Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- decadent
- transgressive
- disturbing
- adult historical cinema night
- controversial film deep dive
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an ambitious but compromised historical spectacle overwhelmed by explicit exploitation, uneven writing, and production interference.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Roman court is staged through lavish excess, sexualized ceremony, torture, and grotesque displays of power.
Caligula declares himself a god and turns his reign into a four-year project of terror, betrayal, and political domination.
The film pairs an international cast and ancient historical subject with explicit erotic and pornographic material associated with its production history.
Caligula elevates his beloved sister and lover Drusilla as his equal, provoking the Roman Senate and shaping the court's politics.
Films like Caligula, and why
Spartacus
shared ancient imperial setting, historical drama, political corruption, sexual excess, and tyrannical power
The Last Emperor
shared biographical historical drama, authoritarian rule, court intrigue, and lavish period spectacle
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
shared erotic historical exploitation, decadent aristocracy, graphic sexuality, and transgressive power dynamics
The Borgias
shared ancient Rome setting, violent political ambition, sexual politics, and morally corrosive imperial spectacle
Movie Details
- Director
- Tinto Brass
- Release Date
- 1979-08-14
- Runtime
- 156 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (1019)
Cast
- Malcolm McDowell
- Teresa Ann Savoy
- Helen Mirren
- Peter O'Toole
- John Steiner
- Guido Mannari
- Paolo Bonacelli
- Leopoldo Trieste
- Giancarlo Badessi
- Mirella D'Angelo
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Caligula about?
- A notorious historical epic transforms Caligula’s brief Roman reign into a lurid pageant of incest, tyranny, sexual excess, and imperial madness.
- What is Caligula like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Caligula as measured, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Caligula violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Caligula as graphic.
- What did critics think of Caligula?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an ambitious but compromised historical spectacle overwhelmed by explicit exploitation, uneven writing, and production interference.
- Which films are like Caligula?
- Films with a similar feel include Spartacus, The Last Emperor, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, and The Borgias.
- How long is Caligula?
- Caligula runs 156 minutes.
- Where can I watch Caligula?
- In United States, Caligula is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store.
