disappear when Arthur and his knights charge at the killer rabbit?
    • What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
    • What are the differences between the theatrical cut and the Extended Cut?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 18, 1975 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • Latin
      • Swedish
    • Also known as
      • Monty Python y el santo grial
    • Filming locations
      • Castle Stalker, Appin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK(Castle of Aaaargh)
    • Production companies
      • Python (Monty) Pictures
      • Michael White Productions
      • National Film Trustee Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • £229,575 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,562,392
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $45,487
      • Jun 17, 2001
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,931,902
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 31 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono(original release)
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1(originally intended ratio)

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