Films About Christ
Films about Christ have been a significant genre in the history of cinema, exploring the life, teachings, and impact of Jesus Christ. These films often delve into various aspects of His life, from His birth and ministry to His crucifixion and resurrection. They aim to convey His message of love, compassion, and salvation, often inspiring deep reflection and devotion among viewers. The depiction of Christ in cinema spans across various interpretations, from historical and biblical accuracy to artistic and contemporary portrayals.
Notable Films About Christ
“The King of Kings”, 1927
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, this silent film is one of the earliest and most influential portrayals of Jesus Christ, depicting His life, death, and resurrection.
Starring: H.B. Warner, Dorothy Cumming, Ernest Torrence, Joseph Schildkraut, James Neill, Joseph Striker, Robert Edeson, Sidney D'Albrook, David Imboden, Charles Belcher;
Production year: 1927;
Genre: drama;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 155 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The King of Kings” on the website imdb.com
“The Greatest Story Ever Told”, 1965
Director: George Stevens, David Lean, Jean Negulesco
This epic film directed by George Stevens stars Max von Sydow as Jesus and provides a detailed account of His life from the Nativity to the Ascension.
Starring: Max von Sydow, Michael Anderson Jr., Carroll Baker, Ina Balin, Pat Boone, Victor Buono, Richard Conte, Joanna Dunham, José Ferrer, Van Heflin;
Production year: 1965;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 260 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Greatest Story Ever Told” on the website imdb.com
“Jesus of Nazareth”, 1977
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, this miniseries presents a comprehensive and reverent portrayal of Jesus' life, starring Robert Powell as Jesus.
Starring: Robert Powell, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, Claudia Cardinale, Valentina Cortese, James Farentino, James Earl Jones, Stacy Keach, Tony Lo Bianco, James Mason;
Production year: 1977;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 16+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “Jesus of Nazareth” on the website imdb.com
“The Last Temptation of Christ”, 1988
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, explores a controversial and imaginative view of Jesus' life, including His struggles with various temptations.
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie, Paul Greco, Steve Shill, Verna Bloom, Roberts Blossom, Barry Miller;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 164 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Last Temptation of Christ” on the website imdb.com
“Jesus”, 1979
Director: John Krish, Peter Sykes
This television film, directed by Roger Young, provides a humanizing portrayal of Jesus' life and ministry, focusing on His relationships and teachings.
Starring: Brian Deacon, Rivka Neuman, Alexander Scourby, Niko Nitai, Yosef Shiloach, Ori Levy, Mosko Alkalai, Kobi Assaf, Moti Baharav, Ya'ackov Ben-Sira;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama, biography, history, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Jesus” on the website imdb.com
“The Passion of the Christ”, 2004
Director: Mel Gibson
Directed by Mel Gibson, this film offers a graphic and intense depiction of the final hours of Jesus' life, focusing on His crucifixion and the physical suffering He endured.
Starring: James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov, Francesco De Vito, Monica Bellucci, Mattia Sbragia, Toni Bertorelli, Luca Lionello, Hristo Shopov, Claudia Gerini;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Son of God”, 2014
Director: Christopher Spencer
A spin-off from the television miniseries “The Bible,” this film, directed by Christopher Spencer, chronicles the life of Jesus from His birth to His resurrection.
Starring: Diogo Morgado, Greg Hicks, Adrian Schiller, Sebastian Knapp, Joe Coen, Simon Kunz, Paul Marc Davis, Matthew Gravelle, Amber Rose Revah, Roma Downey;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Son of God” on the website imdb.com
“Risen”, 2021
Director: Eddie Arya
Directed by Kevin Reynolds, this film tells the story of a Roman soldier tasked with investigating the disappearance of Jesus' body following His crucifixion, leading to a journey of faith and discovery.
Starring: Nicole Schalmo, Jack Campbell, Dominic Stone, Kenneth Trujillo, Marcus Johnson, Lilly Brown, Wassim Hawat, Mansoor Noor, Zahlee Moore, Caroline McQuade;
Production year: 2021;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, drama;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 3,5;
“Mary Magdalene”, 2018
Director: Garth Davis
Directed by Garth Davis, this film provides a unique perspective on Jesus' life and ministry through the eyes of Mary Magdalene, played by Rooney Mara, with Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus.
Starring: Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tahar Rahim, Ariane Labed, Denis Ménochet, Lubna Azabal, Tchéky Karyo, Charles Babalola, Tawfeek Barhom;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “Mary Magdalene” on the website imdb.com
These films offer diverse and compelling interpretations of Christ's life and legacy, each contributing to the broader understanding and appreciation of one of history's most influential figures.
In conclusion, films about Christ offer audiences a multi-faceted exploration of one of the most iconic figures in history. From the divine to the human, these cinematic portrayals invite reflection on faith, morality, and the human condition. Whether through traditional narratives or modern reinterpretations, these films challenge viewers to contemplate Christ's teachings and their relevance in today's world. By engaging with these stories, audiences can deepen their understanding of Christian doctrine and consider the profound impact of Christ's life and message across different cultures and epochs.
