The Easter holiday isn’t just about chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts — it’s a time of reflection and spiritual growth for many families, especially in the Christian community.
One meaningful way to celebrate Easter is by watching these religious Easter movies for kids, teaching them about the life and love of their savior, Jesus Christ.
Your younger kids will giggle at Larry and Bob’s silly antics in “VeggieTales: An Easter Carol”, while older kids can learn about the importance of forgiveness and redemption in “The Prince of Egypt”.
There’s even a few films perfect for your teens who might not want to watch an animated film.
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23 Best Religious Easter Movies for Kids in 2024
Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the Easter message, but all share one common theme: the life of Jesus Christ.
So grab some popcorn, gather your family, and enjoy the best Easter movies for kids that will inspire and entertain the whole family.
You’ll find the movies on this list are on most major streaming services. My goal was to find as many of these movies for free on YouTube, but provided another way to watch the films depicting the life of Christ if I couldn’t find it for free.
After all, Easter Sunday is meant to be shared with those we love.
The Easter Story Keepers
Rated: G
About the movie: This is one of the faith-based movies from my childhood. Ben and his wife Helena and their adopted children must do everything they can to save their Christian friends from Nero (voiced by Tim Curry) and his Roman soldiers.
Even though Ben is a baker, your children will quickly learn he’s really a Story Keeper. He’s been trusted to share his faith, testimony, and stories of Jesus Christ with others, even during a period of great persecution and punishment to Christians.
Where to watch
Spark Story Adventures: The Story of Easter
Rated: G
About the movie: Your children will love the cute and sometimes goofy animations in this great movie. The story of the life, mission, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will captivate your children as they learn about how much Jesus loves them.
There’s quite a few goofy and silly parts through the film (like Squiggles the caterpillar who follows Jesus or some of the silly faces the disciples make). But they did a wonderful job at treating the savior’s death with respect and reverence.
Easter Promise & The Witness
Rated: G
About the animated movie: The Easter Promise is about a little boy, Jerem who dreams of being a soldier for a king. So when he learns about the true King of Kings, he wants to fight for him. He soon realizes Jesus doesn’t want to use swords and spears, but preaches love, repentance, and forgiveness.
The Witness focuses on the story of Barabbas and his journey to faith. He does everything he can to prove Jesus was just a normal guy. But he soon learns Jesus of Nazareth was no ordinary man.
The Animated Passion Trilogy
Rated: G
About the movie: Unfortunately this movie is only available on DVD (but definitely check with your local library). He is Risen, Worthy is the Lamb, and The Kingdom of Heaven is perfect for the whole family.
This Richard Rich trilogy has won 3 awards. The life of Jesus Christ is portrayed in an entertaining but spiritual way for little children, where you can feel God’s presence and the words of the son of God come to life.
This movie would be perfect to lead a family discussion or even to share with your primary or Sunday School class.
The Chosen
Rated: PG
About the movie: This newest Christian show has literally swept the world by storm. Beginning with season 1 and pre-ministry Jesus Christ to today’s latest season, The Chosen brings the story of Jesus Christ and his disciples to life.
I do not recommend this show for children under the age of 9, just because the themes and topics follow a more serious nature (sword fighting, lying, greed, demonic possession, dramatized retelling of Biblical scriptures).
Lately The Chosen has been coming to movie theaters before being available for free on streaming apps. Here are other places you can watch previous episodes:
The Lion of Judah
Rated: G
About the movie: This movie is side-splitting, laugh out loud funny for your entire family. A little lamb, Judah, wants to avoid the sacrificial alter a week before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
This story is seen through the eyes of this little lamb, a lovable pig, a worrisome horse, a motherly cow, and a few other fun barnyard animals your kids will fall in love with this Easter season.
The Messiah: A Brickfilm
Rated: G
About the movie: Brickfilm tells the life of Jesus Christ using a simple child’s toy – LEGOs. This unique and creative retelling of the biblical story is perfect for kids and adults alike.
As a mom with an almost even split of boys and girls in our family, I will tell you our boys enjoyed this movie far more than our girls did. (Personally, it’s probably the LEGOs).
