Best Movies About The Passion Of Christ

Updated May 1, 2024

For Best Movies About The Passion Of Christ, there is no limit to the movies exploring this idea. We listed 13 of the top ones.

Ben-Hur (1959)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is an epic religious drama about a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) who is betrayed by his adopted Roman brother Messala (Stephen Boyd) and sent into slavery. After years of suffering, Ben-Hur manages to escape and seek revenge against Messala. Along the way, he is reunited with his mother and sister, learns powerful lessons in forgiveness and redemption, and eventually faces off against Messala in an epic chariot race. The film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential films of all time.

Life of Brian (1979)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Rated R

Life of Brian is a 1979 British comedy film directed by Terry Jones, written by Jones and fellow Monty Python members Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, and John Cleese. The film tells the story of Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man who is born on the same day as and next door to Jesus Christ, and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah. Brian later joins a group of radical freedom fighters against the Roman occupation, but his fate changes when he is captured and sentenced to be crucified. Through a series of misadventures, Brian ultimately finds himself at the center of a comedic version of the crucifixion. Life of Brian is a satirical take on religious faith, certain customs, and interpretations of history.

The Gospel of John (2003)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Philip Saville, starring Henry Ian Cusick, Daniel Kash, Christopher Plummer, Stuart Bunce
Rated PG-13

The Gospel of John is a 2003 British-Canadian television film directed by Philip Saville and based on the Gospel of John from the Bible. It is a three-hour dramatization of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, featuring a script based entirely on the Gospel of John. Unlike many other Jesus films, The Gospel of John does not feature any original dialogue, instead sticking entirely to the language of the gospel. It stars Henry Ian Cusick as Jesus, alongside a supporting cast that includes Christopher Plummer as the narrator, Stuart Bunce as John the Baptist, and Daniel Kash as Judas Iscariot. The film follows the life of Jesus from his baptism by John the Baptist to his Resurrection and Ascension. It includes Jesus' teachings, parables, miracles, and especially, his passion and death. As Jesus' ministry progresses, we witness the increasing opposition of the Pharisees and the Roman leadership, who distrust his teachings and challenge his authority. Ultimately, Jesus is arrested, tried, and executed, but it is his resurrection that brings salvation to the world. The Gospel of John is an inspiring and moving portrayal of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Martin Scorsese, starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Paul Greco
Rated R

The Last Temptation of Christ is a 1988 American epic drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is an adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis' novel of the same name. The film follows the life of Jesus (Willem Dafoe) from his birth to his crucifixion and beyond, as he struggles to accept his divine mission as the Son of God. The story centers around Jesus' inner struggle as he is tempted by a vision of an ordinary human life with Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey). Eventually, Jesus faces the ultimate test of his faith as he is betrayed by Judas (Harvey Keitel) and crucified. The film also examines the impact of Jesus' teachings on the lives of his disciples and the people around him, as well as his own personal struggles.