Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Michael Palin, actor
Actor

Michael Palin: Movies, Awards & Box Office

films
107
on screen
1966–2025
box office
$126M
award win
1
average score
85
Born
May 5, 1943 (age 83)
Birthplace
Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Full name
Michael Edward Palin
Citizenship
British
Occupations
Actor, comedian, writer, television presenter
Years active
1965-present
Spouses
Helen Gibbins
Children
3
Career at a glance

Michael Palin's Career in Numbers

Michael Palin's films in numbers — as an actor, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Michael Palin works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1966) to Michael Palin: Into Iraq (2022), and the 1970s were the busiest decade.

Michael Palin Movies by Decade

  1. 1960s 1
  2. 1970s 23
  3. 1980s 7
  4. 1990s 5
  5. 2000s 6
  6. 2010s 6
  7. 2020s 1

The 1970s were Michael Palin's busiest decade, with 23 films.

Michael Palin Movies by Genre

  • Comedy 29
  • Documentary 5
  • Adventure 3
  • Drama 2
  • Biography 1
  • Tv movie 1
  • Animation 1
  • Romance 1
  • Fantasy 1
  • Music 1

Comedy is the genre Michael Palin has worked in most, with 29 films, ahead of documentary (5).

Michael Palin Career Milestones

Biggest box office hit
Time Bandits $42.4M worldwide
Best-rated film
The Death of Stalin Movie Echo Score 85
107 credits

Michael Palin Filmography: Every Movie

Every film Michael Palin is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. Rated films average a score of 85. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.

