![Ben-Hur](https://www.criticker.com/img/films/posters/80/Ben-Hur.webp?1719325526)
Ben-Hur
1959
Romance
Drama
3h 32m
When a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge. (imdb)
Directed by:
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Ben-Hur
1959
Romance
Drama
3h 32m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 65.26% from 3669 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(3696)
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Rated 20 Jun 2016
100
97th
Everything about this movie is epic, including the pee I had to take when it was over.
Rated 20 Jun 2016
Rated 05 Sep 2007
100
99th
This film is actually a remake of a 1925 film. Ex-General Lew Wallace wrote this during the time when he was territorial governor of NM. It's a great book and it had the potential for a great movie - which director Wyler accomplished. All the top cast, though constrained by the dialog constraints of a Biblical epic, really do their parts well. It's a great effort on many levels - drama, action, a love story and how heroism can be felt and displayed. An awesome and still impressive movie!
Rated 05 Sep 2007
Rated 23 Sep 2010
73
52nd
I can certainly appreciate the film's standout scenes. The chariot race and the naval battle are both choreographed perfectly and keep viewers on edge with suspense. But the film's ultimate message about forgiveness and salvation feels pretty hokey and hamhanded. This is especially noticeable in the final hour (after race), when the pacing drags and the conflicts the film has telegraphed for hours already unravel at a snail's pace (By the end I was almost shouting "Just give Jesus the water!")
Rated 23 Sep 2010
Rated 10 Jan 2012
62
37th
I was only really engaged with the story when Judah and Messala were interacting with each other, culminating with the great chariot race sequence. The rest of the film felt extremely trite and artificial to me. It's a well made movie, but I don't plan on watching it ever again.
Rated 10 Jan 2012
Rated 04 Oct 2021
90
95th
Epic but it didn't feel that long, until after the chariot race was over and everything just dragged on and on. I see it's a tale of the Christ, but that whole plot could have been taken out altogether and we'd get a tighter Count of Monte Cristo. Heston, while his looks weren't leading man, had the charisma to play someone who was friends with everyone. Fav scenes: sea battle; chariot race was a spectacle of filmmaking and real feeling of guys getting trampled. Podracing has nothing on this.
Rated 04 Oct 2021
Rated 05 Jun 2007
90
86th
Now here's an epic for you. A better Roman Empire movie than _Gladiator_ and a better Jesus movie than _The Passion of the Christ_ at the same time
Rated 05 Jun 2007
Rated 19 May 2016
95
95th
We must include a huge Hollywood production (thank you director, William Wyler) with one of the greats (Charleton Heston) authentic costumes and great scenic backdrops. This film resulted in 11 Academy awards, a feat only equaled by Titantic and The Lord of the Rings, the Return of the King. This is the Biblical epic that outdoes them all with a musical score you will have difficulty getting out of your head.
Rated 19 May 2016
Rated 22 Dec 2015
7
57th
A lavish epic that is ultimately weighed down by its bloated running time. While some parts are undeniably impressive to watch, others come off as long-winded and wholly unnecessary. And let's face it, the entire plot is rendered redundant, were it not for the clumsiness of Judah's sister, or the absence of a competent roof tiler. Dat chariot race, though.
Rated 22 Dec 2015
Rated 02 Jun 2008
73
44th
Thus began my unnatural obsession with Charlton Heston, but upon re-watching I found that this movie is really only epic because it wastes it's time with unnecessary story. There's about an hour and a half, maybe two, of a really good movie here, but simply too much other stuff.
Rated 02 Jun 2008
Rated 31 Jan 2009
90
96th
A classic. Epic in scope, vintage Heston period piece, and one of the best racing scenes ever filmed.
Rated 31 Jan 2009
Rated 10 Feb 2009
90
94th
Remember back in the days when being betrayed and sold into slavery was a new concept? Now it seems like everyone's doing it. Way to go Heston for being the pioneer of a movement!
Rated 10 Feb 2009
Rated 03 Mar 2009
97
91st
A beautiful epic about Christ and good old fashioned revenge in the arena. A paradox you say? Perhaps. Heston's performance was one of the most radiant and touching I have seen. Im also a fan of ancient Roman culture, pretty much concluding this as a top 10 all time favorite.
Rated 03 Mar 2009
Rated 26 May 2015
70
71st
Unfortunately the ending turns away from an interesting and epic political story of Rome vs. Judea, which this movie does not provide any ending whatsoever for, towards a shoehorned, shallow and melodramatic story about Jezus and the mother and sister of Ben-Hur.
