Overview
A man condemned to death finds himself on a path of redemption and self-discovery.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- grave
- epic
- spiritually searching
- classic cinema night
- historical epic marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a visually impressive and serious biblical epic with strong historical atmosphere and positive overall execution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Barabbas's release after Jesus's crucifixion initiates a prolonged crisis of faith rather than a conventional triumphal religious narrative.
Barabbas survives execution, slavery, mining, and arena violence while remaining uncertain about the meaning of his life and Jesus's sacrifice.
Roman arenas, sulphur mines, crucifixion imagery, and mass historical settings externalize Barabbas's inward struggle.
Barabbas is spared through Pilate's Passover choice and subsequently encounters events and communities shaped by Jesus's death.
Films like Barabbas, and why
The Greatest Story Ever Told
shared biblical subject matter, ancient-world setting, religious drama, and large-scale spectacle
The Robe
shared sword-and-sandal tradition, Roman-era setting, moral conflict, and epic production design
Quo Vadis
shared ancient Roman setting, spectacle, spiritual themes, and dramatic emphasis on individual conscience
The Last Temptation of Christ
shared religious epic form, historical upheaval, and a protagonist undergoing moral transformation
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Fleischer
- Release Date
- 1961-12-23
- Runtime
- 137 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (188)
Cast
- Anthony Quinn
- Silvana Mangano
- Arthur Kennedy
- Katy Jurado
- Harry Andrews
- Vittorio Gassman
- Norman Wooland
- Valentina Cortese
- Jack Palance
- Ernest Borgnine
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Barabbas about?
- A condemned thief survives the crucifixion meant for him and is swept through Roman slavery, violence, and spiritual uncertainty.
- What is Barabbas like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Barabbas as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Barabbas violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Barabbas as brutal.
- What did critics think of Barabbas?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a visually impressive and serious biblical epic with strong historical atmosphere and positive overall execution.
- Which films are like Barabbas?
- Films with a similar feel include The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Robe, Quo Vadis, and The Last Temptation of Christ.
- How long is Barabbas?
- Barabbas runs 137 minutes.
- Where can I watch Barabbas?
- In United States, Barabbas is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
