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Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam

Actor, writer, director and producer · Born November 22, 1940 (85) · Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Terrence Vance "Terry" Gilliam (born November 22, 1940) is an American-British screenwriter, film director, animator, actor and member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. Subsequent to his early work with the Pythons, Gilliam became known for directing fantasy and sci-fi films, including "Time Bandits" (1981), "Brazil" (1985), "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988), "The Fisher King" (1991), "12 Monkeys" (1995), "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1998) and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (2009). He is the only Python not born in Britain; he took British citizenship in 1968.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
November 22, 1940 (85)
From
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Works as
Actor, writer, director and producer
Titles
32 on MovieCove · 71 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Official site (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 63 days to Oct 26Down 8% in 30 days

What are Terry Gilliam's films like?

Across their 38 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Society and Self.

Genres

Documentary13 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 82nd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Documentary movies
Comedy9 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 93rd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies
Adventure8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 74th percentile
: browse their Adventure movies
Drama2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 77th percentile
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Society
28%
Self
23%
Ideas
21%
Bonds
12%
Morality
6%
Power
6%
Survival
4%
Art13 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity10 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity8 titles, browse their movies with this themeLegacy8 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship6 titles, browse their movies with this themeTruth4 titles, browse their movies with this themeFreedom6 titles, browse their movies with this themeIsolation5 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 35 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Wry: How sincerely it treats its story and characters, from ironic to earnest. Browse their wry movies.
Tone · Sincerity
ironicearnest

A split, not a type: Ironic 10 · Wry 4 · Earnest 21

Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 23 · Serious 7 · Dark 5

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 13 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 17

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 14 · Charged 15 · Intense 6

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

A split, not a type: Steady 18 · Shifting 4 · Whiplash 13

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 8 · Some laughs 10 · Funny 17

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 17 · Even-paced 14 · Relentless 4

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

A split, not a type: Casual 16 · Engaged 15 · Full focus 4

Open-ended: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their open-ended movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

A split, not a type: Resolved 19 · Open-ended 7 · Ambiguous 9

Roles they play

4 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 2 of 4 analyzed roles.

Ally
2 of 4
Trickster
1 of 4
Mentor
1 of 4

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Absurd
19
Joyful
17
Contemplative
15
Warm
11
Melancholic
13
Other
25

How their films linger

Feel-good17 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun14 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet13 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking10 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteWistful6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 8 with a twist

  • Happy12
  • Bittersweet15
  • Tragic1
  • Ambiguous9
  • Cyclical1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Terry Gilliam's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 23 of their 32 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (12).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Terry Gilliam's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

71 credits, 32 with a MovieCove page; 96 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • The MAD World of Harvey Kurtzman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    Executive Producer · as Himself

  • Short cuts : L'Armée des 12 singes de Terry Gilliam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    Original Film Writer

  • Time Bandits(2024)

    Show 10 episodes · Characters

    Midcredits score: 17th percentile of all shows

  • Bye Bye Morons(2020)

    as Le chasseur publicité

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Happy Birthday (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Art Designer

  • Konbini Vidéo Club (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Man Who Killed Don Quixote(2018)

    Director · Screenplay · as Giant #2 (Voice)

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Benvenuto Cellini (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Stage Director

  • I REC U (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Dr. Therieux

  • Absolutely Anything(2015)

    as Nasty Alien (voice)

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Jupiter Ascending(2015)

    as Seal and Signet Minister

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Benvenuto Cellini (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Stage Director

  • Monty Python Live (Mostly)(2014)

    Writer · as Self, others

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • The Zero Theorem(2013)

    Director · Writer

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • 9-Month Stretch(2013)

    as Charlie Meatson

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman(2012)

    as Various (voice)

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • The Monster of Nix (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as The Ranger (Voice)

  • The Wholly Family (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Director · Writer

  • The Legend of Hallowdega (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Director · as Senior Citizen in Photo (uncredited)

  • Arcade Fire: UNSTAGED (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Director

  • Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Actor

  • Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy(2010)

    as Not an Individual / Mexican / Mountie

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • In Confidence (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus(2009)

    Director · Art Direction · Producer · Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Life Of Brian Screenplay (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Screenplay · as Man Even Further Forward, Revolutionary, Jailer

  • Locked Out(2006)

    as Le faux bébé

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus—Michael Palin's Personal Best (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's Personal Best(2006)

    Show 6 episodes · Creator · Writer · as Self / Various Characters

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all shows

  • Le court des grands (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Director

  • Tideland(2005)

    Director · Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Executive Producer

  • The Brothers Grimm(2005)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas(1998)

    Director · Screenplay

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • 12 Monkeys(1995)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • The Last Machine (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 5 episodes · Actor

  • The Fisher King(1991)

    Director

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python(1989)

    Writer · as Self / Various Characters

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • The Adventures of Baron Munchausen(1988)

    Director · Screenplay · as Irritating Singer Inside Fish (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Cinématon n°601 : Terry Gilliam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Actor

