8 Interesting Biblical Movies to Watch this Easter Sunday
Lent calls for many activities and events that are apt for the somber, reflective season. That includes movies and TV shows. When you scan through local channels at this time, you will most likely find a lot of TV shows and dramas that have a religious theme.
For those who are not a religious or devout Catholic, let’s admit, it’s hard to keep your eyes open for at least an hour straight watching a religious show. In our generation, however, there have been a lot of great movies based on the Bible—characters reinterpreted as epic warriors, tales told in a compelling cinematography, and original stories inspiring the creation of new ones.
So if you want to take in the solemnity of the season without it being too dragging, we have listed down Biblical movies that are sure to keep you engaged:
The Passion of the Christ (2014)
The Passion of the Christ follows the story of Jesus during his final 12 hours before he was crucified in Jerusalem. The movie is a heavy drama, emotionally stirring and realistic, depicting the torture and suffering of Jesus in the most graphic of ways. The film was directed by famous Hollywood director Mel Gibson and stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus.
Noah (2014)
Paramount Pictures takes a legendary character from the book of Genesis and puts him in an action-filled epic movie that feels quite like Gladiator or Braveheart. Noah follows the familiar story of Noah and his Ark, given a refreshing twist by the external and internal conflicts presented throughout the plot. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the movie also features a star-studded cast with Russell Crowe playing as Noah.
Son of God (2014)
While The Passion of the Christ, released in the same year, focused on the final 12 hours of Jesus, Son of God depicts his whole life, from birth to resurrection, as told from the viewpoint of his last surviving disciple, John. The movie also has a lot of tearjerking scenes, a heartfelt retelling of the story of Jesus according to the book of John. Directed by Christopher Spencer, Son of God stars Diogo Morgado as Jesus.
Exodus: Gods and Monsters (2014)
Exodus: Gods and Kings features another well-known character in the Bible. This action-filled epic drama film focuses on the conflict between Moses and his adoptive brother Prince Ramesses of Egypt. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film stars Christian Bale as Moses and Joel Edgerton as Ramesses.
Ben-Hur (1959 & 2016)
As far as the scriptures are concerned, Judah Ben-Hur is not a real Biblical character but was simply inspired by the life story of Jesus, a life of faith and forgiveness that a vengeful Ben-Hur is eventually going to learn. The character of Judah Ben-Hur was originally created in an 1880 novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which has been adapted into several films, with the 2016 film starring Jack Huston being the latest. The most critically-acclaimed version, however, was the 1959 adaptation that starred Charlton Heston.
Bruce Almighty (2003)
Bruce Almighty is not exactly a Biblical movie but features a refreshing portrayal of God and the struggles of the modern man. The movie has effectively put a face to God, a Morgan Freeman that’s the most adorable God we have ever seen. While overall the film is greatly entertaining with comedy star Jim Carrey as the lead actor, the film also presents its viewers with beautiful, touching morals.
Evan Almighty (2007)
Four years after its release, Bruce Almighty gets a spinoff, this time taking Bruce’s former rival, Evan Baxter, in the spotlight. Evan finds himself face to face with God, again played by Morgan Freeman, who has tasked him to build an ark in preparation for a flood. The movie is basically the story of Noah’s Ark in the 21st Century, an amusing version starring Steve Carell as Evan Baxter, the modern-day Noah.
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
