Son of God (2014), PG-13, 2 hr 18 min

Overview

Son of God is kind of like a greatest-hits version of Jesus’ life, pulled together from The Bible miniseries and edited into a full-length movie. It was directed by Christopher Spencer and produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey—so it definitely leans into the faith-based, reverent tone. Diogo Morgado plays Jesus, and the film follows the familiar path: creation montage, Jesus’ ministry, His miracles, the clashes with religious leaders, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection.

It’s not a Hollywood blockbuster, and you can tell—it feels more like a really well-made church film than a cinematic epic. The storytelling is pretty straightforward and sticks closely to Scripture, which is a plus for many Christian viewers. But it can feel a little flat at times, and the pacing is uneven. Some scenes hit emotionally, especially during the Crucifixion, but others feel a bit rushed or overly dramatized.

Visually, it tries to be epic, though a few of the CGI effects feel dated. Still, the tone is sincere, the spiritual message is front and center, and if you’re watching it with a church group, youth group, or during Easter season, it can be a meaningful experience.

Bottom line: Son of God might not win awards for filmmaking, but it’s a heartfelt and faithful retelling that’s easy to follow and spiritually focused. It’s definitely a solid pick for those wanting to reflect on Jesus’ life and sacrifice—just be ready for some heavy scenes during the crucifixion and don’t expect huge Hollywood flair.

Family Friendliness

Son of God is rated PG-13, mostly because of the intense and sometimes bloody scenes around the Crucifixion. It’s not quite as graphic as The Passion of the Christ, but it still gets pretty heavy—especially during Jesus’ flogging, the crown of thorns, and the cross itself. There’s no bad language or sexual content, though you’ll see things like loincloths and a quick Adam-and-Eve moment early on.

It’s not really a movie for young kids. Teens and adults will probably get the most out of it, especially if you’re coming in with a heart for Scripture and faith-based storytelling. Some scenes—like Judas’s breakdown or Mary watching her son suffer—hit pretty hard emotionally. Common Sense Media suggests 14 and up, and that feels about right.

The Dove Foundation approved it for older kids and up, praising how it sticks to the Bible and presents Jesus with clarity and respect. It’s got strong spiritual themes, even if the pacing can feel a little slow sometimes.

Bottom line: It’s a solid watch for believers, especially around Easter or during a Bible study. Just be ready for some emotional weight and some tough-to-watch moments. Not flashy—but faithful.

Notable Scenes

1. Creation to Jesus Montage

The film kicks off with a quick recap of the big biblical moments—Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, Moses parting the Red Sea—leading right into the birth of Jesus. It sets the spiritual tone right away, like a fast-forward through salvation history.

2. Sermon on the Mount

This is one of the more peaceful and beautiful parts. Jesus delivers the Beatitudes and preaches about love, mercy, and forgiveness to a big crowd. It’s calm, hopeful, and really captures the heart of His message.

3. Miracles Highlight Reel

This part feels like a Greatest Hits collection—Jesus walks on water, multiplies the loaves and fishes, and raises Lazarus from the dead. Each miracle is meant to wow both the on-screen crowd and the audience watching the film.

4. The Last Supper

Jesus shares a quiet, intimate meal with His disciples. It’s not overdone—just a meaningful, reverent moment where He breaks bread, foreshadowing His sacrifice. It’s a good representation of what Communion is meant to be.

5. Arrest & Trial

Here’s where things get tense. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, the religious leaders rage, and Pilate struggles to make a decision. The crowd gets louder and angrier. It’s emotionally charged and full of injustice.

6. The Crucifixion

This is the most graphic and intense part. Jesus is beaten, crowned with thorns, and nailed to the cross. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality—it’s raw and heartbreaking, but reverently done.

7. Mary’s Grief

Roma Downey plays Mary, and her performance during the Crucifixion is emotional and gut-wrenching. You really feel the pain of a mother watching her son suffer. It’s quiet but deeply moving.

8. Resurrection

After all the sorrow, the film closes with a brief but powerful resurrection scene. Jesus walks out of the tomb, whole and alive. It’s short, but the light and music make it feel victorious and hopeful.

Main Cast

Diogo Morgado as Jesus

Roma Downey as Mary

Greg Hicks as Pontius Pilate

Adrian Schiller as Caiaphas

Darwin Shaw as Peter

Sebastian Knapp as John

Amber Rose Revah as Mary Magdalene

Others include Joe Wredden (Judas), Matthew Gravelle (Thomas), and Simon Kunz (Nicodemus). 

Critics’ Ratings

My Rating: 6.5/10

Dove Foundation: Approved (Faith‑based Seal) 

IMDb: ~6.4–6.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 17% critic score, 73% audience

Metacritic: 37/100