Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India. © Christian Luczanits
Films about Buddhism
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Back to TopThis site organizes films about Buddhism into an introductory watchlist followed by a longer catalogue, each representing varied Buddhist traditions and topics.
Individual links will take you to the producer's website or IMDb (Internet Movie Database) page. Many of these films can be watched on major streaming platforms or on Kanopy (free for the Stanford community with your SUNet ID or through your public library or university). This selection is intended to be introductory and not exhaustive.
The Buddha (2010)
The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha is a 2010 PBS documentary film directed by David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere. It follows the story of Gautama Buddha's life and discusses the history and teachings of Buddhism.
Enlightenment Guaranteed (1999)
Two very different brothers get together for a temporary stay in a Japanese Zen monastery. The trip from Germany to Japan brings up some unexpected quests they need to manage. Soon both really must leave their ordinary lives behind to embark on a voyage to themselves.
Becoming Who I Was (2017)
In northern India’s sparsely populated and mountainous Ladakh region, an impoverished young boy is discovered to be the reincarnation of an esteemed, high-ranking Tibetan monk. Born displaced from his original monastery in Tibet, the boy is denied his rightful place. Amid growing doubts and mounting expectations in the community, the boy and his elderly godfather embark on a grueling, improbable trek across India to return the young monk-to-be to his rightful monastery before it becomes too late.
General/History/Material Culture
Credit: Icon Films/Alex Holden
