The best 20 movies to watch on Good Friday with family and friends
Most Christian festivities have a slew of films dedicated to them. But what are the best movies to watch on Good Friday with friends and family? You can find a wide range of films, from Easter classics centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus to classic family-friendly musicals to non-religious animated tales abounding with rabbits.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Best movies to watch on Good Friday
- 1. Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
- 2. The Gospel of John (2003)
- 3. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
- 4. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
- 5. A.D. The Bible Continues (2015)
- 6. Forty-Seven Days With Jesus (2024)
- 7. Easter Parade (1948)
- 8. I Can Only Imagine (2018)
- 9. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
- 10. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
- 11. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
- 12. King of Kings (1961)
- 13. The Robe (1953)
- 14. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
- 15. Pieces of Easter (2013)
- 16. Fatima (2020)
- 17. Risen (2016)
- 18. The Shack (2017)
- 19. An Easter Bloom (2024)
- 20. Mary Magdalene (2018)
- 21. A Week Away (2021)
- 22. The Young Messiah (2016)
- 23. Son of God (2014)
- 24. Hop (2011)
- What is considered the best movie about Jesus?
- What is the best religious Easter movie?
- What should I watch this Holy Week?
- What should I watch on Netflix during Holy Week?
- Is there a movie about Good Friday?
Key takeaways
- Many films are suitable for Good Friday, ranging from biblical dramas like The Passion of the Christ to family-friendly animations such as Hop and Rise of the Guardians.
- Many Good Friday movies focus on Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, offering a spiritual and historical perspective on Easter's significance.
- While many films centre on Jesus, others, like A Week Away, provide lighthearted entertainment with Easter themes.
- Many of these films are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, making it easy for families and individuals to find meaningful content for Holy Week.
Best movies to watch on Good Friday
When creating this list of movies to watch on Good Friday, we used data from IMDb and audience reviews on the top-rated films at the time of writing. The list is written in descending order from the highest IMDb rating to the lowest.
| Movie name | IMDb rating |
| Jesus of Nazareth | 8.5 |
| The Gospel of John | 7.8 |
| The Last Temptation of Christ | 7.5 |
| Jesus Christ Superstar | 7.4 |
| A.D. The Bible Continues | 7.4 |
| Forty-Seven Days With Jesus | 7.4 |
| Easter Parade | 7.3 |
| I Can Only Imagine | 7.3 |
| The Passion of the Christ | 7.2 |
| Rise of the Guardians | 7.2 |
| The Prince of Egypt | 7.2 |
| King of Kings | 6.7 |
| The Robe | 6.6 |
| The Greatest Story Ever Told | 6.6 |
| Pieces of Easter | 6.6 |
| Fatima | 6.6 |
| Risen | 6.3 |
| The Shack | 6.3 |
| An Easter Bloom | 6.2 |
| Mary Magdalene | 5.9 |
1. Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
- IMDb rating: 8.5/10
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Producer: Lew Grade
- Year released: 1977
This award-winning television miniseries, starring Olivia Hussey and Robert Powell and featuring a cameo appearance by Laurence Olivier (Nicodemus), is one of the most famous film versions of the Easter story. It's important to note that the film is rated PG for some sequences of mild violence that might not be appropriate for young viewers.
2. The Gospel of John (2003)
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
- Runtime: 3h
- Producer: Garth H. Drabinsky; Chris Chrisafis
- Year released: 2003
This film narrates the Gospel of John set against an awe-inspiring visual representation of its events. Jesus' passion is depicted as relatively restrained (no whips cutting into His skin), but His bloodied body and crucifixion are shown. The film lasts three hours, which could be a suitable way to spend Good Friday.
3. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Runtime: 2h 44m
- Producer: Harry J. Ufland and Barbara De Fina
- Year released: 1988
The Last Temptation of Christ is a thought-provoking Easter movie that explores Jesus' humanity and struggles. Unlike traditional portrayals, it delves into his doubts and temptations, making it a unique and emotional watch. While controversial, it profoundly reflects faith, sacrifice, and the true meaning of redemption.
4. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Producer: Norman Jewison and Robert Stigwood
- Year released: 1973
Jesus Christ Superstar, based on the famous rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, examines the relationship and conflict between Judas and Jesus before their deaths. Experience biblical scenes such as the Last Supper, Jesus' whipping and scourging, and His crucifixion in an entirely new way as you embark on a musical journey through His life and death.
5. A.D. The Bible Continues (2015)
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
- Runtime: 44m
- Producer: Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, and Richard Bedser.
