42 best Easter movies to watch with your family
In addition to celebrating Easter Sunday with many crafts and activities, there are also some egg-cellent Easter movies to watch that will keep you wrapped up for the holiday.
These festive films are fun for the whole family: Find a mix of religious offerings like "The Passion of the Christ," animated flicks geared toward kids and classic movies that continue to stand the test of time.
Some of these movies — available on Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services — provide an opportunity to teach little ones about the true meaning of Easter (and remind adults that there's more to the day than setting up egg hunts and filling baskets). While most films are centered on Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection (and understandably so), "The Ten Commandments" focuses on Moses and his desire to free people from captivity. However, if that film is too serious for your crowd, then you can always watch something lighter to bring the laughs.
That means, there's truly something for everyone on this list. So, let's hop to it!
'Peter Rabbit'
This family-friendly flick centers around a mischievous rabbit named Peter (James Corden), who just can't seem to get out of trouble. When a warm-hearted animal lover, played by Rose Bryne, moves in next door, he rivals for her affection with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) and the funny escapades begins.
'Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade'
Can't get enough of the "Ice Age" films? Try "Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade." This fun adventure shows what happens when Sid starts his own egg-sitting service and encounters a few hiccups along the way.
'Easter Under Wraps'
There's nothing like a springtime romance to bring the cheer. In this Hallmark Channel original movie, a woman (Fiona Gubelmann) goes undercover at her family’s chocolate plant to see why sales are down — and finds a little love (and a genius business idea) along the way.
'Miss Potter'
Get to know Peter Rabbit in a whole new way. "Miss Potter" tells the story of Beatrix Potter, the author behind the best-selling children’s book “The Tale of Peter Rabbit." With an overactive imagination, Potter finds comfort in drawing and writing about the animals that she's adored since childhood. But after her attempts to find a publisher for her novels are unsuccessful, she soon finds a small firm that turn her luck — and her entire life — around.
'The Passion of the Christ'
Want to learn about the story of Jesus Christ? Watch "The Passion of the Christ" to get a fictional glimpse into day of Jesus' crucifixion in Jerusalem.
'Yogi the Easter Bear'
“Yogi the Easter Bear” is another Easter-themed classic. In this movie, Yogi and Boo Boo try to rescue the Easter Bunny when they learn that he’s been kidnapped.
'The Ten Commandments'
"The Ten Commandments" is one of the most popular biblical movies that have ever been made. Though it was released in 1956, the story Moses that we see on screen still holds up to this day.
'The Dog Who Saved Easter'
"The Dog Who Saved Easter" is basically "Home Alone" set in the spring, but instead of Kevin McCallister defending his home from invaders, it's a cute dog saving a local daycare from criminals.
'Hank and Mike'
If you have a dark sense of humor, this one's for you. It's about two blue-collar Easter Bunnies who lose their jobs and try a bunch of odd jobs as a result. They hilariously fail at each and every one, and their lives start to unravel the longer they stay unemployed.
'Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway'
Peter Rabbit ventures to the big city after he gets tired of his life at home, and as always, he ends up in trouble.
‘Easter Sunday’
“Easter Sunday” is loosely inspired by standup comedian Jo Koy’s life growing up in a Filipino family. If you love his on-stage work, then you’re bound to love this movie even more.
'It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown'
Another great throwback film that you and your family can watch on Easter. This 1974 flick follows the beloved Peanuts gang as they prepare for Easter. Hilarity ensues, of course.
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
Sure, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" isn't exactly about Easter, but it has a ton of candy in it. When Charlie wins the winning ticket and tours Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, he gets to see how chocolate is made, all while helping his family.
'Jesus Christ Superstar'
One way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ is to watch "Jesus Christ Superstar" with your family and friends. This movie, which is based on the Broadway hit musical of the same name, shows what the last few weeks of Christ's life must have been like.
'Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert'
If you loved "Jesus Christ Superstar," then you'll love NBC's live 2018 star-studded musical of "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert," featuring John Legend as Jesus, Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene and Alice Cooper as King Herod, and more. The performances were so great that the film won a Creative Emmy for outstanding variety special (live).
'Hodge Saves Easter'
Ever wonder how Easter is celebrated in the galaxy? Well, this kid-friendly animated film tells the fictional story of Bert, the Easter Bunny, who has no other option but to enlist the help of his goofy older brother, Hodge. Together, they team up to retrieve a powerful golden egg that's stolen by Dracula and Frankenstein in a fun, silly globetrotting adventure.
'A Week Away'
"A Week Away" will have your family dancing and singing along to the amazing songs in the film. This Christian musical tells the story of Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn), a troubled teen, who gets his life back on track after he agrees to attend "church camp."
At Camp Aweegaway, Will finds the home that he so desperately craved in his youth when he starts making friends and opens his heart up to new experiences.
'Zootopia'
Here's another one that isn't exactly tied to Easter, but still deserves a spot on our list. The reason? It's about a rabbit who teams up with a cynical con artist fox to solve a mystery in her police force.
'Eater Land'
Time to get into the holiday spirit with "Easter Land." This movie is about a beloved Easter bunny who got banished away to the dreaded land of the holiday misfits and needs Santa Claus' help to help him return home.
