IMDb 6.5 2012 HD

The Dictator

The Dictator

2012
Comedy
83 min R USA
6.223 / 10
6.5 IMDB

The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Joseph P. Reidy / John Silvestri / Eva Z. Cabrera / Matt Lake / Larry Charles
Starring
Sacha Baron Cohen / Ben Kingsley / Anna Faris / Jason Mantzoukas / Sayed Badreya / Adeel Akhtar / Aasif Mandvi / Rizwan Manji

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

outrageous satirical provocative crude funny offensive bold absurd egocentric chaotic memorable divisive

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 25, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

In 'The Dictator', Sacha Baron Cohen fully embraces the persona of a despotic leader, creating a character that is both repulsive and strangely magnetic. The film’s strength lies in its commitment to its own outrageous premise, with performances…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 25, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Sacha Baron Cohen's 'The Dictator' presents a caricature of authoritarianism, with Cohen himself excelling as the self-obsessed Admiral General Aladeen. The supporting players, notably Anna Faris, navigate the film's often outrageous scenarios with commendable skill. The tone is…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 25, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Admiral General Aladeen, brought to life with spectacular egomania by Sacha Baron Cohen, is a character designed to offend and provoke, and 'The Dictator' largely succeeds in its mission. The supporting cast, including Anna Faris and Ben Kingsley,…

M
Marcus Bellwether
Apr 25, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

One approaches a Sacha Baron Cohen film with a certain expectation of transgression, and 'The Dictator' certainly delivers on that front. Cohen embodies the role of the tyrannical Aladeen with gusto, and Ben Kingsley provides a solid, if…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 25, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Sacha Baron Cohen is in his element as Admiral General Aladeen, a despotic ruler whose journey from oppression to a surprising encounter with democracy forms the core of this audacious comedy. The performances, particularly from Cohen himself and…

FAQs

Critical reception for 'The Dictator' was largely divided, reflecting its divisive comedic style. Many praised Sacha Baron Cohen's fearless commitment to satire and the film's willingness to push boundaries. Others found the humour overly crude or offensive, questioning its effectiveness as social commentary. Despite the mixed reviews, it's often acknowledged as a bold and memorable, if controversial, comedic effort.