- 1. Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie -
Jonah, who spends three days in the belly of a whale, is an Old Testament prefigurement of Jesus, which makes this movie a good choice for Holy Week. Also, the Ninevites slap each other with fish, which is pretty great, any time. We've watched quite a few Veggie Tales movies, but I think this one is my favorite of them all. The songs are fun, the characters are charming, it's a fun watch for the whole family. (also available on DVD from Amazon or here)
- 2. The Prince of Egypt -
I really can't recommend this animated movie of the life of Moses highly enough. It has an all-star voice cast, and beautiful songs, and beautiful visuals. It's also the perfect thing to watch on Holy Thursday, as it features the Ten Plagues of Egypt and the Passover, which Jesus and his disciples were commemorating at the Last Supper. (also available on DVD or here) 2023 update: It's no longer on Netflix :( but I've added links to find it on Amazon. And it's still a big favorite around here.
- 3. The Robe -
This classic movie from 1953, starring a young Richard Burton, has the distinction of being the first movie ever shot in the super widescreen "CinemaScope" format. Oooooh. It is the story of a Roman officer, tormented by having participated in the crucifixion of Jesus. It's an old school Hollywood epic, complete with a cast of thousands, dramatic music, and a healthy dose of grimacing overacting. But, somehow, it still gets a lot right. Particularly the efficacy of relics, the freedom in forgiveness, and a very counter-cultural happy ending. There are cheesy bits, but overall it's still a really worthwhile film. It's appropriate for the whole family, but might not hold the attention of preschoolers. Also available on DVD from Netflix or here)
2016 Update: this one was unavailable on streaming for a while, but it's back! We also watched another movie this year, similar in feel and also appropriate for Lent, called Barabbas (the 1960s version). It's available streaming from Amazon, but not Netflix.2017 Update: The Robe is no longer available on Netflix, but it is available to rent or buy on Amazon streaming, or as a DVD.
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2017 Update: The Passion of the Christ is no longer available on Netflix. But it is available for rent or purchase on Amazon streaming, or on DVD. I find this version of Jesus' passion and death to be the most moving of any I've seen depicted on film. Jim Caviezel's portrayal of Jesus has an appropriate gravity and love, but without the saccharine-quality of the Jesus of, for instance, the miniseries The Bible. It is too gory for my younger kids, but I want my teenagers to see this Jesus and what He suffered.
For more family activities for Holy Week, check out . . .
What have I missed? Do YOU have any favorite Holy Week movies?
- 4. The Gospel of John -
This is a narration of the complete text of the Gospel of John, over the background of a very impressive visual representation of all of the events of the gospel. The entire movie is two hours and forty minutes, which might be a good way to spend the hours of noon to three pm on Good Friday. Or, if you don't have that much time, you can start at about 1:30 in, and watch beginning on Palm Sunday. The depiction of Jesus' passion is pretty restrained, all things considered (no whips are shown cutting in to his skin, we don't see the nails go in), but we do see Jesus' bloodied body, and his crucifixion. I would feel comfortable showing it to even my little kids. But it might be too intense for some. (available exclusively on Netflix streaming) 2017 Update: It's no longer available on Netflix, but is available to rent or buy from Amazon streaming or on DVD. I like this version a lot, because of the way they use the actual text of the Bible, which I think is important for us to be familiar with, but I think The Bible (above) is a good Netflix alternative.
- 5. The Passion of the Christ -
I'm probably not going to tell you anything you don't already know about this movie. It's beautifully done, but very raw and painful to watch. As it should be, right? But this movie isn't for everyone, and it isn't for young children. I can't handle watching it every year, but our oldest is nearly thirteen, and I think we might watch it with him this Good Friday, after the other kids have gone to bed. (also available on DVD from Netflix or here
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2017 Update: The Passion of the Christ is no longer available on Netflix. But it is available for rent or purchase on Amazon streaming, or on DVD. I find this version of Jesus' passion and death to be the most moving of any I've seen depicted on film. Jim Caviezel's portrayal of Jesus has an appropriate gravity and love, but without the saccharine-quality of the Jesus of, for instance, the miniseries The Bible. It is too gory for my younger kids, but I want my teenagers to see this Jesus and what He suffered.
For more family activities for Holy Week, check out . . .
Lent: The End Begins (Ideas and Printables for Holy Week and Easter)
and
The "You Can Still Do This" Guide to All Things Holy Week
AND . . . I've been meaning to sit down and put together a scripture-based Passion Play for kids, like the Nativity Play we do for Christmas. But now I don't have to, because Elena from A Rosary, a Tractor, and Some Books has just taken care of it. There are options for longer and shorter versions, and it's really pretty much just what I would have done, if I had done it, which I didn't.
At Home Passion Play Script {Digital Download}
Holy Week Meal and Activity Planner {digital download}
And that's my honest opinion. But this is a sponsored post. (Also, I need us all to pretend that this is April, because I'm supposed to do one of these per month.)
