5 Movies Like 'The Passion Of The Christ'
Religious movies are having a bit of a moment. They're showing up in conversations and drawing in audiences who wouldn't usually gravitate toward faith-based storytelling. Maybe it's the emotion, or maybe it's just that questions about belief, sacrifice, and purpose never really go out of style. That's a big part of why The Passion of the Christ is still so popular.
When the movie was released in 2004, it was debated, dissected, and, in some cases, deeply felt. Following Jesus (Jim Caviezel) through the final 12 hours of his life, the film didn't soften anything, and that intensity stuck with people. Whether you connected with it spiritually or just couldn't look away, it left an imprint that a lot of films in this space aspire to.
So if you're looking for movies that carry a similar feel, or even just explore the same story from different angles, there's actually quite a lot out there. From traditional retellings to more unconventional interpretations, the titles on this list are all worth your time, and you can find them on platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and more.
Jesus chronicles the life of the Son of God (Brian Deacon) from his birth to his crucifixion and resurrection, with the story closely aligned to the Gospel of Luke. Along the way, we see his teachings, miracles, and relationships unfold in a very direct, almost instructional way. There's no deviation from the Bible. It's a straightforward retelling of the story that so many hold dear.
And that simplicity is its biggest strength. There's no stylistic excess, especially when compared to The Passion of the Christ. Instead, it focuses on clarity and faithfulness, which makes the story feel more meaningful. It's perfect for viewers who want a traditional, scripture-focused experience like Jesus of Nazareth (1977) as opposed to the feel of a major Hollywood blockbuster.
The Last Temptation of Christ portrays Jesus (Willem Dafoe) as a regular man wrestling with the weight of his divine calling while still feeling deeply human desires. The film follows his journey toward crucifixion but introduces an imagined alternative life that challenges everything we expect from the story. It moves between reality and possibility in a way that's deliberately unsettling.
The film sparked major controversy for straying from biblical texts and presenting a more humanized version of Jesus. But that deviation is exactly what defines it. The movie questions and reinterprets everything, which makes it feel more like a philosophical exploration than a faithful retelling. It's perfect for viewers who prefer thought-provoking films like 2016's Silence.
In Son of God, the Apostle John (Sebastian Knapp) tells the story of Jesus (Diogo Morgado). The movie follows a familiar structure, guiding viewers through the story step by step, starting with Jesus' humble birth, his teachings in Galilee, his miracles, and his final journey to Jerusalem. The film eventually depicts Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, culminating in a powerful resurrection.
The Son of God feels like a very modern version of the story since it's polished and easy to follow. It's also a lot less brutal than The Passion of the Christ, which might actually be a plus depending on what you're in the mood for. It exists comfortably between traditional and mainstream filmmaking, making it ideal for viewers who want an accessible biblical retelling.
Risen tells the story of Jesus from the perspective of Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), a Roman investigator and non-believer who is tasked with finding out what happened to the body of Jesus (Cliff Curtis) after the crucifixion. What starts as a straightforward fact-finding mission turns into something much more complicated as Clavius encounters things he can't easily explain.
The movie takes a more indirect approach to the biblical story, focusing on a fictional character rather than strict scripture. Instead of a retelling of what we already know, it puts us in the shoes of someone who doesn't believe and lets that belief (or lack of it) slowly change. Risen is a must for anyone who enjoys stories with a different perspective, like Ben-Hur (2016).
Set for release in 2027, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and The Resurrection of the Christ: Part Two will follow the events after the crucifixion of Jesus. As a direct sequel to The Passion of the Christ, the story is expected to move into more spiritual territory, including the events surrounding the resurrection. Development on the sequel has been ongoing for years.
Director Mel Gibson originally wanted to use de-aging technology so that Caviezel could reprise his role as Jesus. But the endeavor proved too costly. Instead, the film will be led by Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus, alongside a new cast playing key figures such as Mary Magdalene, Peter, and Pontius Pilate. Part One will hit theaters on March 26, 2027, with Part Two following on May 6, 2027.
