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The Meaning of Life
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The Meaning of Life

1983
Comedy
Musical
1h 47m
The comedy team takes a look at life in all its stages in their own uniquely silly way. (imdb)
Directed by:
Terry Gilliam Terry Gilliam Terry Jones Terry Jones
+1 more
Written by:
John Cleese John Cleese Terry Gilliam Terry Gilliam Graham Chapman Graham Chapman Terry Jones Terry Jones
+3 more
Starring:
John Cleese John Cleese Michael Palin Michael Palin Terry Gilliam Terry Gilliam Matt Frewer Matt Frewer Eric Idle Eric Idle Graham Chapman Graham Chapman Terry Jones Terry Jones Carol Cleveland Carol Cleveland Patricia Quinn Patricia Quinn Simon Jones Andrew MacLachlan Judy Loe
More
Franchise:
Monty Python
Genres:
Comedy, Musical
AKA:
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Country:
UK
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Meaning of Life

1983
Comedy
Musical
1h 47m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 61.73% from 5979 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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jimmynmujimmynmu
Rated 28 Jan 2007
77
71st
More like an episode of flying circus rather then a film, but still funny. Not as good as the Life of Brian and Holy Grail partly because it doesn't have a story.
Rated 28 Jan 2007
triffidtriffid
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
18th
As much as I love Monty Python, "The Meaning of Life" doesn't really work as a film. There are some moments of brilliance ("Every sperm is sacred" is incredible), but the rest of it is too fragmented and sometimes just plain unfunny.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 31 Jul 2009
81
86th
Never understand those who see this as the weakest Python movie. Genuinely hilarious. "Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations".
Rated 31 Jul 2009
arkadiaarkadia
Rated 15 Apr 2009
70
46th
A couple of funny sketches (I love the battlefield one) and two great songs among a whole lot of boringness. The best parts may be the opening credits and the simple closing message.
Rated 15 Apr 2009
magbMagb
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
39th
Not bad, but it isn't half as funny as Holy Grail and the satire doesn't work as well as that of Life of Brian. Whether it's because of the much-cited disjointedness or because the material just isn't as good, I can't quite say. But then, any movie that has both "Every Sperm Is Sacred" and the "Galaxy Song" can't be all bad. And it isn't.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 29 Mar 2011
85
80th
I hope heaven is actually like that.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
doctor7doctor7
Rated 03 May 2009
76
64th
Certainly more of a critique than a comedy but still delivers plenty of laughs. Though I think you have to have actually experienced what they're refercing to fully appreciate the humour of it. While I think it's definitely the weakest of the Monty Python films it's still entertaining as long as you're not easily offended.
Rated 03 May 2009
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 14 Aug 2007
58
48th
A bit disappointing coming from the people who made Life of Brian, as well as the Holy Grail.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
rufamRufam
Rated 29 Mar 2011
75
72nd
Not as consistently funny as "The Holy Grail", although even more hysterical, "The Meaning of Life" is nevertheless an audacious, wacky and occasionally laugh-out-loud hilarious parody. In the end, you may have learned nothing about the meaning of life, but it's a hugely entertaining experience, exquisitely balancing between vitriolic wit and gross-out grandiosity. And although several of the segments in the first part don't quite work, there are too many priceless moments here to dismiss it.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
joojooJooJoo
Rated 05 May 2008
5
80th
I love the progression of sketches here; it took a few rewatches but I'm convinced that the opening segment is a genius slice of Gilliam distraction from the typical format. The musical numbers are highlights - elaborate and clever to an absurd degree.
Rated 05 May 2008
omicron91Omicron91
Rated 15 Oct 2008
90
75th
Just so bizarre and awesome.
Rated 15 Oct 2008
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 28 Jan 2010
81
48th
Spotty, but very funny in parts.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
hankhank
Rated 20 Jul 2008
65
28th
Great songs, but a little drawn out and random. Some not-funny stuff.
Rated 20 Jul 2008
prowlerprowler
Rated 30 Aug 2008
67
65th
no brian or grail, but it's still monty python
Rated 30 Aug 2008
fenixdownfenixdown
Rated 17 Jul 2009
71
39th
Definitely the most sketchy of the Python films. Some of the sketches work, and some don't.
