These top Christian films for Easter are chosen specifically because they commemorate in a passionate and powerful way, the life, mission, message, sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. If you’re looking for a movie with an Easter theme to add to your DVD collection this year, consider one of these memorable productions.

The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ chronicles the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Starring James Caviezel as Jesus and directed by Mel Gibson, the film was originally released in theaters in 2004. It is rated R for extremely brutal depictions of torture and violence. The film is portrayed in the biblical Aramaic and Latin languages with subtitles in English. It is not recommended for young children or for the faint of heart. The film offers an emotionally moving, painfully graphic reminder of the suffering and passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ at his crucifixion.western Europeans; an Africa-weary Catholic priest played by John Hurt, and a young, idealistic teacher played by Hugh Dancy. 

The Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is the story of Jesus as told through the eyes of his disciple John. Starring Henry Ian Cusick as Jesus and narrated by Christopher Plummer, the film was originally released in theaters in 2003. It is rated PG. The film focuses on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, offering a very human, intimate picture of the passion and compassion of Christ’s three years of ministry. Christians will come away with an even greater appreciation for their Savior and the love that prompted his mission on earth.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

The Greatest Story Ever Told is a classic epic film, wondrously recreating the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, from his birth in Bethlehem to his baptism by John (Charles Heston), the raising of Lazarus, the Last Supper and finally his death, burial and resurrection. Starring Max Von Sydow as Jesus and directed by George Stevens, the film was originally released in 1965. The fully restored DVD version features an all-star cast including David McCallum (Judas), Dorothy McGuire (Mary), Sidney Poitier (Simon of Cyrene), Claude Rains (Herod the Great), Donald Pleasence (The Devil), Martin Landau (Caiaphas), and Janet Margolin (Mary of Bethany).

The Robe

In this biblical epic, a drunk and disillusioned Roman, Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton), wins Jesus’ robe in a dice game after the crucifixion. Marcellus has never been a man of faith like his slave, Demetrius (Victor Mature), but when Demetrius escapes with the robe, Marcellus experiences disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions. Convinced that destroying the robe will cure him, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius -- and discovers his Christian faith along the way.

The Day Christ Died

The Day Christ Died is a 1980 American TV movie directed by James Cellan Jones. It consists in a dramatization of the last 24 hours of life of Christ and it is based on the 1957 Jim Bishop’s book with the same name. Bishop, who didn’t accept the script-adaptation, had his name removed from credits and even tried unsuccessfully to change the title of the film. The film stars Chris Sarandon as Jesus Christ, Colin Blakely as Caiaphas, Keith Michell as Pontius Pilate, Jonathan Pryce as Herod, Barrie Houghton as Judas, Jay O. Sanders as Peter, Eleanor Bron as Mary, Delia Boccardo as Mary Magdelene, Hope Lange as Claudia and  Oliver Cotton as John.