Top 5 Easter Movies

St. Patrick's Day has come and gone and that means one thing... Easter is on the way. What better way to celebrate than to have an Easter Film Fest in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you're looking for a movie that takes place over Easter, showcases the lovely weather of the Easter season, or a movie with a Biblical slant, these top 5 Easter film flicks will cover all of your Easter movie viewing needs.

So get your family together and invite some friends over for some Easter holiday candy and chocolates and celebrate the season and the warm weather with these classic Easter films.

1.) Easter Parade

Was there any question that this film was going to be the first mention? We've got the Easter season, singing, dancing and frivolity, and of course...Judy Garland. Come on, what more could you ask for? And let us not forget that the dancing king himself, Fred Astaire, appears in this lighthearted 1948 flick.

2.) The Gospel According to St. Matthew (aka II vangelo secondo Matteo)

Not quite the feel-good romp through the Spring flowers that Easter Parade is, but a gem of a film. This 1964 Pasolini film is a great classic film choice. Italian film is famous for an abundance of emotion and melodramatics, and what better way to combine those two fine film traits than in the telling of the Gospel of Matthew.

Pasolini's rendition of the classic story takes some liberties but that is part of the thrill of this film. If you're looking for a way to pay tribute to the season and want a film that would be appropriate family viewing, this is a good pick.

3.) Harvey

I had to do it. You got to have a movie about a honkin' large imaginary bunny over Easter. Harvey is the classic film starring, James Stewart, as Elwood P. Dowd, a man who everyone in the film believes to be off his rocker.

The beauty of this film is that there is so much to analyze and philosophize over but yet, it is visually appealing, hilarious, well-acted, moving, and perfect for all ages.

Best line in the film:

"In this world..., you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

I couldn't agree more Mr. Elwood P. Dowd.

4.) The Velveteen Rabbit

This movie makes me feel like a kid again! I always favored The Velveteen Rabbit and Peter Cottontail stories as a child and remember making my mom and grandmother read them to me over and over again. The Velveteen Rabbit is a hard film to pick out though because there are around 4 versions circulating out there, but my recommendation is the 1985 version narrated by Meryl Streep which is offered on Netflix.

5.) Rabbit Ears: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

A recounting of the classic Beatrix Potter tale with voice over by Meryl Streep. These kind of films are what Easter is all about. If you have kids, this is a must get for your Easter holiday viewing.

If one or several of these Easter films are not available for you, don't forget about the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland, which features a quite famous bunny line: "I'm late, I'm late, I'm late for a very important date."

Those are my top 5 Easter movie picks, I hope that in the midst of your family and church engagements and holiday cooking, you can make time for these classic Easter films. Happy Easter and happy viewing to you all!