Easter is not only a sacred time of remembrance for Christians, but also a moment for families and communities to gather, rest, and reflect. Celebrated to honour the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in the Christian calendar. In Rwanda, the government supports this spiritual season by granting public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday, offering at least three days for prayer, rest, and quality time with loved ones.
Aside from church services and prayers, many people look to entertainment as part of their Easter tradition. And what better way to unwind than watching meaningful, faith-filled, or family-friendly films? MKU Magazine presents a carefully selected list of Easter-themed and spiritually uplifting movies available to stream across various platforms.
Faith-Based and Biblical Dramas
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Directed by Mel Gibson, this powerful film offers a gripping and emotional portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth’s final twelve hours. Known for its graphic realism and spiritual intensity, it remains a favourite during the Easter season. It is available on Netflix, VIX, Apple TV (via UP Faith & Family), Amazon, and Philo.
Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, this comprehensive retelling of Jesus’ life, from his birth to his resurrection, is a six-hour cinematic classic praised for its historical and spiritual depth. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
Risen (2016)
Told from the perspective of a Roman military officer assigned to investigate the disappearance of Jesus’ body, this biblical mystery directed by Kevin Reynolds offers a fresh narrative on the resurrection story. It’s available on Starz and Philo.
Son of God (2014)
Produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, this dramatisation of Jesus’ life focuses on his teachings, miracles, and crucifixion. Adapted from the TV miniseries The Bible, the film can be viewed on Tubi (region availability may vary).
The Gospel of John (2003)
Directed by Philip Saville and narrated by Christopher Plummer, this word-for-word adaptation of the Gospel provides a detailed reenactment of Scripture. It’s available to stream for free on YouTube.
Family-Friendly and Animated Easter Films
Hop (2011)
Directed by Tim Hill, this lively mix of animation and live-action follows E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, who dreams of becoming a drummer instead of taking over the family business. You can watch it on Peacock Premium.
Peter Rabbit (2018)
Based on Beatrix Potter’s classic, director Will Gluck’s fun adventure features the mischievous Peter Rabbit wreaking havoc in a farmer’s garden. It is available to stream on Netflix.
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)
In this sequel, Peter ventures beyond the safety of the garden and into the bustling city in a tale about growth and belonging. Also directed by Will Gluck, the film can be found on various major streaming services, depending on the region.
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Directed by Peter Ramsey, this animated fantasy features the Easter Bunny as one of the guardians who protect children’s hopes and dreams. It is accessible on several platforms, including Tubi.
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
Directed by Phil Roman, this beloved Peanuts special celebrates Easter with the warmth and humor of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic characters. It is available exclusively on Apple TV+.
Symbolic and Inspirational Films
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Directed by Andrew Adamson, this fantasy adventure based on C.S. Lewis’s novel includes rich allegorical themes of sacrifice and resurrection. The film is available across multiple streaming platforms.
Ben-Hur (1959)
Directed by William Wyler, this epic film tells the story of a Jewish prince whose path to forgiveness and redemption intersects with the story of Christ. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that can be streamed for free on Tubi.
Ben-Hur (2016)
This modern retelling by director Timur Bekmambetov revisits the themes of vengeance and redemption for a new generation of viewers. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.
The Robe (1953)
Directed by Henry Koster, the story follows a Roman centurion whose life is transformed after he comes into possession of Jesus’ robe. This spiritual journey is available for streaming on FlixFling.
