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One of the Greatest Historical Epics Ever Made Officially Lands on Free Streaming
Ben-Hur, the acclaimed 1959 religious epic directed by William Wyler, has become available to stream for free globally on a new platform. This release is particularly timely given the current commercial success of faith-based films, with recent productions such as David and The King of Kings earning approximately £150 million combined at the box office.
The 212-minute film remains a significant achievement in Hollywood history. It grossed £146 million worldwide at release—the second-highest haul of its era—and was produced on a record-breaking budget of £15 million, with an additional £14 million spent on publicity. The film's availability represents a notable opportunity for modern audiences to access what many consider one of cinema's greatest epics.
In short
- Ben-Hur (1959) now available free to stream globally on a new platform
- Classic epic cost £15 million to make, earned £146 million worldwide
- Release capitalises on current surge in faith-based film popularity
Explained simply
Ben-Hur is a 1959 religious epic film directed by William Wyler that tells the story of a Jewish prince caught up in the events surrounding Jesus Christ. The film, which runs to over three and a half hours, is considered one of the greatest films ever made.
When released, the film was a critical and commercial triumph. It earned £146 million worldwide—the second-highest box office total of its era—and was produced on a then-record budget of £15 million, with an additional £14 million spent on publicity. Its success established it as a cornerstone of Hollywood's epic filmmaking tradition.
Faith-based films are currently experiencing renewed commercial success, with several recent releases proving popular at the box office. Ben-Hur remains a significant example of the genre, and its availability on free streaming makes a masterpiece of cinema accessible to modern audiences.