In first-century Judea, Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur's family is wrongly accused and convicted of treason during the time of Christ. Ben-Hur fights to clear his family's name and is ultimately inspired by the rise of Jesus Christ and his message.

His fortunes are reversed when he saves the captain's life and he returns, determined to seek his revenge against those who have brought misfortune to both himself and his family. His life becomes intertwined with that of Christ's and after witnessing His teachings and eventual crucifixion Ben-Hur discovers the redemptive power of forgiveness.