I posted this Easter week in 2014. There are a number of new movies released in the past six years that might be added to this list. Or, maybe some classics that I missed? Please comment below if you have more ideas for Easter movies. With everyone hunkered down, watching Netflix, Hulu and TV, what a perfect time to review favorite Easter movies. We can’t join our congregations in person to celebrate. So, let’s get a list going of great movies to share with each other.
When I was a kid, the major three TV networks aired Holiday Specials. My mom would make popcorn in a big pot on the stove, or if we were lucky, my brother and I’d get to shake the aluminum-foil bursting “Jiffy Pop” right on the electric burner. We’d gather on the sofa or in chairs to watch — get this — as a family – the “Holiday Special.”
Around Halloween, it was Wizard of Oz and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Christmas had a bunch of great ones. My favorite was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but we also watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, and my Mom and Dad’s favorite — It’s a Wonderful Life.
This Easter, I’d love to rekindle the tradition of sitting down with family to watch holiday movies together. Unfortunately, my son’s having a riotous good time at UCSB and my daughter will be off to see Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Beck and Arcade Fire. Yes, she’s going to Coachella!
If I can convince my husband, or maybe alone, I’m going to check out Netflix, Apple TV, or Google Movies to watch my list of must-see Easter movies:
1. The Robe. Starring Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, and Victor Mature. 1953. Won two Oscars.
2. The Ten Commandments. Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter. 1956. Won 1 Oscar.
3. Ben Hur. Charlton Heston. 1959. Won 11 oscars.
4. Passion of the Christ. Mel Gibson director. 2004. Not for the faint of heart!
and at theaters:
5. God Is Not Dead. I’m going to see this sometime this week. It’s made my list based on a friend’s recommendation.
PLEASE add to the list to share your favorite Easter movies with all of us sheltering in please. Add your top picks below in the comments.