Best movies like Esther
Last updated March 2024
Looking for movies similar to Esther? Contribute your insights to direct others to films and tv series you've seen before that might interest them too. Facilitate widening the network of individuals proposing videos to each other. We welcome your involvement!
Plot Summary:
Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), King of the Persians, whose empire now extends from India to Egypt after the defeat of the Babylonians, is holding a celebratory banquet for his people in the citadel of Susa to display his wealth and splendor. When he summons his attractive wife Vashti, to show off her beauty to the guests, the proud queen refuses to come. The king promptly bans her from ever entering his presence again, and gives orders for the most beautiful young virgins in the land to be brought to him. The young Jewess Esther, adopted daughter of her uncle Mordecai, is among the girls selected; they are told to beautify themselves in the royal harem and prepare to spend the night with the king. Esther succeeds in enchanting the king with her extraordinary beauty and charm, and he makes her his queen. The king promotes his loyal subject Haman - whose family is notably anti-Jewish - to the post of first minister of the kingdom. When the Jew Mordecai fails to kneel down before Haman like all.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: Italy, Germany, France, Spain, USA, Czech Republic, Netherlands, UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film
Best tv shows and movies like Esther (1999):
Similar in 79%
Solomon & Sheba (1995)
Plot Summary:
In the land of Israel, Solomon (Jimmy Smits) is trying to figure out a way to become the world’s supplier of frankincense. He sends an envoy to the tiny country of Sheba to announce his intentions. The Queen of Sheba, Nikaule (Halle Berry), is outraged by Solomon’s greedy plan.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 240
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: biblical, sexy
Similar in 75%
Resurrection (2021)
Plot Summary:
In Resurrection, Jesus’ followers are hunted, leaderless and desperately searching for understanding, but when Jesus rises from the dead, they realize that hope didn’t die on the cross. It lives on in them. One man changed the world and brought hope in a time of despair.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 111
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: biblical, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 83%
Solomon (1997)
Plot Summary:
David, now an old man, is still king of Israel. Among his sons, the ambitious Adonijah and the clever Solomon. The two young men are fierce rivals, since both are prospective heirs to the throne and only one can be successful.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain, USA, Netherlands, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: biblical, sincere, atmospheric, epic, serious, realistic
Similar in 78%
The Story of Jacob and Joseph (1974)
Plot Summary:
This film recounts the tales of the Biblical figures, Jacob and Joseph. The first part tells the story of Jacob fleeing his tribe when he cheats his brother out of his birthright, gets cheated himself in his exile years while learning of the need to make amends. The second part is of the story of Jacob's favorite son, Joseph. Betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers, he meets and overcomes all adversity to become the Prime Minister of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 290
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: biblical, sincere, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 81%
Genesis: The Creation and the Flood (1994)
Plot Summary:
An all-enveloping darkness. Suddenly, a child's voice, frightened, questioning, pierces the darkness... The first flickering rays of light begin to sculpt mysterious shapes out of the darkness ... Among them, a very old man. He reassures the child, exhorting him to see the wonders of the earth. And it is with this child's eyes that we will witness the creation of the world.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 712
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, History
Country: Italy, Germany
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film
Similar in 77%
Joseph (1995)
Plot Summary:
The Biblical story of Joseph, who was sold to slavery by his brothers who were jealous of his prophetic abilities to analyze dreams and of his being their fathers' favorite.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, USA
Duration: 185 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, sexy, spiritual, epic, serious, realistic
Similar in 76%
The Book of Esther (2013)
Plot Summary:
When Ester becomes King Xerxes’ queen, her Cousin Mordecai and that despicable Haman engage in a dangerous game of intrigue for control of the young Persian King Xerxes.
