
Think Jesus Christ movies are all slow and serious? Think again. These best movies about Jesus Christ on Netflix are nothing like the Sunday school specials you might remember.
Picture talking donkeys in The Star
, surprise birthday guests in The First Temptation of Christ
, and even Roman soldiers turned detectives. Whether you are in the mood for something uplifting or just wildly different, Netflix has you covered. So grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and get ready to stream some stories that are anything but old-school.
From animated animals to modern-day miracles
, these films flip the script in the best way. If you thought you had seen it all, you might be surprised—these 5 picks of the best movies on Netflix bring the wow with every watch.
1. Mary (2024)
A teenage girl. A divine destiny. And Anthony Hopkins as the cold-eyed King Herod
? Mary
takes the ancient story and tosses it onto the big screen like an epic origin tale. Noa Cohen plays Mary
with strength and soul, carrying a journey that is both sacred and deeply human. From the whispers of angels to the shadow of kings, this coming-of-age drama
feels like the Gladiator
of Bible stories—but with more miracles.
Witness her courage, her strength and her faith. MARY premieres December 6. pic.twitter.com/TM9JjEzZV7
— Netflix (@netflix) November 12, 2024
With lush visuals and powerful moments, Mary
brings a fresh spark to one of the oldest tales ever told. It is emotional, intense, and beautifully acted—almost like a faith-filled action film with heart that will surely lift your spirits
. Hopkins brings real menace, Cohen glows in every scene, and the storytelling does not hold back
. If you enjoy a good drama, this one just might surprise you.
2. The Star (2017)
Bo the donkey has big dreams—and they definitely do not involve walking in circles at a grain mill. In The Star
, Steven Yeun gives Bo a lovable spark
as he escapes into an adventure bigger than he ever imagined. With the help of his hilarious animal buddies, Bo accidentally lands in the middle of the Nativity
, offering a totally adorable, animal-eye view of Christmas.
The Star (2017) is an animated film that retells the Nativity story from the perspective of a donkey named Bo. Longing for adventure, Bo escapes his ordinary life and teams up with a sheep and a dove. Following a bright star, they play a crucial role in the first Christmas. pic.twitter.com/JEUUok1K52
— 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗬 (@revathyharini) February 10, 2025
Packed with comedy, charm, and a surprising number of A-listers (Keegan-Michael Key, Aidy Bryant, even Mariah Carey!),
The Star
is so much more than a cute cartoon. It is a bounty treat of animation
that hits both the funny bone and the heart. Kids will love the laughs. Grown-ups will love the message. And by the end, you just might look at your nativity set a little differently.
3. The First Temptation of Christ (2019)
Jesus turning 30. A surprise boyfriend. A confused holy family. The First Temptation of Christ
does not hold back—it kicks tradition in the sandals and replaces it with bold, hilarious, totally unfiltered satire. Gregório Duvivier plays a very modern messiah
, and nothing about this birthday party goes as expected. It is loud, chaotic, irreverent—and outrageously funny.
The First Temptation of Christ (2019)
dir. Rodrigo Van Der Put pic.twitter.com/CJbY9gvabx— yas (@arvinrussell) February 11, 2020
If you have got a taste for offbeat comedies with a sharp bite, this one is a must-watch on Netflix. Brazilian comedy group Porta dos Fundos brings high-energy absurdity, mixing religious tropes with party chaos
in a way that feels more like an episode of The Office
meets the Gospels. Not for the easily offended—but just right if you are in the mood for something bold and completely different.
4. Risen (2016)
What if the resurrection was not just a miracle—but a mystery? Risen
spins the story of Jesus into a gripping investigation, starring Joseph Fiennes as Clavius, a Roman soldier trying to find a missing body that refuses to remain buried
. Think biblical CSI
, with spiritual curveballs. As he chases the truth, what he finds starts to shake his entire world.
#Risen (2016) Great film idea. The overall plot is very good and engaging throughout. The acting is very good mostly. Great music. The pacing is really well done. The writing is good. Very enjoyable film overall, with a nice perspective. The ending was good. I enjoyed. 7/10 pic.twitter.com/D5d8w7bMWh
— NIGHT REVIEWS (@TheNightReviews) April 12, 2025
Add in Tom Felton as his skeptical assistant
, and you have got a movie that feels more like a detective thriller than a Sunday school retelling. Risen
gives familiar events a gritty, human lens. It is smart, emotional, and filled with just enough skepticism to make the eventual faith hit even harder.
5. Jesus Revolution (2023)
Picture this- tie-dye shirts, electric guitars, and a barefoot preacher with wild hair and an even wilder message. Jesus Revolution
dives into the true story of a 1970s Jesus movement in South Carolina,
where hippies and church pews collided—and something beautiful happened. Kelsey Grammer brings serious heart as the old-school pastor,
while Jonathan Roumie
from The Chosen
plays the soulful firestarter who turns everything upside down.
Watch the trailer for JESUS REVOLUTION now! Inspired by a true movement that led to the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. Only in theaters February 2023. #JesusRevolutionMovie pic.twitter.com/ZVkvwkOGKl
— Jesus Revolution (@JesusRevMovie) October 21, 2022
It is not preachy, but it is powerful. With a killer retro soundtrack, emotional punch, and a vibe that feels both nostalgic and super relevant, Jesus Revolution
is all about second chances, finding meaning in chaos
, and will leave you googling the real-life events before the credits even roll.
Be it Easter movie for kids
or something deeper for the grown-ups—turns out, the story of Jesus comes in more flavors than a jellybean jar at Easter. From talking animals and divine birthday twists to detectives chasing miracles and barefoot preachers sparking a movement, these movies about Jesus Christ on Netflix go way beyond Sunday school. Each one brings something fresh, wild and emotional to the table—and they are all ready to stream when you are.
Read More: Is ‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004) Available on Netflix? Where Can You Watch It Online?
Which one are you watching first? Have you got a favorite Jesus Christ movie on Netflix that did not make the list? Let us know in the comments!