20 Best Movies To Watch About Jesus   

20 Best Movies To Watch About Jesus   

When you think of Jesus Christ, what images come to mind? Perhaps you see a gentle shepherd or a wise teacher. Maybe you see a powerful healer or a risen Savior. Whatever your image of Jesus may be, one thing for sure is that he is one of the most fascinating and influential figures in history. 

Movies transport us to different times and places, introduce us to different characters, and teach us about different cultures and perspectives, thus helping us to see the world in new ways. The movies on this list represent a wide range of perspectives on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. From traditional biblical accounts to more creative and modern interpretations, there are many great movies to choose from if you’re looking to learn more about Jesus or simply enjoy a well-made film. 

His story, as told in the Bible, has been told and retold on the big screen for decades, by some of the most talented actors and directors in the world, being praised for their artistic merit and spiritual impact. Here are the 20 best movies to watch about Jesus. 

1. The Passion Of The Christ (2004) 

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The Passion of the Christ is a movie about Jesus that was directed by Mel Gibson. Focusing on his last day, the movie is known for its graphic and intense portrayal of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including the physical and emotional suffering he endured. 

It begins at the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus is being arrested and follows him through his trial before Pontius Pilate, his scourging and crowning with thorns, his carrying of the cross to Golgotha, and his crucifixion. The film ends with Jesus’ death and burial. 

2. The Miracle Maker (2000) 

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The Miracle Maker is an animated film that tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ. It is based primarily on the Gospel of Luke but also incorporates elements from other Gospels and the Christian tradition. It is a heartwarming and uplifting film that won awards back in the day and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.   

The film begins with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and follows him through his early childhood and adolescence. It then depicts his baptism by John the Baptist, his calling of the disciples, and his public ministry of teaching, healing, and performing miracles. 

3. Judas & Jesus (2009) 

Judas & Jesus is a controversial German animated short film that retells of the story of Judas Iscariot and Jesus Christ, told from the perspective of Judas. This movie challenges traditional Christian beliefs about Judas Iscariot and has been criticized for its blasphemy and its negative portrayal of Jesus Christ. It depicts J.C. as a flawed and hypocritical character, who is intolerant of those who do not conform to his standards and is quick to judge others. 

The film begins with Judas as a young sheep who is disillusioned with Jesus’ teachings. He finds Jesus to be uptight and prudish, so he rebels and fights against the oppressive authority of Jesus. Judas is portrayed as a more sympathetic character who is interested in Mary Magdalene, a sexually liberated sheep. He betrays Jesus to the authorities because he needs money to attend Mary Magdalene’s sex show. 

The film has been praised for its animation, its humor, and its willingness to tackle complex subjects. It is a thought-provoking film that is sure to generate discussion.   

4. Risen (2016)   

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Risen is a movie about Jesus that presents a unique perspective on the biblical story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by framing it as a Roman military investigation. According to the story, Clavius, a Roman military tribune, is tasked with investigating the disappearance of Jesus’ body from the tomb after the crucifixion. He is initially a skeptical and non-believing Roman officer but becomes drawn into a quest to uncover the truth about Jesus’ resurrection. 

The movie combines elements of historical drama and biblical storytelling, making it an intriguing film that explores themes of faith, doubt, and the search for truth. 

5. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) 

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The Greatest Story Ever Told is a Jesus movie that is over 3 hours long and draws from the New Testament of the Bible. It covers significant events in the life of Jesus, including his birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. It aims to provide a reverent and faithful portrayal of these events. 

The film is a classic example of the mid-20th-century biblical epic genre, and it’s still remembered for its sweeping visuals and the ambition with which it sought to bring the story of Jesus to the big screen.  

6. The Son of Man (2006) 

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The Son of Man is a South African Jesus movie that is a modern retelling of the story of Jesus Chris who is born in the fictional state of Judea. Judea is a war-torn country, and Jesus is determined to spread a message of peace and love. He gathers a group of followers, and together they travel the country, teaching and healing the people. 

Jesus’ message attracts the attention of the authorities, who see him as a threat to their power. They arrest him and put him on trial, but he is eventually acquitted. However, the authorities are determined to get rid of him, and they ultimately have him crucified. Acted by black actors, this movie seeks to have Africans relate to the biblical story. 

7. The Last Days in the Desert (2016) 

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Showing a different perspective on the story of Jesus Christ, The Last Days in the Desert is a remarkable film whose lead actor plays dual roles of Jesus Christ and Satan. The film is a fictionalized account of Jesus’ forty days of fasting in the desert, as recorded in the Gospels. 

The film begins with Jesus entering the desert alone to pray and reflect. He is quickly tempted by Satan, who appears to him in various forms and tries to lead him astray. Jesus resists all of Satan’s temptations, and he eventually emerges from the desert stronger and more resolved in his faith. 

8. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) 

The Last Temptation of Christ is a controversial Jesus movie that was directed by Martin Scorsese. It features Willem Dafoe as Jesus Christ and Harvey Keitel as Judas Iscariot. Telling the story of Jesus Christ from his baptism by John the Baptist to his crucifixion and resurrection, it depicts Jesus as a complex and human figure who is constantly struggling with his doubts and temptations.  

The film is controversial because Jesus gives in to the worldly temptations, abandoning his messianic calling to live a normal life with Mary Magdalene. 

9. The Nativity Story (2006) 

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Known for its realistic portrayal of the world of Jesus’ birth, The Nativity Story is a movie that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, from the Annunciation to the Flight to Egypt, based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. 

