🎞 MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb › Best of › 1970 › El Topo

El Topo poster

El Topo (1970)

“The definitive cult spaghetti western”

7.0/10 · 701 votes 2h 5m nr ActionAdventureDramaWestern

#13 of 17 films from 1970 #675 of 2168 in action

Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky · Written by Alejandro Jodorowsky

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

El Topo decides to confront warrior Masters on a trans-formative desert journey he begins with his 6 year old son, who must bury his childhood totems to become a man.

Cast

Alejandro Jodorowskyas El Topo
Brontis Jodorowskyas Son of El Topo
José Legarretaas Dying Man
Alfonso Arauas Bandit 1
José Luis Fernándezas Bandit 2
David Silvaas The Colonel
Ignacio Martínez Españaas Armless Man
Robert Johnas Adult Son of El Topo
Mara Lorenzioas Marah / The Woman
Paula Romoas Desconocida
Jacqueline Luisas Mujercita
Héctor Martínezas Maestro 1
Juan José Gurrolaas Maestro 2
Víctor Fosadoas Maestro 3

Facts

Release dateDecember 18, 1970
Runtime125 min (2h 5m) — about the same as the 1970 average of 116 min
GenresAction, Adventure, Drama, Western
LanguageES
Budget$400,000
IMDbtt0067866

More from Alejandro Jodorowsky

The Holy MountainThe Holy Mountain1973 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 55m Santa SangreSanta Sangre1989 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 2m

If you liked El Topo

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Jeremiah JohnsonJeremiah Johnson1972 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 48m Dersu UzalaDersu Uzala1975 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 21m Planet of the ApesPlanet of the Apes1968 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 52m Butch Cassidy and the Sundance KidButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid1969 · ★ 7.6 · 1h 51m SorcererSorcerer1977 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 2m Little Big ManLittle Big Man1970 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 19m Aguirre, the Wrath of GodAguirre, the Wrath of God1972 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 35m The Poseidon AdventureThe Poseidon Adventure1972 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 57m

Questions

How long is El Topo?
El Topo runs 125 minutes (2h 5m).
Is El Topo worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7/10 across 701 votes, which places it #13 of 17 films released in 1970 in this index (top 29%) and #675 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed El Topo?
El Topo was directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Holy Mountain (1973), Santa Sangre (1989).
Who stars in El Topo?
Alejandro Jodorowsky as El Topo; Brontis Jodorowsky as Son of El Topo; José Legarreta as Dying Man; Alfonso Arau as Bandit 1; José Luis Fernández as Bandit 2; David Silva as The Colonel.
What is El Topo rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for El Topo?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/112337.

Browse

Best of 1970Best actionAction of the 1970sBest adventureAdventure of the 1970sBest dramaDrama of the 1970sBest westernWestern of the 1970sAll lists
MTDb·Best films by year, genre and runtime·A century in numbers·Browse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.