IMDB Rating: 4.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, tense, captivating, psychological, realistic, christian film, spiritual, semi serious, bleak
Similar in 81%
Abraham (1993)
Plot Summary:
This engrossing dramatization of the life of Abraham, the most tested servant of God and the father of Judaism, spans from the patriarch's quest for the Promised Land to the sacrifice of his son, Isaac.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
Country: Germany, Italy, USA, Czech Republic, France
Duration: 175 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, epic, serious, psychological, captivating, disturbing, exciting
Similar in 87%
Jacob (1994)
Plot Summary:
In this inspiring tale from the book of Genesis, young shepherd Jacob (Matthew Modine) falls in love with and wants to marry Rachel (Lara Flynn Boyle), the daughter of his Uncle Laban (Giancarlo Giannini). Lacking a dowry, Jacob toils seven years as his uncle's indentured servant to win Rachel's hand. But calculating Laban dupes him into another seven years of labor. Irene Papas portrays Jacob's iron-willed mother.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Crime, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, USA, France, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Austria, UK, Morocco
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, epic, serious, realistic
Similar in 87%
The Visual Bible: Matthew (1993)
Plot Summary:
The only dramatization using the actual scriptures...word for word from the New International Version (NIV). The Matthew video series broke new ground by offering the first-ever dramatic portrayal of events in the Bible, presented word for word from the best-selling New International Version® (NIV) translation. Now you can experience this thrilling epic in DVD format, which blends the superior digital surround sound of CDs with crisp, high-resolution digital images.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
Country: South Africa
Duration: 258 min
Plot tags: biblical, sad, christian film
Similar in 87%
Augustine: The Decline of the Roman Empire (2010)
Plot Summary:
Augustine is a two-part, Italian-made mini-series about the influential theologian and church father Augustine of Hippo. The piece tells the story of his life from a teenager to his death at the age of 69.Much of the content for the scenes of him as a young and middle-aged man come from his Confessions, which is probably the earliest extant autobiography.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 422
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, Poland
Duration: 200 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, captivating, biblical, christian film
Similar in 77%
The Book of Daniel (2013)
Plot Summary:
Taken into slavery after the fall of Jerusalem in 605 B.C., Daniel is forced to serve the most powerful king in the world, King Nebuchadnezzar. Faced with imminent death, Daniel proves himself a trusted Advisor and is placed among the king's wise men. Threatened by death at every turn Daniel never ceases to serve the king until he is forced to choose between serving the king or honoring God. With his life at stake, Daniel has nothing but his faith to stand between him and the lions den.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: biblical, inspirational, captivating, serious, suspense, christian film, uplifting, spiritual, realistic
Similar in 89%
Jeremiah (1998)
Plot Summary:
The young Jeremiah grows up in a priest's family in the village of Anathoth, near Jerusalem. God appears to Jeremiah in different human guises on several occasions, and makes it clear to him that he has been selected to announce God's message to the people of Jerusalem.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, sincere, epic, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 86%
Barabbas (2012)
Plot Summary:
Barabbas or Jesus Barabbas (literally "son of the father" or "Jesus, son of the father" respectively) is a figure in the account of the Passion of Christ, in which he is the insurrectionary whom Pontius Pilate freed at the Passover feast in Jerusalem, instead of Jesus Christ.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 503
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, USA
Duration: 200 min
Plot tags: biblical, serious, epic, captivating, stylized, mysterious, christian film, realistic
Similar in 89%
The Gospel of John (2003)
Plot Summary:
A word for word depiction of the life of Jesus Christ from the Good News Translation Bible as recorded in the Gospel of John.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Canada, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: biblical, atmospheric, serious, christian film, mysterious, epic
Similar in 90%
Jesus (1979)
Plot Summary:
This classic film portrays 3½ years of Jesus' ministry as told in the Gospel of Luke from the Good News and King James translations of the Bible. Producer John Heyman created a film so true-to-life, you will feel like you are in first-century Palestine. Everything from clothing, to customs, to food of the country during that time period was studied to ensure authenticity. With a cast of more than 5,000 Israelis and Arabs, "JESUS" was filmed on location in Israel.Own or share the gift of this wonderful story, still as clear, precise, and relevant as it was 2,000 years ago. The film concludes with an opportunity to trust Christ as Savior and Lord.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Family, History
Country: USA
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, sentimental, sincere, epic, serious
Similar in 87%
One Night with the King (2006)
Plot Summary:
This amazing biblical drama chronicles the brave and historic legend of Hadassah, a Jewish orphan with exceptional beauty who rises to become Queen Esther of Persia and saves Persian Jews from genocide. By revealing her heritage to the king, Esther thwarts the evil prime minister's plan to annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire. The annual festival of Purim is inspired by her heroism.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: biblical, serious, sincere, captivating, inspirational, christian film, realistic, harsh, uplifting, costume drama
Similar in 85%
Peter and Paul (1981)
Plot Summary:
Peter and Paul assume leadership of the Church as they struggle against violent opposition to the teachings of Christ and their own personal conflicts.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 654
