What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRisen
Kevin Reynolds · Film · 2016
If you loved Risen, start with The Chosen (Dallas Jenkins, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 3 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Risen across media.
What hooked you in Risen was the way a grounded, investigative perspective forces a confrontation between skeptical duty and transformative mystery.
Books on the same thread
The Name of the Rose
Umberto Eco · Book · 1984
Shares a thread with Risen: Historical Mystery.
Like the Roman tribune in Risen, Brother William relies on logic and keen observation to navigate a dangerous landscape where religious fervor and political intrigue collide during his investigation.
Resurrection
Leo Tolstoy · Book · 1947
Explores: Redemption, Social Injustice, Moral Responsibility.
If Risen captured your interest through its focus on moral awakening, this story echoes that journey as a man forced into a judicial role confronts his own past failures.
The Jesus Discoveries
Jeremiah J. Johnston · Book · 2026
Explores: historical evidence, faith and skepticism, empirical verification.
This work mirrors the procedural tension found in Risen, prioritizing the examination of historical and archaeological evidence to address the core questions of faith that Clavius was tasked to disprove.
Resurrection Walk
Michael Connelly · Book
Explores: wrongful conviction, justice system corruption, investigative partnership.
Much like the investigative partnership seen in Risen, this procedural relies on the collaboration of two professionals determined to uncover the truth behind a high-stakes case involving potential corruption.
Series on the same thread
The Chosen
Dallas Jenkins · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Risen: Biblical Drama.
Just as Risen examines the life of Jesus through the eyes of an outsider, this series provides a deeply humanizing perspective on the encounters that define the messianic narrative.
Jesus of Nazareth
Franco Zeffirelli · Series · 1977
Shares 2 threads with Risen: Miracles, Biblical Drama.
If you appreciated the scale of the biblical world as depicted in Risen, you will find this epic portrayal of the life and ministry of Jesus equally compelling and immersive.
The Bible
Series · 2013
Shares a thread with Risen: Biblical Drama.
This production expands on the historical and spiritual backdrop of Risen, offering a broad look at the events leading to the crucifixion that fundamentally shaped the world Clavius inhabited.
Podcasts on the same thread
Rosario
Podcast
Explores: Catholicism, Prayer, Spirituality.
The focus on mystery within a religious framework mirrors the investigative tone of Risen, inviting you to explore the contemplative aspects of faith through a structured, devotional lens.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension · Podcast · 2026
Explores: faith, spiritual growth, historical context.
If Risen sparked your interest in the historical and spiritual context of scripture, this comprehensive guide offers the depth and reflection needed to fully understand the biblical narrative.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary mission of Clavius in Risen?
In Risen, Clavius is a Roman military tribune tasked with investigating the disappearance of Jesus following the crucifixion. His objective is to disprove rumors of a risen Messiah to prevent a potential uprising in Jerusalem.
Who assists Clavius during his investigation in Risen?
Clavius is accompanied by his aide, Lucius, throughout the events of Risen. Together, the two men work to uncover the mystery surrounding the weeks following the crucifixion to maintain order in Jerusalem.
Is Risen based on historical events surrounding the crucifixion?
Risen is a 2016 film directed by Kevin Reynolds that focuses on the perspective of a Roman military tribune. The plot centers on the search for the missing body of Jesus to stop rumors of a risen Messiah from causing unrest.
Why is the Roman military concerned about the events in Risen?
The Roman military is concerned in Risen because rumors of a risen Messiah could lead to a widespread uprising in Jerusalem. Clavius is specifically ordered to solve the mystery of what happened to Jesus to suppress these rumors.