Top 10 Best Movies About Jesus Christ
From the first flickering reels of the silent film era to the awe-inspiring digital productions of the 21st century, Jesus Christ's story has been a potent source of inspiration for countless filmmakers.In this cinematic gathering, you'll find offerings that stick faithfully to the New Testament accounts, while others might play a bit fast and loose with the specifics to explore new interpretive possibilities. Each one, though, strives to convey the message and spirit of the teachings of Christ, making for a thought-provoking viewing experience irrespective of your personal beliefs.
Remember, this list is as dynamic and evolving as the audience's tastes and opinions. You have the power to shape it. Seen a film about Jesus Christ that deeply moved you? Think it deserves a place on this list? Well, your vote can rocket that film up the ranks. Or perhaps you've stumbled upon a hidden gem that more people need to see? This is your chance to give it the recognition it deserves.
"The Passion of the Christ" chronicles the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, laying emphasis on his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, portraying his willingness to sacrifice himself for humanity. This is the most moving of all the films about Christ. I don't usually cry when watching a film, but this was gut-wrenching, as it really was. To know that Christ walked into this knowing what would happen simply rips our hearts out. And if we believe Jesus was the Christ, but also completely man, then the suffering had to be real. Otherwise, He didn't really feel the pain and suffering, and then the entire point of the crucifixion is lost. So, gory and bloody and horrible as depicted, it needs to be for us to even begin to understand the sacrifice made by the Father - to submit His beloved Son to such as this - because of God's love for us.
The most powerful scene for me was Christ stumbling and seeing His mother, Mary, saying to her, "I make all things new." I was a Christian from childhood, but this line brought me back to the point. I need to watch this whenever I feel myself slipping.
"King of Kings" weaves a powerful narrative about the life of Jesus, from his humble birth to his crucifixion and eventual resurrection, serving as a testament to his enduring message of love and sacrifice. This is such a great movie. It showed he was a man. Even showed anger. This movie drew you in. You could feel his feelings. The actor who played the role of Jesus showed every feeling through his eyes. If you don't have a deep love and compassion for our Lord, you will after this movie.
King of Kings has been my most favorite movie to watch concerning the life of the Savior Jesus the Christ. It portrays his full life from birth to his death and then the great resurrection.
I have always liked this story. Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus shows us the many aspects of Christ as man and God.
"The Jesus Film" is a faithful cinematic representation of the Gospel of Luke, capturing the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in an accessible format. Though lacking in special effects (circa 1979), it was filmed on site in Israel. It is the most accurate movie because the Gospel of Luke serves as the script, thereby avoiding inaccuracies attributed to "artistic license." Consequently, it doesn't incorporate elements of the other Gospel accounts to form a "harmony" of the Gospels synthesis, but the upfront disclaimer that the story is based solely on Luke's gospel is a satisfactory explanation. I think "docudrama" would be a more accurate description than movie. It is powerful and engaging in its presentation of the historical Jesus.
In the early 2000s, an Old Testament introduction and closing were made available to help contextualize the story of Jesus in the larger biblical narrative and prophetic promises related to the Messiah.
"Son of God" dramatizes the life of Jesus from birth through his teaching, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection, embodying the essence of the New Testament narrative. I loved the miniseries The Bible, and although I have seen many biblical movies and stories of Jesus, in my opinion, actor Diogo Morgado did the best interpretation of Jesus I have ever seen. He portrayed a Jesus with human and God-given emotions, thoughts, and actions. I am in awe of the acting job Diogo did! This movie is number one to me.
Oh my goodness, this one was my favorite of all time! I saw this once in the 5th grade. It was amazing! My second favorite has to be the Life of Jesus, which is pretty much just The Gospel of John, my top two favorites.
"Jesus of Nazareth" is a detailed portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, from his birth in Bethlehem to his Resurrection, capturing the essence of his teachings and impact on humanity. This film is amazingly true to what Jesus must really have been like. The spirituality, gentleness, goodness, and compassion that Robert Powell projects are spellbinding. In scenes like the feast in Matthew's house, where Jesus tells the story of the Eight Beatitudes, and in the Sermon on the Mount, it is like seeing and hearing Jesus himself speak.
Throughout the film, the casting is excellent - I think particularly of Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene. But even the lesser parts are played with absolute conviction. This is one of the best films made, by any standards, and for a Christian, watching it is a truly religious experience.