Rated 17 Jul 2009
tathieltathiel
Rated 28 Sep 2008
85
84th
I'm a Python fan, hence I like it, but it's not one of their best movies. There are some really good ideas, funny, but it was weaker than all the others.
Rated 28 Sep 2008
fuzzleshnopsfuzzleshnops
Rated 20 May 2020
84
69th
My favorite part was when Eric Idle pops out of the fridge and Willy Wonka-style sings about the cosmos to a transvestite Terry Jones who is awe-stricken... before she gets her liver taken out alive by a straight-playing (instead of the usual silly) John Cleese.
Rated 20 May 2020
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 10 Sep 2009
73
76th
Still daring and original, but not quite funny as the Holy Grail and Life of Brian. The short feature The Crimson Permanent Assurance might be the best thing here.
Rated 10 Sep 2009
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
62
20th
Firstly, the sketch format just doesn't work for a full-length picture. Secondly, the movie relies too heavily on shock value, as if the aging Pythons were desperate to show they were still naughty and edgy. There are funny bits, but on the whole there's not enough laughs.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kasperlKasperL
Rated 11 Nov 2017
60
50th
Uneven as hell, but every time I was just about to write it off for being too dated, silly or strange, something ingenious (sometimes flat-out brilliant) would come along.
Rated 11 Nov 2017
chemical404chemical404
Rated 18 Oct 2009
65
71st
Philosophy, sex, vomit, absurdity, surrealism and satire - everything is well mixed in this film by the creative minds that are behind the Monty Python's name. More a bunch of loosely connected sketches than a real movie it really is a mixed bag. Some bits are almost genius while others are just plain stupid.
Rated 18 Oct 2009
anselmi86Anselmi86
Rated 27 Jul 2009
62
40th
Definitely worth seeing for the scene in which the young kids get destroyed in the rugby match.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
fuzzixfuzzix
Rated 12 Jan 2008
95
99th
The actual, real meaning of life!
Rated 12 Jan 2008
spamhead80spamhead80
Rated 13 Mar 2008
92
93rd
If you don't love "Every Sperm is Sacred" you are dead inside.
Rated 13 Mar 2008
egregiusEgregius
Rated 04 Sep 2020
73
25th
The unfunny one. Still worth it for a few of the sketches, but being a mix of funny and unfunny sketches is essentially where it went all wrong to begin with.
Rated 04 Sep 2020
nunstranglernunstrangler
Rated 16 Mar 2009
71
60th
Funny, technically impressive film.
Rated 16 Mar 2009
purgatospurgatos
Rated 10 May 2008
50
16th
A couple of good jokes but mostly just boring.
Rated 10 May 2008
eveeluneveelun
Rated 28 Nov 2007
63
26th
Some great stuff here (e.g. the opening sequence, "Every Sperm is Sacred") but it's not consistent and the sketch format doesn't translate to film as well as Python's previous narrative features.
Rated 28 Nov 2007
dustydDustyd
Rated 15 Sep 2007
60
39th
Weakest material from the troop still has it' share of wit and laughs.
Rated 15 Sep 2007
nandorizzinandorizzi
Rated 27 May 2008
65
52nd
The most weak of the movies of Monty Python. But that does not mean anything because everyone is good.
Rated 27 May 2008
rodbegbierodbegbie
Rated 26 Jan 2007
70
38th
Has its moments, but also drags at times. Definitely no "Life of Brian"
Rated 26 Jan 2007
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 27 Oct 2008
50
27th
very hit and miss, very.
Rated 27 Oct 2008
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 29 Apr 2009
91
89th
Hilarious the entire way through.
Rated 29 Apr 2009
goldblumingGoldbluming
Rated 27 Jul 2014
72
44th
About 40% good. Many of the skits, instead of being witty parodies or comedic observations, are silly nonsense that are not very much entertaining and at times cringe worthy.
Rated 27 Jul 2014
ofallpiecesofallpieces
Rated 31 May 2008
75
42nd
Monty Python strikes again. Nothing these man churn out ever turns out wrong. Extremely funny, as always. Another hit.
