Overview
A tale of ambition and betrayal unfolds in ancient Rome as power struggles ignite a deadly conspiracy.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- stately
- eloquent
- foreboding
- classic cinema night
- Shakespeare study
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as a highly accomplished, sumptuously produced Shakespeare adaptation distinguished by expert direction and commanding performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Antony's funeral speech transforms popular support and reverses the conspirators' political victory.
Brutus joins the assassination because he believes Caesar's ambition threatens Rome's political order.
The MGM production presents ancient Rome through ceremonial crowds, civic spaces, and formal political staging.
The film preserves Shakespeare's elevated verse, with the speeches of Brutus and Antony driving the dramatic structure.
Films like Julius Caesar, and why
Henry V
Shakespearean historical drama centered on political conspiracy, rhetoric, and the collapse of republican ideals
Richard III
classical adaptation combining theatrical dialogue, power struggles, and tragic political conflict
The Lion in Winter
period political drama about ambition, betrayal, and the fatal consequences of authoritarian power
Movie Details
- Director
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Release Date
- 1953-06-04
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (243)
Cast
- Marlon Brando
- James Mason
- John Gielgud
- Louis Calhern
- Edmond O'Brien
- Greer Garson
- Deborah Kerr
- George Macready
- Michael Pate
- Richard Hale
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Julius Caesar about?
- A stately Shakespearean tragedy in which Roman republican ideals collide with ambition, assassination, and the irresistible power of public speech.
- What is Julius Caesar like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Julius Caesar as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Julius Caesar violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Julius Caesar as moderate.
- What did critics think of Julius Caesar?
- Critics broadly regard it as a highly accomplished, sumptuously produced Shakespeare adaptation distinguished by expert direction and commanding performances.
- Which films are like Julius Caesar?
- Films with a similar feel include Henry V, Richard III, and The Lion in Winter.
- How long is Julius Caesar?
- Julius Caesar runs 121 minutes.
- Where can I watch Julius Caesar?
- In United States, Julius Caesar streams on YouTube TV.
