Film-based Easter resources that actually work
Easter is the central event of the Christian year, and the challenge for most churches is helping people inhabit it rather than just observe it. A well-chosen film or short video gives your congregation something to sit with together. It creates a shared experience that a sermon alone can't quite replicate.
Jesus Film Project has been producing free Christian content for decades. Everything here is available on YouTube at no cost, with no licensing requirements. Show it on a screen, let it run, and open the conversation.
Easter 2026 key dates
My Last Day — the strongest film for Good Friday
This is where to start. My Last Day is a 30-minute anime short film that tells the crucifixion from the perspective of the repentant thief crucified beside Jesus. The anime format surprises people who expect something more traditional — and that surprise is exactly what opens people up emotionally before their defences have a chance to go up.
It works for Good Friday services, youth events, open film evenings, and small group discussions. Suitable from secondary school age upwards.
The crucifixion told through the eyes of the repentant thief. An anime format that removes barriers and reaches people emotionally. The most used JFP film for Good Friday services and youth events.
View film page →Tip: Don't introduce it as "a film about the crucifixion." Just say you're watching a 30-minute short film. The response afterwards is more honest when people haven't pre-loaded expectations. Allow 30 seconds of quiet after it ends before saying anything.
Discussion questions for Good Friday
- What moment in the film stayed with you?
- The thief did nothing to earn what he received. How does that sit with you?
- What does Jesus' response to him say about who Jesus is?
- Is there anything you find it hard to accept forgiveness for?
- If this story is true, what does it change?
NUA — for Irish young adults exploring faith
NUA is a series built specifically for young adults who are asking honest questions about faith, meaning, and identity. It's not designed to convince — it's designed to open a conversation. That makes it particularly useful for churches working with students, young professionals, or anyone who'd describe themselves as somewhere between sceptical and curious.
The NUA series engages with the Irish context in a way that most international Christian content doesn't. The Way of St Patrick series in particular connects Irish cultural identity with the story of faith — a natural conversation starter in the weeks following St Patrick's Day and leading into Easter.
About NUA: NUA means "new" in Irish. The series is produced by Jesus Film Project and designed for an Irish and British audience. It asks real questions and doesn't pretend the answers are simple.
Three episodes exploring St Patrick's story and what his faith has to say to Ireland today. Designed for small groups and one-to-one conversations. Works well as a bridge between St Patrick's Day and Easter.
View full series →The Holy Week series — a film for every day
If you want something structured that takes you through the full week, the Holy Week series is what you need. Eight short videos, one for each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Each is 5 to 10 minutes. Show one at the start of your service or meeting, leave space, ask one question. The format is that simple — and it works.
The full series is on the Holy Week series page, with all eight videos and discussion questions for each day.
One question that works for any day: "What stayed with you from that?" Let people answer. Don't rush to fill silence. The conversation that follows is usually more honest than anything you planned.
The Jesus Film — for open events and longer gatherings
For a public Easter film evening or an open event for people who don't normally come to church, The Jesus Film is the most widely accessible option. At 1 hour 23 minutes, it tells the complete story of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. More than 500 million people have seen it worldwide. It works because it lets people encounter the story directly, without interpretation.
The complete story of Jesus based on the Gospel of Luke. Clear, accessible, suitable for people with no church background. A strong choice for an open Easter evening or community film night.
View film page →Practical guidance for Irish churches
Good Friday evening
A Good Friday film evening is one of the most accessible entry points for people in your community who wouldn't usually come to a service. Show My Last Day. Keep the room dark. Don't introduce it as a "Christian film" — just say you're watching a 30-minute short film. The anime format removes the "churchy" association and lets the story do the work. Afterwards, open it up with one question and let people talk.
Easter Sunday service
Opening your Easter Sunday service with the final video in the Holy Week series gives your congregation a shared visual and emotional anchor before the message. It's 5 to 10 minutes, and it sets the tone without needing any additional context. Run it as the call to worship, then move into your service.
Small groups during Holy Week
One video per day, one question per video. That's the whole format. You don't need to prepare anything extra. Show the video, allow a moment of quiet, ask one question. Let the group lead. Your job is to hold the space, not to have the answers.
Register as a partner
If you're using JFP resources with your church or group in Ireland, register as a Jesus Film Project partner. It's free and gives you access to fuller discussion guides, follow-up resources, and support for ongoing discipleship. See the churches page to register.