Movies about Jesus: Essential Films

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1912 - 201818 Films40h 38m4 Average

This watch list spans over a century of cinema, showcasing how filmmakers have approached the story of Jesus Christ across vastly different eras and styles. From pioneering silent epics to controversial theological explorations, these films represent culturally significant and historically important interpretations of Christianity's central figure.

The list includes reverential biblical epics, literal Gospel adaptations, innovative musicals, challenging art films, and even satirical commentary. Whether depicting Jesus's birth, ministry, crucifixion, or resurrection, each film on this list has left its mark on both cinema and culture, offering diverse perspectives that have shaped how audiences understand and visualize this story.

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1
From the Manger to the Cross poster

From the Manger to the Cross

19121h 11m2.5
Director: Sidney Olcott
Cast: Robert Henderson-Bland, Percy Dyer, Gene Gauntier, Alice Hollister, Sidney Olcott

A 1912 silent film depicting the life of Jesus Christ through a series of tableaux filmed on location in the Holy Land.

Drama
2
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.

DramaHistory
3
King of Kings poster

King of Kings

19612h 51m4.2
Director: Nicholas Ray
Cast: Jeffrey Hunter, Siobhán McKenna, Hurd Hatfield, Ron Randell, Viveca Lindfors

This epic biblical drama chronicles the life of Jesus Christ, from his birth and ministry to his crucifixion and resurrection, exploring his profound impact on all who encounter him.

DramaHistory
4
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.

Drama
5
The Greatest Story Ever Told poster

The Greatest Story Ever Told

19653h 19m3.5
Director: George Stevens
Cast: Max von Sydow, Michael Anderson Jr., Carroll Baker, Ina Balin, Victor Buono

This epic biblical drama chronicles the life of Jesus Christ from his birth in Bethlehem through his crucifixion and resurrection, featuring an all-star cast in a sweeping retelling of the greatest story in Christian faith.

DramaHistory
6
Godspell poster

Godspell

19731h 43m3.8
Director: David Greene
Cast: Victor Garber, Katie Hanley, David Haskell, Merrell Jackson, Joanne Jonas

A musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew set in modern-day New York City, where a group of young people follow Jesus through his teachings, parables, and ultimate crucifixion, all expressed through energetic songs and dance numbers.

ComedyFamilyMusic
7
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.

DramaHistory
8
Life of Brian poster

Life of Brian

19791h 34m4.6
Director: Terry Jones
Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones

Brian Cohen, an average young Jewish man, accidentally gains a reputation as the Messiah through a series of ridiculous events. This Monty Python comedy follows his absurd adventures as he tries to escape his unwanted followers while dealing with pompous Romans and bickering revolutionaries.

Comedy
9
Jesus poster

Jesus

19791h 57m5
Director: Peter Sykes
Cast: Brian Deacon, Rivka Neuman, Alexander Scourby, Niko Nitai, Yosef Shiloach

A faithful adaptation of the Gospel of Luke, chronicling the ministry of Jesus Christ over three and a half years.

Drama
10
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.

Drama
11
The Visual Bible: Matthew poster

The Visual Bible: Matthew

19934h 19m5
Director: Regardt van den Bergh
Cast: Richard Kiley, Bruce Marchiano, Gerrit Schoonhoven, Dawid Minnaar, Kevin Smith

A faithful dramatization of the Gospel of Matthew using the actual NIV scripture word for word, following Jesus Christ as he travels through ancient Judea preaching about God and salvation.

DramaHistory
12
The Miracle Maker poster

The Miracle Maker

20001h 27m3.3
Director: Derek W. Hayes
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Michael Bryant, Julie Christie, Rebecca Callard, James Frain

A mother and father seeking help for their sick daughter encounter Jesus, an extraordinary carpenter devoted to spreading God's word. This compelling story explores faith, trust, and devotion as miraculous events reveal the true meaning of Christ's mission.

AnimationFamilyDrama
13
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.

Drama
14
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.

Drama
15
The Nativity Story poster

The Nativity Story

20061h 41m4
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shaun Toub, Ciarán Hinds

This biblical drama follows Mary and Joseph's arduous journey to Bethlehem, where they seek shelter and welcome the birth of Jesus in a humble manger.

Drama
16
Son of God poster

Son of God

20142h 18m3.9
Director: Christopher Spencer
Cast: Diogo Morgado, Roma Downey, Greg Hicks, Adrian Schiller, Darwin Shaw

This biblical drama follows the life of Jesus Christ as he arrives in Jerusalem during Roman occupation, performing miracles and spreading messages of love and hope. As his influence grows, religious and political leaders begin to see him as a threat to their control.

Drama
17
Risen poster

Risen

20161h 47m3.4
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis, Tom Felton, Mark Killeen

A powerful Roman military tribune is tasked with investigating the disappearance of Jesus' body following the crucifixion to prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.

ActionAdventureDramaHistoryMystery
18
Mary Magdalene poster

Mary Magdalene

20182h3.5
Director: Garth Davis
Cast: Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ariane Labed, Ryan Corr

In first-century Palestine, a free-spirited woman named Mary Magdalene escapes an arranged marriage and finds purpose by joining the radical movement led by the charismatic preacher Jesus.

Drama