Best tv shows like Jesus of Nazareth
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Passion, beauty, and brilliant storytelling are all on display in this six-hour-plus epic from Italian director Franco Zeffirelli. Robert Powell is superb in the title role, and with the overwhelming success of this TV movie throughout the world, has perhaps become what Jesus looks like in many people's minds. The story begins with the arrangements of the wedding between Joseph and Mary, and chronicles the nativity, the encounter with John the Baptist (a ferocious Michael York) and everything up to the crucifixion and resurrection.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 24000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK, Italy
Duration: 382 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, christian film, serious, atmospheric, inspirational, fairy tale, art house, period piece, costume drama
Best tv shows and movies like Jesus of Nazareth (1977):
Similar in 85%
The Nativity (2010)
Plot Summary:
Four-part drama revealing the human story beneath the classic biblical tale, from the courtship of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem stable.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 342
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, Canada
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: biblical, serious, captivating, psychological, sincere, touching, realistic, stylized, period drama
Similar in 86%
The Bible: Moses (1995)
Plot Summary:
An ordinary man is called upon by God to do the impossible in this lovingly told production of the Old Testament story. When the Pharaoh of Egypt begins to tighten the noose on his Jewish slaves, Moses (Ben Kingsley) leads them to freedom. Philip Stone, Anthony Higgins, Anton Lesser and Anita Zagaria are featured in this award-winning installment from TNT's "greatest stories of the Bible" series directed by Roger Young.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Crime, Drama, History
Country: Czech Republic, Netherlands, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, USA
Duration: 188 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, serious, suspense, disturbing, tense, uplifting, suspenseful, informative, captivating
Similar in 77%
The Passion (2008)
Plot Summary:
Follows Christ's last days and crucifixion.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 525
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, realistic, harsh, biblical
Similar in 76%
Jesus (2018)
Plot Summary:
Jesus is their apostles spread the peace and respect wherever they go. Performing miracles and arousing the wrath of Jewish priests until condemned to crucifixion for them.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 244
Genere: Drama
Country: Brazil
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: christian film, touching, epic, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, surprise ending, novela
Similar in 90%
The Bible (2013)
Plot Summary:
The Bible comes to life in History Channel's epic new miniseries. From Genesis to Revelation, these unforgettable stories unfold through live action and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery, offering new insight into famous scenes and iconic characters. Created by producer Mark Burnett and featuring an international cast that includes Roma Downey, this 10-hour docudrama explores the sacred text’s most significant episodes, including Noah’s journey in the ark, the Exodus and the life of Jesus.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Action, Drama, War
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 440 min
Plot tags: christian film, biblical, spiritual, serious, captivating, uplifting, historical drama, inspirational
Similar in 87%
David (1997)
Plot Summary:
The tribes of Israel need to defeat the superior might of the Philistines: "Now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." (I Samuel, 8:5). And so the prophet Samuel gives the Hebrews their first king, Saul. Saul, however, has incessant doubts about his mission. The influential prophet Samuel turns away from Saul in order to select a new king according to God's will: David. He is still a young boy, tending sheep in the fields, when, secretly Samuel oints him as the next king of the Israelites.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, USA
Duration: 190 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, exciting, atmospheric, epic, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 82%
A.D. (1985)
Plot Summary:
Set just after the death of Jesus Christ, this mini-series chronicles the life & adventures of Jesus's disciples, and events in Rome during the reigns of the Emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 511
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Italy, France, USA
Duration: 600 min
Plot tags: christian film, biblical, epic
Similar in 79%
St. Paul (2000)
Plot Summary:
Director Roger Young (JOSEPH AND JESUS) presents this dramatic television miniseries that recounts the life of Paul (Johannes Brandrup) the Apostle of Jesus Christ. Originally known as Paul of Tarsus, Paul tortured and persecuted Christians until he experienced a vision of Jesus that forever changed his life. After converting to Christianity, Paul suffered persecution and imprisonment, but never stopped trying to spread the teachings of Christ. Notably, this program was shot on location in the Moroccan desert.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Drama
Country: Italy, Germany, France, USA, Czech Republic, Netherlands, UK
Duration: 170 min
Plot tags: biblical, realistic, serious, exciting, tense, captivating, suspenseful, christian film, spiritual
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%
A.D. The Bible Continues (2015)
Plot Summary:
A.D.: The Bible Continues is a television miniseries, based on the Bible, and a sequel to the 2013 miniseries. It is produced by Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, and Richard Bedser.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 44 min
Plot tags: biblical, exciting, epic, serious, contemplative, historical drama, thought provoking, captivating, spiritual, mysterious
Similar in 90%
The Chosen (2017)
Plot Summary:
The life of Christ through the eyes of those who encountered him called The Chosen.
