Every spring, as April arrives, pastel colors announce the holiday season. Whether celebrating the resurrection of Jesus for Easter or Passover, commemorating Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, classic movies bring these seminal religious events and other famous Bible stories to life.
In the 1950s, Hollywood introduced widescreen formats like Cinemascope and Cinerama, elevating the sword-and-sandal biblical epic to its peak popularity. Here are ten of the greatest biblical epics produced during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
10. The Greatest Story Ever Told
With director George Stevens, known for Shane, Giant, and A Place in the Sun, and Max von Sydow as Jesus, alongside Charlton Heston and Sidney Poitier, this 1965 film had immense talent.
However, the numerous cameos by Hollywood stars distracted many. Combined with a four-hour runtime and Stevens’s slow-paced direction, it only earned $15.5 million against a $20 million budget. Despite five Academy Award nominations, opinions remain divided, with some blaming it for the decline of the biblical epic genre. [1]
9. The Bible: In the Beginning
In 1966, John Huston, known for The Maltese Falcon and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, directed this epic retelling of Genesis. It depicts the creation, Cain’s murder of Abel, the Tower of Babel, and Noah’s Ark.
Huston narrates, portrays Noah, and voices God. The cast includes George C. Scott as Abraham, Ava Gardner as Sarah, and Peter O’Toole as the three angels.
Like The Greatest Story Ever Told, it was criticized for being long and slow. Despite mixed reviews, it was the top-grossing film in the U.S. and Canada in 1966. [2]
8. Samson and Delilah
Cecil B. DeMille, a master of biblical epics, directed this 1949 film. He adapted the story of Samson and Delilah from the Book of Judges.
Victor Mature played Samson, and Hedy Lamarr played Delilah. The special effects of Samson destroying the Temple of Dagon foreshadowed DeMille’s later work in The Ten Commandments.
Samson and Delilah won two Oscars for Best Color Art Direction and Best Color Costume Design at the 23rd Academy Awards. [3]
7. Quo Vadis
Mervyn Leroy’s adaptation of the 1896 novel was a massive hit in 1951. Starring Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, and Peter Ustinov as Nero, it received eight Academy Award nominations but won none.
Originally, John Huston was to direct, with Gregory Peck and Elizabeth Taylor in the lead roles. Production delays led to their replacement. Despite some criticism, Leroy defended the film’s authenticity. [4]
6. The King of Kings (1927)
Cecil B. DeMille’s silent film is an ambitious depiction of the life of Christ, starring H.B. Warner. DeMille presented Christ reverently, influencing future filmmakers.
The film avoided blaming the Jewish people for the crucifixion, focusing on the High Priest Caiaphas. Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a courtesan with a jewel-studded wardrobe and a chariot drawn by zebras.
DeMille balanced religious narrative with thrills and titillation, making it a hit with audiences and critics. DeMille donated the profits to charity. [5]
5. King of Kings (1961)
Directed by Nicholas Ray, this 1961 film stars Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus. Originally titled Son of Man, it was dubbed “I Was a Teenage Jesus.”
Critics view it as a “Rebel with a Cause.” Enhanced by Orson Welles’s narration and Miklos Rozsa’s score, it is marred by Hunter’s stiff performance.
A more authentic portrayal by Hunter could have made it a masterpiece, setting the standard for biblical epics. [6]
4. The Robe
Based on Lloyd C. Douglas’s novel, The Robe (1953) is known as the first film shot in Cinemascope. It earned over $36 million in the U.S.
Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praised its dignity and restraint. Richard Burton and Jean Simmons replaced Tyrone Power and Jean Peters in the lead roles.
Modern critics are more negative, but Victor Mature’s performance receives praise. He reprised his role in Demetrius and the Gladiators. [7]
3. Barabbas
Richard Fleischer directed this 1961 film, focusing on Barabbas, the man freed instead of Christ. Anthony Quinn delivers a complex performance.
Barabbas’s journey leads him to slavery and Nero’s burning Rome. Featuring Arthur Kennedy, Ernest Borgnine, and Jack Palance, critics appreciate it more than fans.
Dubbed dialogue and genre overkill may have hurt its appeal. Despite earning just over $6 million, it stands as Fleischer’s masterpiece. [8]
2. The Ten Commandments
Despite liberties with scripture, the 1956 version of The Ten Commandments is one of the most entertaining films ever made.
With a massive cast, groundbreaking special effects, and a score by Elmer Bernstein, DeMille created a blockbuster. Adjusted for inflation, it is the #6 highest-grossing film of all time.
Broadcast annually during Easter and Passover for 47 of the last 48 years on ABC, it continues to captivate audiences. [9]
1. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Based on Lew Wallace’s novel, 1959’s Ben-Hur is a remake of the 1925 silent film. Directed by William Wyler with a $10 million budget, it saved MGM studios, grossing $75 million.
Charlton Heston played Ben-Hur, Stephen Boyd played Messala, and Haya Harareet played Esther. The chariot race is a highlight, with Yakima Canutt’s son Joe doubling for Heston and nearly losing his life.
Ben-Hur is tied for the most Oscars of all time (eleven). Despite detractors like Mao Zedong, it is considered one of the greatest epics ever made. [10]
These biblical epics represent some of Hollywood’s most ambitious and memorable productions. From DeMille’s extravagant spectacles to Wyler’s sweeping narratives, these films have left an indelible mark on cinema history, continuing to resonate with audiences today.
Which of these classic Biblical epics is your favorite? Leave your comment below!
