Iconic Holy Week Movies
The most iconic movies to watch during the Holy Week. Find out what they are, their curiosities and on which platforms you can watch them.
What would Holy Week be without its movies? The same movies that accompany lunches, dinners and even breakfasts during the “Week of Reflection” and equally enjoyable for believers and non-believers. Here is a list of the most iconic movies to enjoy during these days.
Samson and Delilah (1949)
Starring Hedy Lamarr and Victor Mature, this film is an adaptation of chapters XIII to XVI of the biblical book of Judges, and the novel of Judge and Fool by Vladimir Jabotinsky.
The film is set in ancient Israel in the year 1000 B.C. Samson is a revolutionary Israelite blessed by God with incredible strength that resides in his hair. That same strength he uses to defend and protect his people from the Philistines, who have conquered and dominated their land.
His weakness for Delilah, a Philistine woman, leads him to perdition when she betrays him by revealing the secret of his strength: his hair.
A story that touches on betrayal, tragedy and faith.
Available on: Apple TV
The Bible… In the Beginning (1966)
This is an Italian-American production directed by John Huston. The film narrates several stories from the Old Testament, pertaining to the book of Genesis, from the Creation of Adam and Eve to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Steeped in the aesthetics of the 1960s, this film is a journey through mythical and sacred stories of great influence in the Western world.
Available on: YouTube and on DisneyPlus
Cleopatra (1963)
A film for movie and history lovers. This feature film is directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and stars the great actress Elizabeth Taylor.
It chronicles the life of the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra, her rise to power, her passionate romance with Caesar and her subsequent alliance with Mark Antony in an attempt to maintain control of Egypt in the face of growing threats from the Roman Empire. The film explores not only the political and military aspects of the era, but also the personal dramas and court intrigues.
The film is not only famous for its incredible production but also for the romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who plays Mark Antony.
Available on: StarPlus
Ben-Hur (1959)
The epic film directed by William Wyler follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, played by Charlton Heston, a Jewish prince living in Judea during the period of the Roman Empire.
The plot parallels the life of Jesus Christ, with whom Ben-Hur has several encounters throughout the story. After being betrayed by his childhood friend, Messala, and condemned to slavery, Ben-Hur seeks revenge while becoming a successful charioteer.
The viewer accompanies Ben-Hur, who experiences an emotional and spiritual journey that leads to redemption and reconciliation.
In addition to addressing themes of justice, forgiveness and faith it is also set against an impressive historical backdrop that includes life in Roman Judea and the persecution of early Christians. Iconic for its chariot race scene.
Available on: Max and Apple TV
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Directed by Cecil B. DeMill, it tells the biblical story of the Exodus, which recounts the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses, played by Charlton Heston, as well as the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
The plot follows the life of Moses from his birth and upbringing in the Egyptian court, to his discovery of his Hebrew roots and his leadership in the liberation of his people. The film presents a series of biblical events, including the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments.
Available on: Apple TV
Quo Vadis? (1951)
Based on the novel of the same name by Henryk Sienkiewicz, set in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero.
The plot follows the love story between the Roman commander Marcus Vinicius, played by Robert Taylor, and the young Christian Lygia, played by Deborah Kerr. Their relationship is hindered by the persecution of Christians in Rome, led by the ruthless Emperor Nero, played by Peter Ustinov.
Life in ancient Rome is explored, including political intrigues in the imperial court, power struggles among Roman leaders, and the growing influence of Christianity on society. It also includes the famous scene of the burning of Rome and the persecution of Christians in the circus.
A story that speaks of religious freedom, morality and the conflict between political power and religious faith.
Available on: Apple TV
How many of these iconic Holy Week movies have you seen? Which one is your favorite?
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