Rated 26 May 2015
Rated 21 Nov 2010
90
91st
There has been at least four remakes of this film and NOT ONE has ever, and I don't think it will, surpass this '59 epic film. William Wyler's remake of the biblical tale changed and inspired many of Hollywood's filmmakers to create films that change our view of the world, and perhaps beyond it. It still remains as a work of historical epic cinema. Charlton Heston's performance will forever be remembered as his finest role in his career; I personally consider him the "godfather of all actors".
Rated 21 Nov 2010
Rated 23 Oct 2014
95
96th
An epic epic.
Rated 23 Oct 2014
Rated 20 Jan 2011
92
97th
I envy the person watching this one for the very first time. This film is pure perfection. Dramatically, an amazing story in every single way and an acting which is as pure as it can be. 4 hours of finger licking.
Rated 20 Jan 2011
Rated 10 Apr 2012
90
93rd
If cinema means anything to you, this is one of the films on a very "short" list, which I would suggest is a "must see". Not only for the eipc scenes but for the lesson in how to handle emotion. Whilst Charlton Heston is not THAT brilliant an actor, he is "made of the right stuff" in this role, and he and Stephen Boyd are simply superb. I can watch the chariot race over and over again and still marvel at how it was made without killing a bus load of people. Just a wonderful film.
Rated 10 Apr 2012
Rated 14 Jun 2016
95
97th
Undoubtedly a classic. While some of the religious sentiments seem a little unnecessary in the greater course of things, this film has all the makings of an epic. Grandiose action sequences, a wonderful director with a knack for camera work, and a swashbuckling lead in front of a stellar cast. Amazing film, and one to always be remembered.
Rated 14 Jun 2016
Rated 24 Jun 2007
73
23rd
If they lost some of the first 40 minutes, and all of the last 40, this would be a solid revenge tale. That would probably miss whatever point those 80 minutes were trying to make, though. The chariot race is impressive.
Rated 24 Jun 2007
Rated 13 Aug 2007
76
47th
For the most part a good movie, but it's longer than it needs to be and at times feels muddled. The set up is interesting and the tale of revenge that comes out of it is good enough to keep your interest even through the occasional detours the film makes. The chariot race is the culmination of this and is every bit as great as expected; there's tension and excitement and it pays off greatly. Unfortunately, there's 40 minutes after it and while they're not terrible they're not very good e
Rated 13 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
74th
Sweeping Hollywood epic, made during that era when filmmakers were going all out with massive, lavish productions to lure back audiences siphoned off by TV. Good acting, great action, enjoyable story.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 26 Aug 2007
90
86th
Ramming speed!
Rated 26 Aug 2007
Rated 07 Mar 2008
80
74th
Nobody does Bible flicks like Troy McClure....I mean, Charlton Heston. Don't know if the totally dispensable overtures from the DVD were apart of the theater experience as well, but DAMN! Could this movie have been any effing longer? Not the best chariot scenes ever filmed, but pretty damned good. A surefire staple for the Jesus crowd, and a solid movie for everyone else. But don't watch it on a day when you've got other shit to do.
Rated 07 Mar 2008
Rated 14 Jan 2009
84
88th
Regardless of the absurd context, the film is incredibly epic and well done. It's been years since I saw it - probably fifteen or more, but even at such a young age it was very influential.
Rated 14 Jan 2009
Rated 07 Nov 2009
80
82nd
An epic in every sense of the word, but Wyler has major contributions to cinema.
Rated 07 Nov 2009
Rated 24 Aug 2016
50
28th
So like, Judah Ben-Hur was Moses? I heard Moses complain about damn, dirty apes, and say something about prying a gun from his cold, dead hands. Man, the bible is so confusing.
Rated 24 Aug 2016
Rated 03 Jan 2014
89
73rd
Uneven, but in terms of epic scope and grand spectacle, Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood's finest examples of pure entertainment.
Rated 03 Jan 2014
Rated 21 Jan 2013
65
33rd
Sure it's epic, but I can't really say the expense was really worth it. There are good moments, but they are few and far between. I also didn't expect so much Jesus in the film. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it kind of took me by surprise.
Rated 21 Jan 2013
Rated 26 Dec 2006
40
16th
Once again, an over-rated classic.
