Alerts Sign-up
From the early days of Hollywood's silent era through to the mid-1960s, Bible-based films were a familiar feature on the silver screen. Directors, from the well-known to the little-known, turned to the Scriptures for material to adapt for audiences, resulting in films that varied widely in tone and intent.
These films remain accessible today through numerous streaming services. With Easter approaching, they provide options for viewers seeking family-friendly biblical narratives.
Several notable Bible-inspired films are available for viewing, each offering its unique take on scriptural stories. William Wyler's "Ben-Hur" (1959) features Charlton Heston in the lead role. The film, renowned for its grand scale and performances, has a general patronage classification from OSV News and is rated G by the Motion Picture Association.
"The Bible" (1966), directed by John Huston, presents episodes from Genesis, leaving much of their interpretation to the viewer. The film is classified as suitable for all audiences by OSV News.
David Greene's "Godspell" (1973) utilizes New York City as a stage for a musical rendition of Matthew's Gospel, complete with imaginative skits and memorable tunes. The film is classified under general patronage.
Pier Paolo Pasolini's "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" (1966) offers a straightforward dramatization of the Gospel events, maintaining fidelity to the text and earning a general patronage classification.
George Stevens’ "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965) presents a traditional vision of Christ, highlighted by Max von Sydow’s portrayal. The film is classified for general patronage and rated G.
The 1973 film "Jesus Christ Superstar," directed by Norman Jewison, enhances the original musical with new cinematographic energy. This depiction of Christ’s last days is recommended for adult audiences, despite its G rating.
Nicholas Ray’s "King of Kings" (1961) portrays Christ's life amidst political unrest, offering a reverential yet dramatized narrative. It is classified for limited adult audiences due to potentially troubling content.
Henry Koster's "The Robe" (1953), adapted from Lloyd C. Douglas’s novel, explores the transformative power of confidence within a Roman tribune's tale. This film is suitable for general audiences, according to OSV News.
Lastly, Cecil B. DeMille’s "The Ten Commandments" (1956) provides a dramatic, star-studded biblical epic that combines technical achievements with a historical sense, also classified for general patronage and rated G.
John Mulderig, a media reviewer for OSV News, offered these brief reviews. Insights and updates can be followed on his Twitter handle @JohnMulderig1.
