Movies That Illustrate and Celebrate the Jewish Experience

Last updated: September 26, 2025

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 experts at 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.

November 21, 1986 1986 G (81 minutes)
Lights film poster: Illustration shows a family outdoors under a tree with sheep
MOVIE

Lights

age 6+

Dated Hanukkah animation has timeless, universal messages.

December 1, 1984 1984 NR (24 minutes)
Joseph: King of Dreams Poster Image
MOVIE

Joseph: King of Dreams

age 8+

Animated Bible story too scary for very young.

November 7, 2000 2000 NR (74 minutes)
The Prince of Egypt Poster Image
MOVIE

The Prince of Egypt

age 8+

Animated feature tells story of Moses; some violence.

December 18, 1998 1998 PG (99 minutes)
The Ten Commandments Poster Image
MOVIE

The Ten Commandments

age 9+

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

October 5, 1956 1956 G (219 minutes)
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.

December 15, 1960 1960 NR (208 minutes)
Fiddler on the Roof Poster Image
MOVIE

Fiddler on the Roof

age 10+

Epic musical story of Jews facing religious persecution.

November 3, 1971 1971 G (186 minutes)
Funny Girl Poster Image
MOVIE

Funny Girl

age 10+

Dazzling musical romance is long but entertaining.

September 19, 1968 1968 G (165 minutes)
Menashe movie poster: A close-up of an Orthodox Jewish man
MOVIE

Menashe

age 10+

Intimate character study set in Orthodox Jewish community.

July 28, 2017 2017 PG (82 minutes)
The Chosen movie poster: A young Orthodox Jewish teen stands with a baseball bat, with the faces of two White men below him
MOVIE

The Chosen

age 10+

Poignant coming-of-age adaptation centers Jewish experience.

April 30, 1982 1982 PG (108 minutes)
The Great Dictator Poster Image
MOVIE

The Great Dictator

age 10+

Comic genius blitzkriegs the Third Reich.

October 15, 1940 1940 G (126 minutes)
Chariots of Fire Poster Image
MOVIE

Chariots of Fire

age 11+

Brilliant true story of 1924 Olympic footrace.

September 25, 1981 1981 PG (124 minutes)
Hester Street movie poster: A framed photo of Steven Keats and Carol Kane in late 19th-century dress
MOVIE

Hester Street

age 11+

Celebrated drama about the Jewish immigrant experience.

October 19, 1975 1975 PG (89 minutes)
White Bird: A Wonder Story Movie Poster: Young characters walk hand in hand, a large face in profile behind them
MOVIE

White Bird

age 11+

Touching but violent WWII-themed Wonder spin-off.

October 4, 2024 2024 PG-13 (122 minutes)
Crossfire movie poster: Illustration of a fedora-wearing man with a gun, a smoking blond woman in a red dress, and headshots of two other men
MOVIE

Crossfire

age 12+

Noir whodunit examines antisemitism in post-WWII America.

August 15, 1947 1947 NR (86 minutes)
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.

November 11, 1947 1947 NR (118 minutes)
Golda movie poster: Helen Mirren features as Golda Meir.
MOVIE

Golda

age 12+

Historical drama has wartime violence, frequent smoking.

August 25, 2023 2023 PG-13 (100 minutes)
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.

January 30, 1987 1987 PG (88 minutes)
School Ties Poster Image
MOVIE

School Ties

age 12+

Stirring teen movie has adult themes, antisemitic bullying.

September 18, 1992 1992 PG-13 (101 minutes)
The Young Lions movie poster: Sketched headshots of the three main actors, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift and Dean Martin
MOVIE

The Young Lions

age 12+

WWII drama explores antisemitism in Europe and the U.S.

April 2, 1958 1958 NR (167 minutes)
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