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The Ten Commandments

Play trailer Poster for The Ten Commandments G Released Oct 5, 1956 3h 40m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 44 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Enjoying a life of ease in the court of Egypt's pharaoh, Moses (Charlton Heston) discovers his Hebrew heritage and, later, God's expectations of him. He dedicates himself to liberating his people from captivity and -- with the aid of plagues and divine intervention -- manages to lead them out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. A greater challenge comes in the form of the golden calf idol, however, and it takes an unforgettable visitation by God on Mount Sinai for Moses' mission to prevail.
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The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments

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Critics Consensus

Bombastic and occasionally silly but extravagantly entertaining, Cecil B. DeMille's all-star spectacular is a muscular retelling of the great Bible story.

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Critics Reviews

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SMH Staff Sydney Morning Herald It is all a grandly unrestrained act of regression to the infantile days of the cinema, which DeMille seems never to have outgrown. Nov 17, 2021 Full Review James Powers The Hollywood Reporter There is no other picture like it. There will be none. If it could be summed up in a word, the word would be sublime. And the man responsible for that, when all is said and done is Cecil B. DeMille. Apr 7, 2015 Full Review Kate Cameron New York Daily News DeMille's direction of the action is superb and the various roles are played with feeling by a large and competent cast, headed by Charlton Heston. Rated: 5/5 Dec 10, 2014 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The epic qualities of De Mille’s last directorial endeavor are impossible to ignore; consistently entertaining or not, the grandeur and scope are monumental. Rated: 5/10 Nov 8, 2024 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Great fun. This lovably corny Biblical epic is always entertaining no matter when you tune in on Easter night. Rated: A- Nov 29, 2022 Full Review Dilys Powell Sunday Times (UK) The whole experience (with an interval) lasts roughly four hours. I am afraid that long before the time was up I was silently imploring Mr. DeMille to let his people go. Aug 9, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Patty Very good presentation for a movie made over 60 years ago. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Brad D Should be shown in every school ,, The Best Movie Ever Made Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/29/23 Full Review Gloria Leon A great movie, cinematography, casting, story! It was moving and the time flew by. Also a great venue at The Alamo Drafthouse! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/18/22 Full Review Romas M Greetings from Lithuania. "The Ten Commandments" (1956) is an epic film in every possible way. This is the type a movie Hollywood was known back in the day - it has a classical approach to the material. At running time 3 h 46 min this film will test one patience, but do your self a favor and watch it if you've did before - it is worth your time. The story here is as old as the movie now - about Moses. I will not get into plot only to say that it is a faithful (as it was possible) adaptation. The film making here is epic. It is very theatric - acting here is theatric but in a kind a good way. There is a difference between over play and theatrical play. The film is an epic one. Special effects made back in 1956 still gave me some chills with sea scenes near the end. Set design, costumes - all of the production values are still looks amazing to this day. Clearly little was spared for creation of this Biblical epic. Overall, watching this film for the first time in 2025 won't leave same impact as it would have been in 1956 - that goes without saying. Still the film is worth watching it at least once to appreciate the classical film Hollywood was know for back in the day. "The Ten Commandments" is a really good film even today. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/07/25 Full Review Jeremiah D. Dang unc…Dinosaur times I see… Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/23/25 Full Review Mitch B There is a reason this is a classic. I love it. Though it does have a bit of a slow burn, by the time we get to the plagues and the exodus from Egypt, the movie really pocks up and the moment where Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God stands out for me. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/01/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Ten Commandments

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Movie Info

Synopsis Enjoying a life of ease in the court of Egypt's pharaoh, Moses (Charlton Heston) discovers his Hebrew heritage and, later, God's expectations of him. He dedicates himself to liberating his people from captivity and -- with the aid of plagues and divine intervention -- manages to lead them out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. A greater challenge comes in the form of the golden calf idol, however, and it takes an unforgettable visitation by God on Mount Sinai for Moses' mission to prevail.
Director
Cecil B. DeMille
Producer
Cecil B. DeMille
Screenwriter
Æneas MacKenzie, Jesse Lasky Jr., Fredric M. Frank, Jack Gariss
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures
Rating
G
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 5, 1956, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 24, 2016
Runtime
3h 40m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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