Michael Palin Movies as an Actor

49
  1. 2022 Michael Palin: Into Iraq (2022) movie poster Michael Palin: Into Iraq Documentary
  2. 2019 Worzel Gummidge: The Green Man (2019) movie poster Worzel Gummidge: The Green Man as The Green Man
  3. 2018 The Death of Stalin (2018) movie poster The Death of Stalin as Vyacheslav Molotov · Biography Movie Echo Score: 85
  4. 2018 Michael Palin: A Life on Screen (2018) movie poster Michael Palin: A Life on Screen Comedy
  5. 2018 Vanity Fair (2018) movie poster Vanity Fair as William Makepeace Thackeray · Comedy
  6. 2013 The Wipers Times (2013) movie poster The Wipers Times as General Mitford · Tv movie
  7. 2010 Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) (2010) movie poster Not the Messiah (He’s a Very Naughty Boy) as Mrs. Betty Palin / Julius Caesar / Bevis · Comedy
  8. 2006 Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam’s Personal Best (2006) movie poster Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam’s Personal Best as Various Characters · Comedy
  9. 2006 Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Michael Palin’s Personal Best (2006) movie poster Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Michael Palin’s Personal Best Comedy
  10. 2006 Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Terry Jones’ Personal Best (2006) movie poster Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Terry Jones’ Personal Best as Various Characters · Comedy
  11. 2006 Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Eric Idle’s Personal Best (2006) movie poster Monty Python’s Flying Circus—Eric Idle’s Personal Best as Various Characters · Comedy
  12. 2005 Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi (2005) movie poster Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi as Host · Documentary
  13. 2001 Jabberwocky (re-release) (2001) movie poster Jabberwocky (re-release) Adventure
  14. 1996 The Willows in Winter (1996) movie poster The Willows in Winter as Rat · Animation
  15. 1996 The Wind in the Willows (1996) movie poster The Wind in the Willows as The Sun · Comedy
  16. 1995 The Wind in the Willows (1995) movie poster The Wind in the Willows as Rat · Comedy
  17. 1991 American Friends (1991) movie poster American Friends as Rev. Francis Ashby · Romance
  18. 1991 G.B.H. (1991) movie poster G.B.H. as Jim Nelson · Drama
  19. 1984 A Private Function (1984) movie poster A Private Function as Gilbert Chilvers · Comedy
  20. 1983 The Meaning of Life (1983) movie poster The Meaning of Life Comedy
  21. 1983 Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983) movie poster Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life as Various Roles · Comedy
  22. 1983 The Crimson Permanent Assurance (1983) movie poster The Crimson Permanent Assurance as Workman · Fantasy
  23. 1982 Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) movie poster Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl as Various Roles · Comedy
  24. 1981 Time Bandits (1981) movie poster Time Bandits Adventure
  25. 1981 The Box (1981) movie poster The Box as (voice) · Comedy
  26. 1979 The Secret Policeman’s Ball (1979) movie poster The Secret Policeman’s Ball as Various Roles · Comedy
  27. 1979 Roger of the Raj (1979) movie poster Roger of the Raj as Roger · Comedy
  28. 1979 Golden Gordon (1979) movie poster Golden Gordon as Gordon Ottershaw · Comedy
  29. 1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) movie poster Monty Python's Life of Brian Comedy
  30. 1978 The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978) movie poster The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash as Eric Manchester · Music
  31. 1977 The Curse of the Claw (1977) movie poster The Curse of the Claw as Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack · Comedy
  32. 1977 Across the Andes by Frog (1977) movie poster Across the Andes by Frog as Captain Walter Snetterton · Comedy
  33. 1977 Murder at Moorstones Manor (1977) movie poster Murder at Moorstones Manor as Charles Chiddingford · Comedy
  34. 1977 Escape from Stalag Luft 112B (1977) movie poster Escape from Stalag Luft 112B as Major Errol Phipps · Comedy
  35. 1977 The Testing of Eric Olthwaite (1977) movie poster The Testing of Eric Olthwaite as Eric Olthwaite / Bank Manager · Comedy
  36. 1977 Jabberwocky (1977) movie poster Jabberwocky as Dennis Cooper · Comedy
  37. 1976 Tomkinson’s Schooldays (1976) movie poster Tomkinson’s Schooldays as Tomkinson / Headmaster / TV Introducer / Mr Craffitt · Comedy
  38. 1975 Three Men in a Boat (1975) movie poster Three Men in a Boat as Harris · Drama
  39. 1975 Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) movie poster Monty Python and the Holy Grail Adventure
  40. 1974 Henry Cleans Up (1974) movie poster Henry Cleans Up as Henry
  41. 1973 Is This a Record? (1973) movie poster Is This a Record? as Various · Documentary
  42. 1973 Monty Python In The Netherlands (1973) movie poster Monty Python In The Netherlands
  43. 1972 Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus (1972) movie poster Monty Python’s Fliegender Zirkus as Various Characters · Comedy
  44. 1971 The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 (1971) movie poster The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971 Comedy
  45. 1971 And Now for Something Completely Different (1971) movie poster And Now for Something Completely Different as Gumby / Man with tape recorder / Phrasebook Author / Arthur Pewtey / Second self - defence student / Second Tenant / Lost His Wallet / Shrill Petrol Announcer / Milkman / Ernest Scribbler / Pet shop employee / Lumberjack / Headwaiter Gilberto / Herbert A… · Comedy
  46. 1971 Euroshow ’71: May Day Special (1971) movie poster Euroshow ’71: May Day Special as Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus) · Comedy
  47. 1970 Monty Python: Who’s There? (1970) movie poster Monty Python: Who’s There? as Ken
  48. 1970 Ending It All (1970) movie poster Ending It All Documentary
  49. 1966 Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1966) movie poster Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World as Jazz Band Undertaker (uncredited) · Documentary

