Bible Story Movies are a film genre that depicts stories and events from the Christian Bible.
These movies are often used for religious education and inspiration, ranging in style from grand, Hollywood-style productions to more low-budget and independent films.
They can offer a unique way to engage with the Bible and its stories, bringing them to life on the big screen for audiences of all ages.
Whether you are a devout Christian or interested in learning more about the Bible, some Bible story movies will give you a powerful and moving experience.
1. The Ten Commandments (1956)
- Starring: Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De Carlo, Debra Paget, John Derek.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
The Ten Commandments is a 1956 epic film among Bible story movies, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston as Moses.
Being the first on our list of Bible story movies, it tells the story of Moses, who, according to the Bible, led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
The film begins with Moses being raised as an Egyptian prince but eventually learning of his Hebrew heritage.
After a series of events, including the murder of an Egyptian enslaver, Moses flees Egypt and ends up in the desert, where he receives the Ten Commandments from God.
He proceeds to guide the children of Israel on their journey to the promised land.
2. Ben-Hur (1959)
- Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O’Donnell, Sam Jaffe.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Ben-Hur is a 1959 American epic historical drama film based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace.
It was a critical and commercial success upon its release, winning 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Charlton Heston.
The film is considered a classic in the range of Bible story movies of Hollywood cinema and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made.
The plot narrates the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem who is falsely accused of attempting to kill a Roman governor and is enslaved.
He eventually escapes and returns to Jerusalem, where he seeks revenge against his accusers and also becomes involved in the life of Jesus Christ.
It’s also worth mentioning that the movie has a strong Christian theme, as it depicts the life of Jesus Christ, and it’s considered one of the most memorable depictions of Jesus in film history.
3. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
- Starring: Max von Sydow, Michael Anderson Jr., Carroll Baker, Ina Balin, Pat Boone, Victor Buono, Richard Conte, Joanna Dunham, José Ferrer, Van Heflin, Charlton Heston.
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
The Greatest Story Ever Told is a 1965 American epic film among Bible story movies notable for its grand scale and sweeping visual style, with many scenes shot on location in the deserts of Arizona and Utah.
It features a large cast of extras and detailed sets and costumes, which helped to create a sense of realism and historical accuracy.
It was directed by George Stevens and starred Max von Sydow as Jesus of Nazareth.
The film covers the life of Jesus from his birth, through his ministry and teachings, to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Despite its high production values and an all-star cast, The Greatest Story Ever Told was not well received by critics upon its release.
However, the film was a box-office success and has since gained a cult following.
4. The Bible: In the Beginning (1966)
- Starring: Michael Parks, Ulla Bergryd, Richard Harris, John Huston, Stephen Boyd, George C. Scott, Ava Gardner, Peter O’Toole, Zoe Sallis, Gabriele Ferzetti, Eleonora Rossi Drago.
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Next among our Bible Story Movies is this epic film directed by John Huston and produced by Dino De Laurentiis.
“The Bible: In the Beginning” is famous for being one of the first major Hollywood productions to tackle a religious subject matter.
It remains a significant film in the history of spiritual cinema. Also, it was a financial success, grossing over $40 million at the box office, despite receiving mixed reviews.
The film retells the first book of the Bible, Genesis, covering the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel.
One of the film’s most notable elements is its use of a wide range of international locations, including the Sahara Desert, the Italian countryside, and the Dead Sea, to create the various settings in the Bible stories.
Owing to its success, it was followed by another film adaptation of the Bible stories, The Greatest Story Ever Told, which was released in 1965.
5. King of Kings (1961)
- Starring: Jeffrey Hunter, Siobhán McKenna, Robert Ryan, Ron Randell, Hurd Hatfield, Viveca Lindfors, Rip Torn.
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
King of Kings is a classic epic film about Jesus’ life and eventual crucifixion and resurrection.
This film explores themes of love, sacrifice, redemption, and the political and religious climate of the time, just like Bible story movies would.
It was shot in Spain and Italy and was released in the United States in 1961.
The film begins with the birth of Jesus and follows his life through his baptism by John the Baptist, his ministry, and his eventual crucifixion.
It was critically acclaimed upon its release, with many praising the film’s cinematography, art direction, and performances.
Also, it was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Recording.
6. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
- Starring: Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern, Sergio Rubini.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
The Passion of the Christ, released in 2004, is in a class of its own regarding Bible story movies because it has far-reaching popularity.
Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ, the film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $612 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from many religious leaders.
The film depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life, including his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
It is known for its graphic and violent portrayal of the events leading up to Jesus’ death and its solid religious themes.
This, however, led to it being criticized for its depiction of violence and portrayal of Jewish characters.
7. The Robe (1953)
- Starring: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Michael Rennie.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
The Robe is a 1953 American biblical epic film based on Lloyd C. Douglas’s novel of the same name, which tells the story of a Roman tribune named Marcellus Gallio who is tasked with overseeing the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.
