Fill your holiday plans with the best Easter movies to watch.
You’d be well-acquainted with an extensive list of Christmas movies that take over the December viewing calendar each year, but Easter movies? Yeah, you probably can’t name a whole heap but we have a list that will be sure to kick-off your Good Friday.
You may already have long weekend plans that involve a jam-packed getaway, but for those content to laze around on the couch or enjoy a quality family night at home, we’d suggest getting yourself in the Easter spirit by pressing play on some of these kid-friendly and religion-based hits.
Here are 16 of the best Easter movies to watch, in no particular order.
Ben-Hur (2016)
Ben-Hur offers a look at the life and crucifixion of Jesus in a historical context with a dose of drama and adventure. It’s based on the original masterpiece made in 1959, but adds a heap of epic straight-up action.
The film follows the well-known story through the eyes of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a Jewish prince who’s been wrongfully imprisoned.
Cast: Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman, Nazanin Boniadi and more.
How to stream Ben-Hur
Peter Rabbit (2018)
A more recent family fave, the modern take on Beatrix Potter’s classic 1902 Tale of Peter Rabbit may not be specifically about Easter as such- but it fits into the theme well enough for us.
After capturing the hearts of readers over generations, the mischievous hero Peter Rabbit takes his feud with Mr. McGregor to the big screen in comedic style.
Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne, Margot Robbie and more.
How to stream Peter Rabbit
Risen (2016)
If you like a bit more grit in your viewing, then this flick set in 33 A.D. starring Joseph Fiennes as a Roman Centurion Clavius might perk your interest.
Not your typical religious movie, it’s Easter meets gladiator as Clavius sets out on a gorey mission to find Jesus’s body after it mysteriously disappears following his crucifixion.
Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Cliff Curtis and more.
How to stream Risen
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
In a whole mash of iconic holiday characters, the Easter bunny joins Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost to save the world from an impending blackout.
Featuring voices from some of your favourite Hollywood stars, it’s a fun-filled magical story that pumps those holiday spirits right up.
Cast: Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and more
How to stream Rise of the Guardians
Noah (2014)
As the name suggests, this Darren Aronofsky film tells one of the more well-known biblical tales of Noah’s Ark.
The cast includes big names like Emma Watson and Russell Crowe at its helm, in a drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat with thrills while retaining enormous depth in its depiction and characters. You’ll be feeling inspired and visually satisfied at the end of it all.
Cast: Emma Watson, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and more.
How to stream Noah
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
A rock opera depiction of Jesus Christ’s last week on earth, Jesus Christ Superstar has earned its place in the classics hall of fame with an Oscar nomination and rave reviews.
Based on the Broadway play with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson provide award-worthy portrayals of Jesus and Judas throughout the well-known tale.
Christian or not, musical lover or not, it’s one to be enjoyed by all.
Cast: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman and more.
How to stream Jesus Christ Superstar
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
The Greatest Story Ever Told is a classic highly recommended by anyone who’s given it a watch.
If not for the inspiring tale depicting the life of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection, watch it for the exceptional all-star cast.
Cast: Max von Sydow, John Wayne, Michael Anderson Jr. and more
How to stream The Greatest Story Ever Told
Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade (2016)
There is debatably no better content to fill the family movie night roster than anything Ice Age-related, and their Easter special is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the little ones and devoted adult fans.
It’s short and sweet with a pretty simple plot; the beloved characters from the movies set out on the world’s very first Easter egg hunt.
Cast: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo and more.
How to stream Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade
Hop (2011)
The kids will love it, and the adults will equally adore it (even if they don’t want to admit it).
The Easter bunny’s teen son (Russell Brand) heads to Hollywood with the dream of becoming a drummer in a rock ‘n’ roll band – because he couldn’t care less about being next in line for the chocolate bearing role – and gets taken in by Fred (James Marsden) after hopping in front of his car. Cue comedy as they struggle to deal with the situation.
Cast: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco and more.
How to stream Hop
Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)
Who remembers VeggieTales? Seems like a lifetime ago.
Get a bit nostalgic and introduce the kids to some of the meaning behind Easter through singing veggies, laughs, and music as the team set out on an adventure with Jonah, who is a prophet of God.
How to stream Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie
The Passion Of The Christ (2004)
Often regarded as one of the best Jesus films ever made, The Passion Of The Christ is a watch for anyone familiar with the story or otherwise.
It dives deep into the lead-up to his crucifixion and is an extremely powerful story that won’t suit anyone looking for more ‘light’ viewing.
Cast: Andrea Refuto, Monica Bellucci, Rosalinda Celentano and more.
How to stream The Passion of the Christ
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
Now this is a trip down memory lane.
There’s a Peanuts cartoon for every holiday, and Easter is no exception. Join Peppermint Patty and Marcie as they decorate Easter eggs, while Snoopy searches for Woodstock’s new home.
How to stream It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
The Prince Of Egypt (1998)
Another classic on the list, The Prince of Egypt tells the story of Moses as he grows up alongside his brother Rameses. When one becomes a ruler and the other chooses to live for the people, their friendship turns bitter.
Added bonus: the soundtrack is incredible. We’re suckers for a good sing-along.
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Val Kilmer, Steve Martin and more.
How to stream The Prince Of Egypt
Hank and Mike (2008)
Looking for extreme laughs on the couch? Hank and Mike is your answer.
It follows two blue-collar Easter bunnies who become unemployed after a holiday corporation brings in some cutbacks. Enter debt, fighting, and a heap of unraveling in hilarious form.
Cast: Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Chris Klein and more.
How to stream Hank and Mike
The Ten Commandments (1956)
If you really want to immerse yourself in the biblical side of things then you certainly can’t go wrong with chucking an old-school hit like this on.
It tells the life of Moses (Charlton Heston), once favoured in the Pharaoh’s (Yul Brynner) household, who turned his back on a privileged life to lead his people to freedom.
Cast: Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter and more.
How to stream The Ten Commandments
Rabbit School: Guardians of the Golden Egg (2017)
A rabbit from a city finds himself in an Easter bunny school that houses the legendary golden egg. But when a family of foxes plots to steal the egg, it will be up to the city rabbit to save the day and to realise his true potential.
How to stream Rabbit School: Guardians of the Golden Egg
We’ve got even more movie night inspo for you on So Binge.