Gospel of John" is a faithful adaptation of the Book of John, detailing the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus Christ, presented in a documentary-style format. This is the very best movie on the Gospel of John thus far. It is word for word, and the acting is superb. The only word that was omitted by this translation in this movie was when Jesus told his brother he was not going to the Festival but then went anyway. The King James translation has the word yet as in not going YET, with emphasis on the word Yet.
The best portrayal of Jesus, and totally true to the Gospel of John in its message of Jesus' deity and identity as the Son of God, I have ever seen. Haunting and yet loving portrayal of Jesus by Henry Ian Cusack. A very underrated film. Will not disappoint.
"The Gospel According to St. Matthew" is a stark, minimalist portrayal of Jesus Christ's life, emphasizing his radical teachings and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation. If this is the movie in which Jesus is played by Bruce Marchiano, then it's the best Jesus movie I've ever seen. He is portrayed as a very human man and the blessed Son of God. He laughed, smiled, hugged, and kissed his followers as true children of his Father in heaven.
This is a unique movie about Jesus simply because it is black and white, from the 1960s, Italian-made, and true to the Matthew version. Straight-up Jesus, no messing around.
This is okay. Did you know the actor for Jesus was 19 at the time?
"Ben Hur" is an epic drama set during the time of Christ, revolving around a Jewish prince seeking revenge but finding redemption, with the parallel narrative of Jesus' life and crucifixion. This movie was not only one of the greatest movies ever made but one of the best ones about Jesus, about redemption, and forgiveness. And a great chariot race!
A great film about one's encounter with the Lord. It depicts truly how the Lord loves you and never leaves you. Should be in the top five.
If you people don't know what this movie is, then you've been living under a rock. This is one of the biggest movies of all time, which has won 11 Oscars.
Simply titled "Jesus," this film aims to deliver an accessible interpretation of Christ's life and teachings, focusing on his miracles, crucifixion, and eventual resurrection. I think this is my favorite film depicting Jesus as a real human. Like ALL films, it is our human interpretation of Christ. There are scenes that show him reacting as a real man would react. The Bible (and almost all theologies) tell us he was MAN, experiencing human emotions.
It is tempting to think of Him as God walking around in human form, but not really feeling frustration, anger, grief, laughter, and real temptation. This depiction lets me see him as a real man who picked up His mission given to him by His Father.
Did Jesus not ask his Father to take the cup of unbelievable suffering from him, if possible? This helps to remind me that he knows exactly what I'm feeling because he felt it too. And I can turn to HIM in all circumstances with all my needs and know He understands and is present always to help me and to forgive my sins. He is always with me.
Matthew" is a word-for-word adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew, chronicling the life of Jesus from his birth to his resurrection, presented in a theatrical format. The best-portrayed Bible film of Jesus! The Holy Spirit of God was more evident, and this actor even looks the part of what Jesus might look like. I prayed for the actor's total conversion if he was not already a believer in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It was a great film, by far my favorite!
Fantastic film. Bruce Marchiano's portrayal of Jesus was wonderful. The whole production was a very spiritual one. A must-see. Should be in the top 5. A Jesus anointed with the oil of joy, and this movie is a joy to watch as well.
The Newcomers
"I Can Only Imagine" tells the true story behind the creation of the popular Christian song of the same name, reflecting the values of forgiveness and redemption found in Jesus' teachings.
"Judas" presents the biblical tale from the perspective of the notorious betrayer Judas Iscariot, exploring his complex relationship with Jesus and his eventual role in Christ's crucifixion.
"The Robe" tells the story of a Roman military tribune who wins Jesus' robe as a gambling prize, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and conversion to Christianity. Great film! Focusing on the love of Christ, no matter what one has done.
I agree, it should have received one of the top five spots.
This is a Good Friday staple in our household.
"The Last Temptation of Christ" presents a thought-provoking exploration of Jesus' internal struggles with doubt, fear, and temptation, offering a unique perspective on his divinity and humanity. This is the best movie. It shows Jesus as a person. It shows the internal torture he went through, his wanting to have a normal life, but having the courage to give that up to fulfill a higher purpose.
If Jesus was simply a god and did not want anything but to be crucified, he wouldn't have wept over it and had to work up the courage to go through with it. This movie actually shows how much of a sacrifice he made. I also like how it showed his relationship with Judas. I never bought into the idea that Jesus did not plan Judas' betrayal. If he knew he had to be crucified, he would have worked to make it happen.