Veggie Tales: An Easter Carol
Rated: G
About the movie: Ebenezer Nezzer is OUT OF CONTROL! He’s going to try and fill the entire city of London with plastic eggs this Easter. Can anyone stop him? Larry the Cucumber is tasked with telling this sweet story.
Just so you know, this Veggie Tales version is based on Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” It’s filled with fun songs and important lessons about forgiveness and the true meaning of Easter.
Veggie Tales: T’was the Night Before Easter
Rated: G
About the movie: Your children’s lovable veggies are back in this fun-filled Easter special! They’re going to learn about Easter and why we should always help others, with a little help from Cassie’s imagination, her musical theater, and some hilarious bunnies.
This movie is perfect for the whole family – full of laughter, catchy songs, and important lessons about kindness and selflessness. Plus, those veggies are just too cute!
Jesus: He Lived Among Us
Rated: G
About the movie: This animated film about the life of Jesus Christ is one of the more dramatic and powerful Christian Easter movies for kids. It follows the story of Jesus’ birth, life, and ultimately his resurrection.
Not only is this movie a great learning tool for children to understand the true meaning of Easter, but it also beautifully depicts themes of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. This movie does not sugarcoat what Christ went through in this life.
He suffered grief and was rejected by many, but through it all, his message of love and hope prevailed. This is a must-watch for families wanting to teach their children about the importance of Easter.
The Ten Commandments
Rated: PG-13
About the movie: This Oscar winning movie is a 3, almost 4-generation movie tradition in our home (I think my older kids are ready to see the film). Starring Charlton Heston, this classic film tells the story and life of Moses and the Israelites’ journey to freedom.
Aside from its beautiful cinematography and epic scenes, The Ten Commandments also teaches important lessons about faith, perseverance, and obeying God’s commandments. It is a timeless movie that will continue to inspire families for generations to come.
And I still remember the day I saw the Red Sea split as a kid. I was so scared but also in awe of the power of God. This movie is a great reminder of His miraculous works and the importance of following His teachings.
Ben-Hur (1959)
Rated: G
About the movie: Just so you’re aware, Ben-Hur was remade in 2016 (rated PG-13), but for our family movie night, you’ll learn all about the 1959 classic movie.
Judah Ben-Hur is Jewish nobility living in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. He is betrayed by his childhood friend, Messala, and sentenced to slavery on a Roman ship. After years of hardship, Judah returns to seek revenge against Messala in a chariot race.
Aside from its thrilling action scenes and captivating storyline, Ben-Hur also teaches important lessons about forgiveness, redemption, and the power of faith. It is a movie that will leave you in awe and inspire you to be a better person.
And fun fact, the chariot race scene took months to film and had over 15,000 extras! The 1959 version has won 11 Academy Awards.
The Resurrection of Gavin Stone
Rated: PG
About the movie: I hated this movie. Mostly because I cried the entire time. This movie is perfect. It’s beautifully done, especially if you have a child who is struggling with their faith, or need to remind one of your littles that our God is great.
He’s a God of second chances, third, fourth…as many as you need.
This film is directed by Dallas Jenkins (director of “The Chosen”) and follows a troubled former child star who finds himself doing community service at his local church. He auditions for the role of Jesus Christ to impress a girl, but something else wonderful happens instead.
This movie is heartwarming, funny, and reminds us that no matter how far we may stray from our faith, there is always a way back.
Greatest Story Ever Told
Rated: G
About the movie: This all-star cast retelling of the life and story of Christ may be one of the most epic and breathtaking adaptations to date. With an ensemble cast including Max von Sydow, Charlton Heston, and Dorothy McGuire, this film captures the essence of the biblical story in a visually stunning way.
The greatest story ever told showcases Jesus’ teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection in a way that is both respectful and captivating. It’s a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move audiences of all ages.
So whether you’re looking for a movie to watch during Easter or just want to experience the story of Jesus in a powerful way, this film is not one to be missed.
As a side note from a mom – this is a 4+ hour movie. It’s wonderfully done, but isn’t one to watch on a cozy afternoon. This movie would be great broken up over time during multiple family movie nights. Maybe even paired with a Bible study for deeper discussions with your tweens and teens.
The Jesus Movie
Rated: G
About the movie: This is one of those movies people grow up with and watch every year. It’s classic, charming, and a beautiful adaptation of the life of Jesus based on the Gospel of Luke.
Narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Richard Kiley, this movie brings the story of Jesus to life in a way that is perfect for families and individuals alike.
The Jesus Movie is not only a masterpiece of filmmaking, but it’s also a powerful reminder of the message and teachings of Jesus that continue to impact people all over the world. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about Jesus or simply experience his story in an unforgettable way.
God With Us
Rated: G
About the movie: This animated kids film begins with the Holy Family’s escape into Egypt to save Jesus’s life from King Herod. It then follows the story of Jesus’s life from birth to death and resurrection.
This movie is perfect for introducing children to the story of Jesus in a relatable and engaging way. The animation is beautiful, the songs are catchy, and the message is powerful.
God With Us not only teaches important lessons about faith and perseverance, but it also reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas – God’s love for us.
Prince of Egypt
Rated: PG
About the movie: This beloved Dreamworks movie – an animated musical (musical numbers by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston) tells the story of Moses, from his birth to leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
The story of Moses and the story of Jesus are deeply intertwined, making this movie a great way to understand the historical context and significance of Jesus’s teachings.
With stunning animation, powerful music, and a star-studded cast including Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Sandra Bullock, and more – Prince of Egypt is a must-watch for all ages.
Not only does this movie bring the biblical story to life in an awe-inspiring way, but it also touches on themes of faith, family, and perseverance. It’s a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd
Rated: G
About the movie: Jacob, a Nephite son loses his faith and his father, Helam does everything he can to share his faith and testimony of the Savior with him.
It’s not until Jacob tries to escape his new association with a bad group of men that his dad risks everything, including losing his eye sight, for these two men to save each other and their family.
This film tells the testimony and ministry of the resurrected savior and his visit to the American continent. The powerful message of redemption and forgiveness is beautifully portrayed through this touching story.
The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd is a must-see for any Christian looking to deepen their understanding of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and role The Book of Mormon plays in the Christian world.
His Only Son
Rated: PG-13
About the movie: The prophet Abraham was promised a son by God. Now he’s been asked to sacrifice his son on an alter as a test of faith.
This heart-wrenching story follows the struggle of Abraham and his wife Sarah as they come to terms with God’s command. The film beautifully portrays the love between a father and son, and the love our Father in Heaven has for all of his children to be willing to lay his only perfect son on the alter for the sake of our eternal progression.
His Only Son is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for us and the immeasurable love of our Heavenly Father. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of faith, sacrifice, and eternal love.
The Miracle Maker
Rated: G
About the movie: Starting with the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, this Claymation film tells the story of his life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice for all of mankind. The Miracle Maker brings to life the miracles performed by Jesus, as well as the opposition he faced from those who feared his teachings.
Risen
Rated: PG-13
About the movie: Have you ever wondering what the Roman solders must have thought when they were tasked with guarding the tomb of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion? Risen explores this question as it follows Clavius, a Roman soldier, and his search for the body of Jesus. As he unravels the mystery surrounding the missing body, Clavius is faced with the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and must make a life-changing decision.
Risen provides a unique perspective on the story of Jesus’ resurrection and offers a thought-provoking look at faith, doubt, and belief.
Passion of the Christ
Rated: R
About the movie: For Easter one year my older brother took our mother on a son-mother date to see this movie. They both said they felt so heavy afterwards and I could only imagine because it’s a film that captures the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life, from his arrest to his crucifixion. It is known for its graphic portrayal of the violence and suffering endured by Jesus in those final moments.
The Passion of the Christ is a powerful and emotional film that brings a new level of realism to the events leading up to the crucifixion. It reminds us of the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for us and challenges viewers to reflect on their own faith.
This movie would not be appropriate for younger children, but for adults and teens looking to dive deeper into the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, it is a must-see.
As we reflect on the events of Easter and the true meaning of the holiday, my prayer is that this season brings you renewed hope, faith, and gratitude for the sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross.
I hope you and your young children enjoy this great Easter movies as you keep your faith in Jesus Christ alive this holiday season.
May His resurrection remind us of the eternal life and forgiveness offered to us through His death.
And may we continue to share His love and message with those around us.
Have a blessed Easter, friend!
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
