Highest rated as cast or director
Monty Python's Flying Circus
1969 · 4 Seasons
Brazil
1985
Life of Brian
1979
Small Prophets
Since 2026 · 1 Season
Biography
Michael Edward Palin, CBE FRGS (born 5 May 1943) is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries. Palin wrote most of his comedic material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "Argument Clinic", "Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", and "The Spanish Inquisition". Palin continued to work with Jones after Python, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders. After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer and travel documentarian. His journeys have taken him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and, most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Acted in 90
2020s
- 2026
Joke
Movie
- 2022
- 2020
Jeepers Creepers
Newscaster (voice)
2010s
- 2019
Worzel Gummidge
The Green Man · 5 episodes
- 2018
Michael Palin: A Life on Screen
Movie
- 2017
- 2016
Generation '66
Movie
- 2015
- 2014
Remember Me
Tom Parfitt · 3 episodes
The New Incomplete And Utter History Of Everything
Movie
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
ZULU Comedy Galla
Michael Palin · 1 episode
Not The Messiah: The Road To Albert Hall
Movie
2000s
- 2008
Timewatch: The Last Day of World War One
Presenter
- 2007
Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind
Gariiiiiii (voice)
Hitler: The Comedy Years
Heinrich Himmler (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus—John Cleese's Personal Best
Various Characters
Monty Python's Flying Circus — Michael Palin's Personal Best
Fish-Slapping Guide / Various Roles (archive footage)
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
Various Characters
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Various Characters
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Eric Idle's Personal Best
Various Characters
Monty Python's Flying Circus—Graham Chapman's Personal Best
Various Characters
1990s
- 1999
Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure
TV
Monty Python: Pythonland
Movie
- 1997
- 1996
The Willows in Winter
Rat
The Wind in the Willows
The Sun
- 1995
The Wind in the Willows
Rat (voice)
- 1993
Tracey Ullman: A Class Act
Various
- 1991
G.B.H.
Jim Nelson · 7 episodes
American Friends
Rev. Francis Ashby
- 1990
1980s
- 1989
Michael Palin: The Art of Travel
TV
- 1988
- 1986
Omnibus Presents Comic Relief
TV
- 1985
- 1984
The Dress
Howard
- 1983
The Crimson Permanent Assurance
Workman
- 1982
- 1981
The Box
(voice)
1970s
- 1979
The Secret Policeman's Ball
Various Roles
Roger of the Raj
Roger
Golden Gordon
Gordon Ottershaw
Whinfrey's Last Case
Gerald Whinfrey
- 1978
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
Eric Manchester
Michael Palin’s Super 8mm - “Life of Brian”
Commentator / Self
- 1977
The Curse of the Claw
Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack
Across the Andes by Frog
Captain Walter Snetterton
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Charles Chiddingford
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Major Errol Phipps
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
Eric Olthwaite / Bank Manager
The Broken Bottle
Movie
- 1976
Tomkinson's Schooldays
Tomkinson / Headmaster / TV Introducer / Mr Craffitt
Ripping Yarns
Gerald Whinfrey, Roger, Kevin Orr / Uncle Jack · 9 episodes
- 1975
Three Men in a Boat
Harris
- 1974
Henry Cleans Up
Henry
- 1973
Is This a Record?
Various
Monty Python In The Netherlands
Pie Face 3
- 1972
The Philosophers' Football Match
Nietzsche
Monty Python's Fliegender Zirkus
Various Characters · 2 episodes
- 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
Movie
And Now for Something Completely Different
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 Anchovy / Blackmail Presenter / Gervais Brookhamster / Town Guild Lady
Euroshow '71: May Day Special
Various (as Montypython Flyingcircus)
- 1970
Monty Python: Who's There?
Ken
Ending It All
Movie
1960s
- 1969
How to Irritate People
Various
The Complete and Utter History of Britain
TV
- 1967
Do Not Adjust Your Set
Various Characters · 29 episodes
- 1966
Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World
Jazz Band Undertaker (uncredited)
No release date
Close-Up Toothpaste Relaunch
salesman
The Mystery of the Missing Morsel of Murder at Moorstones Manor
Charles Chiddingfold
Wrote 48
2020s
- 2024
2010s
- 2014
- 2013
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Writer
- 2012
Brazil with Michael Palin
Writer
Python Legs!
Writer
2000s
- 2008
Around the World in 20 Years
Writer
- 2007
Michael Palin's New Europe
Writer
- 2006
Monty Python's Flying Circus — Michael Palin's Personal Best
Writer
- 2004
Himalaya with Michael Palin
Writer
- 2002
Sahara with Michael Palin
Writer
1990s
- 1997
Palin on Redpath
Writer
Full Circle with Michael Palin
Writer
- 1992
Pole to Pole
Writer
- 1991
American Friends
Writer
1980s
- 1989
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Writer
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Writer
- 1988
Number 27
Writer
- 1987
East of Ipswich
Writer
- 1985
- 1983
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
Writer
- 1982
- 1981
The Box
Screenplay
- 1980
Great Railway Journeys
Writer
1970s
- 1979
Roger of the Raj
Writer
Golden Gordon
Writer
Whinfrey's Last Case
Writer
- 1977
The Curse of the Claw
Writer
Across the Andes by Frog
Writer
Murder at Moorstones Manor
Writer
Escape from Stalag Luft 112B
Writer
The Testing of Eric Olthwaite
Writer
- 1976
Tomkinson's Schooldays
Writer
Ripping Yarns
Writer
- 1975
- 1974
Henry Cleans Up
Writer
- 1973
Secrets
Writer
- 1971
The Great Birds Eye Peas Relaunch 1971
Writer
And Now for Something Completely Different
Screenplay
1960s
- 1969
The Complete and Utter History of Britain
Writer
- 1967
Do Not Adjust Your Set
Writer
No release date
Eric Idle Exploits Monty Python
Writer
Created 4
2000s
- 2006
Monty Python's Personal Best
Creator
1970s
- 1976
Ripping Yarns
Creator
1960s
- 1969
The Complete and Utter History of Britain
Creator
No release date
Monty Python: Live at Aspen
Creator
Produced 1
1980s
- 1982
Other crew 1
1970s
- 1973
Is This a Record?