Rated 26 Dec 2006
Rated 01 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Classic.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
Rated 19 Mar 2007
91
87th
This is about as epic and as good as movies get.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
Rated 06 Apr 2007
85
85th
The chariot race scene is simple astonishing. Even with modern special effects to compare it too, you are genuinely terrified for the guys thundering around for the mear amusement of the populous. An undeniable classic.
Rated 06 Apr 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
9
76th
For what this is, it's done extremely well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
80th
Tends to drag in some areas, but there's some really great spectacle scenes.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
67th
Really big screen entertainment from the 1950s.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
60th
This goes on for a very long time, a great story.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
60th
One of the classics. Absolutely must be seen.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
50th
A classic, but I wouldn't want to see it but once.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 24 Oct 2007
80
58th
I saw this when I was a kid. All I remember is the chariot race and the lepers. But it's a classic epic, so see it, despite the presence of the always boring Heston.
Rated 24 Oct 2007
Rated 10 Nov 2007
83
79th
Amazing horse-racing, but Heston is acting more wooden than Keanu Reeves.
Rated 10 Nov 2007
Rated 01 Jan 2008
80
72nd
Unless you like preaching turn it off after the chariot race, which is amazing by the way.
Rated 01 Jan 2008
Rated 01 Mar 2008
83
72nd
# 334
Rated 01 Mar 2008
Rated 05 Mar 2020
74
77th
A fine story, though a bit heavy on the embellishment.
Rated 05 Mar 2020
Rated 05 Oct 2008
80
84th
Pretentious but nevertheless GRAND in every sense of the word - and not just for the sake of being epic. Wyler manages to keep focus on the personal, intimate and timeless story and uses a lot of modern filmmaking techniques too - for instance with the exceptional almost expressionistic dark lighting. And, of course, the production design and special effects are, well, truly fantastic compared to today's often-crappy-CGI-standard
Rated 05 Oct 2008
Rated 19 Dec 2008
84
68th
321
Rated 19 Dec 2008
Rated 08 Jan 2009
77
90th
A well deserved win for the 'Best Chariot Race' Oscar. This pretty much defines what Epic movies are all about.
Rated 08 Jan 2009
Rated 22 Jan 2020
83
93rd
Impressive. I have never seen a production design like that. I am not bored while watching a 4 hours film just Christ scenes bored me. Charlton Heston did an incridible job by acting Ben-Hur.
Rated 22 Jan 2020
Rated 09 Aug 2021
47
37th
Host ratings: 70 / 70 / -. (RRR) Podcast review link: https://rydeorwrong.podcaster.de/rydeorwrong/folge-024-cage-match-guarding-tess-vs-bad-lieutenant-ben-hur-a-star-is-born/
Rated 09 Aug 2021
Rated 28 Jan 2009
90
98th
Worldclass movie with Charlton Heston. Long watch, but worth it.
Rated 28 Jan 2009
Rated 19 Apr 2009
63
22nd
Niblo's version makes Wyler's pale in comparison in just about every way. This one is all Hollywoodized. About 50% longer, it adds a bunch of silly crap in an attempt to amp up the sympathy for Judah, his steamy passion for Esther, or the dramatic tension. The sea battle in this one is a joke compared to what had been done 40 years earlier. I would say that even the chariot race is not a significant improvement. As for Heston, his intense brooding gets tiresome.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
Rated 17 Nov 2019
64
53rd
It has several engrossing sequences, but ultimately is thanks to Heston that it succeeds. His sizable screen presence carries the movie through rough patches.
Rated 17 Nov 2019
Rated 06 Jun 2015
8
71st
Its pacing will assure that you feel its monumental length, and it's thematically direct, but "Ben-Hur" remains rarely surpassed when it comes to powerful Hollywood epics.
Rated 06 Jun 2015
Rated 23 Jul 2009
68
53rd
It's hard to say why, since the Christ appearance is only implied, but I got the feeling that this movie was trying to turn me into a Christian. In other words, it was only disguised as an adventure film. For example, when Hestons' Jewish hero speaks to the gladiator man in the beginning about oppression, I almost felt like a very lightly veiled Bible reference was going on (Moses perhaps?), I'm not sure why. It leaves a bad taste, though the chariot race is Very well done.
Rated 23 Jul 2009
Rated 28 Jul 2009
80
75th
Like all epics, it's butt-numbing to sit through, but it's very well made and inspirational in its way.