- Year released: 2015
A.D. The Bible Continues is another excellent Easter movie, powerfully portraying the events following Christ's resurrection. With strong performances and emotional storytelling, it brings the struggles of early Christians to life. The series captures faith, hope, and sacrifice, making it an inspiring watch for Easter celebrations.
6. Forty-Seven Days With Jesus (2024)
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Producer: Donald Nguyen and Emilio Palame
- Year released: 2024
This faith-based musical film follows a struggling family reconnecting through storytelling. As they recount Jesus' final 47 days, they find healing and faith. Featuring original music and heartfelt moments, it stars Yoshi Barrigas and Catherine Lidstone from the The Chosen.
7. Easter Parade (1948)
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Producer: Arthur Freed
- Year released: 1948
Easter Parade is a classic musical starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Set in New York, it follows a dancer who, after being abandoned by his partner, trains a new one to compete in the Easter Parade. Filled with dazzling performances, romance, and Irving Berlin's iconic music, it's a delightful Christian movie that captures the joy of Easter celebrations.
8. I Can Only Imagine (2018)
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Producer: Mission Pictures International
- Year released: 2018
This inspiring true story behind MercyMe's popular, fantastic song, which gives unwavering hope to so many, is a compelling reminder of the power of true forgiveness. It is ideal for adults and children and will inspire everyone throughout the Easter weekend.
9. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Producer: Mel Gibson
- Year released: 2004
The Passion of the Christ comes in first on this list. Although the film may be violent and distressing, the violence has a purpose. It is intended to accurately portray the suffering Jesus experienced in his final moments and his unwavering love for humanity, which resulted in his torturous crucifixion.
10. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Producer: Christina Steinberg
- Year released: 2012
Rise of the Guardians is one of the best movies on Good Friday. In this entertaining animated film, the Easter Bunny joins forces with Santa Claus, Jack Frost, and the Tooth Fairy to save the world and protect childhood innocence worldwide.
The film, which was nominated for a Golden Globe, starred Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, and Isla Fisher. With action, humuor, and heartwarming themes of belief and bravery, it's an excellent choice for kids and families.
11. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Producer: Penney Finkelman Cox
- Year released: 1998
The Prince of Egypt is one of the most potent animated Easter movies, telling the story of Moses and the Exodus. With breathtaking animation and an emotional soundtrack, it follows Moses's journey from Egyptian royalty to the leader of the Israelites, guiding them to freedom.
While not directly about Easter, its themes of faith, sacrifice, and deliverance align with the holiday's more profound meaning.
12. King of Kings (1961)
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Runtime: 2h 48m
- Producer: Samuel Bronston
- Year released: 1961
King of Kings is a simple but epic retelling of the life of Jesus Christ. The film stars Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus and Rip Torn as Judas, but several other recognizable characters appear over its nearly three-hour runtime. After all, there are many stories to share concerning the life of Christ.
13. The Robe (1953)
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Producer: Frank Ross
- Year released: 1953
This classic, starring a young Richard Burton, is one of the best Easter movies about Jesus on Netflix. It is the story of a Roman officer who is tormented by his involvement in Jesus' crucifixion.
It is a classic Hollywood epic with dramatic music, thousands of actors, and an abundance of grimacing overacting. Nonetheless, it manages to get a lot right—precisely the liberation of forgiveness, the effectiveness of relics, and a countercultural happy ending.
14. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Runtime: 4h 20m
- Producer: George Stevens
- Year released: 1965
The Greatest Story Ever Told is the most comprehensive retelling of Jesus' life on this list and one of the most detailed versions in film history, clocking in at a whopping 4 hours and 20 minutes.
The film provides a comprehensive overview of significant events in the life of Jesus, including His birth, King Herod's execution of all male newborns in Egypt, His baptism by John the Baptist, and His betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper, which leads to His crucifixion.
15. Pieces of Easter (2013)
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Producer: Kelly Worthington Moore
- Year released: 2013
In this film, Alza Reese Bennett becomes stranded due to car problems while traveling home for the holidays. Farmer Lincoln James, who doesn't like to talk to anyone, is the only one who can help her. Together, they embark on a journey to get Aliza to her family by Easter. Pieces of Easter is one of the best movies on Good Friday.
16. Fatima (2020)
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Producer: Origin Entertainment and Elysia Productions
- Year released: 2020
Instead of focusing on the last days of Jesus' life on Earth, this film is set in Portugal in 1917, when three children reported seeing visions of the Holy Mary. Despite the church's objections, thousands of people flocked to the location of the sighting, known as the Miracle of the Sun, as word spread.
17. Risen (2016)
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Producer: Paul Aiello and Mickey Liddell
- Year released: 2016
In Risen, Joseph Fiennes and Tom Felton play Roman soldiers tasked with unravelling the truth behind Christ's resurrection to end rumours that he was the Messiah.