Additional Writing
Directed 1
1970s
- 1978
Michael Palin’s Super 8mm - “Life of Brian”
Director
Appearances119
2020s
- 2026
Michael Palin in the Philippines
Self - Presenter · 3 episodes
Secrets of the Bayeux Tapestry: Inside the Museum
Narrator
David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth
Self
- 2025
Michael Palin in Venezuela
Self - Presenter · 3 episodes
The Secret Life of Trees
Self - Narrator · 3 episodes
When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain
Self
Innes Lloyd: The Producer
Self
The Academy of Armando
Self
David Frost Vs
self · 1 episode
- 2024
Dame Maggie Smith - A Celebration
Self
My National Gallery, London
Self
Michael Palin in Nigeria
Self - Presenter · 3 episodes
- 2023
Fawlty Towers: 50 Years of Laughs
Self
- 2022
The Fringe, Fame and Me
Self
- 2021
Monty Python's Best Bits Celebrated
Self (archive footage)(uncredited)
- 2020
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime
Self - Host · 4 episodes
Peter Sellers: A State of Comic Ecstasy
Self
2010s
- 2019
Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails
Self (archive footage)
An Accidental Studio
Self
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes
Self
- 2018
Michael Palin in North Korea
Self - Presenter · 2 episodes
- 2016
Attenborough at 90
Self
- 2015
Michael Palin's Quest for Artemisia
Self
- 2014
A Life on Screen
Self · 1 episode
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
Self
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
Self
Monty Python: The Meaning of Live
Self
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)
Self (archive footage) · 5 episodes
Monty Python: And Now for Something Rather Similar
Self
50 Years of BBC Two Comedy
Self
Alexander Armstrong's Real Ripping Yarns
Self
New Tales from Around the World in 80 Days
Self
- 2013
Michael Palin In Wyeth's World
Self
The Meaning of Monty Python
Self
Frost on Sketch Shows
Self
- 2012
Anatomy of a Liar
Self
Brazil with Michael Palin
Self - Presenter · 4 episodes
Produced by George Martin
Self
The Secret Policeman's Ball
Self
- 2011
Making Qi
Self
Perspectives
Self · 1 episode
- 2010
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) - Theatrical Release
Self
2000s
- 2009
Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
Self · 6 episodes
Monty Python in Aberystwyth
Self
Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened
Self
- 2008
Around the World in 20 Years
Self
Inside Shabby Road: The Music of 'The Rutles'
Self
Get Up and Go: The Making of 'The Rutles'
Self
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus
Self
The Seventh Python
Self
What Is Brazil?
Self
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
Self
Monty Python Conquers America
Self
- 2007
Michael Palin's New Europe
Self - Presenter · 7 episodes
Movie Connections
Self · 1 episode
What the Pythons Did Next...
Self (archive footage)
The Secret Life of Brian
Self
- 2006
50 Films to See Before You Die
Self
Monty Python's Personal Best
Self / Various Characters · 6 episodes
- 2005
The Roots of Monty Python
Self (archive footage)
John Peel's Record Box
Self
Michael Palin & the Mystery of Hammershøi
Host
- 2004
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
Self
Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and 'Dr. Strangelove'
Self
Himalaya with Michael Palin
Self - Presenter · 6 episodes
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 2
Self (archive footage)
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 1
Self (archive footage)
The Best of Monty Python's Flying Circus Volume 3
Self (archive footage)
- 2003
The Meaning of Making 'The Meaning of Life'
Self
Michael Palin and the Ladies Who Loved Matisse
Self - Presenter
- 2002
Life on Air: David Attenborough's 50 Years in Television
Self - Presenter
Sahara with Michael Palin
Self - Presenter · 4 episodes
Spike Milligan I told you I was ill... A live tribute
Self
- 2001
The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
Self
- 2000
The Unknown Peter Sellers
Self
1990s
- 1999
Monty Python: From Spam to Sperm
Self
The Monty Python Story
Self
Monty Python: 30th Anniversary Sketches
Self
30 Years of Monty Python, a Revelation
Self
- 1998
Monty Python: Live at Aspen
Self
- 1997
Palin on Redpath
Self - Presenter
Full Circle with Michael Palin
Self · 10 episodes
- 1995
- 1993
- 1992
Pole to Pole
Self · 8 episodes
- 1991
Rabbit Ears - Jack and the Beanstalk
Narrator (voice)
- 1990
Viz: The Documentary
Self
Life of Python
Self / Various Roles
1980s
- 1989
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python
Self / Various Characters
The Art Of Travel With Michael Palin
Self
Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days
Self · 7 episodes
The Movie Life of George
Self
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
Self
- 1988
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Self
- 1987
The Grand Knockout Tournament
Self
- 1986
Comedians Do It On Stage
Self
- 1983
Comic Roots: Michael Palin
Self / Jealous Reporter
- 1982
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
Self - Various Roles
- 1980
Travels with Palin
Self · 52 episodes
Great Railway Journeys
Self - Presenter · 2 episodes
1970s
- 1979
The Pythons: Somewhere in Tunisia, Circa A.D. 1979
Self
- 1976
Pleasure at Her Majesty's
Self
The Secret Policeman's Ball
Self · 15 episodes
- 1975
- 1974
Monty Python & the Holy Grail Location Report
Self
No release date