Rated 28 Jul 2009
Rated 30 Aug 2024
78
80th
Opinión personal: 8 Actores: 7.5 Guión: 7.5 Fotografía: 8.5 BSO: 6 Otros:9.5 Iluminación: FX:9.5 Director: Humor: Vestuario/caracterización:10 Ritmo:9 Total: 78
Rated 30 Aug 2024
Rated 22 Jul 2019
85
93rd
11 oscar ödüllü dev film. Judah ile Messala ile başlayan arkadaşlık ilişkisi, hata ve hırsları tarafından yaşamını karartır. Judah'ın ailesini suçsuz yere hapse atan Messala'dan intikam almak ister. Önüne çıkan imkanları doğru kullanan Judah, Messala'dan öcünü alır. Harika at yarışı sahnesi. Sinematografın harika açıları. Fakat diyalog faciası. Hz.İsa'nın ölümü ile biten film, duyguları ve gözleri ağlatıyor. At hırsızı olmayın adam olun adam.
Rated 22 Jul 2019
Rated 13 Jan 2010
83
66th
331
Rated 13 Jan 2010
Rated 06 Feb 2010
95
86th
really long thats why it got -5
Rated 06 Feb 2010
Rated 07 Feb 2010
98
99th
What can anyone say for Ben-Hur? It's probably the best movie ever, even if the last scene isn't what it should be. The best actors of the age made their best performance and the script was just perfect!
Rated 07 Feb 2010
Rated 01 Mar 2010
80
70th
The definition of epic, nearly four hours long yet never boring and it never disappoints the viewer. Heston and Boyd are fantastic.
Rated 01 Mar 2010
Rated 17 Mar 2010
80
80th
One of the greatest epics ever made. It is an interesting historical work shows many customs, beliefs and punishments that time. And has one of the most memorable scenes of cinema, the chariot race.
Rated 17 Mar 2010
Rated 23 Jun 2024
85
95th
William Wyler's masterpiece. The story takes place in the time of Jesus. Chief photographer Robert L. Surtees did a remarkable job with the pictorial pictures, both sea battles and horse races are fantastic filmed. The music by Miklos Rozsa plays a big role in the mood of the film and Rozsa also knows when there should be no music: Thus he does not submerged the horse race into music, but it is shown au nature. A well-deserved success and a worthy winner of 11 Oscars
Rated 23 Jun 2024
Rated 03 Jul 2021
80
78th
Epic. Bookended by a quieter religious story, most of Ben-Hur follows the escapades of a high-born Jew who becomes a slave during the Roman empire. A four-hour movie is going to have some faults, but except for the major tonal change right after that amazing chariot racing scene, it still holds up well today. (Am I the only one who idly wondered about a Ten Commandments - Ben-Hur - Spartacus triple feature?)
Rated 03 Jul 2021
Rated 14 Mar 2015
40
19th
Huh?! I thought this is gonna be some epic adventure film, but it ends up being ridiculously dumb religious bullshit. What a lame ending.
Rated 14 Mar 2015
Rated 17 Aug 2010
30
11th
why did our teacher make us watch this? it was the longest week of 6th grade.
Rated 17 Aug 2010
Rated 31 Oct 2010
56
15th
I was expecting more of a three-hour movie than this. The chariot-scenes were great, but the rest of it failed to keep my full attention. Part of that is due to the long, drawn-out scenes with dull camerawork, and the pounding of the same messages and themes over and over which makes this seem longer than necessary. The religious nature of the film does not help it at all, and the ending makes little sense because of it.
Rated 31 Oct 2010
Rated 04 Nov 2010
75
52nd
Long, incredibly dull and slow paced at times, too many Christian overtones. Some scenes are just mind blowing though and it gives an accurate moral lesson.
Rated 04 Nov 2010
Rated 10 Apr 2024
90
84th
wonderful movie
Rated 10 Apr 2024
Rated 13 Feb 2011
80
47th
Classic, in every sense of the word. Epic-- the same.
Rated 13 Feb 2011
Rated 19 May 2011
85
79th
One of the better epics and one of the better Jesus-themed movies, as Wyler rightly leaves the face of Jesus to imagination, focusing instead on the effects of Jesus on the lives of others. The standout battle scene and chariot race are well known, but it is the smaller, expressive moments I like best: the romantic exchange with Esther early in the film, Judah's short, silent prayer before the race, and Judah's ascending the stairs at the film's conclusion.
Rated 19 May 2011
Rated 18 Jul 2011
65
28th
Hyped. For sure a great movie back in 1959, especially the chariot race is epic. However it's one and a half hours too long, there are some quite protracted parts. I also don't see the point of saying "It was great, because all the ideas were new back then" ... could trade my LCD for a black-and-white CRT using the same argument. Nevertheless a solid movie.
