

Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot
This is the second part of a projected three-part epic biopic of Russian Czar Ivan Grozny, undertaken by Soviet film-maker Sergei Eisenstein at the behest of Josef Stalin. Production of the epic was stopped before the third part could be filmed, due to producer dissatisfaction with Eisenstein's introducing forbidden experimental filming techniques into the material, more evident in this part than the first part. As it was, this second part was banned from showings until after the deaths of both Eisenstein and Stalin, and a change of attitude by the subsequent heads of the Soviet government. In this part, as Ivan the Terrible attempts to consolidate his power by establishing a personal army, his political rivals, the Russian boyars, plot to assassinate him.
Where to watch Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot in United States
Click a service to open Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Amazon Video |
| France | — | Amazon Video |
| Spain | Filmin | — |
| Brazil | Looke, NetMovies | — |
About Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is a 1958 Russian-language history and drama film directed by Sergei Eisenstein. The cast is led by Nikolai Cherkasov, Serafima Birman, Pavel Kadochnikov. It has a runtime of 1h 22m. Viewers rate it 7.3/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel.
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot was produced by Mosfilm and TsOKS and made in Soviet Union. It was released on October 10, 1958, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Sergei Eisenstein
- Writers
- Sergei Eisenstein
- Release date
- October 10, 1958
- Original language
- Russian
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Soviet Union
- Production
- Mosfilm, TsOKS
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot cast & crew
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot was directed by Sergei Eisenstein and written by Sergei Eisenstein.
The cast features Nikolai Cherkasov as Czar Ivan IV, Serafima Birman as Boyarina Efrosinia Staritskaya, Pavel Kadochnikov as Vladimir Andreyevich Staritsky, Mikhail Zharov as Czar's Guard Malyuta Skuratov, Amvrosii Buchma as Czar's Guard Aleksei Basmanov, and Vsevolod Pudovkin as Nikolay the Fanatic.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Sergei Prokofiev, cinematography is by Andrey Moskvin, and it was produced by Sergei Eisenstein.
Is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot worth watching?
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot holds an audience score of 7.3/10 from 173 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed history films.
At 1h 22m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy history and drama, Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot
In United States, you can stream Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max, and Kanopy. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot

Nikolai Cherkasov
Czar Ivan IV

Serafima Birman
Boyarina Efrosinia Staritskaya

Pavel Kadochnikov
Vladimir Andreyevich Staritsky

Mikhail Zharov
Czar's Guard Malyuta Skuratov

Amvrosii Buchma
Czar's Guard Aleksei Basmanov

Vsevolod Pudovkin
Nikolay the Fanatic

Mikhail Kuznetsov
Fyodor Basmanov

Alexander Mgebrov
Novgorod's Archbishop Pimen

Andrei Abrikosov
Archbishop Philip (formerly Fyodor Kolychev)

Vladimir Balashov
Pyotr Volynets

Erik Pyryev
Ivan IV as a boy

Mikhail Nazvanov
Prince Andrei Kurbsky
More from the Ivan The Terrible Collection
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot in United States?
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max in United States.
▸Is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot in?
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is originally in Russian. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot runs 1 hours 22 minutes (82 minutes).
▸What is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot rated?
Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is rated NR. It holds a 7.3/10 audience score from 173 ratings.












