The Easter holidays are a time to catch up on some classic movies. 

There have been some epics over the years about the early days of Christianity and how it moved from cult status to becoming one of the major religions of humankind.

Some of those sword-and-sandals Roman movies are still compelling but it is the depiction of Christ and his sacrifice that has us watching particularly over Easter time.

Our Today has selected some notable Easter movies to check out: 

Easter Parade (1948)

A lavish and lively musical starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.

A nightclub performer hires a naïve chorus girl to become his new dance partner to make his former partner jealous and to prove he can make any partner a star.

This movie features songs written by the great Irving Berlin. Grace Kelly was originally scheduled to play Don, but he broke his ankle when he stamped his foot in anger after losing a volleyball game. It was his suggestion that he be replaced by Fred Astaire.

Quo Vadis (1951) 

Roman general Marcus Vinicius sparks rebellion when he falls in love with a Christian slave. When atrocities are performed on Christians, Marcus saves his love and her family.

This film stars Robert Taylor, Peter Ustinov and Deborah Kerr. It was directed by Mervyn LeRoy. Quo Vadis won the Golden Globe Award for Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor.

After Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.

The Robe (1953)

Marcellus, a tribune in the Roman army commands a group to crucify Jesus Christ. He is given the robe that covers Jesus’s body as a gift by his soldiers. After the event, Marcellus is haunted by nightmares. He sets on a journey to learn more about the man he killed.

Starring Richard Burton, Victor Mature and Jean Simmons. The Robe directed by Henry Koster won the Academy Award for Best Production Design.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

This masterpiece by Martin Scorsese, sees Jesus as an ordinary man beset by temptations. The movie depicts the life of Jesus Christ, his journey through life as he faces the struggles all humans do and his final; temptation on the cross.

This movie features Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey and David Bowie.

Here, we see Jesus actually making crosses for the Romans and his yearning to live a life as a carpenter with a family.

In this movie, Jesus says, “You think God belongs only to you? He doesn’t. God is an immortal spirit who belongs to everybody, to the whole world. You think you’re special? God is not an Israelite!”

This film is a retelling of the Gospels focusing on Jesus’s internal struggle between flesh and spirit, humanity and divinity.

The Passion Of The Christ (2004)

In this version of Christ’s crucifixion based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus by handing him over to the Roman Empire’s handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother Mary and Magdalen, whom he saved from damnation and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary where he is nailed to the cross. He dies but not before a last act of grace.

The movie showcased Mel Gibson’s talents as a top director. It starred Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Monica Bellucci as Magdalen and Maia Morgenstern as Mary puts in a wonderful performance.

There are some graphically brutal scenes here that will make you wince. This is a depiction of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem.

Mary Magdalene (2018)

In the year AD 30, when Judea was under the control of the Roman Empire, a woman named Mary from the small town of Magdala begins to follow Jesus of Nazareth. Her family and father try to interfere with her departing from her home, but she sends them away. She accepts baptism from Jesus and accepts his charge for her and the other apostles in the name of the Father. This causes conflict with the other male disciples including Saint Peter. She follows Jesus all the way to the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant as Jesus and Rooney Mara puts in a wonderful performance as Mary Magdalene. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Saint Peter.

Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com called it “an extraordinary film. It moved me in a way that no previous film about Christianity ever has.”