Rated 18 Jul 2011
Rated 22 Aug 2022
74
38th
Meh
Rated 22 Aug 2022
Rated 18 Aug 2016
65
61st
A film always remembered more for its game-changing set piece (yes, the chariot race, of course) than for its core message -- a story of betrayal, revenge and ultimately redemption of a rich Jewish that only finds peace after meeting Jesus (we never see his face, but I'm sure it's him).
Rated 18 Aug 2016
Rated 02 Sep 2014
55
50th
"Lew Wallace's hectic potboiler-classic has everything - even leprosy." --Pauline Kael. Including a lot of really slo-o-o-o-ow stretches. And a rather embarrassing pseudo-pious score.
Rated 02 Sep 2014
Rated 30 Nov 2011
82
64th
#359
Rated 30 Nov 2011
Rated 11 Dec 2011
85
18th
big production, weak drama! but you must see this movie anyway!
Rated 11 Dec 2011
Rated 28 Dec 2011
72
61st
A lot more religiously charged than I thought it would be, though I did go into it with almost no prior knowledge. The subtitle is "a tale of the christ" but that really is more of a sub-plot to this film. In fact, the whole thing is pretty unrelated to the main plot. That element seemed awkwardly handled to me, but the main story is otherwise extremely well done. Love the effects, particularly in the chariot race.
Rated 28 Dec 2011
Rated 04 Jan 2012
75
51st
could have been great without the religious "fairy tale" stuff! should have ended after the race.
Rated 04 Jan 2012
Rated 16 Mar 2012
90
65th
Love this film. Sweeping, Majestic, Thrilling, and with Chuck Heston at the helm you can't go wrong!
Rated 16 Mar 2012
Rated 17 May 2012
64
43rd
Some great scenes aren't enough to save this movie from seeming long and tedious at times. Decent, but certainly not classic writing.
Rated 17 May 2012
Rated 15 Jun 2012
74
62nd
yahudi soylusu, cocukluk arkadasi, romalilar, yahudiler, araplar, ilk hristyanlar, Kaza, kürek mahkumu, köle, deniz savasi, hayat kurtarmak, evlatlik, tiberius, cüzzam, atli araba yarisi, hz. isa, carmiga gerilme, mucize, sakin kahraman
Rated 15 Jun 2012
Rated 29 Jul 2012
20
30th
The lush colors and impressive sets made this moderately entertaining. The ship battle scene and the chariot race scenes were also impressively done. However, the more I think about the story the emptier it feels - especially considering the length - and the ending was pretty ridiculous Christian nonsense. Also, Charlton Heston wasn't very convincing leading man.
Rated 29 Jul 2012
Rated 16 Apr 2022
80
74th
Personally, I don't think it justifies its nearly 4 hour length, like "Once Upon a Time in America", "Seven Samurai" or "The Irishman". Feels to slow, even for a 1950's epic. But it's huge scope and impact on film as a whole, especially with that magnificent chariot race, most certainly elevates the score. It's just as breath taking today as it was in 1959.
Rated 16 Apr 2022
Rated 07 Nov 2012
80
71st
hristiyanlık propagandalı dinsel sıçırtmalar içerdiğinden puan kırdım. yoksa teknik açıdan üstün; araba yarışı sahneleri falan şahane çekilmiş. (o sahnelerde ölen-yaralanan figüranlar olmayaymış daha iyiymiş tabii.)
Rated 07 Nov 2012
Rated 30 Nov 2012
80
90th
This is a truly epic film. It's quite long, and although I wouldn't say it was ever boring, it did feel long. I found the way in which the story and lead character were interspersed with Christian mythology quite interesting. The famous chariot race sequence was definitely the highlight and an impressive piece of filmmaking. It's really just a good, entertaining story with some nice human moments and good messages.
Rated 30 Nov 2012
Rated 19 Jan 2013
30
6th
The chariot race is decent. The other big action scene, a seabound battle, consisted of boats firing flares up in the air, looking very dull, whilst the music swamps the film just to make sure we know quite how EPIC this is. The bland score reappears at every given moment not enhancing my emotional reactions but instead trying to make up for the utter lack of them. The script often drifts in to pure cheese and literally no one can act. Also the Christ bits that are added on feel smug. Awful.
Rated 19 Jan 2013
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