In a bid to make the movie as realistic as possible, the film’s sets and costumes are all well thought out and researched and are based on historical evidence. The actors speak in Aramaic, the language that was spoken in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Christ. 

This movie is deeply moving, telling the story of a young couple who are entrusted with the most important mission in history. Mary and Joseph face many challenges along the way, but they never lose their faith. The film is a celebration of love, faith, and hope. 

10. The Gospel of John (2003) 

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The Gospel of John is a movie that is well known for its faithful word-for-word adaptation of the Gospel of John, the fourth book of the New Testament, using the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible as its script. It aims to faithfully convey the life, ministry, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as presented in the biblical text. 

It focuses on Jesus’ teachings and his relationships with his disciples and portrays Jesus as the Son of God. The movie is often used as an educational and devotional resource, allowing people to engage with the Gospel narrative in a different way. 

11. The Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus (1973) 

A classic musical that is still enjoyed by audiences today, The Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus is a movie that stars Johnny Cash as Jesus Christ and June Carter Cash as Mary Magdalene. The film follows the life of Jesus Christ from his birth to his resurrection, with Cash narrating and singing throughout. The film was shot on location in Israel and features many of the same biblical sites that are mentioned in the Gospels. 

12. Jesus (1979) 

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Commonly known as The Jesus Film, Jesus is a late 1970s film that is a faithful adaptation of the Gospel of Luke, and it tells the story of Jesus’ life, from his birth to his resurrection. Praised for its accurate and respectful depiction of the life of Jesus Christ, the film was a commercial success, and it has been translated into over 1,800 languages, making it the most translated film in history. 

13. Mary Magdalene (2018) 

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Mary Magdalene is a Jesus movie that tells the story of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ most prominent followers. The film depicts Mary as a complex and intelligent woman who is drawn to Jesus’ teachings and his message of love and compassion, becoming a close confidant of Jesus, and is one of the few people who truly understands him. 

The film explores the relationship between Mary and Jesus, making her not only a disciple of Jesus but also a close friend. The film suggests that Mary may have even been more than just a friend to Jesus, but there is no explicit romantic relationship depicted in the film. 

14. The Star (2017) 

The Star is a computer-animated musical comedy-drama movie that tells the story of the first Christmas from the animals’ point of view. It’s told from the perspective of a donkey named Bo, who dreams of a better life. When he meets Mary and Joseph, their journey to Bethlehem becomes his own. The film is full of humor, heart, and music, and it’s a great choice for families with young children thanks to its impressive, colorful, and detailed visuals. 

15. The Robe (1953)   

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The Robe is a Jesus movie that is set in ancient Rome and tells the story of a Roman tribune who is present at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After casting lots for Jesus’ robe, the soldier is haunted by nightmares and begins to question his faith. He sets out on a journey to learn more about the man he killed, and along the way, he meets a variety of people who help him to understand the message of Christianity. 

16. Dayasagar (1978)

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Notable for being the first Indian film to tell the story of Jesus Christ, Dayasagar was the first film to be made in India by a Christian missionary organization. It is one of the most important Indian films of all time and was praised for its faithfulness to the Gospels. 

The actors deliver strong performances, and the movie uses Indian culture and traditions to tell the story of Jesus Christ. 

17. The Visual Bible: Matthew (1993)  

Translated into over 100 languages and watched by over 100 million people worldwide, this Jesus movie is an adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. It is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of Jesus Christ in a way that is both faithful to the Gospels and accessible to a modern audience. 

The movie has been used in various religious and educational settings to engage with the text of the Bible in a visual and auditory format, and it’s generally appreciated for its commitment to the source material. 

18. The Miracle Maker (2000) 

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The Miracle Maker is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ uniquely and engagingly. It is known for its unique animation style, which combines traditional 2D animation with 3D computer graphics.  

The movie was a joint production between the United Kingdom, Russia, and Belarus and is a memorable addition to the genre of animated biblical films and is suitable for audiences of all ages. 

19. The Young Messiah (2016)  

The Young Messiah is a Jesus movie that tells the story of Jesus Christ as a seven-year-old boy, from a child’s perspective, and it explores his growing awareness of his divinity. The film begins with Jesus and his family returning to Nazareth from Egypt, after fleeing King Herod’s murderous decree. Jesus is now seven years old, and he is beginning to show signs of his extraordinary powers. He can heal the sick and perform miracles, but he is also struggling to understand his own identity. 

The film has been praised for its beautiful cinematography and its strong performances, but it has also been criticized for its inaccurate portrayal of history and its negative portrayal of Judaism. 

20. King of Kings (1961) 

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King of Kings is an epic Jesus Movie that begins with the arrival of the Magi in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King of the Jews. King Herod orders the slaughter of all male infants under two years of age in Bethlehem, but Joseph and Mary manage to escape to Egypt with their son, Jesus. 

Years later, Jesus returns to Nazareth and begins his ministry. He preaches the gospel of love and compassion, and he heals the sick and performs miracles. His teachings annoy the religious authorities, and he is put on trial, found guilty of blasphemy, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. 

The film takes a more traditional and reverential approach to its subject matter, adhering closely to the biblical narrative. 

Those are the 20 best movies to watch about Jesus. Whether you’re looking for a faithful adaptation of the Gospels, a provocative exploration of Jesus’ life, or simply a well-made film that will entertain and inspire, there’s sure to be a Jesus movie out there that’s perfect for you.