Rated 31 May 2008
parrotparrot_
Rated 31 Jul 2009
81
38th
Very hit-and-miss. Every Sperm is Sacred is hilarious, the "sex-ed" bit overstayed its welcome-best watched with a good fast-foward button for when the jokes start getting old.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
closefriendCloseFriend
Rated 25 Mar 2018
52
24th
This reminds me less of Monty Python's other material than it reminds me of the Kentucky Fried Movie: so discursive that it becomes extremely hit-or-miss, with the misses dominating. Idle's and Palin's musical numbers become oases of humor between long stretches of one-joke sketches that fall on their collective ass. It never bodes well when the tits become the highlight of a comedy film.
Rated 25 Mar 2018
fudgiebfudgieb
Rated 22 Jul 2007
83
50th
My favorite of the Monty Python movies. Every Sperm is Sacred has led to many an argument with my Catholic wife.
Rated 22 Jul 2007
mselwaymselway
Rated 21 Dec 2012
85
35th
Classic Python. A series of mini films making the whole.
Rated 21 Dec 2012
sophiesophie
Rated 08 Apr 2008
80
81st
The fat guy. I love that part.
Rated 08 Apr 2008
muttermutter
Rated 06 Mar 2014
50
29th
Mr Creosote is one of the best sketches I have ever seen, but many of the others, although clever, can be rather drawn out. Good soundtrack.
Rated 06 Mar 2014
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
74th
Every sperm is sacred.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
garlonussGarlonuss
Rated 20 Oct 2008
57
5th
As with all Monty Python output, this one is extremely unusual and off the wall. There are some funny moments but the raunchier moments kind of brought it down for me.
Rated 20 Oct 2008
meerkatmeerkat
Rated 14 Nov 2007
85
66th
Brilliantly, scathingly hilarious. The last half star is for the intro "feature" alone. That, and "Birth: The Third World" are my absolute favorites parts, but I have far too many beloved lines to quote them here.
Rated 14 Nov 2007
overratedoverrated
Rated 19 Jan 2010
66
72nd
Gets a lot of hate but for me the most fun, in large part because it's the least quoted.
Rated 19 Jan 2010
tangvampireTangVampire
Rated 01 Jun 2008
90
60th
Ahahaha. Oh this movie.
Rated 01 Jun 2008
neonmanNeonman
Rated 30 May 2013
97
99th
Brilliantly sardonic, snide, sly, sarcastic, satirical, and sometimes sexy (and mostly chauvinistic), all in the brilliant Monty Python style, with the best of '80s effects, the best of British humour, and classic scene after classic scene travelling through life (as a film), trying to find meaning in an existence made meaningless. I don't normally highly regard comedies in the medium of film, but this is a huge exception.
Rated 30 May 2013
letskillrobotsletskillrobots
Rated 03 Aug 2016
15
40th
Did not explain anything
Rated 03 Aug 2016
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 12 Dec 2006
79
57th
Yes, it's very hit and miss, but the hits are among Monty python's best stuff so the mediocre parts can be forgiven.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
recklessmessrecklessmess
Rated 11 Feb 2008
85
87th
Paper-thin wafer?
Rated 11 Feb 2008
chrisaugustchrisaugust
Rated 22 Mar 2008
80
69th
One of my favorite Monty Pythons.
Rated 22 Mar 2008
battletoadBattleToad
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
76th
The Meaning of Life is some of Monty Python's best work. It's more sketch driven than The Holy Grail or Life of Brian, but the theme that ties everything together makes for a nice string of laughs that winds throughout the film. Really good!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kavkav
Rated 12 Jul 2008
68
47th
Just a load of sketches strung together. Some of them are inspired, some are not so great.
Rated 12 Jul 2008
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 25 Sep 2010
70
79th
Doesn't quite match up to the other MP films but still plenty of laughs.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
timecapsuleTimeCapsule
Rated 27 Feb 2017
86
90th
Monty Python's third feature film is the best example of the legendary group's sketch comedy brilliance put on the big screen. The loose story structure allows the group to do all kinds of different bits forming a kinda mosaic of commentaries on life.
