For Halloween and Christmas, I usually post a roundup of media for you to rot your tender little mind grapes with.
Easter… is a bit challenging.
Obviously, the theme of the whole holiday is based in Christian religion, so most of the Easter movies center pretty bigly on Jesus getting murdered. For me, that’s not a fun afternoon of viewing (I mean, I get that it’s not supposed to be. But… I know the story. I’m good on that.)
Here are my suggestions for your Easter viewing pleasure, with a low chance of crucifixion (but never zero).
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! (1974)
The music here is far less iconic – there was clearly an attempt to go more contemporary, aside from a little Bach and Beethoven. However, they also went more ‘70s with the art, and that is actually a win for everyone!
The storyline lacks any of the magical moments that make some of the other specials so memorable… the Red Baron? “I got a rock”? The Charlie Brown tree? Pretzels, toast and jellybeans for Thanksgiving?!
Still, it’s a big ol’ bucket of charm. (Look for Linus to scream, “He’s coming! He’s coming! The Easter Beagle is coming!”)
Easter Parade (1948)
Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Ann Miller, Peter Lawford and Easter. If you enjoy the musicals of this era, you’re sure to love this one. It’s been years since I watched this one, so this will probably be my pick this year.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Okay. I’m trying not to go the religious route, but this one… guys.
Willem Dafoe plays Jesus. Barbara Hershey is Mary Magdalene. Harvey Keitel is Judas. It’s a Scorsese joint. There’s nudity, violence and gore. It’s… wild.
If you’re a fan of intense overacting and weird art, please. Watch. Enjoy.
Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971)
Back to the family-friendly stuff. As the claymation movies go, this is one of the odder ones. And that’ll be why it hasn’t become one of the more iconic Rankin/Bass productions. Still, it’s very cute.
The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town (1977)
Rankin/Bass clearly thought they could do better, and so they tried to replicate the success of one of their most famous Christmas specials for Easter. It’s fine.
The Tale of the Bunny Picnic (1986)
This might be one of Jim Henson’s most adorable specials (his borks as The Dog are so cuuuuute!) A bunny named Bean? Whose chief struggle in life is the fact that he’s a teeny boy? C’monnnn. There are charming songs, adorable Muppets, the sweetest sets and a frickin’ bunny picnic. I will say that the way the farmer treats the doggie is very sad, so prepare yourself for that.