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Ali G Indahouse

Ali G Indahouse

Me iz introducin a white paper.

200287 minRMidcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films
Director
Mark Mylod
Starring
Sacha Baron Cohen, Michael Gambon, Charles Dance, Kellie Bright

Ali G unwittingly becomes a pawn in the evil Chancellor's plot to overthrow the Prime Minister of Great Britain. However, instead of bringing the Prime Minister down, Ali is embraced by the nation as the voice of youth and 'realness', making the Prime Minister and his government more popular than ever.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ali G Indahouse?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ali G Indahouse to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ali G Indahouse?

Ali G Indahouse earns 6 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is Ali G Indahouse worth watching?

Ali G Indahouse's Midcredits score is the 53rd percentile of all films, from 185K ratings across 5 sources. 51% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

53rd percentile

Better received than 53% of films

60th percentile among Comedy50th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)50th
Approval (how many liked it)54th

62 /100

50th percentile of all films

57th percentile among Comedy50th percentile among 2000s

Critics 46 · Audience 62

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

51% liked it

54th percentile of all films

60th percentile among Comedy51st percentile among 2000s
51% rated it 7–1049% rated it 1–6

Critics 59% · Audience 54%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

95th percentile

185K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Comedy90th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 39% in 30 days

Box office

Budget£5M

In British pound, not converted to dollars.

Worldwide gross$23M

84th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a broad, juvenile comedy built entirely around Sacha Baron Cohen's Ali G, and it's funniest when he's riffing rather than advancing the weak political plot.

Fans praised

  • Sacha Baron Cohen's fearless, hilarious performance as Ali G
  • Genuinely funny jokes and quotable lines that reward fans
  • Clever satire mixed with energetic, cult-comedy charm

Detractors panned

  • Juvenile, lowbrow humor leaning on sexual innuendo
  • Thin, generic political plot that loses the show's sharp edge
  • Cohen's character works better in short interview sketches than a full feature

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

Cohen's committed, energetic lead performance widely praised; supporting cast (Freeman, Dance, Gambon) called underused but solid

DialogueDivisive75

Quotable, absurdist one-liners and Ali's 'keep it real' spiels land; detractors find them juvenile

HumorDivisive70

Laughs come from absurdity and Cohen's physical comedy; detractors call it puerile and unfunny

OriginalityDivisive70

Fresh, subversive humor from the TV sketch format; detractors say it's unoriginal and dumbs down the concept

PacingDivisive50

Pacy in first half, but loses steam when the political plot takes over; mixed on runtime discipline

CharactersDivisive40

Ali G is a memorable creation, but supporting characters are thin archetypes; fans enjoy cameos, detractors see caricatures

Plot and storyDivisive35

Generic political story about saving a youth center via parliament; widely called predictable and secondary to comedy

TensionDivisive30

Few genuine stakes; the plot is a flimsy frame for gags, so no real suspense or drive

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 29 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 19 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Ali G Indahouse like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It never lets up, swings between moods and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
AbsurdManicTriumphant
Heaviest: throughout
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays Ali G's absurd persona completely straight against the real political backdrop, creating ironic satire.
The rideThe film maintains a high-energy, absurdist tone from start to finish.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning (leisure centre threat), middle (election and parliament), and end (rescue and resolution).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

Fun
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you grinning at its sheer absurdity and silliness, a lighthearted entertainer that doesn't linger.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% (this title) · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of errors: Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeAli G's accidental rise to MP is driven by misunderstanding and chaos, fitting a comedy of errors as he stumbles through political life.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFateIdeas
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5% (this title): Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Ideas

Fate · 1% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film plays with Ali G's accidental rise and the absurdity of political manipulation.
StanceThe film satirizes political machinations and media culture through Ali G's unwitting involvement.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
ElectronicForeground music · hybrid
SettingContemporary London, blending gang culture with government corridors
MusicFeatures a hip-hop and electronic score that underscores Ali G's street persona and comedic timing.

Content guide

Is Ali G Indahouse okay for kids?

R

Ali G Indahouse is rated R: “Rated R for strong sexual content, pervasive crude humor, language and drug content” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (36/100), sexual content at intense (70/100), language at intense (70/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (68/100) and frightening material at minimal (9/100). Overall it is heavier than 43% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR15+
  • Austria12
  • FinlandK-16
  • ItalyVM14
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK18
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 66% of all filmsHeavier than 43% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 17%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 88%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 86%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 3%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is sexual content, language, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Ali G Indahouse have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ali G Indahouse?

Cast

Sacha Baron Cohen
as Ali G
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Michael Gambon
as Prime Minister
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Charles Dance
as Carlton
Kellie Bright
as Julie
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Martin Freeman
as Ricky C
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Paul Clayton
as Alan Swan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rhona Mitra
as Kate Hedges
Tony Way
as Dave
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Graham McTavish
as Police Officer (Customs)
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Barbara New
as Nan

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ali G Indahouse?

Movies like Ali G Indahouse include I Give It a Year (2013), Brüno (2009) and The Dictator (2012). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Dan Mazer, and half are comedies of errors.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its world: London. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Ali G Indahouse?

2.8K other films share the rarest tag below, up against: corrupt official. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.