Hollywood has never been able to resist a good Bible story. It’s got everything—heroes, villains, miracles, betrayal, epic battles, divine interventions and just enough moral ambiguity to keep things interesting. But let’s be real: not every adaptation sticks the landing. For every Prince of Egypt, there’s a Noah (yes, the one with rock monsters).
That said, when Hollywood gets it right, biblical adaptations can be sweeping, powerful and sometimes even… cool? Whether you’re in the mood for a high-stakes Old Testament showdown or a moving portrayal of Jesus that doesn’t feel like a church play, we’ve got you covered. Here are the eight best Bible-inspired adaptations that actually deliver.
The Chosen
Where to Stream: Peacock or Amazon Prime
This isn’t your Sunday School flannelgraph Jesus. The Chosen takes the Gospels and injects them with the kind of rich character development and narrative depth you’d expect from prestige TV. Instead of a distant, stoic Messiah, this series offers a fully fleshed-out Jesus who cracks jokes, shares meals and navigates relationships like an actual human being. The show sticks to the heart of the Gospel while giving biblical figures enough personality to feel like real people, not just names on a page.
The Ten Commandments
Where to Stream: Tubi
If biblical epics had a Mount Rushmore, this 1956 juggernaut would be front and center. Charlton Heston’s Moses delivers lines with the kind of gravitas that makes you want to set your email signature to Let my people go! At nearly four hours long, it’s a marathon but the visual spectacle, melodramatic performances and old-school Hollywood magic make it worth the runtime. It’s over-the-top, it’s ambitious and it’s probably your grandma’s favorite movie.
Prince of Egypt
Where to Stream: Peacock
The Prince of Egypt soundtrack alone could have landed this movie on the list. With an all-star cast (Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Sandra Bullock and Jeff Goldblum, just to name a few) and jaw-dropping animation, this DreamWorks classic takes the Exodus story and makes it an emotionally resonant, visually stunning experience. Plus, “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey? That alone is worth a rewatch.
Ben-Hur
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime or Apple TV+
Yes, it’s more of a Bible-adjacent story, but Ben-Hur still delivers some of the most powerful onscreen moments connected to Jesus’ story. The film’s chariot race is one of the greatest action sequences of all time and Charlton Heston (again!) brings the kind of old-Hollywood intensity that makes this one a must-watch. Plus, it offers a unique perspective on how Jesus’ presence affected those around him, even in indirect ways.
The Passion of the Christ
Where to Stream: Peacock or Amazon Prime
Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ is the most intense Bible movie ever made. Period. With brutal realism and an unwavering commitment to depicting the suffering of Jesus, this film is not for the faint of heart. It’s controversial, unflinching and still holds the record as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. You probably won’t watch it more than once but its impact is undeniable.
Adventures in Odyssey: Bible Stories
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime
Yes, this one’s for the nostalgia crowd. Focus on the Family’s long-running Adventures in Odyssey radio series dipped into biblical storytelling in a way that felt genuinely immersive. The sound design was chef’s kiss perfection, turning classic Bible stories into theater for the imagination. If you ever wanted to feel like you were standing next to Elijah as he called down fire from heaven, this was your chance.
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime or Apple TV+
If you like your Bible movies long, reverent and packed with Hollywood legends, this one’s for you. Max von Sydow plays Jesus (because of course he does), Charlton Heston (again?!) is John the Baptist and John Wayne randomly shows up as a Roman centurion. It’s old-school and a little slow but there’s something fascinating about watching an all-star cast tackle the life of Christ with such earnestness.
David and Bathsheba
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime
The original biblical scandal. King David’s most infamous moral failure gets the Hollywood treatment with Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward bringing some serious golden-age glamour to the story of power, temptation and consequences. It’s dramatic, campy and surprisingly introspective, with some fiery prophet Nathan energy that will leave you rethinking your life choices.
Honorable Mentions:
- Noah (2014) – Because Russell Crowe vs. Rock Monsters is a cinematic experience we didn’t know we needed.
- The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) – Wildly controversial but artistically fascinating.
- Risen (2016) – A solid detective story set in the aftermath of the Resurrection.
Whether you’re looking for a classic epic, a visually stunning animation or a gut-wrenching portrayal of Christ’s final hours, these adaptations prove that Hollywood’s take on the Bible can sometimes be, dare we say, divine.
