Easter isn’t just about chocolate eggs and springtime flowers. It’s a time of renewal, hope, and quiet reflection. Whether you’re spending it with family or enjoying a peaceful moment alone, the right film can help set the mood. These movies capture the essence of Easter in different ways—through faith, innocence, kindness, or the simple joy of being alive. Some are spiritual, some heartwarming, and a few just feel like a fresh start. Here’s a small list of movies that reflect what Easter is about.
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (English, 25 min, dir. Phil Roman)
This animated classic is a gentle and funny reminder of childhood Easter traditions. As the Peanuts gang prepares for the holiday, Snoopy’s antics as the Easter Beagle bring laughter and warmth. While it’s lighthearted, the themes of belief and tradition make it meaningful. The idea that joy can arrive when you least expect it fits the Easter message perfectly. Plus, it’s a great one to share with the little ones.
Bambi (English, 70 min, dir. David Hand)
Jesus of Nazareth (English, 382 min, dir. Franco Zeffirelli)
If you want to reflect on the true story of Easter, this long but beautiful film captures it all with grace and depth. From the humble birth of Jesus to His resurrection, the story is treated with great care and respect, honoring the sacredness of the events. The message of sacrifice, forgiveness, and new life is conveyed in a deeply human way, focusing on the emotions and struggles that define the journey. The film doesn’t just recount historical events; it brings them to life, highlighting the profound impact of each moment. Watching the movie during the quiet hours of Easter weekend offers a perfect opportunity for contemplation, as it invites viewers to connect with the spiritual significance of this time of year. The portrayal of Jesus’s teachings, His ultimate sacrifice, and the hope of resurrection reminds us of the deeper meanings of Easter—love, redemption, and the renewal of life. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, encouraging reflection and gratitude for the message it imparts. It’s a fitting way to mark the solemn yet hopeful spirit of Easter.
The Last Temptation of Christ (English, 164 min, dir. Martin Scorsese)
This version of Jesus’s story takes a more emotional, personal angle. It explores what it means to have doubt and still choose the right path. Easter is about struggle and redemption, and this film shows both with honesty. While it might not be for everyone, it brings a powerful sense of what sacrifice really is. It also makes you think about faith in a way that feels very real and grounded.
Also, Read – The Passion of the Christ [2004] Review
Lazzaro Felice (Italian, 125 min, dir. Alice Rohrwacher)
Children of Heaven (Persian, 89 min, dir. Majid Majidi)
This lovely Iranian film follows a brother and sister as they share a single pair of shoes. The story might sound small, but the kindness and love it shows are huge. Easter is about compassion, sacrifice, and hope—and this movie captures all of that without saying a word about religion. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Watching this feels like a warm breeze on a spring morning.
Monsieur Ibrahim (French, 95 min, dir. François Dupeyron)
Monsieur Ibrahim is a heartfelt film about the unlikely but deeply meaningful friendship between a young boy and an elderly shopkeeper. Set against a backdrop of personal struggle and emotional growth, the film gently explores the themes of love, forgiveness, and the quiet yet profound ways in which people can care for each other. As the boy matures, his relationship with Monsieur Ibrahim opens his eyes to the complexities of life, teaching him valuable lessons about humanity, compassion, and seeing the world through a different lens. The old man, with his wisdom and gentle presence, becomes a guide, offering not just practical advice but emotional support, showing that even in the most unexpected relationships, we can find immense growth and understanding.
Easter is traditionally a time to reflect on our own inner lives, to pause, and to reach out to others, and this story perfectly captures that spirit. It reminds us that sometimes the most profound changes in our lives come from the people we least expect and that the smallest acts of kindness can leave lasting impacts. The film’s simplicity and warmth resonate deeply, offering a moving reflection on the power of human connection and the lessons we can learn from one another. Monsieur Ibrahim is an emotional journey that touches the heart, leaving a lasting impression about the beauty of life, the importance of forgiveness, and the quiet bonds that shape our lives. It’s a story that’s full of heart, offering a perfect reminder of the values that make Easter such a meaningful time of year.
The Way (2010, English, 123 min, dir. Emilio Estevez)
This film is in English but rooted in a deeply European tradition—the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It follows Tom, a grieving father who walks the ancient trail in honor of his late son. What starts as a reluctant journey slowly becomes a personal awakening, filled with strangers, stories, and quiet moments of grace.
This movie captures the essence of Easter without directly referencing it: a journey through grief, a walk toward renewal, and the slow opening of the heart. It reminds us that transformation often comes from unexpected paths and unlikely companions. A comforting watch for quiet spring evenings.