Ben-Hur (1959)
Kernel Score: 88% · 3,056 ratings · Rated G
Genres: History, Drama, Adventure
Released: 1959-11-18
Runtime: 212 minutes
Is Ben-Hur worth watching?
Must-watch. The great Hollywood epic about a Jewish prince betrayed by his Roman friend and fighting back as a galley slave and charioteer. It's long, but the revenge story and the chariot race still work.
Watch it if you
- like classic Hollywood epics
- enjoy revenge stories on a huge scale
Skip it if you
- dislike long films, well over three hours
- find old-style religious epics preachy
Best for: Big weekend afternoon
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Ben-Hur
- Free with ads: Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 26 AD, Judah Ben-Hur, a Jew in ancient Judea, opposes the occupying Roman empire. Falsely accused by a Roman childhood friend-turned-overlord of trying to kill the Roman governor, he is put into slavery and his mother and sister are taken away as prisoners.
Movies like Ben-Hur
If you liked Ben-Hur, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Spartacus (1960) — 84%: Classic epic of rebellion against Rome
- Quo Vadis (1951) — 79%: Big Hollywood epic of Rome and early Christians
- The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) — 88%: Revenge story of betrayal and a long-planned return
- The Big Country (1958) — 84%: Another sweeping William Wyler film
- The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) — 88%: Wyler's moving, humane drama about returning soldiers
- Jesus (1979) — 91%: Epic retelling of the life of Jesus
Director
Cast
- Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur
- Stephen Boyd as Messala
- Hugh Griffith as Scheich Ildirim
- Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius
- Haya Harareet as Esther
- Martha Scott as Miriam
- Cathy O'Donnell as Tirzah
- Sam Jaffe as Simonides
- Finlay Currie as Balthasar
- Frank Thring as Pontius Pilatus
Ben-Hur FAQ
Is Ben-Hur worth watching?
Must-watch. The great Hollywood epic about a Jewish prince betrayed by his Roman friend and fighting back as a galley slave and charioteer. It's long, but the revenge story and the chariot race still work.
Where can I watch Ben-Hur?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
What is Ben-Hur rated?
Ben-Hur is rated G.
What movies are like Ben-Hur?
If you liked Ben-Hur, try Spartacus, Quo Vadis, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Big Country.