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 198 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, atmospheric, epic, serious, captivating, realistic, contemplative, spiritual, sexy
Similar in 82%
Barabbas (1961)
Plot Summary:
Epic account of the thief Barabbas, who was spared crucifixion when Pilate manipulated the crowd into pardoning him, rather than Jesus. Struggling with his spirituality, Barabbas goes through many ordeals leading him to the gladiatorial arena, where he tries to win his freedom and confront his inner demons, ultimately becoming a follower of the man who was crucified in his place.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, USA
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, intense, exciting, serious, captivating, christian film, retro, technicolor, realistic
Similar in 77%
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Plot Summary:
All-star epic retelling of Christ's life.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 260 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, christian film, atmospheric, serious, captivating, breathtaking, period piece, stylized, fairy tale
Similar in 83%
Mary Magdalene (2018)
Plot Summary:
Set in the Holy Land in the first century C.E., a young woman leaves her small fishing village and traditional family behind to join a radical new social movement. At its head is a charismatic leader, Jesus of Nazareth, who promises that the world is changing. Mary is searching for a new way of living, and an authenticity that is denied her by the rigid hierarchies of the day. As the notoriety of the group spread and more are drawn to follow Jesus’ inspirational message, Mary’s spiritual journey places her at the heart of a story that will lead to the capital city of Jerusalem, where she must confront the reality of Jesus’ destiny and her own place within it.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK, Australia, USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: biblical, captivating, disturbing, sincere, thought provoking, fairy tale, mystical, mysterious, artsy, art house
Similar in 79%
Mary of Nazareth (2012)
Plot Summary:
The film begins with the Annunciation: Mary, a young Galilean, virginal conceived the Messiah, the Son of God. Her husband Joseph, a humble carpenter, decided to stay by his side throughout. When Caesar Augustus ordered the Jews to register people, the couple embarks on a journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Meanwhile, Maria Magdalena, a young woman from the same town that Mary, turns away from God and placed in the palace of King Herod, Herodias where convinces her to lose her innocence in the arms of the king's son.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 325
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, Spain
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, sincere, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 79%
Full of Grace (2015)
Plot Summary:
Follows Mary of Nazareth in her last earthly days as she helps the fractious early Church regain their original encounter with The Lord.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 338
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: biblical, psychological, thought provoking, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 77%
Killing Jesus (2015)
Plot Summary:
Jesus of Nazareth’s life and ministry were subject to seismic social and political events that led to his execution and changed the world forever.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, biblical, psychological, spiritual, esoteric, historical drama
Similar in 85%
Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)
Plot Summary:
Risking his life, Luke ventures to Rome to visit Paul -- the apostle who's bound in chains and held captive in Nero's darkest and bleakest prison cell. Haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds, Paul wonders if he's been forgotten as he awaits his grisly execution. Before Paul's death, Luke resolves to write another book that details the birth of what will come to be known as the church.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: christian film, biblical, psychological, tense, sentimental, captivating, contemplative, independent film
Similar in 89%
King David (1985)
Plot Summary:
This is a movie about the life of Israel's king David.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: epic, biblical, sentimental, realistic, serious, christian film, anamorphic, mythical, sincere
Similar in 80%
King of Kings (1961)
Plot Summary:
Who is Jesus, and why does he impact all he meets? He is respected and reviled, emulated and accused, beloved, betrayed, and finally crucified. Yet that terrible fate would not be the end of the story.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 168 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, suspenseful, christian film, serious, sincere, period piece, retro, fairy tale, technicolor
Similar in 85%
Son of God (2014)
Plot Summary:
The life story of Jesus is told from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 19000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: uplifting, christian film, biblical, captivating, inspirational, historical drama, spiritual, disgusting, serious, contemplative
Similar in 81%
The Apocalypse (2002)
Plot Summary:
It is 90 AD, and the Roman Empire is being run by the Emperor Domitian, who has declared himself to be God and ruler over heaven and earth. The Christians, who do not recognize his divinity, are a thorn in his side and he is having them cruelly persecuted. The small village in Asia Minor to which the aged apostle John has withdrawn is also attacked by Roman soldiers.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: Italy, Germany, France, USA, Czech Republic, Netherlands, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, christian film, epic, futuristic, biblical
Similar in 90%
The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)
Plot Summary:
The life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. Pasolini shows Christ as a marxist avant-la-lettre and therefore uses half of the text of Matthew.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, France
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, spiritual, art house, bleak, stylized, black and white, fairy tale, philosophical, mysterious