BEN-HUR (1959) 

Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd 

Runtime: 3 hrs 32 min 

The original book, play and 1925 movie were titled “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.” This epic focuses on a man whose family is torn apart by a jealous ex-friend seeking to “climb the ladder” in ancient Rome. Judah Ben-Hur focuses his energy on staying alive during his enslavement so he can exact revenge on his captor.  But a chance meeting with Jesus Christ on the way to Calvary touched him and changed his life. The movie hits all the touchpoints of the rise of Christianity and the Roman effort to squelch it. Despite it’s excessive length, you cannot help but be enthralled, especially by the famous chariot scene. Having lots of snacks on hand would be a good call.

The Robe (1953)

Richard Burton, Jean Simmons 

Runtime: 2 hrs 15 min 

This was my Easter favorite when I was younger (not just because I’m a fan of Richard Burton), but because like Ben-Hur it focuses on how “meeting” Christ changed the lives of those he met in ways they were compelled to try and comprehend. A Roman tribune is ordered to command soldiers to carry out the crucifixion of Christ, but guilt consumes him afterwards and the Robe is the symbol of his constant torment.  This drives him to seek an understanding of who Christ was, and what that means to him.

Steel Magnolias (1989)

Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley Maclaine, Dolly Parton 

Runtime: 1 hr 57 min 

This is not per se, an Easter movie. But there is an Easter egg hunt at the end that highlights how these strong women navigated their various trials and tribulations, and still manage to move on with their lives after a tragic loss that affects everyone, with a deep appreciation that life goes on. The title has famously implied “chick flick”, but the men in this film provide context as they also reflect in their own ways how this loss has affected them. Hankies and popcorn will probably be needed.

Easter Parade  (1948)

Fred Astaire, Judy Garland 

Runtime: 1 hr 43 min 

This movie actually has little to do with Easter, but its light and charming with a great cast, lots of music and dancing, and fabulous clothes. Based on the famous New York City Easter Parades that began in the 1890s (and interestingly, still continue until this day), it details what happens to a famous nightclub performer when his partner walks out on him right before Easter and he’s determined to find a replacement by next year’s Easter parade. It takes him awhile (a long while) to figure out that he can’t re-make her in the image of his former partner. But when he does finally “get it”, things begin to happen for them, and to him. Have fun.