20 Best Christian Easter Movies That Focus on Jesus

If you're looking for Christian Easter Movies that will draw your focus to Jesus and His resurrection, you're going to live this list of the Best Christian Easter Movies!

Easter is a time of celebration, reflection, and spiritual renewal for Christians around the world. It is an opportunity to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the profound message of hope and redemption that it represents.

While it's easy to get caught up in the fun of Easter Egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny, it's important to remember that Easter Sunday is the day that we celebrate that the Son of God, who was crucified, rose from the dead.

With that in mind, I've compiled a list of the best Christian Easter movies, ranging from powerful movies that depict moments from the Bible to heartwarming family films, that will inspire you, uplift you, and help you focus on Jesus this Easter season.

Best Christian Easter Movies

1. The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Directed by Mel Gibson, this film offers a vivid portrayal of the last twelve hours of Jesus Christ's life, leading up to his crucifixion. The film stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus and is known for its graphic and realistic depiction of Christ's suffering.

2. Jesus Revolution (2023)

Based on the true story of the Jesus Movement in the 1970s, this film directed by Jon Gunn focuses on the spiritual awakening that swept through the United States, leading to the rise of contemporary Christian culture.

3. Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

This British-Italian television miniseries, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, is a detailed and accurate account of the life of Jesus Christ. The series stars Robert Powell as Jesus and features an all-star cast, including Anne Bancroft, Olivia Hussey, and Christopher Plummer.

4. The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017)

Directed by Dallas Jenkins, this film tells the story of a washed-up former child star, played by Brett Dalton, who is forced to do community service at a local church. He pretends to be a Christian to land the role of Jesus in their annual Passion Play, leading to an unexpected journey of self-discovery and redemption.

5. The Ten Commandments (1956)

Directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston as Moses, this biblical epic follows the life of Moses as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt. Although not directly related to Easter, the film's themes of faith and redemption make it a classic to watch during the Easter season.

6. The Robe (1953)

Directed by Henry Koster, this film tells the story of a Roman tribune, played by Richard Burton, who wins Christ's robe in a game of dice after the crucifixion. The film explores the transformative power of faith and the impact of Jesus' teachings on the lives of those who encounter his robe.

7. Risen (2016)

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, this film follows a Roman soldier, played by Joseph Fiennes, who is tasked with investigating the disappearance of Jesus' body after the crucifixion. The film offers a unique perspective on the resurrection and how it may have been perceived by those in power at the time.

8. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

Directed by George Stevens, this epic film provides a comprehensive portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his crucifixion and resurrection. The film stars Max von Sydow as Jesus and features an all-star cast, including Charlton Heston, Dorothy McGuire, and Sidney Poitier.

9. The Chosen (2017-Present)

Created by Dallas Jenkins, this crowd-funded television series offers a fresh and intimate portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ and his disciples. The show focuses on the personal and emotional journeys of its characters, providing a unique perspective on the familiar biblical story.

10. Ben-Hur (1959)

This epic historical drama, directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who seeks revenge after being betrayed by a Roman friend. The film culminates in the events of the first Easter, providing a powerful and moving portrayal of faith and redemption. There is also a 2016 version of Ben-Hur that is really good but is more graphic than the original.

11. Peter: The Redemption (2016)

Directed by Leif Bristow, this film follows the story of Peter, played by John Rhys-Davies, as he seeks redemption after denying Jesus three times. The film explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and the power of God's grace.

12. I Can Only Imagine (2018)

While this is not an Easter movie per se, this inspiring film, directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, tells the story behind the popular Christian song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. The film follows the life of the band's lead singer, Bart Millard, played by J. Michael Finley, and his journey to forgiveness and faith.

13. The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)

Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, this Italian film is a faithful adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew. The movie follows the life of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his crucifixion and resurrection. Shot in a neorealist style, the film offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the biblical story that can be appreciated by adults and older children alike.

14. The Last Supper (1976)

Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, this Cuban film offers a thought-provoking and artistic portrayal of the biblical Last Supper. Set in 18th-century Cuba, the film follows a slave-owning count who decides to reenact the Last Supper with twelve of his slaves. The movie skillfully explores themes of power, faith, and human dignity, providing an unconventional and compelling perspective on the biblical event.

Best Easter Movies for Kids

While the movies above are great movies, many of them are not really appropriate for kids. The following kid-friendly movies offer a unique blend of entertainment and valuable lessons, making them perfect for engaging younger kids.

With a combination of animation, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, the following movies provide an enjoyable way for kids to learn about the true meaning of Easter while spending quality time with the whole family.

15. VeggieTales: An Easter Carol (2004)

A fun and family-friendly Easter-themed adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic “A Christmas Carol,” this animated film follows Ebenezer Nezzer as he learns the true meaning of Easter. The film combines humor, catchy songs, and important lessons about the true significance of the holiday.

16. VeggieTales: ‘Twas the Night Before Easter (2011)

Another family-friendly Easter-themed film from the VeggieTales series, this movie finds Larry the Cucumber trying to save the town's Easter celebration from being overshadowed by a theater production. Along the way, they learn the importance of the true meaning of Easter.

17. Lion of Judah (2011)

This animated movie, directed by Deryck Broom and Roger Hawkins, tells the story of a lamb named Judah and his animal friends as they embark on a journey to witness the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The film teaches important lessons about faith, sacrifice, and redemption.

18. The Passion: A Brickfilm (2019)

Directed by Joshua Carroll, this unique stop-motion animated film uses LEGO bricks to retell the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The film is an innovative and creative approach to sharing the Easter message, making it engaging and accessible for audiences of all ages.

19. The Miracle Maker (2000)

This stop-motion animated film, directed by Derek W. Hayes and Stanislav Sokolov, offers a unique visual retelling of the life of Jesus Christ. Featuring the voices of Ralph Fiennes as Jesus and Julie Christie as Mary, this movie provides a fresh perspective on the familiar story.

20. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

This animated musical, directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells, tells the story of Moses, who was raised as an Egyptian prince before discovering his true heritage and leading the Israelites out of Egypt. While not directly related to Easter, the themes of faith, perseverance, and redemption make this movie a fitting choice for the season.

Which Movie Will You Watch First?

We hope this list of Christian Easter movies helps you to find something to watch that will not only entertain but also serve as a meaningful reminder of the true reason we celebrate Easter. By immersing ourselves in the stories of Jesus Christ, his disciples, and those whose lives were transformed by faith, we are reminded of the significance of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

This Easter, whether you choose to watch an epic retelling of Christ's life, a family-friendly animated adventure, or a touching story of personal transformation, these films are sure to bring your focus towards Jesus and bring the message of Easter to life.

So gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and enjoy these inspiring films as you celebrate the miracle of the resurrection.

If you're into Easter Bunnies and the more commercial side of Easter, we got you covered for that too!

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