Common Sense Media Review
Fantasy comedy from Monty Python alum has dark humor, peril.
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Time Bandits
What's the Story?
In TIME BANDITS, young Kevin (Craig Warnock) is fascinated by history, but his materialistic parents are too busy planning their dream kitchen to pay attention. When a group of bickering men miraculously appears in Kevin's bedroom, he's in for the history lesson of his life. The time travelers are former employees of the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson) who have stolen his map of time and space and plan to loot history of its greatest treasures. Kevin joins them through a time hole, and is soon rubbing shoulders with such luminaries as Napoleon (Ian Holm), Robin Hood (John Cleese), and Agamemnon (Sean Connery), as well as giants and ogres. The Evil Genius (David Warner), the Supreme Being's nasty rival, watches the group from a bubbling cauldron with an eye on stealing the map for himself so he can destroy the world.
Is It Any Good?
This enjoyable romp appeals to the adventurous child in everyone. Directed by Monty Python's Flying Circus animator Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits takes its young hero on an absurdist tour through various times and places in history. A considerable vein of dark humor and irreverence runs through the movie, giving it a sharp edge not often found in kids' fantasy films.
The unique look and special effects are impressive and imaginative, but the plot and characters can be inconsistent—and the satire is frequently harsh. Seldom will you find suicidal ideation and flippant deaths mined for humor in a family movie these days. But older kids may find such gags hilarious, and the film's virtues easily outweigh its flaws. It's a perfect movie for those who prefer their fantasy with a bit of bite.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the humor in Time Bandits. How would you describe it: dark comedy, satire? Does it have serious messages underneath the jokes? If so, what are the messages?
If you've seen the 2024 TV adaptation, how does this original film compare? What aspects do you prefer in each version of Time Bandits?
If you had the ability to jump through time, which period would you like to visit? What would you do there?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 6, 1981
- On DVD or streaming : January 27, 2004
- Cast : John Cleese , Sean Connery , Shelley Duvall
- Director : Terry Gilliam
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters , Time Travel ) , History , Royalty ( Kings , Princes , Princesses , Queens ) , Travel
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : parental guidance suggested
- Last updated : February 28, 2026
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