Movies Like King of Kings (1961)

King of Kings is a 1961 drama, history film from Nicholas Ray with a MovieMagicScore of 7.2/10. Here are 20 similar films, ranked by real viewer ratings — starting with Barabbas and The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Drama History

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

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

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

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

Jesus

1979

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

8.3

MagicScore

The Passion of the Christ

2004

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

7.5

MagicScore

The Nativity Story

2006

Mary and Joseph make the hard journey to Bethlehem for a blessed event in this retelling of the Nativity story. This meticulously researched and visually lush adaptation of the biblical tale follows the pair on their arduous path to their arrival in a small village, where they find shelter in a quiet manger and Jesus is born.

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

Quo Vadis

1951

After fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.

7.1

MagicScore

#10

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

#11

Jesus

1999

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

6.7

MagicScore

#12

From the Manger to the Cross

1912

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

5.1

MagicScore

#13

The King of Kings

1927

The King of Kings is the Greatest Story Ever Told as only Cecil B. DeMille could tell it. In 1927, working with one of the biggest budgets in Hollywood history, DeMille spun the life and Passion of Christ into a silent-era blockbuster. Featuring text drawn directly from the Bible, a cast of thousands, and the great showman’s singular cinematic bag of tricks, The King of Kings is at once spectacular and deeply reverent—part Gospel, part Technicolor epic.

6.4

MagicScore

#14

The Martyr of Calvary

1952

The life of Jesus from the beginning of his ministry, his miracles, the Sermon on the Mount and his death on the cross.

7.9

MagicScore

#15

The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ

1903

The story of the life and passion of Jesus Christ, from the proclamation of his birth to his ascension into heaven.

6.5

MagicScore

#16

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

#17

Ben-Hur

2016

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

5.8

MagicScore

#18

The Last Temptation of Christ

1988

Jesus, a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt.

7.2

MagicScore

#19

Jesus Christ Superstar

1973

As played out by a theatre troupe, the last days of Jesus Christ are depicted from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, his betrayer. As Jesus' following increases, Judas begins to worry that Jesus is falling for his own hype, forgetting the principles of his teachings and growing too close to the prostitute Mary Magdalene.

7.1

MagicScore

#20

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

Frequently asked

What are the best movies like King of Kings?

The top films similar to King of Kings by MovieMagicScore are Barabbas (6.9), The Greatest Story Ever Told (6.4), The Robe (6.8). Each shares drama/history themes and is ranked by real viewer ratings, not critics or studios.

Is King of Kings worth watching?

King of Kings holds a MovieMagicScore of 7.2/10 from 222 viewer ratings, putting it among the better-reviewed titles in its genre.

What kind of movie is King of Kings?

King of Kings (1961) is a drama, history film directed by Nicholas Ray, starring Jeffrey Hunter, Siobhán McKenna, Hurd Hatfield.

Where can I find more recommendations like King of Kings?

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 Barabbas Movies like The Greatest Story Ever Told Movies like The Robe Movies like Son of God Movies like Jesus Movies like The Passion of the Christ

About movies like King of Kings

This ranked list pairs King of Kings (1961), a drama and history film from Nicholas Ray, with similar titles by genre, theme and cast overlap (fans of Jeffrey Hunter 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.

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