Good Friday isn’t just a solemn religious observance—it’s also left its mark on movies, music, and books in surprising ways. Let’s dive into how pop culture has portrayed this pivotal day, from dramatic retellings to subtle symbolism.
Good Friday is one of the most significant days in Christianity, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But beyond its religious importance, it’s also popped up in movies, songs, and books in fascinating ways. Sometimes it’s front and center; other times, it’s a quiet backdrop for deeper themes.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, no judgment here), and let’s explore how pop culture has woven Good Friday into its storytelling.
When it comes to Good Friday on the big screen, biblical adaptations are the obvious starting point. Films like The Passion of the Christ (2004) put the crucifixion front and center, with unflinching intensity. Mel Gibson’s movie was controversial, but it undeniably brought Good Friday’s gravity to mainstream audiences.
Credit- AMBI Distribution
But it’s not all about direct retellings. Some films use Good Friday as a narrative device. Take Ben-Hur (1959)—while it’s mostly about revenge and redemption, the crucifixion scene ties everything together, reinforcing themes of forgiveness.
Credit- Paramount Pictures UK
Even non-religious films sneak in references. In The Godfather (1972), Michael Corleone’s violent acts unfold during Holy Week, with his final betrayal happening on Good Friday. Coincidence? Probably not. The symbolism is hard to miss—betrayal, sacrifice, and a fall from grace.
Music has a long history with Good Friday, especially in classical compositions. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is a masterpiece written specifically for this day, blending sorrow and reverence.
But modern music? That’s where things get interesting. U2’s "Sunday Bloody Sunday" references a violent 1972 incident in Northern Ireland that happened on—you guessed it—a Sunday, but the song’s themes of suffering and injustice echo Good Friday’s tone.
Credit- Johnny Cash
Then there’s Johnny Cash’s "The Man Comes Around," which weaves biblical imagery, including Judgment Day themes that resonate with the solemnity of Good Friday. Even secular artists sometimes drop subtle nods—like in "Good Friday" by The Black Eyed Peas, which, despite the title, is more about personal struggle than religious reflection.
Books have used Good Friday as both setting and symbol. In Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory, the protagonist’s struggles mirror Christ’s passion, with themes of sacrifice and redemption woven throughout.
Then there’s The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, where the line "April is the cruellest month" hints at the agony of Good Friday. The poem’s fragmented, despairing tone mirrors the day’s solemnity.
Even children’s literature isn’t immune. C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe parallels Aslan’s sacrifice with Christ’s crucifixion—though it’s more Easter-coded, the themes of death and resurrection are deeply tied to Good Friday’s essence.
TV shows love using Good Friday for dramatic effect. The Simpsons once had an episode where Bart sells his soul, with Lisa warning him it’s "the afternoon of Good Friday"—a clever nod to the day’s spiritual weight.
And who could forget Game of Thrones? While not explicitly about Good Friday, the Red Wedding’s betrayal and bloodshed carry the same gut-punch feeling—sacrifice, treachery, and a sense of doom.
Credit- Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Even comedy isn’t off-limits. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) satirizes biblical epics, but its crucifixion ending still makes you pause—blending humor with the day’s inherent gravity.
So why does Good Friday keep showing up in movies, songs, and books? Simple: its themes are universal. Sacrifice, suffering, redemption—these are stories we tell over and over, whether through religion or art.
Sometimes it’s literal; other times, it’s a quiet metaphor. But one thing’s for sure—Good Friday’s emotional and symbolic weight makes it a powerful tool for storytellers.
Whether it’s a blockbuster film, a haunting melody, or a classic novel, Good Friday’s presence in pop culture reminds us of its enduring impact. It’s more than a historical event—it’s a story that keeps inspiring, challenging, and moving us.
So next time you’re watching a movie or listening to a song and catch a Good Friday reference, you’ll know exactly why it’s there. And who knows? Maybe you’ll spot one we missed!
