Movies That Illustrate and Celebrate the Jewish Experience

From books and music to movies and TV shows, Jewish people and culture have been part of storytelling for centuries. This list (developed in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League) highlights a broad range of movies that celebrate Jewish people, religion, and culture and illustrate the diversity of Jewish communities. From the timeless adventures of Fievel the mouse in An American Tail to the musical legacy of Funny Girl, these movies can spark important conversations about Jewish culture and lived experiences. For movies specifically about the Holocaust, check out our list of Movies About the Holocaust. Fancy sitting down with a good read instead? Be sure to check out our list of Books with Jewish Characters.

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An American Tail Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Tail

age 5+

Heartwarming tale of immigrant mouse has some peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
Joseph: King of Dreams Poster Image
MOVIE

Joseph: King of Dreams

age 8+

Animated Bible story too scary for very young.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2000)
The Prince of Egypt Poster Image
MOVIE

The Prince of Egypt

age 8+

Animated feature tells story of Moses; some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
The Ten Commandments Poster Image
MOVIE

The Ten Commandments

age 9+

Stirring, even if it's as much showbiz as Bible.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1956)
Exodus movie poster: A drawing of hands emerging out of flames holding a rifle
MOVIE

Exodus

age 10+

Contentious historical epic on the founding of Israel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1960)
Fiddler on the Roof Poster Image
MOVIE

Fiddler on the Roof

age 10+

Epic musical story of Jews facing religious persecution.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1971)
Funny Girl Poster Image
MOVIE

Funny Girl

age 10+

Dazzling musical romance is long but entertaining.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1968)
The Great Dictator Poster Image
MOVIE

The Great Dictator

age 10+

Comic genius blitzkriegs the Third Reich.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1940)
Chariots of Fire Poster Image
MOVIE

Chariots of Fire

age 11+

Brilliant true story of 1924 Olympic footrace.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1981)
Gentleman's Agreement movie poster: Gregory Peck sitting on a chair backwards with two other characters in the background
MOVIE

Gentleman's Agreement

age 12+

Best Picture classic studies antisemitism in 1940s society.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1947)
Golda movie poster: Helen Mirren features as Golda Meir.
MOVIE

Golda

age 12+

Historical drama has wartime violence, frequent smoking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Radio Days movie poster: A woman stands by a microphone with a radio dial behind her
MOVIE

Radio Days

age 12+

Tender comedy illustrates Jewish life in wartime New York.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1987)
School Ties Poster Image
MOVIE

School Ties

age 12+

Stirring teen movie has adult themes, antisemitic bullying.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1992)
Yentl Poster Image
MOVIE

Yentl

age 12+

Romantic folk tale retold with music and classic Streisand.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1983)
An American Pickle Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Pickle

age 13+

Rogen's double performance saves low-key comedy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Avalon Movie Poster
MOVIE

Avalon

age 13+

Character-driven Jewish family drama tackles mature themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1990)
Crossing Delancey Poster Image
MOVIE

Crossing Delancey

age 13+

Delightful '80s romcom has some profanity, sexuality.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
The Fabelmans: Movie Poster
MOVIE

The Fabelmans

age 13+

Sentimental Spielberg origin story; bullying, pot, swearing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Keeping the Faith Movie Poster
MOVIE

Keeping the Faith

age 13+

Romantic triangle with interfaith angle; language, drinking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2000)
Keeping Up with the Steins Poster Image
MOVIE

Keeping Up with the Steins

age 13+

So-so comedy about over-the-top bar mitzvah.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)