As a reward for good behavior, why not let your students sit back and relax, with some good snacks and a Bible-based blockbuster?
You can find something to suit your students, whatever their age group may be. From interpretations that don’t shy away from the gore of gruesome battle to animated Bible movies for kids, you can find it all online. Offering a dynamic and visual version of the stories they have likely read time and time again, watching these movies will solidify these tales in their minds.
To simplify the decision of which movie to choose, we have compiled this list of the best Bible movies for kids. Sorted by age group, from preschool to young adult, add a splash of media to your weekly church classes and watch as your students excitedly discuss biblical events. Seeing these tales as lively and engaging movies will transform how the children of your congregation interact with these stories!
Preschool
Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie
As the first feature-length film in the VeggieTales series, Jonah focuses on important themes like mercy and compassion. Following the adventures of our favorite fruit and vegetable friends, Bob the Tomato and Dad Asparagus, this cartoon Bible movie is ideal for younger kids. Blending songs that your little learners will love to sing along to with essential lessons about Christian virtues, this movie is a family favorite for a reason. Don’t limit it to your preschoolers — kids up to age 8 will love this film!
You can stream this 82-minute long movie through Amazon Prime Video here.
The Prince of Egypt
This movie is suitable for even your littlest children, but will be loved by all of your kids equally! Following the story of Moses as he leads the Hebrews out of slavery and into freedom, this animated biblical story is powerful in its retelling. With an incredible soundtrack that will have your children tapping their feet in time with the beat, The Prince of Egypt is an inspiring story. Get your kids familiar with Moses' journey by showing them this in class or at home.
This movie is available for streaming on Netflix.
Elementary School
The Star
Featuring a big-dreaming donkey who contemplates his menial existence, The Star looks at the Nativity story through the lens of the animals in attendance. Highly imaginative, this retelling of the Christian classic is one of the best animated Bible stories. Uplifting, feel-good, and educational, your Sunday school students will feel the love of God through this feature-length film that is recommended for viewers aged seven and up.
Stream The Star on Netflix, or rent it on Apple TV.
The Nativity Story
Following Mary and Joseph on their journey to Nazareth and the birth of Jesus Christ, The Nativity Story uses real-life actors instead of being animation-based. An incredible adaptation of this biblical classic, this Bible story movie for kids teaches the power of faith and the importance of determination. It brings the story to life, placing it in the historical context of King Herod’s cruel reign.
Watch this movie on Apple TV here.
Middle School
The Young Messiah
This fictional take on Jesus’ younger years is extraordinary. As He turns seven years old and returns to Nazareth with his family, leaving Egypt behind, He realizes His purpose. Discovering that He was sent by God, His father, to save humanity is no easy realization for a young child, but this movie interprets young Jesus as highly virtuous. Set after the death of King Herod the Great, this movie introduces kids to the historical context of the Bible. This movie is rated PG-12, so be careful not to show it to younger middle-schoolers!
Stream this movie on Amazon Prime video here.
Saul: Journey to Damascus
Following Saul on his journey to Christianity, this movie shows the value of faith. After witnessing the brutal stoning of Stephen, Saul the Butcher (as he was known) lost his faith in the Temple, as it refused to accept Christ as the Messiah. From a blinded criminal to Paul the Apostle, this powerful retelling of the biblical classic also demonstrates that it is never too late to turn to God — Jesus will always forgive us. Also rated PG-12, this movie should be played at the family’s own discretion.
This movie is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
High School
Close to Jesus: Judas
Primarily focusing on Judas Iscariot, the infamous betrayer of Jesus, this movie with Bible references walks a different path than most religious depictions. While he usually appears as a side character, this movie tells the story of how he betrayed Jesus to the Romans. Although many of the nuances of Judas’s character cannot be proven, this movie offers an interesting take on the fallen disciple.
Stream this movie on Amazon Prime Video here.
Noah
This movie is a violent, gory, and brutal interpretation of the story of Noah. So, it should be shown to older children with caution. We recommend highlighting to your kids that it is just an interpretation if they are frightened by its dark nature. However, as it is a powerful and dramatic movie featuring many great actors, it will likely be loved by your children! Due to its somewhat dark themes, this movie is only suitable for children aged 13 and up.
Watch this movie on Amazon Prime video here.
Young Adult
The Passion of the Christ
An epic biblical drama, this is widely considered one of the best biblical movies. Following the barbarous lead-up to His torture and eventual crucifixion on the cross, The Passion of the Christ explores the darkest days of Jesus. It focuses on how He chose to redeem the souls of sinners after His betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Understandably, as it doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty details of the Bible, this powerful Christian movie is R-rated.
This 2-hour long movie is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Mary Magdalene
Teach your kids to think about this highly misunderstood spiritual figure in the Bible. Through this humanistic retelling, viewers are urged to rethink the story through her eyes, a perspective which is, unfortunately, often overlooked. Believed to be a highly authentic portrayal of Mary Magdalene, this movie opens up complex questions about duty, identity, and faith. R-rated due to some of its more brutal scenes of Jesus on the cross, this movie is not suitable for viewers under 17.
Stream Mary Magdalene through Apple TV here.
From biblical cartoon movies that introduce young learners to the stories of the Bible to more brutal and realistic depictions of the darker side of the Bible, movies can be an excellent tool for education. Whether shown in class on a Sunday to complement your kids’ curriculum or at home for a family movie night, get cozy with some popcorn and learn about the Bible in a fun way!