The 25 Best Easter Movies To Watch With the Family During Lent
When it comes to celebrating Easter, you've probably already noticed that it's sorely lacking in movies and TV specials in comparison to some other holidays. (We're looking at you, Christmas.) Even though there might not be hundreds of Easter movies to choose from, there are still a handful of good ones (both classic and newer films) to watch as a family during the Easter season.
From animated movies starring the cleverest of bunnies to religious retellings of Jesus Christ, here are the 25 best Easter movies.
25 Best Easter Movies
Peter Rabbit (2018)
Though this animated film stars the poster-bunny for Easter, it isn't exactly about the holiday itself. But that's OK! Turn on this adorable movie starring bunnies, pigs and badgers and the kids will forget it's not about Easter in five seconds.
It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! (1974)
Charlie Brown has some of the best holiday-themed specials there are and 1974's It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! is no exception. Follow along as the Peanuts gang gets ready for Easter in ways only they can.
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
The story of Jesus Christ's life from birth to Easter-weekend resurrection is summarized in this epic movie, The Greatest Story Ever Told. But be prepared—it's a doozy. The total film runs 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Another religious movie that focuses on the life of Christ, ThePassion of the Christ, tells the story of Jesus' final twelve hours leading up to his crucifixion.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
A classic animated movie about the chosen Egyptian Prince Moses, The Prince of Egypt features the voices of Val Kilmer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Ralph Fiennes, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin, Martin Short and more.
Hop (2011)
The Easter bunny has a teenage son, E.B., in this adorable animated film! Voiced by Russell Brand, it's no coincidence that E.B. is an aspiring rockstar who moves to L.A. to pursue his passion. You might recognize some other famous voices, too—David Hasselhoff, Kaley Cuoco and James Marsden fill out the cast.
The 10 Commandments (1956)
Similar in plot to The Prince of Egypt (though not animated), 1956's The 10 Commandments follows Moses as he learns to understand his role and mission as the deliverer of his people.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
This Academy Award-winning British claymation comedy follows Wallace and his dog, Gromit, as they try to free a local town of a rabbit infestation. While not specifically Easter-focused, there are tons of bunnies in this film and it's a guarantee for a good laugh.
Chocolat (2000)
Definitely underrated as an "Easter film," a mother-daughter duo move to a small village in France and opens up a chocolatier during Lent. Of course, with so many of the local villagers giving up chocolate leading up to Easter, it makes for quite a bit of push-and-pull.
The Dog Who Saved Easter (2014)
It's all in the title but spoiler alert: Your kids are going to love this one! Mario Lopez voices Zeus, a caring canine who takes on the job of saving Easter when three criminals threaten to destroy it.
The Easter Egg Adventure (2004)
A little-known animated movie featuring the voice of Brooke Shields, The Easter Egg Adventure is based on the children's book, The Easter Egg Escapade. After a mysterious thief steals pastries from the EggTown bakery in the middle of the night, it sets off a chain of Easter-related events that lead the EggTown gang to finding out the identity of the pastry thief...and so much more.
Related: Best Easter Songs
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
The classic stage musical becomes a film in this 1973 adaptation. For families looking for a religious movie during the season of Lent, Jesus Christ Superstar is the story of Christ's final few weeks on Earth.
Ben-Hur (2016)
Another religious film perfect to watch leading up to Easter, Ben-Hur follows the life of Christ—and ultimately, His death and resurrection, too—through his relationship with another Jewish prince, Judah Ben-Hur, who has been enslaved as a result of a friend's betrayal.
Zootopia (2016)
Kids love Zootopia! And though this Disney movie may not be centered around the Easter holiday, its star protagonist is a clever little bunny, after all. Cute, funny and sweet, it's everything you could want in a family-friendly movie.
Hank and Mike (2008)
This Easter-esque comedy is the tale of Hank and Mike (hence the title), two unemployed mall Easter bunnies with a somewhat unlikely friendship. It's worth noting, though—Hank and Mike is rated R.
Noah (2014)
Though it's not necessarily an Easter movie, the religious tones of Noah—yes, the biblical story of Noah's Ark—make it a go-to during Lent. It stars Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.
Risen (2016)
He is risen! Set in the year 33 AD, it's just been discovered that Jesus Christ has risen from the tomb in which he laid dead and now, a Roman Tribune is given the job of finding Christ's body.
King of Kings (1961)
Yet another retelling of the miraculous life of Jesus Christ, this near-three-hour film rehashes all of the miraculous moments of Christ's physical life.
Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971)
Hopping down the bunny trail! This 1971 TV movie featuring old-school animation in the same vein as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, tells the [bunny] tale of Peter Cottontail as he attempts to rescue Easter from the grips of a villain.
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Cookie's Fortune (1999)
Cookie's Fortune, starring Glenn Close, Julianne Moore and Liv Tyler, is a hilarious whodunnit that takes place during Easter weekend in Holly Springs.
I Can Only Imagine (2018)
If you're looking for a religious film that's a teensy bit less serious, I Can Only Imagine stars Dennis Quaid (and features country star Trace Adkins!) in an inspiring true story about the power of music. MercyMe, the beloved Christian band, changed the way people thought about forgiveness when they released their epic titular song. This movie will, too, making it a perfect pick for Easter weekend.
Easter Parade (1948)
Starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, Easter Parade features a stereotypical love triangle between a performer and his two dance partners. While hoping to prove he can transform any dance partner into a star performer, Don Hewes (Astaire) may just become distracted enough to fall in love and ultimately, propose at the Easter day parade.
Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie (2002)
The Veggie Tales series makes explaining biblical stories to children so much easier! Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie is one of the franchise's standout films as the story-within-a-story goes from stranded singing veggies stuck in a restaurant to reliving some of the Bible's most profound moments.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
From award-winning director Martin Scorsese, The Last Temptation of Christ is a more serious, religious film that brings viewers through Jesus Christ's life all the way up to his last temptation when strung on the cross. Did we mention it stars Willem Dafoe as Jesus?
The Miracle Maker: The Story of Jesus (2000)
Another great option for families and particularly kids, The Miracle Maker: The Story of Jesus uses stop-motion animation to shed light on the miracles Jesus performed.
Next: The Best Easter basket Ideas for Toddlers, Kids and Teens
