Overview
Witness the profound journey of faith and sacrifice as the life of a pivotal figure unfolds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- solemn
- reverent
- grand
- religious observance
- classic cinema night
What critics said
Critics broadly recognize the film's impressive scale and solemn purpose, while remaining divided over its conventional style and impersonal characterization.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Samuel Bronston Productions and MGM present Roman occupation, royal courts, battles, miracles, and public execution on an expansive scale.
The New Testament story is shaped into a polished Hollywood feature with a major cast, dramatic set pieces, and accessible characterization.
Jesus's teachings and miracles unfold against Roman power, dynastic violence, rebellion, and the suffering of ordinary people.
The plot interweaves Roman invasion, Herodian succession, Barabbas's revolt, John the Baptist's execution, and Jesus's ministry.
Films like King of Kings, and why
The Greatest Story Ever Told
biblical epic spectacle, religious drama, and ancient-world conflict
The Robe
sword-and-sandal grandeur, Christian subject matter, and large-scale historical drama
Ben-Hur
religious epic, Roman-era setting, and solemn themes of sacrifice and redemption
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
scripted Gospel adaptation, spiritual drama, and austere treatment of Jesus's life
Movie Details
- Director
- Nicholas Ray
- Release Date
- 1961-10-11
- Runtime
- 171 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (245)
Cast
- Jeffrey Hunter
- Siobhán McKenna
- Hurd Hatfield
- Ron Randell
- Viveca Lindfors
- Rita Gam
- Carmen Sevilla
- Brigid Bazlen
- Harry Guardino
- Rip Torn
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 King of Kings about?
- A monumental Hollywood rendering of Jesus's life that combines Gospel drama, Roman-era political turmoil, and sweeping biblical spectacle.
- What is King of Kings like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of King of Kings as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is King of Kings violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in King of Kings as moderate.
- What did critics think of King of Kings?
- Critics broadly recognize the film's impressive scale and solemn purpose, while remaining divided over its conventional style and impersonal characterization.
- Which films are like King of Kings?
- Films with a similar feel include The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Robe, Ben-Hur, and The Gospel According to St. Matthew.
- How long is King of Kings?
- King of Kings runs 171 minutes.
- Where can I watch King of Kings?
- In United States, King of Kings is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
