For Christians, Resurrection Day is a holy occasion, and what better way to commemorate Easter than by watching films about Jesus’ life? The life of Christ teaches us many significant spiritual teachings, from his conception to his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The carefully curated Christiandiet Oscar-winning movies collection has something for every age group, whether it’s an award-winning movie like THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST or a charming animated classic like LION OF JUDAH. As we commemorate God’s greatest gift—the life of his Son, the Savior—may your family be blessed.
1. The Robe (1953)
Richard Burton plays Marcellus, a Roman tribune who orders the troops to crucify Jesus in the first movie released in CinemaScope. When Marcellus wins the Messiah’s garment in an inebriated game of dice, his life—as well as the lives of his childhood sweetheart Diana (Jean Simmons) and slave Demetrius (Victor Mature)—is irrevocably altered. The Robe was dubbed “ablaze with Technicolor and alive with romance, action, and Biblical pageantry” by Time magazine. Hollywood at its most spectacular. The film was nominated for five Oscars, but it only won one for costume design.
This is one of the Oscar-winning movies we collected for you.
2. The Ten Commandments (1956)
Moses, the adopted Egyptian prince who guides the oppressed Hebrews to liberation, is portrayed by a superb Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments, which ABC broadcasts every spring, has evolved into Easter’s equivalent of It’s a Wonderful Life’s Christmas. Cecil B. DeMille, the master of the film epic, allowed the director to partially recreate his 1923 silent version with this last contribution. Although Yul Brynner’s portrayal of Pharaoh Ramses and Anne Baxter’s portrayal of Nefertiri border on kitsch, the Red Sea’s predigital parting is difficult to ignore. It is one of our Oscar-winning movies.
3. Barabbas (1961)
After the mob chose to save Anthony Quinn rather than Jesus, Pontius Pilate freed the imprisoned thief. A guilt-ridden Barabbas works in a mine, engages in gladiatorial combat, and participates in the burning of Rome after seeing Christ die and learning of his teachings. The grandiose project, which was filmed in Italy, enthralled viewers with its enormous gladiatorial fight and a crucifixion scene that was captured under a real solar eclipse.
4. Son of God (2014)
As the Romans conquer the countryside, John begins SON OF GOD by recounting God’s promise and covenant with His people throughout Israel’s history. Thirty years after revealing Jesus’ birth, Jesus calls Peter to join Him in His quest to transform the world. Pharisees challenge Jesus over his teachings and miracles. Then, during Passover, Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem as hostilities between the Romans and the Jews intensify. As Jesus starts His journey to the Cross, the crowds and anxiety surrounding Him grow.
A powerful demonstration of God’s grace is shown in SON OF GOD. The performance is superb, and the dramatic conclusion is no exception. The film has the potential to change people’s lives, but it could go more quickly. As a result, the film has a solid start, although the first part is overly episodic. Additionally, numerous biblical scenes—including dialogue—seem overly condensed. Nevertheless, there is a significant struggle between Jesus and the Jewish and Roman authorities. The film also features a stirring resurrection scene. SON OF GOD makes it abundantly evident that Christ’s death and resurrection serve as a magnificent reminder of God’s love.
5. The Lion of Judah (2011)
Everyone believes that Jesus is being crucified when THE LION OF JUDAH begins with a rough-hewn hand hammering a nail. Instead, a small lamb is being sent to Jerusalem for the temple sacrifices inside a box that is being sealed. The wooden box containing the lamb tumbles off and lands in a barn inhabited by a number of animals who were present when Jesus was born. The stable animals band together behind a talking rat to save the lamb when the folks return to find it. The story of Jesus is gradually revealed by their deeds.
THE LION OF JUDAH features a lot of excellent talent, but whenever filmmakers develop an allegory for young audiences, they must keep in mind both the dramatic and spiritual aspects. In an attempt to address every theological point, the film veers off course and occasionally becomes unclear. All of this was done for a reason, but the filmmakers failed to come up with a plot point. Nevertheless, some young children might find this LION OF JUDAH entertaining and, with their parents’ assistance, might get a deeper understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
6. The Young Messiah (2016)
In the film THE YOUNG MESSIAH, the young Jesus resides in Egypt with Mary and Joseph before making his way back to Israel. After learning of Herod the Great’s passing while in Egypt, Joseph makes the decision to bring Jesus, Mary, and their close family back to Israel. Along the journey, Jesus asks his cousin to share more details about his birth and his parents’ perception of him. Jesus’ divinity is demonstrated by miracles in conjunction with these revelations. The young messiah is said to have survived his father’s murderous onslaught in Bethlehem, according to Herod’s successor. He gives the Roman centurion Severus instructions to track down and murder the young messiah.
