*First Published on FathersofMultiples.com
Are you trying to figure out what to watch with your family for Easter? Well, first off, you’re not going to find the overabundance of holiday-centric movies like you do at Christmas. Finding Easter movies is almost like a proverbial egg hunt. Pickings are slim. Besides that, most of the religiously Easter themed movies are old. While I don’t always agree that old movies = boring movies, many of the older religious themed movies are a bit slow with the pacing.
If that’s your thing, throw Ben-Hur on the list. No one depicts what Easter is all about better than Charlton Heston. Newer movies based on religion would be hard for kids to watch unless you want them subjected to the graphic violence of Passion of the Christ. If you want to include a good movie that covers the life of Jesus from birth to death, and then Easter resurrection, you won’t find a better one then The Greatest Story Ever Told.
If you don’t have access to a movie source, and are stuck with whatever is on television, I might suggest just sitting at the kitchen table and doing a craft with your kids. On the other hand, if you have access to Cable television, Netflix, Amazon Prime, or RedBox, you may have just saved Easter.
How about a more kid-friendly list of Easter movies that the whole family can watch together?
That’s what we have for you today. Enjoy!
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
Charles Schulz established Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang as holiday essential viewing for every holiday! Of course, the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas specials are the big ones that everyone thinks of, but there’s almost literally one for every single holiday. This is the Easter installment, and it’s filled with the same wonderfully written kids’ take on the holiday, like the other specials. This time Linus thinks an Easter Beagle handles the holiday. Has he learned nothing from his time with the Great Pumpkin? Watch and find out.
Peter Rabbit
While criticized by some as not being true to the Beatrix Potter stories where Peter was sweet and innocent…and the criticism of the differences isn’t wrong… this movie is fun. If you allow yourself to get past the change in character, you’ll enjoy the movie. Peter is in constant battle with a new McGregor for access to the garden, for the attentions of Bea (played by Rose Byrne as the character version of Beatrix Potter), and for foolish pride. Neither Peter nor McGregor will let the competition end, and it only ratchets higher and higher, which is hilarious for the viewer. My kids were laughing out loud quite a bit. Granted, this isn’t Easter themed, but it has rabbits, which are synonymous with Spring and Easter.
Here Comes Peter Cottontail
This is the 1971 movie, not the 2005 straight to DVD movie. Rankin & Bass are the kings of the old holiday specials, having made the likes of Rudolph, Frosty, and the Heat Miser. Well, with Here Comes Peter Cottontail, the masters of stop-motion animation bring their magic to Easter.
The Lorax (2012)
Dr. Seuss’ book “The Lorax” has been turned into a movie more than once, as have most of his works. The 2012 version, with Danny Devito as the title character, is the one that grabs you the most, visually. The new animation is so bright and colorful, it will definitely capture the attention of your kids. While watching, hopefully the theme of taking care of the environment will resonate with viewers, young and old. This one, I believe, squeezes into the Easter and Spring theme with its message of growth and renewal.
Ready Player One
Ok, this is the biggest stretch to connect to Easter, I’ll admit it. But, it is truly a fun, action-packed, family friendly sci-fi movie deserving the Steven Spielberg name being attached to it. In a not too distant future, everybody lives out their lives in a virtual reality world called the Oasis. In a nod to Willie Wonka, the designer of the game hides an egg somewhere in the game that, when found after his death, will allow the finder to inherit over a trillion dollars and stewardship of the gaming company. And there you have it, the way this movie connects to the Easter theme. It is an actual Easter egg hunt!
Miracles from Heaven
In the first religious based entry into the Easter themed movies and the first of two Jennifer Garner movies, a family is hit by hard news that their daughter has an incurable disease. After a “visit” to Heaven, the daughter miraculously starts getting better. The movie is at times a tear-jerker, and at other times a cheer-worthy. This movie is truly uplifting, regardless your religion.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Ok, this may have not made the list if the previous movie hadn’t gotten me on a Jennifer Garner kick. Timothy Green is a really sweet family movie that is ALSO going to make you tear up yet cheer. Timothy “Green” has an interesting origin in that he grows from the “seed” that is the buried box of wishes of a couple who can’t have children. It is instantly relatable if you’ve ever experienced issues having children. The movie is really touching, even though Timothy is possibly one of the strangest characters to show up in a movie since Edward Scissorhands.
Springtime with Roo
Those who love Winnie the Pooh and his friends will love this movie. When the gang goes to Rabbit’s house to join in an Easter egg hunt, Rabbit makes them do Spring cleaning instead! Rabbit used to love Easter, what has happened? Watch and find out.
Hop
Best Easter film out there. This movie is lots of fun. E.B. (aka Easter Bunny) will really have you laughing as he annoys James Marsden’s character in sort of an Odd Couple way. Having no interest in becoming THE Easter Bunny like his father, E.B. runs away from the family business and heads to LA to become a drummer. There he meets Marsden’s “Fred” and tricks him into letting him stay at his place. But, as the movie shows, you can’t run away from destiny and who you were meant to be.
Movies are a great way to connect with family and share a moment together over the Easter holiday. The movies you pick can be inspiring, educational, or just plain entertaining. This list should make it easier to pick the right one.
Getting your kids to sit still and watch one after being pumped full of Easter candy? You’re on your own with that one.