Because it is told from the perspective of a non-believer, Risen stands out from most Biblical-era movies. As a result, a well-known narrative is perceived from a whole new angle. It is one of the best movies to watch on Good Friday.
18. The Shack (2017)
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Producer: Brad Cummings and Gil Netter
- Year released: 2017
The Shack is another film on this list that stars several well-known actors, including Octavia Spencer, Sam Worthington, and Tim McGraw. The film depicts the redemptive power of faith. After discovering a cryptic note in his mailbox, Mack (Worthington) copes with loss by setting out on the adventure of a lifetime.
19. An Easter Bloom (2024)
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Producer: Aidan Heatley and John Prince
- Year released: 2024
This is a Hallmark Channel original movie starring Aimeé Teegarden as Amanda Raymond, a young gardener striving to save her family's flower farm. Facing financial difficulties due to unseasonably cold weather delaying their flower blooms, Amanda enters a statewide Easter floral competition.
20. Mary Magdalene (2018)
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10
- Runtime: 2h
- Producer: Iain Canning and Emile Sherman
- Year released: 2018
In 2018, award-winning actors and real-life lovers Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara collaborated on the Christian drama Mary Magdalene. It tells the narrative of Mary (Mara), who abandons her family to join Jesus Christ (Phoenix).
21. A Week Away (2021)
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Producer: Alan Powell, Gabe Vasquez, and Steve Barnett
- Year released: 2021
A Week Away is a musical that the entire family, especially children, will love. Will Hawkins (played by Kevin Quinn) reluctantly decides to spend one week at a Christian summer camp to get his life back on track. Despite initial reluctance, he finally opened his heart to new people, growing love, and rekindled faith.
22. The Young Messiah (2016)
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Producer: Cyrus Nowrasteh
- Year released: 2016
The Young Messiah is a biblical drama starring several well-known actors. Former Game of Thrones actor Sean Bean plays Severus, while Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey portrays Herod. This film is one of the best Easter movies about Jesus.
Based on Anne Rice's book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, the film portrays Jesus Christ as a child. Jesus, aged seven, heals everyone he encounters during his travels, prompting threats and interrogation from King Herod. This ultimately leads him to realize his truth: he is the son of God with a predetermined mission.
23. Son of God (2014)
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Producer: Roma Downey, Richard Bedser, and Mark Burnett
- Year released: 2014
Son of God accurately depicts Jesus, consistent with New Testament accounts. Its depiction of Jesus' crucifixion is much more family-friendly than that of The Passion of the Christ, which is highly violent and heartbreaking.
The film concludes on a positive and uplifting note with a powerful resurrection sequence that beautifully demonstrates God's love and mercy.
24. Hop (2011)
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Producer: Illumination and Universal Pictures
- Year released: 2011
This Easter holiday, consider Hop. E.B., short for Easter Bunny, is experiencing a dilemma: His father wants him to inherit the candy business, but he'd instead move to Los Angeles and pursue his dream of becoming a rock star. This movie implies that no family is exempt from succession and inheritance conflicts.
What is considered the best movie about Jesus?
The Passion of the Christ and King of Kings are considered the best movies about Jesus for their powerful storytelling.
What is the best religious Easter movie?
Risen offers a unique perspective on the resurrection of Jesus, making it the best religious movie.
What should I watch this Holy Week?
You can watch faith-based movies like The Passion of the Christ, Risen, Son of God, and The Chosen.
What should I watch on Netflix during Holy Week?
Numerous movies can be watched on Netflix, including I Can Only Imagine, Rise of the Guardians, The Prince of Egypt, Mary Magdalene, The Shack, and The Gospel of John.
Is there a movie about Good Friday?
Yes, several movies focus on Good Friday, including The Passion of the Christ (2004), Son of God (2014), and Risen (2016), which depict Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Other options like The Gospel of John (2003) and Jesus of Nazareth (1977) provide detailed biblical narratives of his final days.
This list of the best movies to watch on Good Friday includes family-friendly, Jesus-centered films, animations, and musicals. The best part is that many of them are available on services you probably already subscribe to, such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Yen.com.gh recently published an article on the best classroom-appropriate movies for middle schoolers and the classroom. Choosing the proper film for middle schoolers creates an opportunity to entertain and inspire.
These films offer more than just fun—they shape creativity, values, and connections. Whether it's a laugh-out-loud comedy or a thought-provoking journey, the impact of these movies often stays with them long after the credits roll. Find out more about these fascinating films in the post.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter with more than four years of experience as a content writer. Peris joined Yen in 2024. Before that, she worked with Legit's team from 2021 to 2024. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com
