The Greatest Story Ever Told
Seen it?1965 | 199 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest, though it had middling reviews (42% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. 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 history buffs. If you loved The Ten Commandments, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 3 hr 19 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 3 hr 19 min.
- Made in 1965: an older pace and style.
From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
42% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 5 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$16 million worldwide on a $20 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 191K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by George Stevens
- Max von SydowJesus
- Michael Anderson Jr.James the Younger
- Carroll BakerVeronica
- Ina BalinMartha of Bethany
- Victor BuonoSorak
- Richard ConteBarabbas
- Joanna DunhamMary Magdalene
- José FerrerHerod Antipas
- Van HeflinBar Amand
- Charlton HestonJohn the Baptist