'Risen'
Another great religious movie to watch on Easter is "Risen." This film takes place in 33 AD, where a Roman Tribune in Judea is tasked with finding the missing body of Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead.
'Come Sunday'
What happens when you start to challenge some of the theories in the bible? "Come Sunday" tells the story of a man (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who gets ostracized by his church for preaching that there is no Hell.
Some other actors who are in this film are Danny Glover, Jason Segel and LaKeith Stanfield.
'Rabbit School — Guardians of the Golden Egg'
Celebrate Easter with this 2017 film. "Rabbit School — Guardians of the Golden Egg" is a cool animated movie about a bunny who gets trapped in an old-fashioned school. While there, he learns about friendship while taking down a sneaky fox family and learning about the secretive skills of the Easter rabbits.
'Noah'
Watch the story of Noah unfold in cinematic (and thrilling, and often scary) detail.
'I Can Only Imagine'
Love MercyMe's music? You're going to love this film even more! The movie starring Dennis Quaid tells the exciting story of how the Christian band came up with their chart-topping song, "I Can Only Imagine."
'Steel Magnolias'
If you've ever seen the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias" starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, then you know it's not your typical Easter movie.
In fact, the movie is about a young beautician who assimilates into a small Louisana town and befriends a small group of women. But even though "Steel Magnolias" isn't all about Easter, there is a scene towards the end of the movie where the cast takes part in an egg hunt. Now, that's something you have to see!
'Pieces of Easter'
"Pieces of Easter" is the perfect feel-good Easter movie to watch with your family. It shows what happens when an unlikely pair take a cross-country trip together just before the Easter holiday.
'A Walton Easter'
Still not convinced that any of these Easter movies are right for you? Try "A Walton Easter." This 1997 flick follows the life of John-Boy, a New York anchorman who goes back to his suburban hometown to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife, Olivia. The more time he spends there, the more he realizes that New York might not be the right fit for him and his hometown has everything he needs.
'Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo'
What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than to watch "Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo?" In this film, Roo is upset when Rabbit cancels Easter and declares “Spring Cleaning Day” instead.
'Alice in Wonderland'
"Alice in Wonderland" isn't about Easter Bunnies, per say, but it is about bunnies. Go deep into the crazy world of "Alice in Wonderland." This hit film starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway shows what happens when a little girl trails a white rabbit who ends up taking her to a very peculiar place.
'Easter Bunny, Kill! Kill!'
Maybe horror is the right genre for you. If that's the case, then you might want to give this Easter film a try. It's about a killer who dresses up as the Easter Bunny and targets a teen's tormentors.
'Eating Up Easter'
Ever wonder what happens on Easter Island? This film takes a deep dive into the environmental and social challenges that the island has faced when it deals with globalization on a large scale.
'Hop'
Have you ever seen an adorable rabbit who's also a drummer? Well, you're about to see it in "Hop." This movie is about a little bunny who heads to Hollywood to realize his dream of being in a rock ‘n’ roll band.
'Mary Magdalene'
"Mary Magdalene" tells the story of a woman who once walked the Earth with Jesus Christ. After watching this movie, you'll feel inclined to read her story in the Bible all over again.
'The Greatest Story Ever Told'
"The Greatest Story Ever Told" chronicles the life and ministry of Jesus Christ's life.
'Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit'
"Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" is sure to entertain all of your family and friends. This hilarious film takes viewers on a wild ride of Wallace's life when he tries to rid a local town of a rabbit infestation.
'Ben-Hur'
There's no better Easter tale of revenge than "Ben-Hur." This film tells the story of a Jewish prince who was once betrayed and sent into slavery, but ultimately regains his freedom and comes back for revenge. Watch either version, including the 1959 classic.
'Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie'
There are so many creative ways to tell biblical stories to children — including telling them with vegetables, as happens in "Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie." These singing veggies relive quite a bit of biblical moments when they find themselves stranded at an old seafood restaurant.
'VeggieTales: Twas the Night Before Easter'
Loved "Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie"? Give give this spinoff film a try! In this flick, the cast of the Veggie Tales tries to enlist a superstar to help them save an old theater in Crisper County during Easter time.
'The Golden Goose'
This movie is a great way to teach kids about Easter. In this family-friendly flick, a golden goose named Goldie, who is the Easter Bunny's favorite helper, learns all about the holiday alongside her charismatic friends, who happen to enjoy Easter just as much as she does.
'The Golden Goose 2'
In "The Golden Goose 2," Goldie returns to celebrate Easter with her friends. However, her plans get derailed once she realizes the Easter Bunny has lost its magic easter egg. Using only her witts, Goldie tries to solve the mystery of the lost egg before it's too late.
'Redemption for Easter'
"Redemption for Easter" follows the Wright family as they come together for Easter weekend after experiencing a tragic event. Once they reunite, many things are brought to light, including their past turmoil, individual trauma, dark family secrets and more.
'Easter Parade'
This 1948 film tells the story of a nightclub performer who tries to make his former dance partner jealous by hiring a naive girl to be his new second. Fred Astaire plays the role of Don Hewes, while Judy Garland stars as Hannah Brown, who showcases her stellar singing skills in some of her scenes.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com