Easter movies that are worth a watch -

Whether or not you celebrate Easter as a Christian, this is a great time to relax and watch a film. Eastertime movies range from biblical epics to lighthearted comedies and animations.

There are plenty of great movies to watch by yourself or with family and friends, and in this gallery you'll find a list of them. Click on. 

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'Easter Parade' (1948) -

What better way to celebrate Easter than with a musical starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, right?

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'Chocolat' (2000) -

The movie takes place during Lent and revolves around a chocolate shop in France. Starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Deep, Alfred Molina, and Judi Dench. 'Chocolat' is a must-watch during Easter. 

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'The Ten Commandments' (1956) -

'The Ten Commandments' is an epic biblical movie about the life of Moses. Charlton Heston plays the prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery.

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'The Passion of the Christ' (2004) -

This movie, directed by Mel Gibson, might not be the most appropriate for children, but adults should watch it. It's a poignant portrayal of the last moments of Christ's life.  

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'Ben-Hur' (1959) -

'Ben-Hur' is yet another Easter classic starring Charlton Heston. He plays a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur, who meets Jesus. The movie is a true classic, and has won 11 Academy Awards.

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'The Prince of Egypt' (1998) -

'The Prince of Egypt' is about the life of Moses. The DreamWorks animation not only is a great story, but it also features an amazing soundtrack, including the Oscar-winning song 'When You Believe,' performed by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

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'The Greatest Story Ever Told' (1965) -

Well, the clue is in the title, right? This is the story of Jesus, from birth to his ascent into heaven. Max von Sydow plays Jesus and Charlton Heston is John the Baptist.

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'Jesus Christ Superstar' (1973) -

'The movie adaptation of the 1970 concept album from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is an Easter classic. 'Jesus Christ Superstar' has drama, but also lots of singing and dancing!

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'Risen' (2016) -

The movie revolves around the quest of Roman soldier Clavius (played by Joseph Fiennes), who goes looking for Jesus, after his body vanishes from the tomb.

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'Mary Magdalene' (2018) -

This Garth Davis film focuses on one of the most misunderstood figures of Christianity. Rooney Mara plays Mary Magdalene and Jesus is played by Joaquin Phoenix.

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'Peter Rabbit' (2018) -

This live-action animated version of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit character is a great family movie to watch during Easter.

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'Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' (2005) -

The Oscar-winning British claymation movie is about Wallace and his dog, Gromit, and their quest to free a town of a rabbit infestation. 

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'Noah' (2014) -

Russell Crowe plays the biblical character Noah in this movie. Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Jennifer Connelly also help to tell the story of Noah's Ark.

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'Mallrats' (1995) -

'Mallrats' is definitely not a biblical epic, but it features an Easter Bunny, so it fits the theme! Besides, it's a really funny movie to watch.

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'Cookie's Fortune' (1999) -

Set during Easter in Holly Springs, the movie revolves around a woman's death, but it's pretty lighthearted. 'Cookie's Fortune' stars Julianne Moore, Glenn Close, and Liv Tyler. 

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'Jesus of Nazareth' (1977) -

'Jesus of Nazareth' is not just another movie about Jesus. In fact, it's not even a movie. It's a six-hour-long drama series starring Robert Powell as Jesus and Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene. Perfect for an Easter weekend marathon. 

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'I Can Only Imagine' (2018) -

Centered around a Christian band called MercyMe, 'I Can Only Imagine' is a movie about forgiveness and hope. The cast includes Dennis Quaid, John Michael Finley, and Madeline Carroll.

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'On a Wing and a Prayer' (2023) -

A man and his family try to land a plane after the pilot dies mid-flight. The movie is based on a true story that took place on Easter Sunday, 2009.

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'Jesus Revolution' (2023) -

A group of teenage hippies in Southern California get involved in the Jesus movement of the late '60s. 

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'Rise of the Guardians' (2012) -

'Rise of the Guardians' brings together Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, and of course, the Easter Bunny. Do you need more reasons to watch it?

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'Son of God' (2014) -

This movie adaptation of the History Channel miniseries 'The Bible' is also a great choice for those wanting to watch a movie about Jesus. Christ is played by Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado.

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'Barabbas' (1961) -

Barabbas was the criminal who was released instead of Jesus and therefore spared from crucifixion. The movie tells his story. 

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'Wonka' (2023) -

This prequel to 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971) has a modern twist to it, so it might be more appealing for younger audiences. And of course, it's all about candy!

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'The Young Messiah' (2016) -

Unlike other movies about the life of Jesus, 'The Young Messiah' portrays a seven-year-old Jesus as he discovers who he is. 

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'The Robe' (1953) -

Richard Burton plays Marcellus Gallio, a Roman tribune who acquires Jesus' robe after his crucifixion and goes through a transformational journey, converting to Christianity. 

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'Harvey' (1950) -

Who wouldn't want to watch a movie about a man and his imaginary friend, Harvey, who happens to be a six foot-tall rabbit, right?

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'Steel Magnolias' (1989) -

This movie about a group of women in a small Louisiana town is set during Easter and even features an egg hunt! And of course, the cast is brilliant. 

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'Monty Python's Life of Brian' (1979) -

If you're looking for a good dose of British humor this Easter, then 'Monty Python's Life of Brian' is the movie for you. 

Sources: (Yardbarker) (Parade) (Country LIving) (Purewow)

See also: Notable biblical movies that sparked controversy 

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