Embrace the Easter spirit with these binge-worthy movies for a weekend of holiday fun

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Paul Greco, Steve Shill, Verna Bloom

Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ provides an expansive, albeit fictional, interpretation of Jesus of Nazareth, unearthing a character fraught with internal conflicts, temptations, and divine callings. Be advised that Scorsese’s film, co-written with Paul Schrader of Taxi Driver fame, draws its narrative from the contentious novel of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis, not the gospels.

Directed by: Herbert Ross

Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton

Steel Magnolias is a timeless classic that has become an Easter viewing tradition for many. The film showcases an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavyweights, including Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Shirley MacLaine. This heartfelt drama captures the enduring bond between a group of women from the South, navigating life’s ups and downs together. Be prepared to shed a few tears and make sure you have tissues at hand – or in a pinch, the edge of your Easter bonnet will do.

Directed by: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells

Cast: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart

The Prince of Egypt, directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells, presents a child-friendly version of Moses’s story. This animated film, featuring a star-studded cast including Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Danny Glover, and Patrick Stewart, is not only recognised for its breathtaking visuals and historical narrative, but also for its unforgettable music that will have you humming along the whole day.

Directed by: Mel Gibson

Cast: Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov, Francesco De Vito

The resurrection of Jesus Christ three days post-crucifixion is the essence of Easter. The Passion of the Christ aims to portray the sequence of events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion on that fateful Friday. This film presents a stark biblical narrative, vividly detailing the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. Despite its graphic and intense depiction of these events, the film ultimately delivers a message of inspiration.

Directed by: Chris Noonan

Cast: Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson, Barbara Flynn, Bill Paterson

This enchanting biopic, Miss Potter, stars Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor and is centred around the life and work of the much-loved author Beatrix Potter. It portrays the journey of a novice publisher who recognised the brilliance in Potter’s tales and brought them to the public. The film, directed by Chris Noonan, offers an insightful glimpse into the life of a woman navigating her way towards love and contentment. It is interspersed with animated scenes featuring characters from Potter’s stories, including the iconic Peter Rabbit.

Directed by: Tim Hill

Cast: Russell Brand, James Marsden, Elizabeth Perkins, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole

Hop is a charming film that brings to the screen the story of E.B., the Easter Bunny with lofty ambitions. Unlike any ordinary bunny, E.B. harbours grand aspirations of becoming a successful musician in the sunny state of California. Yet, he faces the challenge of defying his father’s expectations, who insists that he should continue to uphold their long-standing family tradition as the key players in the candy business.

E.B. finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his personal dreams and the responsibilities of his heritage. Will he remain true to his family roots, or will he take a leap of faith, pack up his Easter basket, and embark on an adventure to follow his dreams? The journey of E.B. is filled with humour, drama, and the quintessential Easter spirit.

Directed by: Peter Ramsey

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Chris Pine, Jude Law

Don’t let the lead character, Jack Frost, pigeonhole this film as a December-only watch. Rise of the Guardians is an animated treat that adults can appreciate too. The storyline transcends Christmas, introducing us to an ensemble of holiday and mythical figures – Santa Claus, the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. They unite to shield the world’s children from the malevolent boogeyman, Pitch.

Directed by: Sean Olson

Cast: Dean Cain, Elisa Donovan, Beverley Mitchell, Patrick Muldoon, Catherine Hicks

Who can resist a movie featuring a golden retriever on an Easter adventure? The film, The Dog Who Saved Easter, centres around Zeus, a Labrador retriever voiced by Mario Lopez. While his family is away for the Easter holiday, Zeus is left at a doggie daycare. However, when a group of criminals threatens the daycare, it’s up to Zeus and his four-legged friends to thwart their plans and save the day.

Directed by: Ricardo Curtis, Steve Martino, Michael Thurmeier

Cast: Blake Anderson, Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, Josh Peck, Lili Estefan

The follow-up movie, Ice Age: The Great Egg-scapade, provides a delightful interpretation of the origins of the beloved egg-hunt tradition, all through the antics of our well-known Ice Age friends. The film finds Sid in a predicament when he opts to be an egg nanny, a task that proves to be more challenging than he initially anticipated.

Directed by: Cyrus Nowrasteh

Cast: Adam Greaves-Neal, Vincent Walsh, Sara Lazzaro, Sean Bean, Finn Ireland, David Bradley

The Young Messiah ventures into an area of history that is largely unexplored – the early years of Jesus Christ. This film takes a unique approach by depicting Jesus as a seven-year-old boy who, over time, comes to recognise his divine destiny. The narrative is carefully crafted to present this gradual realisation in a way that is captivating and thought-provoking.

The performances in the film are nothing short of compelling. The young actor, Adam Greaves-Neal, takes on the challenging role of the young Jesus, delivering a performance that is both relatable and moving. Sean Bean and David Bradley, known for their strong performances in other film and television roles, also contribute significantly to the overall impact of the film.

Directed by: Joshua Marston

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gerard Catus, Allie McCulloch, LaKeith Stanfield, Jason Segel, Stacey Sargeant

The 2018 movie, Come Sunday, delivers a riveting biographical storyline rooted in actual events. The film centres around the character of Carlton D’Metrius Pearson, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Pearson is a highly respected Christian preacher who finds himself in the midst of controversy and accusations of heresy. His bold declaration that Hell does not exist and his belief in the universal love of God, encompassing everyone, including people from the LGBTQ+ community, triggers a wave of dissent and criticism.

Come Sunday offers a nuanced exploration of faith, love, and acceptance, making it a fitting addition to your Easter movie marathon.

Directed by: Will Gluck

Cast: James Corden, Fayssal Bazzi, Domhnall Gleeson, Sia, Sam Neill, Margot Robbie

The 2018 film, Peter Rabbit, is a charming family movie that beautifully combines live-action and computer-generated imagery (CGI). The movie draws its inspiration from the celebrated 1902 children’s story ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit,’ penned by the renowned English author Beatrix Potter.

In this film, the central character, Peter Rabbit, is brought to life by the exceptional voice-over performance of James Corden. Corden’s portrayal of Peter Rabbit is filled with the character’s signature mischievous charm that fans of Potter’s story will immediately recognise.

In addition to Corden’s voice acting, the film also boasts an impressive lineup of on-screen performances. Rose Byrne, Margot Robbie, and the globally recognised singer Sia, all contribute to the film’s star-studded cast, each bringing their unique talents to their respective roles.

Directed by: Roman White

Cast: Kevin Quinn, Bailee Madison, Jahbril Cook, Kat Conner Sterling, Sherri Shepherd

Despite not being directly linked to Easter, Netflix’s original film, A Week Away, embodies the spirit of the holiday. This teen musical, rooted in Christian themes, beautifully captures the essence of love, empathy, and acceptance without being overly didactic. The story revolves around Will, a troubled teenager who, during a summer camp at a church, finds solace in his faith and falls for a girl.

Directed by: Paul King

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Murray McArthur, Paul G. Raymond, Olivia Colman, Tom Davis

Sure, it may not seem like an obvious choice, but bear with us—the film Wonka is filled to the brim with delectable chocolates and candies, making it the perfect addition to your Easter Sunday movie lineup. The story follows a young and impoverished Willy Wonka who dreams of establishing his own shop in a city famous for its chocolate. However, he soon discovers that the chocolate industry is controlled by a group of avaricious chocolatiers.