IMDB Rating: 9.2
IMDB Votes: 42000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 54 min
Plot tags: biblical, inspirational, historical drama
Similar in 79%
Jesus (1999)
Plot Summary:
The film is notable for presenting a more human Jesus, compared to more solemn portrayals in earlier films; here Jesus laughs and cries like anyone else. Among other things, he weeps at Joseph’s funeral, throws stones in Lake Galilee when meeting Simon Peter and James son of Zebedee for the first time, dances at the wedding at Cana, and starts a water-splashing fight with his disciples as well. Satan is portrayed as a man in modern dress (and as a woman in red). During his temptation of Jesus, he shows him the Earth from the vantage point of space. Satan also shows Jesus images of wars and destruction carried out in his name. The film adds an apocryphal Roman historian named “Livio” who watches and comments as events unfold; he is presumably named after Livy.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, Germany, USA, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Netherlands, UK, Malta, Morocco
Duration: 240 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, serious, realistic, christian film, emotional, fairy tale, sad, period piece, informative
Similar in 81%
The Friends of Jesus: Thomas (2001)
Plot Summary:
When Jesus is taken off the cross at Golgotha, THOMAS arrives there. Like most of the other disciples, he had worriedly taken refuge with friends in Jerusalem after Jesus's arrest. After Jesus's burial, the disciples decide to leave Jerusalem quickly, but Thomas refuses to leave Jesus' body behind, as he fears that the tomb may be desecrated.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 209
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: biblical, captivating, serious, emotional, realistic
Similar in 90%
The Miracle Maker (1999)
Plot Summary:
A mother and father in search of help for their sick daughter cross paths with an extraordinary carpenter named Jesus, who has devoted his life to spreading God's word. An amazing miracle brings to light the true meaning of Christ, and the sacrifices he endured for the deliverance of mankind. A compelling story of faith, trust, and devotion.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Animation, Biography, Drama, History
Country: Russia, UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: uplifting, biblical, touching, captivating, epic, christian film, spiritual, educational, serious, emotional
Similar in 75%
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Plot Summary:
Jesus, a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 62000
Genere: Drama
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 164 min
Plot tags: controversial, psychological, biblical, epic, melancholic, talky, atmospheric, serious, spiritual, sincere
Similar in 79%
Apostle Peter and the Last Supper (2012)
Plot Summary:
The film portrays Saint Peter reflecting on his time with Jesus and his fellow Apostles during his final imprisonment in Rome. In particular, Peter attempts to convert one of his jailers, Martinian, by relating the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, captivating, biblical, epic, realistic, christian film
Similar in 81%
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 88%
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 83%
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 89%
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 77%
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 90%
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 75%
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 86%
Risen (2016)
Plot Summary:
Clavius, a powerful Roman military tribune, and his aide, Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 30000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Mystery
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, enigmatic, atmospheric, historical drama, tense, thought provoking, captivating, uplifting, spiritual
Similar in 90%
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 86%
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 83%
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Plot Summary:
"The Passion of the Christ" is a film about the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus. Director Mel Gibson received much criticism from critics and audiences for his explicit depiction of and focus on violence and on christs suffering, especially on the part of the jewish community. The films languages are Arabic, Latin and Hebrew and its actors are laymen which was controversially received as well.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 246000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, controversial, brutal, rough, emotional, factual, spiritual, visually stunning, disturbing
Similar in 80%
The Nativity Story (2006)
Plot Summary:
Mary and Joseph make the hard journey to Bethlehem for a blessed event in this retelling of the Nativity story. This meticulously researched and visually lush adaptation of the biblical tale follows the pair on their arduous path to their arrival in a small village, where they find shelter in a quiet manger and Jesus is born.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy, History, Romance
Country: USA, UK, Germany
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: biblical, touching, christian film, tricky, christmas special, serious, realistic, spiritual, intense, uplifting
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