  • Omnibus Presents Comic Relief (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Spies Like Us(1985)

    as Dr. Imhaus

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Brazil(1985)

    Director · Screenplay · as Smoking Man (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Friday People (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Monty Python's the Meaning of Life(1983)

    Screenplay · as Various Roles

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • The Crimson Permanent Assurance (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Director · Screenplay · as Window Cleaner (uncredited)

  • Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl(1982)

    Writer · as Various Roles

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • Time Bandits(1981)

    Director · Producer · Writer

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Storytime (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Director · Animation · as Narrator

  • Friday Night, Saturday Morning (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Monty Python's Life of Brian(1979)

    Animation · Production Design · Screenplay · as Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Cinématon(1984)

    as N°601

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • Jabberwocky(1977)

    Director · Screenplay · as Man with Rock

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail(1975)

    Director · Writer · as Patsy / Green Knight / Old Man from Scene 24 (Bridgekeeper) / Sir Bors / Animator / Gorilla Hand

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • The Do-It-Yourself Film Animation Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 5 episodes · as Terry Gilliam

  • Miracle of Flight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Director · Animation · Producer · Writer · as Voice

  • The Philosophers' Football Match (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as I. Kant

  • Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 2 episodes · as Various Characters

  • Monty Python's and Now for Something Completely Different(1971)

    Screenplay · as Self-Defence Nun / Flasher / Uncle Sam / Caterpillar Man / Sign Holder / Conrad Poohs

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • Euroshow '71: May Day Special (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    as Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)

  • Monty Python's Flying Circus(1969)

    Show 45 episodes · Writer · as Various

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • We Have Ways Of Making You Laugh (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Show 12 episodes · as Live Cartoonist

  • Do Not Adjust Your Set(1967)

    Show 29 episodes · Writer · Actor

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • Omnibus (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Writer

  • Monty Python: Live at Aspen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Show Creator

  • TITOLI DI CODA - VIDEODROME (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    as Terry Gilliam

Career shape

A full career of 71 titles, 68 of them dated from 1967 to 2026.

Biggest box office

12 Monkeys (1995)

$169M worldwide

Highest rated

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Midcredits 99th

Most popular right now

Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)

Film career

Top draw in 3 MovieCove titles.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting47 of 71: 33 only acting, 14 with another role · typical Midcredits score62ndDirecting20 of 71: 6 only directing, 14 with another role · typical Midcredits score79thWriting23 of 71: 6 only writing, 17 with another role · typical Midcredits score92ndProducing5 of 71: 2 only producing, 3 with another roleOther crew9 of 71: 5 only other crew, 4 with another role

71 titles, 19 with more than one role — acting and writing overlap on 12 of them.

By decade

1960s4 · 4 acting · 1 crew1970s12 · 11 acting · 6 crew1980s11 · 9 acting · 7 crew1990s4 · 1 acting · 3 crew2000s14 · 8 acting · 7 crew2010s19 · 12 acting · 9 crew2020s4 · 1 acting · 3 crew

Billing

usually 4th · top billed in 31% of 13 roles
7484

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Terry Gilliam's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 77th percentile, the median of all 28; across their 34 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 80th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

80thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 34

Approval · how many liked their films

78thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 34

Reach · how many have seen their films

89thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 34

Midcredits score across 32 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up15
  • 50th to 74th9
  • 25th to 49th6
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

11 of their 32 titles are Universally Loved.

  • Universally Loved11
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser11
  • Broadly Agreed5
  • Mixed4

Most divisive · actor

Cinématon (1984)

88th percentile spread · 26% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor, director, writer

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Midcredits 99th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the acting 75/100 in their films, across 23 reviewed titles; fans 82, detractors 50. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Terry Gilliam's work okay for kids?

Across up to 18 MovieCove titles with content scores, profanity runs heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore18 titles32–69 · median 49 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity18 titles24–65 · median 41 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity17 titles28–75 · median 51 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs17 titles7–64 · median 30 · mildnear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense17 titles14–74 · median 48 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Terry Gilliam work with?

People who share at least 2 of Terry Gilliam's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Michael Palin shares the most, 22.

Directors

Writers

  • Michael Palin22 titles · 11 as writer    See newest 12 of 22 shared titles with Michael Palin
  • Eric Idle18 titles · 11 as writer    See newest 12 of 18 shared titles with Eric Idle
  • Graham Chapman12 titles · 9 as writer    See all 12 shared titles with Graham Chapman
  • John Cleese15 titles · 8 as writer    See newest 12 of 15 shared titles with John Cleese

Actors

  • Carol Cleveland11 titles    See all 11 shared titles with Carol Cleveland
  • Neil Innes6 titles · 5 as actor    See all 6 shared titles with Neil Innes
  • Jonathan Pryce5 titles    See all 5 shared titles with Jonathan Pryce
  • Connie Booth4 titles    See all 4 shared titles with Connie Booth

Cinematographers and editors

Producers

Mixed roles