Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

The Passion of the Christ

Play trailer Poster for The Passion of the Christ R 2004 2h 6m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
50% Tomatometer 278 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalene (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.
Watch on Fandango at Home Stream Now

Where to Watch

The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Director Mel Gibson's zeal is unmistakable, but The Passion of the Christ will leave many viewers emotionally drained rather than spiritually uplifted.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More
Will Self London Evening Standard 01/09/2018
If I believed in life eternal with access to a heavenly multiplex I still wouldn't advise you to see this film, but, as things stand, if thou goest anywhere this week, be it to see an honest piece of graven imagery, not this religiose rubbish. Go to Full Review
Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/28/2010
3/5
Extremely violent, and powerful; for mature teens. Go to Full Review
Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader 03/05/2008
If I were a Christian, I'd be appalled to have this primitive and pornographic bloodbath presume to speak for me. Go to Full Review
Jeremy Jahns JeremyJahns.com Apr 3
What it lacks in backstory, it makes up for with full-force emotional impact. Go to Full Review
Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex 04/20/2025
4/10
While other films about Jesus of Nazareth opted to focus on his struggles as a man of faith, Gibson focuses on the intensity of what he was forced to endure. While Gibson touches on something profoundly nihilistic, it’s ultimately a vapid experience. Go to Full Review
Mark Johnson Awards Daily 06/27/2023
While the scenes we are witnessing are graphic and difficult to watch, there’s no denying the immersive experience that Passion brought to the screen. It’s as valid and visceral as any biblical story that’s ever been captured on film. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
BBP 3. @RT85801107 1d The best and most accurate depiction of Jesus’s death See more Carter T. @CarterTrewMovieReview 2d I loved this movie. It was a certified banger in my opinion, but it was so sad. To watch Jesus be mistreated, tortured, mocked and all, it was mentally exhausting. As a Christian, the movie only gets more sad because it is an accurate representation of what actually did happen to Jesus and how it all went down with Judas. I did like how it was really factual. From Jesus being whipped and brutalized to Jesus waking up in the tomb at the end, all as factual as one could possibly be based off of what we know about what actually happened today. Love this movie. 5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!! See more Bryan A. @Timmaryturner Jun 10 this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalene (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace. See more Eric D @RT32637638 Jun 4 As gripping as it is powerful as it is factual. A critic once said that it was emotionally draining , which is true. But considering that it is a graphic and detailed description of what actually happens during a crucifixion. This is historical narrative. Events that actually took place. Mel gibson did , right by taking the story of the crucifixion in all four gospels and weaving them together. There are also other historical writings outside of the bible that point toward this being an actual event. Its now July of 2026. And next year will be the follow up with the resurrection. Im looking forward to watching it. See more Luke D @RT03693235 Jun 3 Powerful. If you’re debating on watching it, you should See more Christian M @chriss17eu May 29 Even with the controversy, it’s violently good. Visually, the film is powerful, built around long and slow shots filled with dense lighting, strong colors, and makeup that make the suffering feel almost tangible. It reminded me of 'Ben-Hur' in the way its imagery lingers beyond the narrative itself, although some effects feel oddly unfinished. What defines the experience most is its physicality. The violence is graphic, direct, and deeply uncomfortable, but that discomfort is exactly what makes the film work. More disturbing than the brutality itself is the way suffering becomes spectacle, with characters mocking and enjoying the pain, turning it into collective dehumanization. Jim Caviezel delivers an overwhelming performance through sheer physical and emotional commitment, while Mel Gibson focuses less on theology and more on the raw, human experience of sacrifice. Despite feeling slightly incomplete by the end, the film kept me fully immersed throughout. See more Read all reviews
The Passion of the Christ

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING
The Million Dollar Hotel 25% 67% The Million Dollar Hotel Watchlist One Eight Seven 31% 67% One Eight Seven Watchlist Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman 79% 85% Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman Watchlist The Assassination of Richard Nixon 67% 69% The Assassination of Richard Nixon Watchlist I'm Not Scared 90% 87% I'm Not Scared Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalene (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.
Director
Mel Gibson
Producer
Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Stephen McEveety
Screenwriter
Benedict Fitzgerald, Mel Gibson
Distributor
Newmarket Film Group
Production Co
Icon Entertainment International
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Aramaic
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 25, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$371.4M
Runtime
2h 6m
Sound Mix
DTS, SDDS, Dolby SRD, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Digital 2.39:1