Most people can easily rhyme off their favourite Christmas movie in a heartbeat, but what about all of the other holidays? What about Easter?
If you’re looking for an Easter-themed flick to enjoy this weekend look no further. From biblical epics to animated bunnies, here are ten Easter-themed stories to view this long weekend.
The Passion Of The Christ
2004
Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus, The Passion Of The Christ covers the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life. Warning: This probably isn’t the ideal film to watch with the entire family. The three-time Oscar-nominated picture was incredibly controversial for its use of language and its depiction of graphic violence (Jesus’ arrest, trial, torture, crucifixion, and resurrection are all shown in graphic detail). That being said, if you have a high tolerance for blood, then this is the quintessential Easter movie.
The Last Temptation of Christ
1988
Directed by the one and only Martin Scorsese, The Last Temptation Of Christ is another controversial retelling of Jesus’ life. Willem Dafoe portrays Jesus, while Harvey Keitel stars as Judas Iscariot, Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene, David Bowie as Pontius Pilate, and Harry Dean Stanton as Paul.
Ben-Hur
1959
William Wyler’s epic 1959 drama stars Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish merchant of noble blood. Ben-Hur begins with the birth of Jesus and ends with the titular character witnessing the Crucifixion. Of course, the film went on to win eleven Academy Awards including Best Picture, and the nine-minute chariot battle featured in the movie became a hallmark of great cinematic moments.
The Greatest Story Ever Told
1965
George Stevens’ three-plus hour The Greatest Story Ever Told follows the life of Christ from nativity to resurrection. The large ensemble cast features Max Von Sydow as Jesus and Charlton Heston as John the Baptist. Other notable stars making an appearance in the film include Angela Lansbury, Jose Ferrer, Telly Savalas and Dorothy McGuire. The film is also noted as the final film of Claude Rains.
Jesus Christ Superstar
1973
Based on the Broadway musical of the same name created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this rock opera follows the final weeks of Jesus’ life and features no spoken dialogue. Ted Neeley stars as Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas, and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene. We dare you to watch and not fall for the musical’s hit song, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
The Ten Commandments
1956
Directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille, this epic can be found playing on TVs across America every single Easter Sunday. The biblical film stars Charlton Heston in the lead role and was a massive success when it was first released, and was recognized as the highest-earning live-action film of the 1950s.
It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
1974
In this, the 12th prime-time television outing to feature the beloved Peanuts gang, Linus tries to convince everyone the Easter Beagle will make an appearance on Easter morning. After Linus’ previous belief in the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and friends don’t really take the bait. Of course, by the time Easter morning arrives so does the Easter Beagle (Spoiler alert: It’s Snoopy), just in time to distribute eggs.
Easter Parade
1948
Easter Parade stars Fred Astaire and Judy Garland and features music by the legendary Irving Berlin. Astair stars as a dancer suddenly bereft of a partner when his former colleague (Ann Miller) departs the duo for a solo career. He finds a replacement who can not only move, but has a great singing voice (Garland). The lighthearted film was Astaire and Garland’s most financially successful picture and it features some of their best-known songs, such as “It Only Happens When I Dance With You,” “We’re a Couple of Swells,” “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” and of course, “Easter Parade.”
Hop
2011
This silly animated/live-action feature is about an adolescent rabbit (E.B., the Easter Bunny) with aspirations of rock n’ roll fame. Seriously. Family-friendly Hop stars the voice of Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria and Hugh Laurie.
Rise Of The Guardians
2012
Rise of the Guardians is a holiday-themed take on The Avengers that features the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost together as fighting animated superheroes. It’s a fun, lightweight film that kids love. Plus, it’s probably the only time you’ll ever get to hear Wolverine‘s Hugh Jackman voice the Easter Bunny.
