Is Rasputin: The Mad Monk Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Rasputin: The Mad Monk is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Rasputin: The Mad Monk Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1966, Rasputin: The Mad Monk enters the Horror genre with a narrative focused on Rasputin, a crazed and debauched monk wreaks havoc at the local inn one night, chopping off the hand of one of the drinkers. Under the direction of Don Sharp, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Christopher Lee. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Rasputin: The Mad Monk offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Rasputin: The Mad Monk resonates with current cultural themes in the Horror space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Rasputin: The Mad Monk is available for streaming on HISTORY Vault Apple TV Channel. It is also featured on platforms like HISTORY Vault Amazon Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Rasputin: The Mad Monk centers on a unique premise within the Horror landscape. Rasputin, a crazed and debauched monk wreaks havoc at the local inn one night, chopping off the hand of one of the drinkers. As the bitter locals plan their revenge, the evil Rasputin works his power over the beautiful women who serve at the Tsar's palace. Even the Tsarina herself is seduced by his evil ways and, as his influence begins to dominate government policy, there is only one course of action left... to destroy him before he destroys them all. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1966 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Rasputin: The Mad Monk has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Rasputin: The Mad Monk sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Rasputin: The Mad Monk (1966): with an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Horror cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch Rasputin: The Mad Monk Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
HISTORY Vault Apple TV Channel
HISTORY Vault Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Rasputin: The Mad Monk has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Horror), viewers should expect frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Rasputin: The Mad Monk stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1966 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rasputin: The Mad Monk movie hit or flop?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rasputin: The Mad Monk worth watching?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Rasputin: The Mad Monk online?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk is currently available for streaming on HISTORY Vault Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like HISTORY Vault Apple TV Channel, HISTORY Vault Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Rasputin: The Mad Monk movie hit or flop?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rasputin: The Mad Monk worth watching?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Rasputin: The Mad Monk online?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk is currently available for streaming on HISTORY Vault Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like HISTORY Vault Apple TV Channel, HISTORY Vault Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of Rasputin: The Mad Monk?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk is a Horror movie that follows: Rasputin, a crazed and debauched monk wreaks havoc at the local inn one night, chopping off the hand of one of the drinkers. As the bitter locals plan their revenge, the evil Rasputin works his power ...
Is Rasputin: The Mad Monk family friendly?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk falls under Horror, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is Rasputin: The Mad Monk available in?
Rasputin: The Mad Monk is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Rasputin, a crazed and debauched monk wreaks havoc at the local inn one night, chopping off the hand of one of the drinkers. As the bitter locals plan their revenge, the evil Rasputin works his power over the beautiful women who serve at the Tsar's palace. Even the Tsarina herself is seduced by his evil ways and, as his influence begins to dominate government policy, there is only one course of action left... to destroy him before he destroys them all.
Critic Reviews
I offer him sins worth forgiving! 1966 was a prolific year for Hammer Films, the company would have 6 films released this year, unsurprisingly the quality of such was variable. Rasputin the Mad Monk was filmed back to back with Dracula Prince of Darkness, yet even though the BBFC afforded it the "X" certificate, it's somewhat tame and more a historical drama than horror film. In truth it's Christopher Lee as the title character who keeps this from plunging the depths of stinkerville, and this in spite of sporting a most distracting and ridiculous beard. Plot simply - and fancifully - shows Rasputin as a hard drinking, womanising bully with a penchant for hypnotism, all of which he uses for his nefarious ends. It's all very colourful, with Lee holding court as male saps and beautiful dames (Barbara Shelley oh my eye!) come and go, which all builds to a furious finale in the Hammer Films tradition. Yet the slow pace, weakness of the story and the overt feeling of watching a rush job, stops this from being anything but a Hammer time waster. 6/10
_**Holy man or unholy devil’s child?**_ A mysterious licentious monk named Grigori Rasputin (Christopher Lee) emerges from western Siberia with powers of healing and hypnosis. He worms his way into favor with the imperial family in prerevolutionary Saint Petersburg, in particular Alexandra (Renée Asherson), but his negative influence and debaucheries prompt conservative opponents to action. The cast is rounded out by Barbara Shelley, Richard Pasco and Francis Matthews. "Rasputin: The Mad Monk” (1966) is a Hammer historical drama/thriller with a bit o’ horror. It’s not a detailed real-life account, but offers the gist of the story in an entertaining manner, which inspires viewers to look up the actual history. Christopher Lee is outstanding as the eponymous character, both commanding and convincing. Meanwhile Shelley is a highlight on the feminine front. Rasputin was assassinated in late, 1916. It is said that his corruption of the government was responsible for the rising discontent of Russians, leading to the October revolution the next year and downfall of the monarchy. The movie runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot at Bray Studios, just west of London. GRADE: B/B-