It was a groundbreaking film in the category of Bible story movies, in its use of the new widescreen format, Cinemascope, which allowed for a more immersive and cinematic experience.
The film’s success led to a sequel, Demetrius and the Gladiators, released in 1954.
After the crucifixion, Marcellus is haunted by guilt and questions his beliefs.
He eventually comes into possession of Jesus’ robe, which he believes holds the key to his redemption.
He journeys to find the truth about Jesus, encountering various characters along the way, including a slave girl named Diana and a Christian leader named Peter.
The movie was a box office success, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction and winning a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
8. The Miracle Maker (2000)
- Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Julie Christie, Richard E. Grant, Ian Holm, Michael Bryant, Emily Mortimer, Alfred Molina.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The Miracle Maker is a 2000 British stop-motion animation movie based on the life of Jesus Christ and also among Bible story movies for you to choose from.
The movie’s themes of faith, love, and sacrifice make it an inspiring and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
It tells the story of Jesus’ life and teachings, as seen through the eyes of a young girl named Tamar.
The film explores Jesus’ miracles, such as the feeding of the five thousand, his resurrection, and the ascension into heaven.
The animation style used in the movie is stop-motion, and the characters are made of clay which is unique and makes the film visually appealing.
9. The Prince of Egypt (1998)
- Starring: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steve Martin, and Martin Short.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
This addition to Bible story movies is a 1998 American animated musical film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells.
The film is loosely based on the Book of Exodus in the Bible and features an ensemble cast that includes the voices of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Sandra Bullock.
The movie opens with a prologue introducing Pharaoh Seti I and his wife, Queen Tuya, as they welcome their firstborn son, Moses.
Afterward, it moves many years later as Moses grows into a young man unaware of his Hebrew heritage.
He learns of his true identity when he is forced to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian guard found mistreating a Hebrew enslaved person.
He returns later, having been chosen by God to free the Israelites from slavery.
10. Noah (2014)
- Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Anthony Hopkins.
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Noah is yet another 2014 biblical epic film directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Russell Crowe as Noah, the protagonist.
The film’s themes and messages, including environmentalism and the consequences of human actions, have been discussed and debated by audiences and critics alike.
It was a commercial success, grossing over $362 million worldwide against its budget of $125 million, uncommon for the genre of Bible story movies.
The story begins with a world filled with violence and corruption, where Noah receives a divine vision of an impending flood that will wipe out all life on earth.
Despite opposition from the people around him and the ruling king, Tubal-Cain, Noah builds an ark to save himself, his family, and the animals.
As the construction of the ark continues, Noah grapples with his faith and the morality of his actions, especially as he is forced to make difficult decisions about who will be allowed on the ark and who will be left behind.
11. Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
- Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, and Ben Kingsley.
- IMDb Rating: 6/10
Gracing our list of Bible story movies next is this timely piece that draws from the biblical book of Exodus.
While some appreciated the film’s visual spectacle, others felt it lacked depth and failed to capture the spirit of the biblical story fully.
Regardless of its reception, the film remains a significant adaptation of one of the most well-known stories in the Bible.
It narrates the story of Moses as he leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
The plot follows the events in the book of Exodus in the Bible, but with a few changes and liberties taken.
Despite the controversies raised by this deviation, the film received praise for its visual effects and action scenes.
12. Son of God (2014)
- Starring: Diogo Morgado, Greg Hicks, Adrian Schiller, Darwin Shaw, Sebastian Knapp, Joe Wredden, Simon Kunz, Paul Marc Davis, Matthew Gravelle, Amber Rose Revah, Roma Downey.
- IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Son of God is a 2014 religious drama film based on the life of Jesus Christ.
The film’s message of hope, love, and forgiveness resonated with audiences, and many praised its ability to bring the story of Jesus to life in a fresh and accessible way.
It was created as a follow-up to the 2013 miniseries, The Bible and features many of the same actors and production team.
The story covers the significant events in Jesus’ life, including his birth, baptism, miracles, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection.
It also touches on the impact of Jesus’ teachings on his disciples and the wider community and the development of the early Christian church.
It is a captivating experience for fans of Bible story movies.
13. Risen (2016)
- Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis.
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Risen is a biblical epic film released in 2016. Among the Bible story movies, it is set in the year 33 A.D. and is about the aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, and exploration of the themes of faith, hope, and redemption, Risen is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.
The movie follows Clavius, a Roman military tribune, who Pontius Pilate tasks to find the body of Jesus after reports of his resurrection.
Clavius sets out on a journey to find the truth and uncover what happened to the body of Jesus.
Through his interactions with people, Clavius starts to see the world in a different light and begins to question his own beliefs, which leads him to encounter Jesus ultimately.
14. The Jesus Film (1979)
- Starring: Brian Deacon, Rivka Neumann, Yosef Shiloach.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The Jesus Film (1979) is a cinematic interpretation of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, based on the Gospel of Luke.
