Movies About Christ

Updated October 1, 2024

So many films have explored Movies About Christ. We put together 11 of the top ones.

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 Monty Python comedy film directed by Terry Jones. The story follows Brian, a young man born in Bethlehem on the same day as Jesus Christ. Despite the similarities, he leads an ordinary life, and is often mistaken for the Messiah. He is arrested and sentenced to be crucified, but is saved by a series of hilarious accidents. He joins a group of freedom fighters, the "People's Front of Judea", who are plotting to overthrow the Roman Empire. In the end, he is reunited with his family, and learns to accept his "ordinary" life. The film is known for its irreverent, satirical take on religion and politics.

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 Canadian-British-American film directed by Philip Saville. It is a dramatization of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as presented in the Gospel of John from the New Testament. The film follows Jesus from his baptism to his death and resurrection, and includes several parables. It stars Henry Ian Cusick as Jesus and is narrated by Christopher Plummer. The movie was filmed on location in Morocco and features a cast of British, Canadian, and American actors. The film is notable for its relatively literal adherence to the biblical text, including direct quotes from the Gospel of John.

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 a fictional exploration of the inner struggles of Jesus Christ as he faces the temptation to give up the path of sacrifice and accept the possibility of human love and a more mundane life. The film follows Jesus (Willem Dafoe) from his ministry and the Last Supper to his crucifixion, as he is tempted to save himself and off the cross before ultimately accepting his fate. Along the way, he confronts his own doubts and struggles to come to terms with his place in the divine plan. The film also features an ensemble cast of supporting characters, including Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene, Harvey Keitel as Judas Iscariot, and David Bowie as Pontius Pilate.