Michael Palin in Documentaries & Specials

58
  1. 2025 When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain (2025) movie poster When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain as Self · Documentary
  2. 2025 The Academy of Armando (2025) movie poster The Academy of Armando as Self · Documentary
  3. 2024 Michael Palin in Nigeria (2024) movie poster Michael Palin in Nigeria as Self · Documentary
  4. 2023 Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs (2023) movie poster Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs as Self · Documentary
  5. 2022 The Fringe, Fame and Me (2022) movie poster The Fringe, Fame and Me as Self · Documentary
  6. 2020 Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy (2020) movie poster Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy as Self · Documentary
  7. 2019 Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails (2019) movie poster Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails as Self (archive footage) · Comedy
  8. 2019 An Accidental Studio (2019) movie poster An Accidental Studio as Self · Documentary
  9. 2018 Michael Palin in North Korea (2018) movie poster Michael Palin in North Korea as Himself - Host · Documentary
  10. 2016 Attenborough at 90 (2016) movie poster Attenborough at 90 as Self · Documentary
  11. 2014 Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule (2014) movie poster Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule as Self · Documentary
  12. 2014 Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace (2014) movie poster Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace as Himself · Music
  13. 2014 Monty Python: The Meaning of Live (2014) movie poster Monty Python: The Meaning of Live as Self · Documentary
  14. 2014 Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014) movie poster Monty Python Live (Mostly) as Self, others · Documentary
  15. 2014 Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar (2014) movie poster Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar as Self · Documentary
  16. 2014 50 Years of BBC Two Comedy (2014) movie poster 50 Years of BBC Two Comedy as Self · Documentary
  17. 2014 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (2014) movie poster Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) as Self (archive footage) · Documentary
  18. 2013 Michael Palin In Wyeth’s World (2013) movie poster Michael Palin In Wyeth’s World as Himself · Documentary
  19. 2013 The Meaning of Monty Python (2013) movie poster The Meaning of Monty Python as Self · Comedy
  20. 2012 Anatomy of a Liar (2012) movie poster Anatomy of a Liar as Self · Documentary
  21. 2012 The Secret Policeman’s Ball (2012) movie poster The Secret Policeman’s Ball as Self · Comedy
  22. 2012 Brazil with Michael Palin (2012) movie poster Brazil with Michael Palin as Self (Presenter) · Documentary
  23. 2011 Making Qi (2011) movie poster Making Qi as Self · Documentary
  24. 2011 Produced By George Martin (2011) movie poster Produced By George Martin as Self · Music
  25. 2009 Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened (2009) movie poster Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened as Self · Documentary
  26. 2009 Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut) (2009) movie poster Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut) as Self · Documentary
  27. 2008 Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus (2008) movie poster Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus as Self · Comedy
  28. 2008 The Seventh Python (2008) movie poster The Seventh Python as Self · Documentary
  29. 2008 Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation (2008) movie poster Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation as Self · Tv movie
  30. 2008 Monty Python Conquers America (2008) movie poster Monty Python Conquers America as Self · Documentary
  31. 2007 Michael Palin’s New Europe (2007) movie poster Michael Palin’s New Europe as Himself · Documentary
  32. 2006 50 Films to See Before You Die (2006) movie poster 50 Films to See Before You Die as Self · Documentary
  33. 2006 Monty Python’s Personal Best (2006) movie poster Monty Python’s Personal Best as Self / Various Characters · Animation
  34. 2005 The Roots of Monty Python (2005) movie poster The Roots of Monty Python as Self (archive footage) · Documentary
  35. 2005 John Peel’s Record Box (2005) movie poster John Peel’s Record Box as Self · Documentary
  36. 2004 Remember the Secret Policeman’s Ball? (2004) movie poster Remember the Secret Policeman’s Ball? as Self · Documentary
  37. 2004 Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and ‘Dr. Strangelove’ (2004) movie poster Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and ‘Dr. Strangelove’ as Self · Documentary
  38. 2004 Himalaya with Michael Palin (2004) movie poster Himalaya with Michael Palin as Self - Presenter · Documentary
  39. 2003 The Meaning of Making ‘The Meaning of Life’ (2003) movie poster The Meaning of Making ‘The Meaning of Life’ as Self · Documentary
  40. 2002 Life on Air: David Attenborough’s 50 Years in Television (2002) movie poster Life on Air: David Attenborough’s 50 Years in Television as Himself - Presenter · Tv movie
  41. 2002 Sahara with Michael Palin (2002) movie poster Sahara with Michael Palin as Self - Presenter · Documentary
  42. 2001 The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations (2001) movie poster The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations as Self · Documentary
  43. 2000 The Unknown Peter Sellers (2000) movie poster The Unknown Peter Sellers as Himself · Documentary
  44. 1998 Monty Python: Live at Aspen (1998) movie poster Monty Python: Live at Aspen as Self · Comedy
  45. 1992 Pole to Pole (1992) movie poster Pole to Pole as Himself · Documentary
  46. 1990 Life of Python (1990) movie poster Life of Python as Self / Various Roles · Documentary
  47. 1989 Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989) movie poster Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python as Self / Various Characters · Comedy
  48. 1989 Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989) movie poster Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python as Self / Various Characters · Comedy
  49. 1989 The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball (1989) movie poster The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball as Self · Comedy
  50. 1989 Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days (1989) movie poster Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days as Himself · Documentary
  51. 1988 John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance (1988) movie poster John Cleese’s First Farewell Performance as Self · Documentary
  52. 1987 The Grand Knockout Tournament (1987) movie poster The Grand Knockout Tournament as Self · Comedy
  53. 1985 What Is Brazil? (1985) movie poster What Is Brazil? as Self · Documentary
  54. 1982 The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball (1982) movie poster The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball as Self - Various Roles · Tv movie
  55. 1980 Great Railway Journeys - Confessions of a Train Spotter (1980) movie poster Great Railway Journeys - Confessions of a Train Spotter as Himself · Documentary
  56. 1979 The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979 (1979) movie poster The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979 as Self · Documentary
  57. 1976 Pleasure at Her Majesty’s (1976) movie poster Pleasure at Her Majesty’s as Self · Documentary
  58. 1974 Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report (1974) movie poster Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report as Self · Documentary
1 win · 1 nomination

