Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Seen it?1925 | 143 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance, Action
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes). 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 romantics and action fans. If you loved The French Lieutenant's Woman, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 23 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1925: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince in Jerusalem, is betrayed by his childhood friend, Roman tribune Messala, and wrongfully sent to the galley slaves.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$9 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 95K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Fred Niblo
- Ramon NovarroJudah Ben-Hur
- Francis X. BushmanMessala
- May McAvoyEsther
- Betty BronsonMary
- Claire McDowellPrincess of Hur
- Kathleen KeyTirzah
- Carmel MyersIras
- Nigel De BrulierSimonides
- Mitchell LewisSheik Ilderim
- Leo WhiteSanballat