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Ben-Hur
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Ben-Hur

1959
Romance, Drama
3h 32m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 65.23% from 3661 total ratings

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(3661)
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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 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 14 Feb 2009
84
82nd
The chariot race was extreme.
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 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 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 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 15 Aug 2007
88
90th
A classic. A movie lover-must see.
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 06 Jun 2008
100
98th
One of the best films ever shot!
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 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 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 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 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 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 23 Oct 2014
95
97th
An epic epic.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 26 Aug 2007
90
86th
Ramming speed!
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 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 07 Nov 2009
80
82nd
An epic in every sense of the word, but Wyler has major contributions to cinema.
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 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 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 26 Dec 2006
40
16th
Once again, an over-rated classic.
Rated 23 Feb 2007
79
91st
I watch this every year.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Classic.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
91
87th
This is about as epic and as good as movies get.
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 12 Jul 2007
90
66th
Classic. The chariot race alone makes it.
Rated 08 Aug 2007
48
17th
MASSIVELY overrated
Rated 14 Aug 2007
9
76th
For what this is, it's done extremely well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
80th
Tends to drag in some areas, but there's some really great spectacle scenes.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
67th
Really big screen entertainment from the 1950s.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
39th
The first half of this is a bit dull, there is little interest in keeping things moving, rather the picture willingly focuses on drawing things out. In the second half, however the picture rocks the screen. Was surprised to find the movie was religious in nature, and the print was in very good shape for being so old.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
0th
Uh, it won an Oscar, is one of the best movies of all time, and you guys don't even have it on your site. Slight oversight.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
My all time fav.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
60th
This goes on for a very long time, a great story.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
60th
One of the classics. Absolutely must be seen.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
50th
A classic, but I wouldn't want to see it but once.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
68
8th
OK movie, but way too long
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 10 Nov 2007
83
79th
Amazing horse-racing, but Heston is acting more wooden than Keanu Reeves.
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 Mar 2008
83
72nd
# 334
Rated 23 Mar 2008
44
19th
Way over the top. WAY.
Rated 05 May 2008
70
37th
Major epic with a vast cast and massively powerful story and performances.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
34
44th
selv Maximusscenerne holder ikke mere..
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 19 Dec 2008
84
68th
321
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 17 Jan 2009
84
74th
A classic, but still on the dull side in several scenes.
Rated 22 Jan 2009
90
91st
For me, this great film is a reminder of how modern epic films have lost a certain amount of authenticity. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, for example, is terrific but it completely relies on special effects - whereas this film's stunningly massive scale feels even more profound because it's REAL. Real stunts, real sets, real armies of extras. Sure, the acting and dialogue are less than perfect, but if you are distracted by that then you're missing the point.
Rated 28 Jan 2009
90
98th
Worldclass movie with Charlton Heston. Long watch, but worth it.
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 30 May 2009
84
81st
Top list epic film.
Rated 10 Jun 2009
62
49th
Why is it a classic? The race is good.
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 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 01 Aug 2009
73
73rd
Some truly great moments.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
66
45th
Come on, Wyler. You can do better.
Rated 20 Nov 2009
85
91st
Esse é bom
Rated 21 Nov 2009
68
58th
The chariot scene--the camera work and stunts--is breathtaking--even after all this time!
Rated 22 Dec 2009
81
48th
Overlong and doesn't wear well, but there is some good stuff in here, like the sea battle and the chariot race.
Rated 13 Jan 2010
83
66th
331
Rated 18 Jan 2010
90
86th
A masterful epic that grips the viewer from beginning to end.
Rated 06 Feb 2010
95
86th
really long thats why it got -5
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 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 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 21 Mar 2010
85
83rd
Totally awesome dude (Ben) screws up and kills some dude Jack Kennedy style accidentally, and the Romans put him on a mother-f***in boat, rowing like crazy so he can get super-buff, and then he escapes the boat when it sinks with some important guy, who adopts him. Now that he's rich (and free), he goes back to pwn the guy who put him in the boat, only to find that he's turned his mom and sister into LEOPARDS! So, he does that horse and cart duel thing because he's awesome. The end.
Rated 21 Apr 2010
84
97th
ger; [Ben Hur]; ein jüdischer adelsmann wird durch seinen sandkastenfreund betrogen und in die sklaverei gezwungen, doch er erhält seine freiheit zurück und sinnt nach rache.;
Rated 03 Jun 2010
73
60th
It suffers from its length, but the parts when it doesn't drag are very enjoyable.
Rated 17 Aug 2010
30
11th
why did our teacher make us watch this? it was the longest week of 6th grade.
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 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 26 Nov 2010
56
31st
Tedious.
Rated 11 Dec 2010
78
84th
Good film, but the part after the race is unnecessary. Also I didn't like the religiuos themes.
Rated 26 Dec 2010
85
80th
84.625
Rated 13 Feb 2011
80
47th
Classic, in every sense of the word. Epic-- the same.
Rated 16 May 2011
78
79th
Naive but well-conceived.
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 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 03 Aug 2011
75
63rd
Bit of a long slog, and Charlton Heston grimaces and sweats a lot, but still worth seeing once.
Rated 19 Aug 2011
80
91st
an epic which concentrates on faith , salvation , pain , ... . I like the overture very much . I thought that after the chariot race , the movie is finished but I should know there is something much more worthy than vengeance . I think the best scene is chariot race with white horses and black horses as two sides , the good and the evil .
Rated 06 Sep 2011
93
97th
A true epic. The horse race was fantastic. I didn't think Charlton Heston was all that great though. The last half hour was a bit preachy, and boring. The 3 hours leading up to it were great though. I haven't seen the original yet, but I may have to check it out. I think this is a notch above Kubrick's "Spartacus".
Rated 17 Oct 2011
25
4th
Truly a THUNDEROUS piece of shit.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
82
64th
#359
Rated 11 Dec 2011
85
18th
big production, weak drama! but you must see this movie anyway!
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 04 Jan 2012
75
51st
could have been great without the religious "fairy tale" stuff! should have ended after the race.
Rated 14 Jan 2012
85
75th
Legendary epic is still well-wrought 50 years later, though some slow stretches in the mid-section, and overdone moments of self-importance (the pious Christ scenes are almost irredeemably goofy) detract. Heston is very good in the lead, but show is stolen by Boyd who is incredible as the cold Messala. Chariot race is an unequalled master-class in action film direction, and scenes involving the leper colony are deeply moving. A fine film, but contrary to reputation, not Wyler's best.
Rated 22 Feb 2012
70
40th
An epic of truly bibical proportions and perhaps the ultimate take on the usonian interpretation of christianism. Judah is a character that, thrown in a Job-esque misadventure ends up compelled not by faith but by the most pure hatred. His selfish grief comes really close to bring unfathomable suffering to those who love him but, in an almost absurd turn of events, his redemption comes only after being an eyewitness of the Passion. The sea battle and the chariot races are really cool though.

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