The season for colored eggs and chocolate bunnies is here, so let’s settle down and watch 6 Easter movies. While Easter might not be as popular as Christmas when it comes to seasonal movies, there are still quite a few movies to get you in that Easter mood. Here are 6 Easter movies you won’t want to miss.
6 Easter Movies to Never Miss
1. Easter Parade
This classic musical starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire still holds up today. It utilizes catchy songs by Irving Berlin to tell a fun love story about the difficulties of stardom. Garland’s character Hannah and Astaire’s character Don have plenty of chemistry, and of course, the audience gets treated to Astaire’s stellar dance movies. Also, the ending where (SPOILER) Hannah decides to break traditional gender roles and shower Don with gifts is super charming. Definitely deserves to be on the 6 Easter Movies list.
2. Jesus Christ Superstar
It may end before the resurrection, but this rock opera is still a must-watch around Easter and that’s why makes the 6 Easter Movies list. While the movie’s brightly-colored aesthetics and costumes show that it was made in the seventies, the story it tells and the music used to tell it are forever timeless. The songs are so catchy that you are guaranteed to still be singing them after the movie ends, but at the same time, it delivers a powerful telling of Jesus’s last week before the crucifixion. Carl Anderson also gives a heartbreaking performance as Judas.
3. Risen
This movie tells the story of a Roman officer, played by Joseph Fiennes, who was present at the crucifixion and how he learns the truth about Jesus’s death and resurrection. It presents a complex picture of what faith means and how sometimes your truth can shatter, but you still have to move on. Fiennes gives a quiet, meditative performance, and Clif Curtis is wonderful as a laid-back, friendly Jesus. Even if you aren’t religious, this film is a rich experience.
4. Rise of the Guardians
Despite the fact that it stars Jack Frost, this crossover of childhood icons takes place at Easter. The idea of traditional childhood characters like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny forming an Avengers–like team is sheer brilliance, and this movie is overflowing with charm and creativity. Voiced by Hugh Jackman, the Easter Bunny is a tough, boomerang-wielding grump, but he also has a soft spot for children. This is a perfect movie to make you remember how awesome childhood can be. Thus, making the 6 Easter Movies list.
5. Here Comes Peter Cottontail
This classic Rankin/Bass stop-motion special provides a time-travel plot that takes Peter Cottontail through a variety of holidays on a quest to win a contest to become the next Easter Bunny. With narration by Danny Kaye, this special features adorable stop-motion animation and catchy songs, along with charming characters. In addition, Vincent Price gives a deliciously evil vocal performance as the villainous bunny, Irontail.
6. The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town
Here is another Rankin/Bass stop-motion delight. This time, Rakin/Bass tells the Easter Bunny’s origin story. While the plot is basically a remake of Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, another Rankin/Bass classic, this special still offers enough charm that you don’t care. The characters are memorable and the songs a fun, making this a great special to get you in the Easter mood. In addition, Fred Astaire serves as the narrator, marking his second appearance on this list.