Rated 27 Feb 2017
dawdlingpoetDawdlingPoet
Rated 27 Nov 2019
60
28th
This is more a long sketch show than a film with a traditional narrative as such, although it is split into different 'parts', a bit like a play maybe? if you know of Monty Pythons TV shows then you'll have a good idea of what to expect. I personally prefer 'The Life of Brian' to this. This film was a bit too wacky/'out of the box' for my personal taste. If your a fan of Monty Python then you'll likely enjoy this but it won't suit all, I'd say. I wouldn't expressly recommend it as such, no.
Rated 27 Nov 2019
bzymusbzymus
Rated 19 Apr 2023
96
98th
audiovisual 96 acting 100 overall feeling 92 avg 96
Rated 19 Apr 2023
altf4altf4
Rated 28 Dec 2007
82
75th
monty python is one of those good things
Rated 28 Dec 2007
scurryscurry
Rated 22 Jan 2008
45
44th
Too pretentious. Possibly hasn't aged so well. You can tell they were past their prime.
Rated 22 Jan 2008
pepsi_manPepsi-Man
Rated 20 Jul 2009
3
74th
Not the Python's best, but one could certainly do worse.
Rated 20 Jul 2009
kirjatKirjat
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
85th
The movie looks like sketches, but in fact it is a harmonic compilation. Ideas and jokes for ten films. Mr. Creosote alone would get 80 from me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kavuKavu
Rated 14 Jan 2008
87
89th
Not as good as The Holy Grail but still very funny. Brilliant job by the team.
Rated 14 Jan 2008
kingarturoKingArturo
Rated 22 Jan 2021
100
98th
A masterpiece, there's not a second you can predict while watching this movie.
Rated 22 Jan 2021
teeceeteecee
Rated 16 Sep 2008
60
89th
ikke den bedste Monty P.
Rated 16 Sep 2008
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 14 Jul 2009
90
93rd
I lol'd
Rated 14 Jul 2009
ivytivyt
Rated 07 Apr 2009
70
71st
Funny, weird, entertaining. More songs than I expected, but oh well most of the songs are funny. The humor is still in the same style, but upped to the highest degree and its still damn funny, better than most comedy shit coming out today.
Rated 07 Apr 2009
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 12 Aug 2015
82
63rd
I'd rather be watching this movie, than be marching up and down the square. It's a really fun movie, and not all the skits are great but there are some really classic ones. I'm always impressed by the animation sequences of the Monty Python movies. I also liked the short film at the beginning. This comedy group is so creative to turn a finance building into a pirate ship. I also love the songs they put into their films...
Rated 12 Aug 2015
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 13 Nov 2014
85
91st
Very episodic and all over the place but so consistently hilarious I don't really mind.
Rated 13 Nov 2014
kdevinekdevine
Rated 19 Sep 2007
75
17th
Better movies have been made by these guys
Rated 19 Sep 2007
mlightle3mlightle3
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
70th
I was raised on Monty Python, and I'd be lying if I said this movie didn't directly affect me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
fragolafragola
Rated 16 Jul 2011
95
70th
Great, Great, Great.
Rated 16 Jul 2011
wicheWiche
Rated 13 Jul 2008
17
3rd
Some people watch this 30 times and are still laughing.. But I really don't see what's so special about this. Really not my kind of humor I'm afraid.
Rated 13 Jul 2008
khyronKhyron
Rated 30 Jun 2008
94
88th
A bunch of skits, but what a bunch. Brilliant. IF you love Python you know it already. If you don't love Python check it out. THis will convert you or divert you forever either way.
Rated 30 Jun 2008
chiliChili
Rated 30 Mar 2008
85
68th
While it certainly isn't Python's best, Meaning of Life certainly has enough memorable moments to make it a worthwhile watch.
Rated 30 Mar 2008
la_bohemela boheme
Rated 02 Mar 2008
85
82nd
A glorified, big budget version of the stream-of-conciousness style sketches found in Flying Circus that doesn't quite match the level of humour found in the group's earlier works. Despite an out-of-place beginning, it's still rather funny and a couple of the later sketches provoke meaningful thought.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
casawarrycasawarry
Rated 26 Feb 2009
60
62nd
Monty Python?
Rated 26 Feb 2009
astroduckAstroduck
Rated 28 Apr 2009
90
66th
I wonder where that fish could be?!
