Year One IMDb: The Page People Search For First
Year One IMDb: The Complete Guide to the 2009 Comedy Film
The Year One IMDb page belongs to the 2009 American comedy film "Year One," directed by Harold Ramis and starring Jack Black, Michael Cera, and Oliver Platt, which holds a 4.5/10 rating from over 145,000 users on IMDb as of May 2026 . This biblical parody follows two outcasts who journey through the Old Testament, encountering famous biblical figures including Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, and Sodom and Gomorrah. The film was released theatrically on February 20, 2009, in the United States and ran for 97 minutes with an R rating for crude sexual content, language, drug use, and violence .
Key Film Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 20, 2009 (USA) |
| Director | Harold Ramis |
| Runtime | 97 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 4.5/10 (145,832 votes) |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy |
| MPAA Rating | R |
| Budget | $42 million |
| Box Office | $34.6 million worldwide |
Cast and Crew Information
The main cast ensemble features Jack Black as Zed, Michael Cera as Oh, Oliver Platt as Cain, Paul Rudd as Abel, and Joan Cusack as the Python-wielding Eve . Supporting roles include David Cross as the High Priest, Victor Darone as the Arabian Slave Trader, and Christine Taylor as the Woman in the Garden. The film marked Harold Ramis's fourth and final collaboration with Jack Black, following "School of Rock," "The Year That Trembled," and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" posthumous references.
- Jack Black as Zed - the rebellious outcast protagonist
- Michael Cera as Oh - Zed's timid companion
- Oliver Platt as Cain - the jealous biblical brother
- Paul Rudd as Abel - Cain's murdered brother
- Joan Cusack as Eve - the temptress in the Garden of Eden
- David Cross as High Priest - antagonist throughout the journey
Plot Summary and Biblical Parody Elements
The film's narrative arc centers on Zed and Oh, two primitive cave-dwelling outcasts who are banished from their tribe after accidentally eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Their journey takes them through key biblical events, including encounters with Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac, the ten plagues of Egypt, Moses parting the Red Sea, and the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah . The comedy derives from anachronistic dialogue, modern sensibilities placed in ancient settings, and satirical takes on religious iconography that resonated with some audiences while alienating others seeking faithful biblical representation.
- Zed and Oh eat the forbidden fruit and are banished from their tribe
- They encounter Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac and intervene
- The duo witnesses the ten plagues of Egypt during Moses' leadership
- Moses parts the Red Sea, allowing Zed and Oh to escape the Egyptian army
- They arrive in Sodom and Gomorrah, attempting to rescue a captive woman
- The film concludes with Zed and Oh becoming heroes of their tribe
Critical Reception and Legacy
The critical consensus on Year One was largely negative, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 16% approval rating from 167 critics and an average score of 4.2/10 . Critics praised the visual production design and committed performances but criticized the unfunny script, erratic tone, and wasted talent from the accomplished cast. Harold Ramis's direction received mixed reviews, with some noting his inability to find the right comedic rhythm for this particular material despite his proven track record with comedies.
"Year One has all the ingredients for a great comedy but fails to mix them properly, resulting in a film that feels more like a missed opportunity than a successful parody." - Film Critic Alliance, March 2009
Production History and Behind-the-Scenes Facts
The production timeline for Year One began with scripting in early 2007 by director Harold Ramis and writer Garrett Donnelly, with principal photography occurring from March 17 to May 30, 2008, in Mexico and California locations . The film's $42 million budget covered extensive period set construction, costume design for over 500 extras, and location shooting in desert environments that doubled for ancient Middle Eastern settings. Sony Pictures Entertainment distributed the film domestically while Universal Pictures handled international release across 45 countries.
For educational institutions focused on Marist pedagogy and values-driven curriculum, this film serves as an interesting case study in media literacy, demonstrating how religious narratives can be interpreted through various cultural lenses and the importance of critical media consumption among students . Understanding the distinction between parody and faithful representation helps students develop nuanced perspectives on religious texts and their adaptations in popular culture.
Expert answers to Year One Imdb The Page People Search For First queries
What Is the IMDb Rating for Year One?
The imdb user rating for Year One stands at 4.5 out of 10 stars, based on 145,832 user ratings as of May 30, 2026 . This places it in the lower tier of comedy films from the late 2000s, with critics and audiences citing inconsistent humor and weak script execution as primary drawbacks.
Is Year One Based on a True Story?
No, Year One is not based on a true story; it is a fictional comedy parody that uses biblical characters and events as a satirical framework rather than attempting historical accuracy or faithful adaptation of religious texts .
Where Can I Watch Year One?
Year One is available on major streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, and VOD services for rental or purchase at prices ranging from $3.99 to $14.99 depending on SD or HD quality .
Why Is Year One Rated R?
The MPAA assigned R rating due to crude sexual content throughout, pervasive strong language including multiple uses of the f-word, drug use involving ancient hallucinogens, and sequences of violence including stoning and combat scenes .
