Barabbas
Seen it?1961 | 137 min | History, Drama, Adventure
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for adventure fans and history buffs. If you loved Spartacus or Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 17 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1961: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Epic account of the thief Barabbas, who was pardoned for his crimes and spared crucifixion when Pilate offered the Israelites a choice to pardon Barabbas or Jesus. Struggling with his spirituality, Barabbas goes through many ordeals leading him to the gladiatorial arena, where he tries to win his freedom and confront his inner demons, ultimately becoming a follower of the man who was crucified in his place.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 59K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Richard Fleischer
- Anthony QuinnBarabbas
- Silvana ManganoRachel
- Arthur KennedyPontius Pilate
- Katy JuradoSara
- Harry AndrewsPeter
- Vittorio GassmanSahak
- Norman WoolandRufio
- Valentina CorteseJulia
- Jack PalanceTorvald
- Ernest BorgnineLucius