"The Greatest Story Ever Told" recounts the life of Jesus Christ, elaborating on his birth, teachings, death, and resurrection, with an emphasis on the profound impact of his message. The most reverential film about Christ I have ever seen. Please take into account the effort Mr. George Stevens gave in order to produce this film. He poured his heart out in order to make The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Anything that teaches us His Word is wonderful. Max Von Sydow had to be touched by God to act in this manner.
This is the greatest movie. My family has watched this every year for Easter, and the cast is wonderful.
"Mary, Mother of Jesus" tells the story of Jesus Christ from Mary's perspective, illustrating her faith, courage, and unwavering devotion as the mother of the Messiah.
"The Miracle Maker" combines traditional animation and claymation to deliver a poignant and family-friendly depiction of the life and miracles of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of a young girl. Straightforward telling of the life of Jesus as recorded in the Bible. I loved the different animation techniques used to illustrate flashbacks. The stop-action animation was very impressive.
This movie has really helped me to catch the reality of the person of Jesus and helps me to relate to him today as he is a resurrected man that we are to actually have a relationship with.
This movie is so brilliantly crafted in the stop-motion animation world. I give it a rating of one million stars and thumbs up. It is a film all families can sit down together and watch.
"Quo Vadis" is a historical epic set during Nero's reign, intertwining the tale of a Roman soldier falling for a Christian woman, with the early days of Christianity and the persecution of Christians.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" is a rock opera that showcases the final week of Jesus' life, focusing on his relationships with Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene, providing a modern, musical interpretation of biblical events. I don't understand how one person can only watch one minute of it and form an opinion one way or another, let alone take it out of context, or rather, take the point it is emphasizing (heavy emotions Jesus was really going through) as a mockery. It was illustrating his struggles, not the author questioning Him. This movie does not downplay Jesus at all. It shows His sacrifice and the human aspect of His time on Earth. He was human and the Son of God. If He were just God, God could have just come out of the clouds and spoken to everyone. He had to go through the struggles.
I strongly encourage you to watch the whole movie in that vein. I can't guarantee you will like it, but I feel you'll come away with a better impression than after one minute. You have to look at different people's perspectives, like Judas's or Mary's. Though I do think it incorrectly makes the mistake everyone makes in thinking Mary was the prostitute that was addressed in the biblical passage right before Mary was introduced. Not the same person. But the movie isn't the only one to make that error.
"Risen" follows a Roman soldier tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus following the crucifixion, leading to a profound journey of discovery and faith. I thought the movie was very good. It showed, from an unbeliever's eyes, the miracle of gaining spiritual sight and a hardened heart being turned into flesh from stone. The movie was not biblical. It took artistic license, but that is fine with me.
It gives the world a reason to hunger for more, to learn more about the miracle of salvation through redemption. Where I was lost, now I am found comes to mind. The world was forever changed by the love of one man, a God who put on the flesh of man to redeem the world to Himself. Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
"Barabbas" is an epic tale about the life of Barabbas, the man whom the people of Jerusalem chose to release instead of Jesus, showing his journey through guilt and redemption. This movie is about Barabbas, the person who was saved by the people of Jerusalem. One of the best movies to show the lifestyle of those people.
"The Nativity Story" captures the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus, providing a heartfelt look at the humble beginnings of a figure who would change the world. My husband and I watch this on Christmas Eve every year. The portrayal of Mary and especially Joseph is especially realistic and spiritually moving.
I watched this movie at Christmas. It did portray what Mary and Joseph went through. I like this movie and I will buy a copy of it at a Christian bookstore.
Great film. Truly anointed. How the Word became flesh, coming from glory for us all, out of love beyond our imagination.
This movie was great because God's not dead. And if He was, everything would be possible. Atheists, please listen. I pray you find the light.
This is a great movie which shows that we should no longer be ashamed of our Lord and freely speak about Him.
God cannot die, yes, this is true. This movie speaks my mind.
"Jesus Camp" is a documentary that offers an inside look at a charismatic Christian summer camp, where children learn about their faith and are taught to become "soldiers" for God.
This movie touched our hearts!
"Godspell" is a musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew, presenting the parables and teachings of Jesus in a contemporary setting, delivered through catchy tunes and a spirit of community. A deeply moving interpretation of the Gospel for our modern world, showing the love of Christ is not confined to the traditional and frequently stilted portrayal of the God/Man who walked among us, loved us, and entered into deep, passionate, and intense relationships with others.
This musical is based on the life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of St. Matthew. However, what makes this movie special is that it is set in modern times. It shows us the teachings of Christ in a way never done before. Excellent songs, entertaining story, and a powerful message.