Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic comedy has innuendo, cartoonish violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a hilarious classic that balances clever writing with absurdity, featuring iconic sketches and a unique style of humor that resonates with both teens and adults. While many appreciate its charm, some reviews express concerns about some dark humor and sexual innuendo, suggesting parental discretion when introducing it to younger audiences.
- classic comedy
- clever writing
- absurd humor
- parental discretion
- teen appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 150 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie is often considered a hilarious classic filled with absurd British humor and memorable scenes, it contains some content that may not be suitable for younger audiences, such as sexual innuendos and comical violence with fake blood. Many suggest that certain scenes could be skipped to make it more family-friendly, and although some found it edgy, most agree it's a must-watch for older kids and adults who appreciate clever comedy.
- comedy classic
- outrageous humor
- skip certain scenes
- inappropriate content
- absurd violence
- suitable for older audiences
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, God -- animated and annoyed -- wants King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his men to find the Holy Grail, so off they go, facing killer rabbits, seductive vestal virgins, rude Frenchmen, a bloodthirsty torso, and other silly characters on their not-so-epic quest.
Is It Any Good?
Many comedies don't age well -- the jokes, gags, and even the actors all become dated. That can't be said of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which is still as hilarious as it always was -- though its stereotypes may be jarring for some. The legendary British comedy troupe (including Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin) performs its own loony version of the King Arthur legend. But don't expect swashbuckling heroes on horses. Instead, Arthur (Chapman) and his knights trot along sans horses while someone makes galloping noises with two coconuts. It would spoil the fun to give away more of the memorable gags; they're nearly nonstop and need to be experienced, not explained. But look out for the side-splitting scenes with the Black Knight, the shrubbery bit, and the father of a rather hesitant groom.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the all-time best comedies that families with older kids can enjoy together (for Sir Galahad's bawdy run-in with the vestal virgins, you can always skip forward by a few minutes). And with all the quotable bits, it's only a matter of time before kids are saying "Ni!" and "It's just a flesh wound."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way Monty Python and the Holy Grail lampoons the King Arthur legend. Can you think of other parodies of classic epic tales? How do they compare?
How is violence shown in this movie? How is it exaggerated for humorous effect?
How does the movie find humor in the misery and suffering that occurred during the Middle Ages?
How does the film portray women? What are some of the stereotypes used? Do you think the comedy comes across as poking fun at stereotypes or at women themselves?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 11, 1975
- On DVD or streaming : October 23, 2001
- Cast : Eric Idle , Graham Chapman , John Cleese
- Directors : Terry Gilliam , Terry Jones
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 12, 2026
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