The film THE YOUNG MESSIAH is expertly made. Everyone who watches it is moved to tears. Additionally, it avoids the theological errors of the book and is theologically sound. The entirety of Jesus is presented in a beautiful, distinctive, charming, and dramatic manner in this film, which functions as a visual, engaging sermon. In addition to being a must-see film, THE YOUNG MESSIAH is something you’ll want to watch repeatedly.
7. The Nativity Story (2006)
One of those really unusual films that defies expectations by bringing the Gospel to life in an engaging, fascinating, and enjoyable way is THE NATIVITY STORY. Scripture is cited and referenced throughout the film. In order to fulfill the prophecy that a King of Kings and Lord of Lords will be born, King Herod dispatches forces to slaughter every innocent person in Bethlehem. The audience is then introduced to Joseph and Mary’s lives through a flashback to a year prior in the town of Nazareth. Mary soon receives an angel from God informing her that she is carrying God’s child, who was born by the Holy Spirit. In order to register for the Roman census, Joseph and Mary must travel to Bethlehem. God’s prophesies are realized in the fullness of time.
The film THE NATIVITY STORY is almost flawless. It contains one of the greatest biblical story scripts ever. There is a constant feeling of peril. The plot, the language, and the pivotal moments are all surprisingly emotional. The best part is that THE NATIVITY STORY is obviously evangelistic without being preachy, and it bears witness to Jesus the Messiah in every manner.
8. Resurrection (2021)
Discovery+ offers the exciting film RESURRECTION, which depicts the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. A depiction of Roman authority in Jerusalem opens the film. It quickly shifts to Jesus being arrested, Caiaphas questioning if He is the Messiah, and Jesus answering, “I am.” The apostles are unsure of what to do when Jesus is crucified and Peter rejects him. When Mary Magdalen visits the tomb three days later, she discovers it is empty. The apostles don’t trust Mary when she claims to have seen Jesus alive. They quickly learn the truth for themselves.
They’ve done a fantastic job at keeping the gospel story close while making it thrilling and enjoyable. They may be criticized for their portrayal of the apostles or for what they omitted. But every time a historical document is adapted into a
film, difficult decisions must be made in order to make the narrative engaging. We suggest RESURRECTION because it presents the greatest story ever told in a dramatic, biblically accurate manner.
9. Risen (2016)
The story of RISEN centers on Clavius, a Roman soldier and unbeliever who commands the troops who crucified Jesus and guarded His tomb. Pontius Pilate gives Clavius the task of looking into the disappearance of Christ’s body when the soldiers watching over the tomb nod off. One individual rejects Clavius and his assistant’s attempts to bribe him into providing information on the disciples’ whereabouts. When they question Mary Magdalene, she informs them that because Jesus has risen from the grave, they are unable to locate the body. Clavius questions the veracity of the Christian message as more and more of Christ’s disciples approach them. Will Clavius actually see the reality?
The dramatic, epic film RISEN tells the story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Excellent tension, outstanding performance, and outstanding production elements characterize this well-made film. RISEN promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially the Resurrection, with a strong Christian, biblical perspective. It depicts Jesus Christ and His Gospel realistically while telling a stirring tale. RISEN is an excellent film to show doubters and non-believers who mistakenly reject Christianity.
10. Journey with Jesus (2021)
The inspirational and educational documentary JOURNEY WITH JESUS walks audiences through the actual sites of Jesus’s birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming. The Rev. Dr. Tony Evans and his two daughters serve as the film’s hosts. They pose thought-provoking queries and provide insightful responses. Additionally, they use worship, Bible commentary, and personal testimonies to teach the truth of Jesus Christ.
Talking about faith and how Christians should look to Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming for answers is what makes JOURNEY WITH JESUS so powerful. JOURNEY WITH JESUS has a very strong Christian, biblical mindset in achieving this. There are multiple occasions when the gospel is preached. Scripture readings support the veracity of God’s word. Moments of worship and testimonies of faith invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the Lord. Lastly, the Evans family conducts insightful discussions that help make the connection between the places they visit and real-world applications of faith. JOURNEY WITH JESUS is very appropriate and exciting.
