Best Movies About Jesus Christ on Netflix to Lift Your Spirits

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!