Movies Like The Nativity Story (2006)

The Nativity Story is a 2006 drama film from Catherine Hardwicke with a MovieMagicScore of 6.9/10. Here are 20 similar films, ranked by real viewer ratings — starting with King of Kings and Barabbas.

Drama

King of Kings

1961

Who is Jesus, and why does he impact all he meets? He is respected and reviled, emulated and accused, beloved, betrayed, and finally crucified. Yet that terrible fate would not be the end of the story.

7.2

MagicScore

Barabbas

1961

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.

6.9

MagicScore

Mary Magdalene

2018

In the first century, free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees the marriage her family has arranged for her, finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus.

6.3

MagicScore

Jesus

1979

Three and a half years of Jesus' ministry, as told in the Gospel of Luke.

8.3

MagicScore

Jesus

1999

Jesus, a carpenter living a simple life, discovers his destiny as the biblical Messiah.

6.7

MagicScore

The Greatest Story Ever Told

1965

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.

6.4

MagicScore

Paul, Apostle of Christ

2018

Risking his life, Luke ventures to Rome to visit Paul -- the apostle who's bound in chains and held captive in Nero's darkest and bleakest prison cell. Haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds, Paul wonders if he's been forgotten as he awaits his grisly execution. Before Paul's death, Luke resolves to write another book that details the birth of what will come to be known as the church.

7.6

MagicScore

The Robe

1953

Drunk and disillusioned Roman, Marcellus Gallio, wins Jesus' robe in a dice game after the crucifixion. Marcellus has never been a man of faith like his slave, Demetrius, but when Demetrius escapes with the robe, Marcellus experiences disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions. Convinced that destroying the robe will cure him, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius — and discovers his Christian faith along the way.

6.8

MagicScore

Ben-Hur

1959

In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.

7.9

MagicScore

#10

The Passion of the Christ

2004

A graphic portrayal of the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life.

7.5

MagicScore

#11

Son of God

2014

In the Holy Land, the Roman occupation has produced a cauldron of oppression, anxiety and excessive taxes levied upon the Jewish people. Fearing the wrath of Roman governor Pontius Pilate , Jewish high priest Caiaphas tries to keep control of his people. That control is threatened when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, performing miracles and spreading messages of love and hope. Those who fear that Jesus will inspire a revolution decide that he must die.

6.8

MagicScore

#12

Journey to Bethlehem

2023

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.

7.8

MagicScore

#13

Life of Brian

1979

Brian Cohen is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.

7.8

MagicScore

#14

The Ten Commandments

1956

Escaping death, a Hebrew infant is raised in a royal household to become a prince. Upon discovery of his true heritage, Moses embarks on a personal quest to reclaim his destiny as the leader and liberator of the Hebrew people.

7.8

MagicScore

#15

David

1997

A distinguished military leader whose reign was touched by great scandal, shocking betrayals and rousing victories. A simple shepherd boy chosen to be king, under the watchful eyes of prophet Samuel.

6.5

MagicScore

#16

Black Nativity

2013

A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.

5.0

MagicScore

#17

From the Manger to the Cross

1912

The life of Jesus is played out in tableaux shot in the Holy Land.

5.1

MagicScore

#18

The King of Kings

2025

Charles Dickens tells his young son Walter the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.

8.2

MagicScore

#19

Francesco

1989

The life of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) as related by followers who gather after his death to tell stories so that Leone can record them: a privileged and virile youth, a prisoner of war, an heir who turns away from his father and gives all to the poor, a beggar for others, and an inspiration to friends who accept the Gospels' life of poverty.

6.5

MagicScore

#20

Ben-Hur

2016

A falsely accused nobleman survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him.

5.8

MagicScore

Frequently asked

What are the best movies like The Nativity Story?

The top films similar to The Nativity Story by MovieMagicScore are King of Kings (7.2), Barabbas (6.9), Mary Magdalene (6.3). Each shares drama themes and is ranked by real viewer ratings, not critics or studios.

Is The Nativity Story worth watching?

The Nativity Story holds a MovieMagicScore of 6.9/10 from 241 viewer ratings.

What kind of movie is The Nativity Story?

The Nativity Story (2006) is a drama film directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass.

Where can I find more recommendations like The Nativity Story?

Browse the full ranked list above, or explore more drama recommendations on MovieMagicScore, where every list is ordered by genuine viewer ratings.

Keep exploring

Movies like King of Kings Movies like Barabbas Movies like Mary Magdalene Movies like Jesus Movies like Jesus Movies like The Greatest Story Ever Told

About movies like The Nativity Story

This ranked list pairs The Nativity Story (2006), a drama film from Catherine Hardwicke, with similar titles by genre, theme and cast overlap (fans of Keisha Castle-Hughes take note). Unlike critic-driven sites, every position here is ordered by MovieMagicScore — a rating built only from real viewers, with no studio marketing or paid placement. Scores update as more people rate, so the list stays current.

← Back to The Nativity Story