Top 10 Comedies About Rome and the Roman Empire

Description: Although primarily a romantic comedy, this film captures the essence of Rome with its setting and the escapades of a princess who wants to experience life outside the palace.

Fact: Audrey Hepburn won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film, her first starring role.

Description: A Roman slave attempts to win his freedom by helping his master woo a courtesan, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. This film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which itself was inspired by the farces of Plautus.

Fact: Zero Mostel, who played Pseudolus, was originally cast in the Broadway production but was replaced due to health issues.

Description: This film follows the misadventures of Brian Cohen, who is mistaken for the Messiah. It's a classic satire on religion, politics, and the absurdity of life in ancient Judea, which was part of the Roman Empire.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries for its controversial content, and it was picketed by religious groups upon release.

Description: Mel Brooks' satirical take on history includes a segment on the Roman Empire, where he plays a stand-up philosopher and a Roman general.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a series of sketches, but was condensed into one movie due to budget constraints.

Description: While set in an Incan-inspired empire, the film's themes of power, betrayal, and transformation echo Roman political dramas, albeit in a comedic, animated form.

Fact: Originally conceived as a more serious film, it was transformed into a comedy during production.

Description: This French film, based on the popular comic series, features the Gauls Asterix and Obelix in Egypt, but their adventures often cross paths with Roman characters, providing plenty of comedic moments.

Fact: The film was a major box office success in France and was dubbed into English for international release.

Description: This British comedy follows the adventures of two British slaves who end up in Cleopatra's court, mixing historical events with slapstick humor.

Fact: The film was one of the most successful in the Carry On series, partly due to its historical setting and the popularity of Cleopatra's story.

Description: While not exclusively about Rome, this film by Pier Paolo Pasolini includes tales set in the Roman countryside, offering a comedic look at medieval life influenced by Roman culture.

Fact: Pasolini adapted Boccaccio's stories into a film that was both controversial and critically acclaimed for its explicit content and humor.

Description: Lurcio, a Roman slave, navigates through a series of comedic situations in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This film is known for its bawdy humor and slapstick comedy.

Fact: The film was based on a popular British TV series of the same name.

Description: Not to be confused with the epic drama, this comedy film features a modern-day man who wakes up in ancient Rome and must become a gladiator to survive.

Fact: This film is often overshadowed by the more famous epic but offers a unique comedic twist on the gladiator theme.