16 Family-Friendly Easter Movies for Every-bunny This Spring

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin' down the bunny trail. Easter is on its way, and that means it's time to round up some of the best movies of the season. If you're thinking about taking in some good, old-fashioned visual entertainment but aren't quite sure where to start, we've got you covered.

These are the perfect flicks to turn on when you're enjoying an Easter feast together or coming in after a lengthy hunt for those colorful plastic eggs. From Academy Award-winning epics like Ben-Hur to classic Charlie Brown and Snoopy animated adventures, there are exciting Easter-centric movies available on your favorite networks and streaming services to enjoy.

So whether you want to watch a Biblical tale unfold with the whole family or you want to gather the kids to take in a fun story with fuzzy bunnies and Easter eggs, there's truly a little something for everyone on this list. Here are 16 of the best Easter movies for everyone to enjoy together this spring.

1. Ben-Hur (1959)

Charlton Heston stars in this period drama that racked in over 10 Academy Awards. The film follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who decides to get revenge on the Romans after being sent into slavery.

Where to watch: HBO Max

2. Hop (2011)

Russell Brand stars as the voice of EB (the Easter Bunny), who despite inheriting the family candy business wants to move to Los Angeles to be a rock star. James Marsden and Kaley Cuoco star in this fun little family comedy about living your dreams and working through family drama. You can watch this one on Netflix.

Where to watch: Peacock

3. The Ten Commandments (1956)

Charlton Heston stars as Moses, the Hebrew child raised by Egyptians who follows his mission from God in this stunning adaptation of the Biblical story by Cecile B. DeMille. It airs on TV around Easter Sunday every year, and sure it's a long one, but the parting of the red sea is still incredible over 70 years later.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon

4. Easter Parade (1948)

Judy Garland and Fred Astaire co-star in this 1948 musical film that follows a love triangle between a naive chorus girl, a nightclub performer, his former partner, all set during a holiday Easter Parade. If there was ever a time to watch this old classic, it's Easter weekend.

Where to watch: Rent on Apple TV+

5. Peter Rabbit (2018)

The famous Peter Rabbit comes to life in this live-action adaptation as Peter and his friends attempt to break into Mr. Mcgregor's garden to steal vegetables. If you're a fan of the classic tales by Beatrix Potter, you'll love this new take on Peter, voiced by James Corden.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon

6. It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)

Is there anything better than an animated movie during the holidays with the Peanuts gang? Charlie, Sally, Linus, Snoopy, Lucy, and more come together in this sweet Easter tale filled with laughs and comedic blunders as all your favorite characters prepare for the holiday.

Where to watch: Stream on Apple TV+

7. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway show comes to the big screen as the last few weeks of Jesus's life are depicted with impressive musical numbers.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon

8. The Passion of the Christ (2004)

This depiction of the last hours of the life of Jesus is a much more graphic adaptation. Jim Caviezel stars as Jesus himself in this film which brings the story to life more than anything else you'll ever see. Since this is a bit more intense, definitely use discretion if showing it to younger children. Showing the crucifixion and everything leading up to it and ending with Jesus risen from the grave, this is the highest-grossing Christian film of all time.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon

9. Steel Magnolias (1989)

Of course, we had to include the Hollywood adaptation of the real southern family that brings us to tears every time we watch. Starring Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Sally Field, it's an all-time classic about strong southern women coming together during a painful time of loss. Technically the film covers all the seasons but the Easter egg hunt scene definitely makes it worthy of this list. 

Where to watch: Netflix

10. Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, the Sandman, and of course, the Easter Bunny all come together to save the world from an evil source that is threatening to remove innocence and wonder from children everywhere. It's not necessarily an Easter story but it's become an Easter tradition for many families to watch since it not only has the Easter Bunny but other holiday favorite characters.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon

11. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Willem Dafoe stars as the titular character in another adaptation of the story of Jesus Christ. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the Oscar-nominated film follows the life of Jesus and all of the temptations he faces along the way.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

12. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

This animated film follows the story of Moses being rescued by the Pharoah's wife as a baby and going on to ultimately save the Hebrew people and lead them to freedom. Val Kilmer stars as Moses with other incredible voices co-starring including Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Sandra Bullock.

Where to watch: Peacock

13. The Dog Who Saved Easter (2014)

A dog named Zeus is left at doggie daycare while his family goes on a trip over Easter, and must save the day when some criminals break in to sabotage the daycare. It's a sweet Easter film perfect to enjoy with young children.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon

14. Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971)

If you love the stop-motion Christmas movies, you definitely need to watch this Easter classic. Peter must come to the rescue and save Easter from the evil Irontail. The 1971 film also includes the voice of Danny Kaye as host Seymour S. Sassafras.

Where to watch: DVD available for purchase on Amazon

15. Lilies of the Field (1963)

Starring Oscar winner Sidney Poitier, this 1963 film follows traveling handyman Homer Smith, who decides to build a church in the middle of the desert. 

Where to watch: Pluto TV

16. Miss Potter (2006)

Renée Zellweger stars as Beatrix Potter in the true story of the author of the timeless children's classic, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It's not on Netflix but it is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Where to watch: Rent on YouTube TV

READ MORE: Do You Know The Meaning Behind Easter Colors?