Is The Rise of Catherine the Great Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Rise of Catherine the Great is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Rise of Catherine the Great Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1934, The Rise of Catherine the Great enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The woman who will become Catherine the Great marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter, the nephew of Empress Elizabeth. Under the direction of Paul Czinner, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Douglas Fairbanks Jr.. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Rise of Catherine the Great 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, The Rise of Catherine the Great resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama 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, The Rise of Catherine the Great is available for streaming on HBO Max. It is also featured on platforms like HBO Max Amazon Channel and Criterion Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Rise of Catherine the Great centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. The woman who will become Catherine the Great marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter, the nephew of Empress Elizabeth. Although the couple has moments of contentment, Peter's cruel and erratic behavior causes a rift between him and Catherine. Mere months after Peter succeeds his aunt as the ruler of Russia, a revolt is brewing, and Catherine is poised to ascend to the throne as the country's new empress. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1934 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Rise of Catherine the Great 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 The Rise of Catherine the Great sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Rise of Catherine the Great (1934): with an audience rating of 5.6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, History cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Rise of Catherine the Great Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Rise of Catherine the Great is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Rise of Catherine the Great stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1934 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rise of Catherine the Great movie hit or flop?
The Rise of Catherine the Great has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Rise of Catherine the Great worth watching?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Rise of Catherine the Great online?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. You can also check for it on platforms like HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Rise of Catherine the Great movie hit or flop?
The Rise of Catherine the Great has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Rise of Catherine the Great worth watching?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Rise of Catherine the Great online?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. You can also check for it on platforms like HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of The Rise of Catherine the Great?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is a Drama, History movie that follows: The woman who will become Catherine the Great marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter, the nephew of Empress Elizabeth. Although the couple has moments of contentment, Pet...
Is The Rise of Catherine the Great family friendly?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is classified as Drama, History. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is The Rise of Catherine the Great available in?
The Rise of Catherine the Great is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
The woman who will become Catherine the Great marries into the Russian royal family when she weds Grand Duke Peter, the nephew of Empress Elizabeth. Although the couple has moments of contentment, Peter's cruel and erratic behavior causes a rift between him and Catherine. Mere months after Peter succeeds his aunt as the ruler of Russia, a revolt is brewing, and Catherine is poised to ascend to the throne as the country's new empress.
Critic Reviews
Some actors just emit a sort of magnetism through the camera - and Douglas Fairbanks Jr (Grand Duke Peter) does it in spades in this rather prosaic depiction of the early life of Catherine II of Russia. When Princess Sophie (Elisabeth Bergner) is chosen to marry the young Grand Duke by his aunt, Empress Elisabeth (Flora Robson) and the Kaiser, she arrives in a court where it isn't just the weather that is ice cold. Their relationship develops, in fits and starts, as she decides she is not going to simply be his trophy bride. Bergner depicts the young woman well, combining the personas of naive flightiness soon tempered by a steeliness of character. There is a strong, lively, performance from Robson as the Empress with her own coterie of lovers and a rather fun contribution from Gibb McLaughlin as Bestujhev. Overall, however, the film lacks the intrigue and the chemistry of Von Sternberg's "The Scarlet Empress" - It is a little dry; but the dark cinematography lends much to the integrity of the depiction of 18th Century Russian court life and the narrative does engender some sympathy for the young woman who was in no way equipped for what destiny had in store for her.