Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur (1959)

  • 89% of critics liked it
    (35 reviews)

  • 81% of users liked it
    (98,507 ratings)

Record-breaking winner of 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor, and Score, this epic masterpiece stars Charlton Heston ("The Ten Commandments," "Touch of Evil") in the title role of a rebellious Israelite Jew who takes on the Roman Empire during the time of Christ.… More

Unrated, 3 hr. 42 min.
Directed By
William Wyler
Written By
Lew Wallace, Karl Tunberg
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Romance, Classics
In Theaters
Nov 18, 1959 Wide
On DVD
Sep 13, 2005
MGM

Critic Reviews

  • , TIME Magazine

    The biggest and the best of Hollywood's super-spectacles.

  • Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

    Entire new frontiers in boredom were opened up by this MGM whopper from 1959.

  • Bosley Crowther, New York Times

    Mr. Wyler and his money-free producers have smartly and effectively laid stress on the powerful and meaningful personal conflicts that are strong in this old heroic tale.

  • Ronald Holloway, Variety

    A majestic achievement, representing a superb blending of the motion picture arts by master craftsmen.

  • R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD

    A masterpiece of epic filmmaking, a profound religious experience and one of the greatest films ever made.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Jeff "


    William Wyler's Ben-Hur is one of the greatest epics in cinematic history. The film changed the medium forever and is a stunning accomplishment in film. Ben-Hur is a masterful piece of cinema that combines action and drama. The performances delivered by the actors are flawless… More

  • Jens S


    The word monumental has been invented for this film. Larger than life sets, huge amounts of extras, gigantic matte paintings, a big orchestral score, everything about this film is gargantuan. The birth and death of Christ works as frame for Ben Hur's personal story of betrayal… More

  • Carlos M


    Even though Charlton Heston is a terrible actor, Ben-Hur will always be remembered as a spectacular epic that boasts an astonishing production design, breathtaking cinematography and exhilarating action scenes. It is only a pity though that the focus of the story is shifted from Juda… More

  • Raymond W


    Epic in scope, and a spectacle to behold, Ben-Hur is a defining classic of modern cinema with lavish sets and production design. It's uneven, the music (although excellent) was too overpowering, and the acting all the same (except for Hugh Griffith who was by far the best), but… More

  • Brad W


    All time classic. A true must watch from everyone.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

See full cast