Ben Hur Movie Adaptations

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In both Ben Hur movie adaptations and the novel that inspired the epic, the point is stressed that only one Person can give the peace of soul that we long for - Christ Himself.

Charlton Heston and Frank Thring in Ben-Hur (1959)
MGM

Ben-Hur (1959): A Golden Age Epic of Vengeance, Forgiveness, and Faith

Ben-Hur, starring Charleton Heston as the title character and Stephen Boyd as the villainous Messala is a classic film from the Golden Age of Hollywood that every Christian should watch. The ultimate battle of a soul fighting between its good tendencies and evil urges is masterfully brought to life by William Wyler in this three hour epic memorable for its 8 minute chariot race sequence.

Judah Ben Hur, a young Jewish nobleman in Jerusalem, is falsely accused of attempted murder by his childhood friend, the Roman tribune Messala. His mother and sister are imprisoned, and Judah is condemned to life as a galley slave. Through a providential turn of events, Judah survives, gains his freedom, and returns to Jerusalem with a burning desire for vengeance.

In an epic chariot race, Judah defeats Messala, satisfying his long-harbored hatred.

But before he dies, Messala gets the last word in their argument by telling Judah that his mother and sister are lepers. Angry and despairing, Judah begins to realize that only one Person can give him the peace of soul that he is seeking - Christ Himself. Judah's search brings him to the foot of the cross where he gives up his hatred of Rome and forgives those who injured him.

Points to Consider: There is a romance between Judah and his slave Esther. Comparatively, it is a clean romance, but there is some kissing. This may not bother you, but just saying. It is also a little violent. Someone gets run over with a chariot and dies from loss of blood. There is a battle between the Romans and a barbaric tribe with primitive weapons (which equals close range killing).

Ben Hur Movie 2016: When Epic Becomes "Meh"

Toby Kebbell and Jack Huston in Ben-Hur (2016)
Paramount Pictures

To win the hand of the woman he loves, Messala Severus (Toby Kebbell) leaves his adopted family to seek glory in the Roman army. Years later, he returns to a homeland torn by unrest—only to be seen as a traitor by those he once called family. When he discovers that his brother Judah (Jack Huston) has sheltered Zealots, he feels compelled to act, resulting in the arrest of the entire household. Condemned to life as a galley slave, Judah survives with one goal: to defeat Messala in the arena. Their final confrontation in a dramatic chariot race ends not in vengeance—but in forgiveness.

The 2016 Ben Hur movie feels more like a docu-drama than a movie experience. Similar in tone to Risen, it carries names such as Morgan Freeman, but lacks emotional and thematic weight. While the storyline loosely follows Lew Wallace’s novel, much of its soul has been stripped away. Balthasar—an essential voice of wisdom—is absent. Christ’s presence is so minimal that Judah’s transformation at the cross feels unearned and confusing. If you’ve missed this version, you haven’t missed much.

Ironically, the 2003 Charlton Heston-narrated cartoon delivers more heart and deserves an honorable mention.

Book Summary: Ben Hur by Lew Wallace

Ben Hur by Lew Wallace

While many know Ben Hur through the iconic 1959 film adaptation Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel offers a much deeper experience. Written in post-Civil War America, the novel explores themes of revenge and redemption through Christ.

The novel follows the misfortunes of Judah Ben-Hur, a young Jewish nobleman who is wrongly accused of attempted murder and separated from his family. Condemned to the Roman galleys as a slave, Judah endures years of hardship until a twist of fate leads to his freedom. He trains as a soldier and gladiator, rising in strength and skill. Returning to Jerusalem, he seeks to find his mother and sister and to seek vengeance on the man who betrayed him—his former friend, the Roman tribune Messala. In a dramatic public confrontation, Judah defeats Messala in a chariot race, leaving the once-proud Roman crippled and disgraced.

Believing his family to be dead and his mission of revenge fulfilled, Judah is persuaded by his allies to prepare for the coming of a promised King—one they expect will overthrow Rome. But Judah’s expectations are shattered when he realizes this King is none other than Jesus of Nazareth, a humble carpenter who heals the sick and raises the dead. Judah is challenged to abandon his vision of a conquering king and accept a Messiah Whose kingdom is not of this world.