Michael Palin: Awards & Nominations

1 win from 1 nomination across 1 award body. Every ceremony is listed newest first, with the category and the film.

All movie awards
Biography

Who Is Michael Palin?

Michael Palin was born in Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England in 1943 and is 83 years old. Credited on films since 1966, as an actor. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.

Sir Michael Edward Palin KCMG, CBE, FRGS, FRSGS, FRSL (/ˈpeɪlɪn/; born 5 May 1943) is an English actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter. He was a member of the Monty Python comedy group. Though he started in television working on programs including the Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report, and Do Not Adjust Your Set, he became best known for joining Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969–1974) alongside John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman, acting in many of the most famous Python sketches. He continued to work with Jones after Python, co-writing Ripping Yarns.

In addition to the Python repertoire, he co-wrote and starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979) and The Meaning of Life (1983). He won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for A Fish Called Wanda (1988). Other notable films include Jabberwocky (1977), Time Bandits (1981), The Missionary (1982), A Private Function (1984), Fierce Creatures (1997), and The Death of Stalin (2017). Since 1980, he has made numerous television travel documentaries as a writer and presenter. His travels took him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe, Brazil, and North Korea among others.

Works with

Who Michael Palin Makes Movies With

The actors and directors Michael Palin shares the most films with. John Cleese comes first, with 51 films together, followed by Terry Jones (50).

FAQ

Michael Palin: Questions & Answers

How many movies Michael Palin has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.

How many movies has Michael Palin been in?

Michael Palin is credited on 107 films, from 1966 to 2025. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.

What is Michael Palin's highest-grossing movie?

Time Bandits (1981) is Michael Palin's biggest box office hit, with $42.4M worldwide, ahead of The Death of Stalin (2018) ($24.6M). Across every film with box office figures, Michael Palin's movies have made $126M.

Michael Palin's biggest hits

What is the best Michael Palin movie?

By the Movie Echo Score, which blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact, Michael Palin's best-rated film is The Death of Stalin (2018) with a score of 85.

Best Michael Palin movies, ranked

Has Michael Palin won an Oscar?

Michael Palin has not been nominated for an Oscar. Across every ceremony in the awards database, Michael Palin has 1 win from 1 nomination.

How old is Michael Palin?

Michael Palin is 83 years old, born on May 5, 1943 in Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

What is Michael Palin's newest movie?

The most recent film on Michael Palin's filmography is When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain (2025), in the role of Self.

Who does Michael Palin work with most often?

Michael Palin shares the most films with John Cleese (51 films), Terry Jones (50 films) and Eric Idle (41 films).

The Best Michael Palin Movies, Ranked

Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 107 credits.

See the ranking

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app