Directed by John Heyman, the film was produced to spread the message of Christianity to a global audience.
It has been translated into over 1,100 languages and shown in over 230 countries, making it one of the most widely viewed Bible story movies.
The film follows the life of Jesus from his birth to his death and resurrection, highlighting his teachings and miracles along the way.
It aims to present a historically accurate and emotionally engaging portrayal of the central figure of Christianity.
The film features actor Bruce Marchiano as Jesus and an international cast that brings a sense of diversity to the film.
15. Magdalene (2018)
- Starring: Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tahar Rahim.
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Forthcoming still, among Bible story movies, is this highlight entitled “Mary Magdalene.”
It is a 2018 biographical drama film that explores the life of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ most devoted followers.
You will surely enjoy this addition because it is a thought-provoking film that challenges traditional views of Mary and offers a new perspective on her life and her relationship with Jesus.
The movie portrays Mary as a young woman who was rejected by her family and society due to her beliefs and was later healed by Jesus of possession by seven demons.
She then joins Jesus and his disciples on their journey and becomes one of his closest supporters.
The film was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Sound.
16. The Nativity Story (2006)
- Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shaun Toub, Alexander Siddig, Ciarán Hinds, Shohreh Aghdashloo.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
This piece is a 2006 biblical drama film based on the birth of Jesus Christ and follows the events leading up to his birth as described in the Christian gospels of Matthew and Luke.
This magnificent piece, among other Bible story movies, is quite famous for its historical accuracy, with the film’s costumes, sets, and production design reflecting the period in which the events depicted in the movie took place.
The story begins with the announcement to Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, that she will give birth to the Son of God.
Throughout the film, Mary and her husband, Joseph, travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born in a manger.
You are in for a thrill because of the film’s talented cast and historical accuracy.
17. David and Bathsheba (1951)
- Starring: Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Raymond Massey, Kieron Moore, James Robertson Justice.
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
David and Bathsheba, released in 1951, is enlisted among Bible story movies because it is based on the biblical story of King David and Bathsheba from the First Book of Samuel.
The film explores the themes of temptation, guilt, and redemption as King David is torn between his love for Bathsheba and his sense of duty to his people.
It received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its solid performances and production values.
The story starts with King David ruling over a prosperous Israel, but despite his political and military successes, he is not content.
He becomes infatuated with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, and has her brought to his palace.
When Bathsheba becomes pregnant, King David orders Uriah to the front lines of battle, hoping he will be killed.
18. Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)
- Starring: Jim Caviezel, Olivier Martinez, James Faulkner, Joanne Whalley, John Lynch.
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Paul, Apostle of Christ is a 2018 film about the final days of Saint Paul the Apostle, who is imprisoned in Rome under the rule of Emperor Nero.
Its compelling story and strong message make it stand out in the collection of Bible story movies and a must-see for anyone interested in the early Christian church and the history of the New Testament.
It also ultimately shows the power of friendship, love, and faith to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
The film follows Luke, a physician and close friend of Paul, as he visits the imprisoned apostle and records his teachings.
Through Luke’s interactions with Paul, the audience can see the strength of Paul’s faith and the impact he had on the early Christian community.
The film highlights the dangerous and hostile environment in which the early Christians lived and the persecution they faced at the hands of the Roman Empire.
19. Jeremiah (1998)
- Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Oliver Reed, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Vincent Regan.
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Jeremiah is a 1998 animated television series based on the comic book series of the same name by Belgian cartoonist Hermann Huppen and similar to other Bible story movies.
The series was produced by the French animation studio Dargaud Media and followed the adventures of the title character, a young prophet, in a post-apocalyptic world.
It is a fantastic addition for those obsessed with Bible story movies.
Along with his mentor Kurdy, Jeremiah travels the wasteland in search of a rumored city of hope while also trying to spread his message of peace and hope to the various warring factions he encounters.
The movie was praised for its mature and complex storytelling, as well as its thought-provoking themes and strong character development.
The series was also noted for its dark and brooding atmosphere, which set it apart from other animated shows of the time.
20. The Chosen (2017)
- Starring: Shahar Isaac, Jonathan Roumie, Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Noah James, George H. Xanthis.
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
The Chosen is a 2017 television series that focuses on the life of Jesus Christ and his impact on his disciples and the people he encounters.
The show aims to showcase the real-life events of Jesus and bring to life the story of the New Testament in a way that has not been seen before.
It has been applauded for its accurate portrayal of Biblical events and its unique perspective on the life of Jesus.
This hit among Bible story movies follows the story of Jesus and his disciples from his baptism to his ascension.
It highlights the relationships between Jesus and his disciples, as well as his interactions with the people he encounters along the way.
It has been recognized as a groundbreaking series, and its impact on the Christian community has been significant.
The movie was a huge success, both in terms of viewership and critical acclaim.
