by Tamera Lynn Kraft
This season is a great time for Easter movies. Here are 10 of my favorites.
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10. The Robe
1953
Director: Henry Koster
Starring Richard Burton and Jean Simmons
This movie takes some liberties with the story, like the Romans crucifying Jesus without the Jews having anything to do with it and the disciples rescuing another Christian and having a good old fashion sword fight. Sometimes the discrepancies are laughable. That being said, it’s a great movie to watch and doesn’t change the essence of the Gospel. It’s also a touching love story. The line I remember most was when Richard Burton with his wide eyes glaring said. “Were you there?” It gave me the creeps.
9. Ben Hur
1959
Director: William Wyler Starring Charlton Heston
Who can forget Charlton Heston in the chariot race?
8. The Visual Bible: The Gospel of John
2003 Director Phillip Saville
Starring Christopher Plummer and Henry Ian Cusick
It follows the words in the Bible. Good, but not as good as Matthew.
7. The Greatest Story Ever Told
1965
Director: George Stevens Starring Max Von Sydow
Great movie about Christ’s life if you can get past the music every time Jesus appears.
6. Jesus of Nazareth
1977 Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Starring Robert Powell
This miniseries on the life of Jesus impacted me greatly even though Jesus looked a bit too Heavenly and his eyes were the wrong color.
5. The Visual Bible: The Gospel of Matthew
1993
Director: Regardt Von Den Bergh
Starring Richard Kiley, Bruce Marchiano, and Gerrit Schoonhoven
This is my all time favorite portrayal of the person of Jesus.
4. Risen
2016
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Starring Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth
This is a unique telling of the story of the resurrection of Christ through the eyes of a Roman soldier who is an unbeliever and sent to find Christ’s body.
3. Son of God
2014 Director: Christopher Spencer
Starring Dioga Morgada, Amber Rose Ravah, Sebastian Knapp
Read my review of this movie at this link.
2. Ben Hur
2016
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro
This is an awesome movie. I was surprised that it was so much better than the original even without Charlton Heston My favorite kind of Easter story is one where Jesus is not the main character, but the main character is forever changed because of His encounter with Jesus. This checks all those boxes.
1. The Passion of the Christ
2004
Director: Mel Gibson
Starring James Caviezel
When I watch this movie, I feel like I’m watching the real event. It chokes me up every time. From the first moment of the film, I felt the anointing.
flowers, trees pregnant with a promised renewal of life, the sun rays strongly dissipating the heavy mists in the valleys. Reminders that Easter–Resurrection Day–is approaching. And I realize anew what an awesome celebration it truly is. 
10. I’m amazed at how quickly the people turned against their Messiah. In Luke 19:36-38, they were shouting Hosannas and waving palms. In Luke 23:18-25, they were shouting crucify Him. But it also amazes me how I so quickly turn away at times.
8. I’m amazed that Jesus knew Judas would betray him, yet He still washed his feet and shared a meal with him. Jesus also died on the cross for me knowing how many times I would betray Him. John 21:21-30
6. I’m amazed at how one moment Peter is willing to die for Jesus, but the next, he’s denying Him. The saddest part of this story is Luke 22: 61 “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.” Imagine being Peter and knowing the Lord saw you deny Him, that He was standing right there. He sees when we deny Him too. He’s standing right there. Luke 22:54-62
4. I’m amazed that Jesus carried His own cross after being beaten to a pulp and that He was willing to do that for me. How can I refuse to carry my cross after knowing that? John 19:1-17
1. I’m amazed at Jesus’ Resurrection power. He took death captive when He rose from the grave and proved He is I AM. Matthew 28