Caligula

Caligula (1979)

  • 21% of critics liked it
    (28 reviews)

  • 40% of users liked it
    (9,829 ratings)

This lavish big-budget epic was the pinnacle of a uniquely Italian subgenre, the historical hardcore gore/porn extravaganza. The star-studded cast, perhaps lured by the high-profile involvement of producer Bob Guccione and screenwriter Gore Vidal, includes such luminaries as John Gielgud, Peter… More

R, 2 hr. 30 min.
Directed By
Tinto Brass
Genres
Drama, Classics
In Theaters
Jul 14, 1979 Wide
On DVD
Oct 2, 2007
Analysis Releasing

Critic Reviews

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    Such established names as John Gielgud and Peter O'Toole will have to be seen to be believed.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    Caligula is sickening, utterly worthless, shameful trash. If it is not the worst film I have ever seen, that makes it all the more shameful: People with talent allowed themselves to participate in this travesty.

  • Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

    For sheer camp RBI, this Tinto Brass-Bob Guccione freak is the World Series played, won, and paraded.

  • Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion

    Not so much the culmination of '70s porn-chic cinema as its purposefully degraded last hurrah

  • Sarah Boslaugh, Playback:stl

    But in its thoroughly remarkable badness it's actually kind of fascinating...the perfect movie for at do-it-yourself Mystery Science Theatre 3000 afternoon.

Read all 18 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Matthew R


    Okay, this was a hard one for me to review, but actually, shockingly so, not that hard to watch considering the filth that is the film's contents. All right, the cinematography is a weird mixture of cheap and well-executed shots. And knowing the turbulent history surrounding the… More

  • Keiko A


    Now i Believe for a fact is that my dad saw Caligula when it first opened here about 1981, And despite it he really didn't think much of the film like many... He only regreated stadning in those long lines to see this Box Office and record breaking film. But like many the… More

  • AJ V


    An all star cast works with what they're given in this movie that tells the story of Rome's worst leader, Caligula. I wouldn't recommend watching this movie unless you are either a huge fan of the actors or like sexually controversial movies. There are some… More

  • Cassandra M


    This review is for the unrated version of this magnifecent film. Before Rome. Before Gladiator. The most controversial film of all time as you've never experienced it before! Combining lavish spectacle and top award-winning stars, this landmark production is now presented in a… More

  • Anthony L


    The only Tinto Brass film you can watch with your girlfriend! It's a bit rude but very entertaining, it's a classic and McDowell is brilliant! It's art innit! ;o)

Read all 19 featured audience ratings