Movies about Jesus: Best Films

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1927 - 20046 Films14h 31m4.2 Average

This watch list presents the best films about Jesus, each bringing exceptional craft and vision to the challenging subject matter. From Cecil B. DeMille's silent epic to Pasolini's neorealist masterpiece to Scorsese's provocative theological exploration, these works transcend simple biblical storytelling to create truly powerful cinema.

Whether through innovative musical adaptation, faithful scripture-based narrative, or unflinching realism, every film on the list demonstrates how great filmmakers have found distinctive ways to showcase depth, artistry, and give fresh perspectives on one of history's most frequently told stories.

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1
The King of Kings poster

The King of Kings

19272h 35m3.5
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Cast: H.B. Warner, Dorothy Cumming, Ernest Torrence, Joseph Schildkraut, James Neill

Cecil B. DeMille's epic silent film tells the story of the life and Passion of Christ with biblical text, a cast of thousands, and spectacular production values that made it one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters of the era.

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2
The Gospel According to St. Matthew poster

The Gospel According to St. Matthew

19652h 17m4.4
Original Title: Il vangelo secondo Matteo
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Cast: Enrique Irazoqui, Margherita Caruso, Susanna Pasolini, Marcello Morante, Mario Socrate

Pier Paolo Pasolini's acclaimed biblical epic follows Jesus as he begins his ministry along the Mediterranean coast, teaching through parables and gathering disciples. The film chronicles his confrontations with religious authorities and the events leading to his crucifixion, presenting a stark and realistic portrayal of the Gospel story.

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3
Jesus Christ Superstar poster

Jesus Christ Superstar

19731h 48m4.1
Director: Norman Jewison
Cast: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennen, Bob Bingham

This rock opera musical depicts the final days of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, who grows increasingly concerned about Jesus' rising fame and influence. The story explores the complex relationship between Jesus and his disciples, particularly focusing on Judas' internal struggle with his role in the events that unfold.

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4
The Last Temptation of Christ poster

The Last Temptation of Christ

19882h 44m4.2
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Paul Greco, Steve Shill, Verna Bloom

Martin Scorsese's controversial religious epic follows Jesus as he grapples with his divine destiny while torn between his human desires and his role as the son of God. The film explores Christ's internal struggle with doubt and temptation as he faces the burden of being humanity's savior.

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5
The Gospel of John poster

The Gospel of John

20033h4.4
Director: Philip Saville
Cast: Christopher Plummer, Henry Ian Cusick, Stuart Bunce, Daniel Kash, Stephen Russell

A faithful biblical adaptation that presents the life of Jesus Christ as told through the Gospel of John, following the text word for word from the Good News Translation Bible.

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6
The Passion of the Christ poster

The Passion of the Christ

20042h 7m4.5
Director: Mel Gibson
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov, Francesco De Vito, Monica Bellucci

A graphic and intense depiction of the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, focusing on his crucifixion and sacrifice.

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