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For Sale Apr 3, 2026 at 3:19 AM

2002's Changing Lanes is the only Good Friday "holiday movie" I know of, and it's always worth a rewatch

Posted by Extension-While7536

https://preview.redd.it/1zrfxcyr9wsg1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=178a8e80d63321a896e82acd14c0f05e422582d1 There are of course movies about the crucifixion, most recently Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ. However, outside of Bible stories, few films are really "holiday movies" for Good Friday, with 2002's Changing Lanes being an exception. The story takes place entirely on Good Friday in New York, and it's very much a story of violence, the burden of a sinful past and the search for atonement. Two men, a divorced father (Jackson) recovering from alcoholism, and a young Wall Street lawyer (Affleck) taking part in shady dealings, go to war when Affleck's lawyer character contributes to Jackson missing a crucial court appointment. Brutality, violence, and the question of how to get a clean slate are all central to the movie. So, if you want something appropriate for the day, I'd recommend it. Feel free to recommend others!
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LHGray87 Apr 3, 2026 +13
The Long Good Friday (1980)
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exitpursuedbybear Apr 3, 2026 +5
Literally the first one I thought of.
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Dependent-Place4306 Apr 3, 2026 +2
changing lanes is such a solid pick for this! samuel l jackson and ben affleck both brought their a-game to that one. the way it builds from a simple fender bender into this whole moral spiral is just chef's kiss. been meaning to rewatch it actually - remember being genuinely surprised by how dark it got considering it looked like a pretty standard thriller from the trailers. the whole theme of people making increasingly terrible decisions when they're backed into a corner feels super relevant too. plus nyc on good friday has this weird energy that the movie captures perfectly. can't think of many other films that use good friday specifically as more than just background, but you're right that there's something about the redemption themes that work really well with the holiday. might have to make this my weekend viewing now.
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joelluber Apr 3, 2026 +1
There's got to be a movie about the Good Friday Agreement by now, hasn't there? It's been thirty years. Obviously the violent parts of the Troubles make for more marketable movies. 
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MKkidd Apr 3, 2026 -2
This post is absolutely bonkers out of context. The Catholic faith is heavily ritualistic and I would imagine the majority of this sub has no idea what you're talking about. I was raised devout and the concept of a Good Friday movie as this holiday thing gives me the big shivers. There is a reason there aren't 15 new Good Friday movies every year like we get with valentines day.
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Extension-While7536 Apr 3, 2026 +1
Yeah but a lot of people have the day off, and so I figured why not write about what would be something appropriate that doesn't involve having to watch a guy get nails through his hands. I imagine most people have some idea if they grow up around Christianity of what Good Friday is, just as they know what Easter or Ash Wednesday is to some degree. Just thought it was a topic people might enjoy.
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MKkidd Apr 3, 2026 +1
Totally get that, and I'm sorry if my post seemed hostile. Wasn't intended to be that, was just a bit odd to see in this sub is all! And though I don't love The Passion for a lot of reasons, it's sorta the point of the whole weekend. My dad watches it every year as a sort of penance, you are supposed to be uncomfortable. I think the conversation is worth having for sure, changing lanes is fun. Hopefully there are some other recs to keep it going.
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MKkidd Apr 3, 2026 +1
Sorry, this one stuck with me for some reason. Just to clarify for anyone seeing that doesn't know, his wrists are what they hammered them nails into. And they weren't lil home depot tack nails, they were pretty hefty spikes. Again, so much of the presentation is sanitized to make people feel more comfortable. White Jesus looking ripped on a cross with lil dots in his hands and a fresh glow isn't it.
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