If you’re planning to take advantage of the Holy Week break to catch up on some sleep, bonding with kids, or perhaps just lounge for a few hours on your couch with the family, then here’s a list that can possibly help with your couch potato-ing–a list of movies that you and your family can watch.
While Holy Week is generally a time of profound spiritual reflection and family bonding, it also offers a unique opportunity to delve and discuss stories of faith, hope, and redemption with our kids. Movies can help us better commemorate and teach our children the significance of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So here are a few movies you can line up for the Holy Week break:
Movies for young children (Ages 3 to 7)
The Prince of Egypt
Where to Watch: YouTube Movies for P220 and Google Play for P220
This epic adventure movie brings to life the story of Moses, “The Prince of Egypt.” It is a visually stunning animated film that beautifully narrates Moses’ rise from a prince of Egypt to the leader who delivered his people to freedom, highlighting themes of faith, courage and destiny. It’s a timely watch for Holy Week as it depicts liberation and faith, mirroring the deliverance that Holy Week commemorates.
VeggieTales: An Easter Carol
Where to Watch: YouTube
This animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic features the VeggieTales characters in a story about the true meaning of Easter. With its engaging narrative and colorful characters, the movie introduces young children to the concepts of resurrection and hope in a lighthearted manner, making it an ideal Holy Week must-watch that emphasizes the joy and renewal at the heart of the season.
Movies for older children (Ages 8 to 12)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Where to Watch: Disney+
Based on the beloved novel by C.S. Lewis, this movie features the magical world of Narnia, where the Pevensie siblings embark on an adventure. Themes of bravery, self-sacrifice, and redemption can be seen in the siblings’ battle with the evil White Witch, with Aslan by their side–a lion symbolizing goodness and sacrifice. It can be considered a relevant Holy Week movie as it mirrors the story of resurrection and triumph over evil.
Miracles from Heaven
Where to Watch: Apple TV for P149 and Google Play for P220
This inspirational movie, based on true events, revolves around a young girl suffering from a rare, incurable disease and her miraculous recovery after a serious accident. The movie explores themes of faith, hope, and miracles, making it particularly relevant during Holy Week. It encourages viewers to believe in the power of faith and prayer, making it a timely flick for the reflective and hopeful spirit of Holy Week.
Heaven is For Real
Where to Watch: YouTube Movies for P200, Apple TV for P149, and Google Play for P150
Based on a true story, this film recounts a young boy’s near-death experience and his astonishing accounts of heaven. It opens a gentle conversation about faith and the afterlife, making it suitable for reflection during Holy Week.
Wonder
Where to Watch: YouTube Movies for P240, Apple TV for P149, and Google Play for P240
While not a religious film, “Wonder” teaches compassion, acceptance, and strength of the human spirit, embodying the teachings of kindness that are central to Holy Week.
Movies for teens and young adults (Ages 13 and up)
Risen
Where to Watch: Apple TV for P149 and Google Play for P150
This movie is a unique take on the biblical story of the Resurrection, told through the eyes of Clavius, a Roman Military Tribune non-believer. As he sets out to investigate the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks after the crucifixion, his journey mirrors themes of doubt, faith, and ultimate belief. The movie offers another perspective on the Easter story, making it another timely and thought-provoking watch for the season, encouraging viewers to explore their own beliefs and understandings.
The Son of God
Where to Watch: Apple TV for P149
The film offers a detailed account of the life of Jesus Christ from his birth through his resurrection, providing a direct connection to the Holy Week narrative and making it a poignant watch for reflection during the season.
The Passion of the Christ
Where to Watch: YouTube
Directed by Mel Gibson, this powerful and intense film portrays Jesus Christ’s final 12 hours. Noted for its realistic depiction of the crucifixion, it’s a film that demands reflection on themes of sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. Due to its graphic nature, it’s best suited for older teenagers and adults. Watching it during Holy Week can serve as a profound meditation on the suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate love that the season commemorates, offering a more in-depth understanding of its significance.
Breakthrough
Where to Watch: Apple TV for P149
This inspiring true story of faith and miracles follows a mother’s unwavering love and belief in God after her son’s near-fatal accident, mirroring themes of hope and resurrection significant to Holy Week.
Paul, Apostle of Christ
Where to Watch: YouTube Movies for P230, Apple TV for P149, and Google Play for P230
The movie focuses on the last days of Paul the Apostle in prison and his efforts to spread the Gospel, reflecting themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness.
The Chosen
Where to Watch: Netflix
This is the first multi-season TV series about the life of Christ and the people who met him. The Chosen allows for a deeper, personal connection with the stories of Holy Week.
Other movies to consider
Pay It Forward
Where to Watch: Apple TV for P149
This movie encourages viewers to act kindly towards others without expecting anything in return, reflecting the selflessness and love at the heart of Jesus’ teachings.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Where to Watch: Apple TV for P149
This story of struggle, perseverance, and the powerful bond between father and son echoes the resilience and hope the Holy Week inspires in the faithful.
A Week Away
Where to Watch: Netflix
This is a musical that revolves around faith, forgiveness, and belonging. A Week Away delivers messages of redemption and finding one’s path.
Holy Week is a time for families to come together, reflect on their faith, and contemplate the deep meanings behind the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through these movies, families of all shapes and sizes can find appropriate and meaningful content to share and discuss. From animated stories that bring biblical themes to life for young viewers to dramatic portrayals that challenge older viewers about their faith and sacrifice, these movies can enhance the Holy Week experience, fostering a spirit of reflection, understanding, and togetherness.
Read here for snack ideas for your family movie night.
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