Did you know that like Christmas, the Easter Holiday has its own set of themed movies one can watch? For Christians, Easter is the holiest day of the year as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are many films that showcase this biblical event and show the actions of the heroes and villains of the story.
So let’s take a look at a list of the 7 Best Faith-Based Easter Films, this list is presented in no particular order, so let’s dive in!
Paul Apostle of Christ (2018)
Starting us off on the 7 best Faith-Based Easter Films is one released in 2018 this Biblical story stars Jim Caviezel as Luke and James Faulker as Paul, it follows Luke as he risks his life to visit Paul, who is captive in a Roman prison under Emperor Nero’s rule. Thrust together they struggle against the emperor and the frailties of the human spirit.
This film is very interesting as it shows Paul less as the Holy Saint he is remembered as, and more as the man he was, we see him struggle, and we are shown the evil that he committed before his conversion. He is a very flesh and blood character, and the film is dark and at times depressing, but a fairly accurate depiction of the horror the Christians lived through under Nero.
Paul Apostle of Christ is streaming on STARZ
Son of God (2014)
Son of God was an unusual film in that it was material from the epic miniseries The Bible by Roma Downey, using the episodes about Jesus from the miniseries and utilizing unreleased footage, Son of God is a good if a brisk look at the life of Christ.
Son of God in many ways feels like a throwback to the Biblical productions of the 60s and 70s, with its lavish sets and mostly European cast. Overall Son of God is a good telling of the story of Christ and includes some interesting bookends with the Apostle John, it’s not perfect and sadly is mostly forgotten sandwiched between The Passion of the Christ and now The Chosen, but it’s a lost gem worth revisiting.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus is not called the greatest film about Christ’s life for no reason. The film is a masterwork in action and storytelling, as we follow Jesus on his journey to the cross, it earns its R rating, being perhaps one of the goriest and bloodiest films ever made. It’s a hard movie to view, as Caviezel showcases a very human Christ, and we see every blow and every nail pierce him.
The camera work is outstanding and the direction perfect, and audiences rewarded the film, with it earning over 600m worldwide. With a sequel having been announced.
The Passion of the Christ is streaming on Amazon
Barabbas (1961)
Released in 1961 this epic was directed by Richard Fleischer and starred Anthony Quinn, Ernest Borgnine, and many others, it was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. It follows the story of the man who was spared when the crowd chooses to kill Jesus in his place, we see the life of Barabbas afterward and see his travels. He is hounded and chased by God even as he resists redemption, a quote from the film sums up its message “God looks at each man as if there is no other”
The film is also famous for filming the crucifixion scenes during an actual total solar eclipse, and for building a replica of the colosseum. Barabbas is one of the most interesting explorations of faith on this list and certainly the most unique film here.
The Robe (1953)
Released in 1953 The Robe follows Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio who is ordered to crucify Jesus of Nazareth but is tormented by his guilty conscience afterwards. Starring Richard Burton and Victor Mature, the film is a lavish production of the Roman age and the early growth of the Christian church. It’s also an interesting case study of guilt and God chasing after man with the intent of redemption.
It’s directed and acted well and has some amazing-looking sets, if you are into large-scale sword and sandal epics, The Robe is not to be missed!
The Robe is streaming on Amazon
Ben-Hur (1959)
Perhaps the best Faith-based film ever made, Ben-Hur is the epic film that won 11 Academy Awards in 1959 and solidified the career of Charlton Heston, directed by William Wyler and adapted from the bestselling book of the same name. Ben-Hurt is the film everyone needs to see at least once.
It follows the story of Jewish Prince Ben-Hur who is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend and must fight to regain his freedom and return for bloody revenge. The film is marked by many lavish and epic scenes such as the Naval battle and the thrilling Chariot race.
Ben-Hur is available on Prime for rental
Risen (2016)
Jokingly called “Bible CSI” this film follows a Roman Tribune in Judea who is tasked to find the missing body of Jesus Christ after his followers claim he rose from the dead. It stars Joseph Fiennes, Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis, and Tom Felton.
This film was interesting as we saw the investigation into Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the perspective of an unbelieving Roman. It’s very much a mystery thriller, with some good performances. Cliff Curtis plays a very good Jesus, who never says a word yet exudes presence and power.
If you are looking for a different kind of Easter movie that explores a topic that most films never do,
Risen is streaming on PlutoTV.
So there you have it! The 7 Best Faith-based Easter Films to watch, there are many more, but this grouping stands out for not only the message but also the scale and production value they bring to the table. Films like the ones listed serve to remind us of not only our humanity but of the everlasting power of redemption and how its never too late to change the course of your life and seek out that which is good and beautiful.
Do you have 7 Best Faith-Based Easter Films that are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
