After gathering with family and friends this Sunday for church services, fellowship, and dinner, why not watch a movie that celebrates the life and love of Christ? Here are some of the best films to watch this Easter.
"The Gospel of John" is a three-hour epic film that comes straight from the book of John's Good News Translation (GNT). The film depicts Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, in an inspiring and reverent way.
"Christians will come away with an even greater appreciation for their Savior and the love that prompted his mission on earth," Christian blogger Mary Fairchild wrote of the film.
Though it strays quite far from biblical text, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" is a family-friendly, entertaining film. The star-studded cast includes John Wayne, Charlton Heston, Sidney Poitier, and Shelly Winters. The 1965 epic is over three hours in length and illustrates Jesus' entire life—from birth through the resurrection.
A popular film shown during Easter and Passover is "The Ten Commandments." The Academy Award-winning picture takes great liberties in the life of Moses and the events leading up to the Israelites exodus from Egypt, but it is a visually-stunning, dramatic film. "The Ten Commandments" was considered so culturally-significant that it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
"Jesus" has been called the "most watched movie of all time," and "Campus Crusade for Christ credits it with saving 176 million souls," according to the New York Times. The film is primarily based on the Gospel of Luke, and depicts Jesus' birth, crucifixion, and resurrection. An edited version was made for younger audiences and called "The Story of Jesus for Children."
"The Greatest Adventures of the Bible: The Easter Story" is one video in the children's "Greatest Adventures." The animated films follow three children who travel back in time to witness biblical events. The "Easter Story" is the last episode in the series, and young viewers will learn the story of Jesus-- from the Garden of Gethsemane through His ascension.
