What movies/TV shows should I watch during Holy Week?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, Holy Pascha Week is a time of "total immersion" in the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Strictly speaking, from the perspective of our faith and the teachings of the Church Fathers, the ideal practice is to abstain from all secular entertainment, including television and movies, during this week. This is a time of "spiritual mourning" and intense prayer. However, if you are looking for visual media that aligns with the spirit of the Pascha to watch with your family or for meditation, you should choose works that are historically accurate and theologically reverent.

1. The Priority: The Church and the Word

Before considering any movie, the priority for a Coptic Orthodox Christian is to be physically present in the church for the Day and Night Hours of the Pascha.

• Watching the Live Stream of the Pascha services from your local church or the Diocese of Los Angeles is the most spiritually profitable "viewing" you can do.
• The actual "script" of this week should be the Prophecies, Psalms, and Gospels read during the services.

2. Recommended Religious Films (With Caution)

If you must watch something, choose films that stay close to the biblical narrative. Note that no film can perfectly capture the divinity of Christ as our Miaphysite Christology teaches, but some are useful for meditation:

• "The Passion of the Christ" (2004): This is often watched on Great Friday. Its graphic depiction of the suffering of Christ can help stir a sense of repentance and appreciation for the price He paid. Note: It is very intense and may not be suitable for young children.
• "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977): This miniseries is widely respected for its reverent tone and historical atmosphere. It is helpful for visualizing the events of the week, from the Entry into Jerusalem to the Crucifixion.
• "The Gospel of John" (2003): This film uses the actual text of the Gospel as the script. Since the Gospel of John is heavily featured during the Night Hours of Pascha, this can be a helpful meditative tool.

3. Coptic Productions and Documentaries

• Coptic Church History Documentaries: Watching documentaries on the Monasteries of Egypt, the life of St. Mark the Apostle, or the Martyrs of the Coptic Church can reinforce your identity as an Orthodox Christian during this week.
• Lives of the Passion Saints: Media regarding saints who were intimately connected to the Passion, such as St. Mary Magdalene or the Thief on the Right, can be appropriate.

4. What to Avoid (Inappropriate Content)

• The "Chosen" or Modern Dramatizations: While popular, these often take significant liberties with the personality of Christ and the Apostles, injecting modern Protestant sentiments and "jokes" that are contrary to the reverence and awe required during Pascha.
• Secular Entertainment: Movies, sitcoms, sports, and social media scrolling should be strictly set aside. This is the "Week of the Lord." To spend time on worldly entertainment while Christ is on the Cross is considered a sign of spiritual lukewarmness.

5. Spiritual Recommendation

Instead of a movie, listen to the Hymns of the Pascha. Put on the recordings of Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, or Moalem George Mikhail. Let the deep, ancient melodies of the Coptic Church fill your home. As Moalem George Mikhail teaches in his hymns school, these melodies are the "icons for the ears." They paint a more accurate spiritual picture of the Passion than any Hollywood production ever could.

Summary: The goal of Holy Week is to "be with Him." If a movie helps you weep for your sins and love Christ more, use it sparingly. But the best "show" is the one happening on the Altar and in the Chant of the Deacons. Use this week to shut out the world so you can hear the voice of the Bridegroom.