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Ben-Hur

Play trailer Poster for Ben-Hur G 1959 3h 23m History Drama Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 58 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
An enslaved Judean prince (Charlton Heston) meets his Roman betrayer (Stephen Boyd), a former friend, in a chariot race.
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Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur

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Critics Consensus

Uneven, but in terms of epic scope and grand spectacle, Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood's finest examples of pure entertainment.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Mar 23
5/5
The most remarkable aspect of Ben-Hur is its narrative simplicity. Go to Full Review Jack Harrison The Hollywood Reporter 11/19/2018
William Wyler never lets spectacle and size interfere with the elemental passions and conflicts of his human story. The spectacular aspects emerge naturally from the story -- the time and place and the customs of the society in which the characters live. Go to Full Review Martin Chilton Daily Telegraph (UK) 01/01/2015
5/5
Although it is a spectacle film, the story of how a man takes on the tyranny of the Romans, with all sorts of horrible consequences to himself and his family, is powerful and gripping. Go to Full Review Katie Hogan FILMHOUNDS Magazine Mar 24
4/5
A small accident sparks an epic story, and thankfully, it’s told so well here that generations later, we are still in awe of this film. Go to Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect Feb 19
4.5/5
An epic three-and-a-half-hour saga that exceeded expectations and became one of the most celebrated films in Academy Awards history. Go to Full Review Jeff Beck The Blu Spot Feb 17
5/5
Even after nearly 70 years, William Wyler's Ben-Hur remains one of the most astonishing accomplishments in the history of cinema. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jim Reeder 2d This movie was over the top then and now. Ben-Hur will always be one of the best movies ever made if not the best. See more Kristi obeso 4d There was so much we missed seeing it on the small screen. It was in readable. See more Rosey 4d This is such a great classic. I can't remember the first time I saw it I've seen it so many times. It is old fashioned, more in the style of a stage play as far as the acting goes. But all the actors are so good, and it's such a great story with lots of excitement and ups and downs. It's also interesting to see the Bible story brought to life somewhat realistically. My grandkids have enjoyed it as much as I did. It might even make you want to read the book! (I did!) See more Tom H 5d One of my favorite epic films Great on the big screen and wonderful sound with Mikls Rzsa's fabulous score. See more Michael R 5d After watching epic movies on TV for all these years, it was quite a treat to watch Ben-Hur on the big screen. The big screen also enhanced the experience of listening the iconic musical score See more Klark 5d I have seen the movie on the tv but to watch it on the big screen was absolutely a wonderful experience. It is a great movie and even better to watch at the theater. The restored movie is stunning! It is one of my most memorable movie events! Loved the movie, great acting, a perfect Easter story!! See more Read all reviews
Ben-Hur

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Cast & Crew

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William Wyler

Director

Charlton Heston

Judah Ben-Hur

Jack Hawkins

Quintus Arrius

Stephen Boyd

Messala

Haya Harareet

Esther

Hugh Griffith

Sheik Ilderim

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Ben-Hur

Shown here is the chariot race in the film "Ben-Hur." Hugh Griffith portrays Sheik Ilderim in the film "Ben-Hur." Charlton Heston (left) Stephen Boyd (center), who played Messala, talk with director William Wyler (right) while taking a break from filming the chariot race. Charlton Heston (left) pictured here on the film's set in Rome with Haya Harareet (right), who played Esther. Charlton Heston (left) on the film's set in Rome with his three-year old son Fraser (center). Co-star Jack Hawkins (right) is shown chatting with Heston and his son during a break from filming. Ben-Hur (1959) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis An enslaved Judean prince (Charlton Heston) meets his Roman betrayer (Stephen Boyd), a former friend, in a chariot race.
Director
William Wyler
Producer
Sam Zimbalist
Screenwriter
Lew Wallace, Karl Tunberg
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Warner Bros., Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating
G
Genre
History, Drama, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 1959, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Mar 29, 2026
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 30, 2013
Runtime
3h 23m
Sound Mix
Stereo, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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