Overview
A tale of revenge and redemption set against the backdrop of ancient Rome's might.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- majestic
- solemn
- stirring
- classic cinema night
- historical epic marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Ben-Hur as a majestic, intelligent historical epic distinguished by strong performances, William Wyler's direction, and an exceptionally thrilling chariot race.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
MGM presents Jerusalem and the Roman Empire through expansive sets, crowds, pageantry, and major action sequences.
Judah loses his status and freedom after Messala punishes him for an accident, prompting his vow to return and seek revenge.
The extended chariot race is the film's defining action centerpiece, combining rivalry, danger, horsemanship, and cinematic scale.
Judah's life unfolds amid Roman rule, Jewish communal life, political conflict, and the presence of Christianity.
Films like Ben-Hur, and why
The Ten Commandments
shared historical epic scale, ancient setting, religious themes, and spectacular action set pieces
Spartacus
shared roman-era setting, sword and sandal tradition, revenge narrative, and large-scale spectacle
The Robe
shared biblical-era drama, spiritual themes, monumental production design, and classical hollywood grandeur
Quo Vadis
shared historical epic form, imperial politics, personal betrayal, and lavish action filmmaking
Movie Details
- Director
- William Wyler
- Release Date
- 1959-11-18
- Runtime
- 212 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (3278)
Cast
- Charlton Heston
- Stephen Boyd
- Hugh Griffith
- Jack Hawkins
- Haya Harareet
- Martha Scott
- Cathy O'Donnell
- Sam Jaffe
- Finlay Currie
- Frank Thring
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 Ben-Hur about?
- A wrongfully condemned Jewish prince wages a sweeping struggle for justice and revenge amid the power of imperial Rome.
- What is Ben-Hur like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ben-Hur as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Ben-Hur violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Ben-Hur as moderate.
- What did critics think of Ben-Hur?
- Critics broadly regard Ben-Hur as a majestic, intelligent historical epic distinguished by strong performances, William Wyler's direction, and an exceptionally thrilling chariot race.
- Which films are like Ben-Hur?
- Films with a similar feel include The Ten Commandments, Spartacus, The Robe, and Quo Vadis.
- How long is Ben-Hur?
- Ben-Hur runs 212 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ben-Hur?
- In United States, Ben-Hur is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
