Easter Movies

Easter is upon us, and in celebration of the holiday we are counting down 10 Easter-themed movies that you will want to watch. Ready? Here we go.......


10. Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) The Cinemascope sequel to The Robe is not as deep or dramatic, but features an inspiring performance by Victor Mature, nonetheless. In this film, you will find out what happened to the Holy Robe of Christ.

9. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) Not the best film about the life of Christ..not even close. But there is much to admire about this epic retelling of the life of Jesus. The cinematography is beautiful (shot in ultra wide, Ultra Panavision 70)with each shot composed like a masterwork painting from the Middle Ages. Max Von Sydow gives an understated performance of Jesus, as well. The only thing that hurts this film are the constant cameos by famous stars. John Wayne as the Centurion? Still, a good way to spend a Spring evening.

8. King of Kings (1961) Some refer to this film as "I Was A Teenage Jesus" due to the good looks of star Jeffrey Hunter. Samuel Bronston's international production is eye candy to look at (filmed in Technirama 70) and features a great score. The Sermon on the Mount sequence is a highlight.

7. The Miracle Maker (1999) A BBC production, this is the most unique of religious films. It is a stop-motion animated feature with an international cast. At first glance, it would appear to be a children's film. But upon closer inspection, there is much more depth and drama in this production; a most interesting chapter of Jesus films.

6. The Passion of The Christ (2004) Ignore the hype, ignore the controversy...if you can do that, this film can be a rewarding cinematic experience. Sure, it only focuses on Christ's last hours alive, but these moments are enough to kick a grown man out of his seat. Brutally violent, uncompromisingly gory, and heartbreakingly real, Passion joins the ranks of earlier religious epics as a must-see tradition every Spring.

5. The Robe (1953) The first film released in Cinemascope, The Robe's success ensured future use of wide-screen processes. Some of the acting is over the top (especially in the final scene), but its heart is in the right place (And you can't go wrong with any film featuring the beautifully radiant and talented Jean Simmons.) Pastel Easter colors add to the entertainment value at this festive time of the year.

4. Ben-Hur (1959) The chariot race, Heston, MGM Camera 65 (yielding a huge 2.76:1 aspect ratio), 11 Oscars, brilliant direction by William Wyler, a stirring score, and enough emotion and faith to sway even the hardest of hearts. Enough said.

3. The Ten Commandments (1956) Okay, so it's not technically an Easter movie (having been adapted from the Old Testament) but it is about Passover, and every year millions of Christians and Jewish people watch this beloved Cecil B. DeMille spectacle. Extreme in almost everyway, from the acting ("Moses, Moses!"), to the narration (by Demille himself), to the Oscar-winning special effects (the parting of the Red Sea remains one of the most famous images in film history)...but that's why we love it. A dramatic epic filmed in crisp Vista Vision that's timeless in its universal appeal.

2. Easter Parade (1948) One of MGM's most sunny musicals, Fred and Judy stroll down that famous avenue and into our hearts. The star duo's "Couple of Swells" number is the stuff of legend, as is Ann Miller's exhilarating "Shakin' The Blues Away." And only a cold-hearted soul could not rejoice in the singing of the title song and the film's grand climax. A must see at any time of the year, but especially at Easter. And it contains one of our favorite lines...
"Why didn't you tell me I was in love with you?"

1. Jesus of Nazareth (1977, tv) Franco Zeffirelli's six and a half hour production of the life of Jesus Christ is without a doubt the best Easter movie ever made. Robert Powell is the definitive screen Jesus, allowing pathos to seep in to his performance, without being overly sweet. He commands every scene he is in with his piercing blue eyes and otherworldly gaze (never blinking througout the film.) The film's cast includes such heavy-hitters as Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Anthony Quinn, Anne Bancroft, Olivia Hussey, Michael York, Christopher Plummer, Ernest Borgnine, James Farentino, James Earl Jones, Stacy Keach, Ian McShane, Donald Pleasance, Rod Steiger, and Peter Ustinov...whew! The film was an Easter tradition for many years, airing on the NBC television network. Easter is about the renewal of life through Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth is about Easter.