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Godspell

Godspell

A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew

1973103 minGMidcredits score: 69th percentile of all films
Director
David Greene
Starring
Victor Garber, Katie Hanley, David Haskell, Merrell Jackson

In modern-day New York City, John the Baptist calls out to a group of young men and women to learn from the teachings of Jesus. Through song and dance, they relive Christ's crucifixion.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Godspell?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Godspell to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Godspell?

Godspell earns 5 badges, led by Standout soundtrack and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Godspell worth watching?

Godspell's Midcredits score is the 69th percentile of all films, from 8.4K ratings across 5 sources. 64% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

69th percentile

Better received than 69% of films

77th percentile among Comedy70th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)65th
Approval (how many liked it)71st

66 /100

65th percentile of all films

74th percentile among Comedy65th percentile among 1970s

Critics 65 · Audience 66

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

64% liked it

71st percentile of all films

78th percentile among Comedy72nd percentile among 1970s
64% rated it 7–1036% rated it 1–6

Critics 63% · Audience 71%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

82nd percentile

8.4K ratings across platforms

80th percentile among Comedy87th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$1.3M

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree this is a tuneful, energetic, counterculture-era retelling of the Gospel set in modern New York that prioritizes joyful performance and catchy songs over narrative depth and doctrinal orthodoxy.

Fans praised

  • Catchy pop-rock songs (Day by Day, By My Side) carry the musical
  • Joyful, energetic cast radiates heartfelt conviction
  • Witty use of 1970s New York locations for the modern-day allegory

Detractors panned

  • Dated, campy 70s aesthetic and 'hippy' tone
  • Thin, episodic plot that lacks narrative momentum
  • Removal of key songs and restructuring hurts the material

What stands out

Sound and music85

Catchy, enduring pop score anchors the film for both camps

Emotional impactDivisive75

Uplifting joy and genuine feeling appreciated; melodrama questioned by some

ActingDivisive72

Joyful performances and Garber's charisma praised; campy chemistry questioned

EndingDivisive72

Resonant and hopeful feel praised as 'best ending' by fans – no spoilers

CinematographyDivisive70

Brilliant use of New York landmarks for visual metaphors

AtmosphereDivisive70

Joyful, communal 70s New York vibe praised; dated tone panned by not-with-container

OriginalityDivisive62

Revolutionary concept of translating Gospel to 70s NYC; now seen as derivative

CharactersDivisive55

John the Baptist/Judas dual role and modern disciples discussed; thin writing cited

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 27 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 23 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Godspell like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulHopeful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulWarmSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
ToneThe film presents Jesus' teachings with earnest joy and sincerity, never ironic, even in its goofy hippie trappings.
The rideThe film is described as feel-good and joyful for most of its runtime, but the ending hints at Jesus' crucifixion, causing a shift to a heavier mood late.
StructureThe story is a string of Jesus' parables and songs performed across New York City, with little overarching plot beyond the Passion narrative.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-goodBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe joyful music and message of love leave you uplifted, while the crucifixion adds a poignant, resonant note.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows Jesus' ministry and sacrifice, leading to a hopeful, redemptive conclusion for his followers, fitting the rebirth archetype loosely as the world is renewed through his teachings.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9% (this title): Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Society

Community · 14% of filmsFaith · 3% of filmsHope · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on a group forming a community around Jesus' teachings, exploring faith, love, and the hopeful message they carry.
StanceThe film is about a group forming a community around Jesus' teachings, and it celebrates that message of love and hope.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanWildernessStylized realism
PopOrchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Stephen Schwartz
Setting1970s New York City, with empty streets and a junkyard serving as stage for parables
MusicIncludes the songs 'Day by Day' and 'Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord'.

Content guide

Is Godspell okay for kids?

G

Godspell is rated G. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (22/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at minimal (0/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at mild (17/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Overall
None / Minimal · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (10 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Godspell have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Godspell?

Cast

9 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Victor Garber
as Jesus
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Katie Hanley
as Katie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
David Haskell
as John
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Merrell Jackson
as Merrell
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Joanne Jonas
as Joanne
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Robin Lamont
as Robin
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Gilmer McCormick
as Gilmer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jeffrey Mylett
as Jeffrey
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jerry Sroka
as Jerry
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Lynne Thigpen
as Lynne
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Godspell?

Movies like Godspell include Sister Act (1992), Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984) and Annie (1982). Of the 7 closest matches, most are found-family stories, and all are films that feel joyful.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 7 share its feel: musical. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Godspell?

2.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: musical. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.