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Ben-Hur

Play trailer Poster for Ben-Hur G 1959 3h 23m History Drama Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 58 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
An enslaved Judean prince (Charlton Heston) meets his Roman betrayer (Stephen Boyd), a former friend, in a chariot race.
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Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur

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Critics Consensus

Uneven, but in terms of epic scope and grand spectacle, Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood's finest examples of pure entertainment.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Mar 23
5/5
The most remarkable aspect of Ben-Hur is its narrative simplicity. Go to Full Review Jack Harrison The Hollywood Reporter 11/19/2018
William Wyler never lets spectacle and size interfere with the elemental passions and conflicts of his human story. The spectacular aspects emerge naturally from the story -- the time and place and the customs of the society in which the characters live. Go to Full Review Martin Chilton Daily Telegraph (UK) 01/01/2015
5/5
Although it is a spectacle film, the story of how a man takes on the tyranny of the Romans, with all sorts of horrible consequences to himself and his family, is powerful and gripping. Go to Full Review Katie Hogan FILMHOUNDS Magazine Mar 24
4/5
A small accident sparks an epic story, and thankfully, it’s told so well here that generations later, we are still in awe of this film. Go to Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect Feb 19
4.5/5
An epic three-and-a-half-hour saga that exceeded expectations and became one of the most celebrated films in Academy Awards history. Go to Full Review Jeff Beck The Blu Spot Feb 17
5/5
Even after nearly 70 years, William Wyler's Ben-Hur remains one of the most astonishing accomplishments in the history of cinema. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Dan 43m A Massive movie. They should make more like this, instead of the woke remake garbage they put out nowadays. See more Christian C 1h One of the Greatest Movies ever made! So many goosies and tears! The cinematography and lighting was just incredible! Charlton Heston at his most strikingly handsome and such a great actor. See more Connie 4h Ben Hur is a must to be seen on the big screen! I have watched it for years on TV and on video/DVD but to see it on a theater screen in full action and drama was an experience I soon wont forget. The chariot race, the ship battles, the storm at the crucifixion of Jesus, and the close-up of the actors drew me into the story so much more than I have felt before. Thank you for bringing this classic movie to the big screen, especially right before Easter Sunday. See more Jeff S 5h It's really, really ong See more Sherry S 8h Wonderful clean clasical movie! Great job with restoration! See more William E D 8h What a fantastic movie. Hard to believe it was made in "62. A little hokey on the dialogue but so well done. Chariot race is amazing. See more Read all reviews
Ben-Hur

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Cast & Crew

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William Wyler

Director

Charlton Heston

Judah Ben-Hur

Jack Hawkins

Quintus Arrius

Stephen Boyd

Messala

Haya Harareet

Esther

Hugh Griffith

Sheik Ilderim

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Ben-Hur

Shown here is the chariot race in the film "Ben-Hur." Hugh Griffith portrays Sheik Ilderim in the film "Ben-Hur." Charlton Heston (left) Stephen Boyd (center), who played Messala, talk with director William Wyler (right) while taking a break from filming the chariot race. Charlton Heston (left) pictured here on the film's set in Rome with Haya Harareet (right), who played Esther. Charlton Heston (left) on the film's set in Rome with his three-year old son Fraser (center). Co-star Jack Hawkins (right) is shown chatting with Heston and his son during a break from filming. Ben-Hur (1959) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis An enslaved Judean prince (Charlton Heston) meets his Roman betrayer (Stephen Boyd), a former friend, in a chariot race.
Director
William Wyler
Producer
Sam Zimbalist
Screenwriter
Lew Wallace, Karl Tunberg
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Warner Bros., Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating
G
Genre
History, Drama, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 18, 1959, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Mar 29, 2026
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 30, 2013
Runtime
3h 23m
Sound Mix
Stereo, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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