20 Easter movies to watch with the family
First published by Country Living US.
Easter weekend is almost here, and it's time to celebrate. While we love the time spent with family, Easter can be a bit stressful. Between picking out Easter egg hunts and decorating eggs to attending church services and hosting Easter lunch, it can be hard to find the time to slow down and relax. Why not plan an Easter movie night to put your feet up and relax?
Some of these movies are ideal for the kids, whether you're watching as a family or need something for the road trip to a relative's house, while others are more appropriate for adults. Be sure to check the ratings before you sit down to watch.
We've included some new movies that have come out recently to keep the family entertained, along with classics that are worth watching year after year. Whether you're looking for something with a religious basis or an entertaining animated movie, we've got you covered...
Wonka
In the spirit of all things confectionary, gather the family for this movie starring Timothée Chalamet. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story may be familiar, but the new musical version adds a fun twist.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
While not technically an Easter movie, Chronicles of Narnia is known to have Christian themes that will spark discussion among your family. Plus, it's a lot of fun.
Miss Potter
As the name suggests, this biographical drama film follows the life of author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, played by Renée Zellweger. Kids and adults will love this film as it features some familiar fictional faces, like Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Not quite the Easter Bunny, the Were-Rabbit is the star of this Wallace & Gromit movie, which is a parody of classic monster films. This one is guaranteed to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Easter Under Wraps
Hallmark movies aren't just for Christmas. The network has a slate of perfect-for-spring movies too. In Easter Under Wraps, Erin goes undercover at her family's chocolate factory to find out why sales are down, only to meet Bryan, the head chocolatier.
His Only Son
New in 2023, this movie will keep your focus on the Biblical side of Easter. It recounts the event in the Old Testament when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac.
Jesus Revolution
This film stars Kelsey Grammer as Pastor Chuck Smith who finds his struggling church at the middle of a revolution in the 1970s.
The Ten Commandments (1956)
The Ten Commandments is all about the way the world was before Easter even happened. Charlton Heston stars as Moses in this glorious, old-school film.
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Based on a 1947 radio series inspired by the Gospels, this Easter movie depicts Christ's life from his birth in a manger to his miraculous resurrection.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
This now-classic animated movie tells Moses' story — perfect for a biblically-focused weekend — and features the hit song, "When You Believe," which won the Oscar for Best Original Song. No surprise there: It was recorded by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
Based on the Broadway play with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this rock opera details Jesus Christ's last week on earth.
Mary Magdalene
When twelve wise men heard and spread the message of Jesus, one lady in particular understood it. Her name was Mary Magdalene.
Easter Parade
A love triangle between dancers culminates in a proposal at the Easter parade in this box office smash musical.
Peter Rabbit
A modern take on Beatrix Potter's 1902 Tale of Peter Rabbit, the movie Peter Rabbit isn't specifically about Easter, though it does fit several of the holiday's themes, including mischievous rabbits and blooming gardens.
Peter Rabbit 2
Make it a double-feature with the sequel, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. James Corden and Rose Byrne return in the 2021 follow-up.
Son of God (2014)
Wondering why to take note of yet another portrayal of Jesus Christ’s life? Well, this one is a film adaptation of the ten-part miniseries The Bible — and it's incredibly powerful and inspirational.
Ben-Hur (2016)
A classic religious film in its own right, Ben-Hur is especially relevant on Easter. In it, we see the life and crucifixion of Christ through his interactions with Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who's been wrongfully imprisoned.
Barabbas (1961)
If you know your bible backwards and forwards, you'll know that Barabbas was the criminal who was freed instead of Jesus. This 1961 movie follows his tale.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
It's not all pastel candies and bunny rabbits! If you're looking for a more serious film, opt for Martin Scorsese's 1988 film starring Willem Dafoe.
Risen (2016)
Set in 33 A.D., a Roman man is given an assignment that will change his life — and the world — forever: find the body of Jesus Christ.
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