Rated 28 Apr 2009
omniavanitasOmniaVanitas
Rated 20 May 2023
7
48th
The high points are some of the funniest Monty Python sketches for me, but it's uneven at times.
Rated 20 May 2023
tripleshTripleSH
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
90th
So may classic scenes in this series of shorts by the genius comedy troupe of Monty Python. I'm the first to admit British humor (or humour) isn't for everyone, but I think if you're going to like one movie out of this bunch, this is it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
facsimileFacsimile
Rated 23 Sep 2020
100
94th
What can I say? Not only is the meaning of life hilarious, but it also manages to portray the absurdity of human life perfectly. Funny and thought provoking at the same time, the meaning of life is a film that against all odds, and perhaps even without intending to so, succeeds in staying true to it's title.
Rated 23 Sep 2020
orcunyondemorcunyondem
Rated 02 Apr 2019
96
94th
It's all connected so well that it tought me a good lesson. The short movie at the beginning looked irrevelant yet just wow. I only didn't like the songs, they're not bad, they're just unnecessary and annoying. You may expect it to be annoying because it's Monty Python but it's not that kinda annoying. Still, the movie is almost perfect.
Rated 02 Apr 2019
metalhankmetalhank
Rated 26 Feb 2019
78
92nd
This Monty Python flick is more like the series than any of the the other films, it is more of a collection of relatable skits. There is some gut busting funny shit in here to be enjoyed.
Rated 26 Feb 2019
jacoiiiJacoIII
Rated 18 Apr 2009
40
54th
In my opinion, this film contains the funniest Monty Python moments ever put on film. Does that mean it's a great movie? Not really, but it would make a great series of YouTube videos. The short feature at the beginning is alone worth the price of admission.
Rated 18 Apr 2009
htimanhtiman
Rated 26 Nov 2014
65
30th
This movie didn't give me many laughs, but its was bizarre in an interesting way. Its worth a watch just for how weird it is.
Rated 26 Nov 2014
shephardShephard
Rated 26 Oct 2007
69
74th
Very funny.
Rated 26 Oct 2007
batface89batface89
Rated 28 Jul 2008
96
94th
Awesomely funny, classic. Must-see film.
Rated 28 Jul 2008
kruz01Kruz01
Rated 19 Aug 2009
90
78th
If you don't get it I don't get you.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
gritGrit
Rated 20 Mar 2007
76
82nd
Notably the weakest of the Python films, but still damn good.
Rated 20 Mar 2007
ryanscoomerRyanscoomer
Rated 23 Apr 2009
20
15th
I hate Monty Python.
Rated 23 Apr 2009
mrratMrRat
Rated 15 Jun 2012
75
23rd
My least favourite of the Python Movies as it is little more than a series of sketches with very little coherence behinf it.
Rated 15 Jun 2012
foenixFoenix
Rated 18 May 2008
90
81st
One of the most absurd films ever made.
Rated 18 May 2008
florvdeFlorVdE
Rated 18 Feb 2007
4
87th
More a sequence of sketches than a movie, but I'm not complaining.
Rated 18 Feb 2007
jeffersonicjeffersonic
Rated 17 Oct 2007
86
52nd
Not my favorite Python movie, but a definite winner.
Rated 17 Oct 2007
woodoowoodoo
Rated 25 Jan 2010
80
44th
Rambling, uneven, funny as hell.
Rated 25 Jan 2010
rthornhillrthornhill
Rated 26 Mar 2009
93
85th
A funny and irreverent look at life. Recommended.
Rated 26 Mar 2009
tearsofashtearsofash
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
97th
I like this one a lot because it's present-day. It makes fun of all of us in Monty Python's own special way.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
stainStain
Rated 18 May 2008
100
95th
It's Python, of course it's great
Rated 18 May 2008
droplet00Droplet00
Rated 21 Jun 2008
80
23rd
Liked it. I'm a nerd.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
gattGatt
Rated 19 Aug 2009
100
97th
Oh it's only whaaafer thin!
Rated 19 Aug 2009
servantdagonServantDagon
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
64th
Surely one of Python's lesser efforts, but by no means a bad film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007

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