Honestly, there is nothing quite like the 1973 version of Jesus Christ Superstar full movie. It’s weird. It’s dusty. It features a bunch of hippies rolling out of a bus in the middle of the Israeli desert to perform a rock opera.
And yet, it works.
Whether you are a theater geek, a film buff, or just someone who saw a clip of Carl Anderson screaming "Heaven on Their Minds" on YouTube and thought, I need more of this, the movie is a total trip. It manages to be both a period piece of the early 70s and a timeless look at a very old story.
Where to find the Jesus Christ Superstar full movie right now
If you’re looking to watch it today, you’ve got a few options, though they change depending on which streaming giant is fighting with whom this month.
As of 2026, the original 1973 film directed by Norman Jewison isn't usually just sitting there for free on Netflix or Disney+. You’ll basically always find it for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. It usually costs about the price of a cheap latte to rent.
Sometimes it pops up on Peacock or TCM (Turner Classic Movies), especially around Easter. If you’re a physical media nerd, the Blu-ray is actually worth it because the desert cinematography is surprisingly gorgeous in high definition.
Don't get the versions mixed up
There are actually a few different "full movies" out there, and they are very different vibes.
🔗 Read more: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
- The 1973 Original: This is the one with Ted Neeley (Jesus) and Carl Anderson (Judas). It was filmed on location in Israel. It’s got tanks, machine guns, and some truly iconic 70s fashion.
- The 2000 Version: This one was filmed more like a stylized stage play on a soundstage. It stars Glenn Carter and Jérôme Pradon. It’s very... purple. Some people love the modern "Matrix-style" costumes, but it’s definitely a different beast.
- The 2012 Arena Tour: This is a filmed live performance from the UK starring Ben Forster, Tim Minchin (as a fantastic Judas), and Melanie C from the Spice Girls. If you want the energy of a rock concert, this is your best bet.
What most people get wrong about the 1973 film
People often think this movie was some big Hollywood attempt to be "sacrilegious."
It wasn't.
At least, that’s not what Norman Jewison intended. He had just finished Fiddler on the Roof and wanted to do something that felt raw and experimental. The "framing device"—the actors arriving on a bus—was actually a way to handle the fact that they didn't have the budget for a massive historical epic like Ben-Hur.
They just leaned into the "theatre troupe in the desert" aesthetic.
Interestingly, the film actually added a song that wasn't in the original concept album or the Broadway show: "Then We Are Decided." It’s a dark, brooding scene between Annas and Caiaphas that gives more context to why the high priests were so worried about Jesus. You won't find that song in many other versions of the show.
Why it was so controversial (and why it still is)
When the Jesus Christ Superstar full movie first hit theaters, some religious groups were livid.
💡 You might also like: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
They hated that it ended with the crucifixion and didn't show the resurrection. They hated that Mary Magdalene (played by the incredible Yvonne Elliman) sang "I Don't Know How to Love Him," which implied a romantic attraction. And they really, really hated that the story was told mostly through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
But here’s the kicker: Pope Paul VI actually saw the film and reportedly liked it. He thought it would bring more people to the faith than anything else at the time.
It’s a human story. It treats Jesus like a man who is exhausted, scared, and unsure of why he has to die. For some, that’s blasphemy. For others, it’s the most relatable version of the story ever told.
Making the movie was a nightmare
Filming in the ruins of Avdat in Israel wasn't a vacation. It was hot. Like, "melting the makeup off your face" hot.
Ted Neeley wasn't even the first choice for the role. He was an understudy on Broadway. He actually flew himself to meet Jewison at a hotel, dressed in full Jesus gear, just to prove he could do it.
Carl Anderson also almost didn't get the role of Judas. He had to replace Ben Vereen (who played Judas on Broadway) when Vereen got sick. But once the producers saw the chemistry between Neeley and Anderson, they knew they had something lightning-in-a-bottle.
📖 Related: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
The two of them remained best friends for the rest of their lives. In fact, they toured the show together for decades after the movie came out.
The music is the real star
Let’s be real. You aren't watching this for the special effects.
You’re watching it for the high notes.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were basically kids when they wrote this. They were in their early 20s. The score is a mix of 70s prog-rock, soul, and avant-garde orchestral music. "Gethsemane" is arguably the hardest song ever written for a male tenor, and Ted Neeley’s version in the movie—specifically that G5 scream—is still the gold standard.
How to watch it the "right" way
If you’re going to sit down for the Jesus Christ Superstar full movie, do yourself a favor:
- Turn it up loud. It’s a rock opera. If the windows aren't rattling during "The Temple," you’re doing it wrong.
- Watch the 1973 version first. Even with the weird tanks and the funky 70s flair, it has a soul that the later versions struggle to match.
- Pay attention to the background. Because they filmed on real ruins, the scale of the movie feels huge, even when the "actors" are just dancing in the dirt.
The film is a relic of a time when Hollywood was willing to be weird, loud, and deeply earnest all at once. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a "Superstar."
To get the best experience, look for the "40th Anniversary" or more recent "50th Anniversary" digital remasters on your favorite rental platform. They cleaned up the audio significantly, which makes the orchestrations sound much punchier than the old VHS tapes you might remember. If you have a decent soundbar or headphones, you'll catch bass lines in "What's the Buzz" that were totally buried in older versions.
Check your local listings or just head to a digital store to grab the 1973 classic. It’s well worth the couple of bucks for a Friday night trip back to the desert.
Pro-Tips for the Best Viewing:
- Check for 4K: Some platforms have upgraded the 1973 film to 4K. It makes the Israeli landscape look stunning.
- Listen for the "Hidden" Lyrics: If you know the original 1970 "Brown Album," listen for the lyric changes. They smoothed out some of the more "clunky" lines for the film.
- Watch the credits: The ending of the 1973 movie is haunting. Watching the actors get back on the bus while leaving one person behind (metaphorically) is one of the best choices Jewison ever made.