Christian movies: Faith-themed films to watch with your family
Have you ever thought about your favorite movie? Regardless of its genre, you have probably learned valuable lessons about love, family, and society from it.
Just like those beloved films, Christian movies can offer you profound insights and spiritual wisdom.
In this article, we will recommend a selection of faith-themed films for you to enjoy with your family. These movies will not only entertain you. They will also nourish your soul, providing an opportunity for meaningful discussions and reflections.
The Man of God
This Nigerian Christian movie is centered around a young boy named Samuel, who disengages from church prayers and faces scolding and harsh punishment from his father, the pastor.
Despite warnings, Samuel's indifference persists, leading to a vow to run away someday. Years pass, and Samuel transforms into a rebellious figure, mimicking Afro legend Fela.
Later on, he encounters many struggles in love, academics, and with his mental health. But, the people in his life help him get back on track.
The story of Samuel in The Man of God bears striking similarities to the biblical parable of the prodigal son. Both narratives revolve around a young individual who exhibits a spirit of rebellion and disobedience.
Moreover, central to both stories are the themes of supportive relationships and the pivotal role of guidance and encouragement.
The prodigal son's father extends a warm welcome upon his return. This exemplifies the power of forgiveness and the importance of familial bonds.
Similarly, Samuel receives assistance and guidance from individuals like Teju and Rekya, underscoring the significance of supportive relationships in his journey towards transformation.
7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story
“7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story” (2021) is a gripping documentary about the inspiring journey of Chris Norton.
Early in the film, Chris suffers a devastating football accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite the doctors' grim prognosis, Chris maintains an unyielding spirit and works tirelessly through grueling rehabilitation.
The movie takes you through Chris's remarkable determination to defy the odds.
With unwavering faith and the support of his loving family and friends, he not only regains movement in his arms but also learns to walk again. This teaches us that faith can move mountains, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
The Wait
This heartfelt Christian movie is based on a novel by Nigerian lawyer, Yewande Zaccheaus called “God’s Waiting Room.”
The movie revolves around Dr. Nara.
Nara is a compassionate doctor who conducts a support group for women dealing with the heart-wrenching loss of their newborns.
The setting is a somber waiting room where these women come together to share their feelings and experiences. Through candid conversations, they navigate the complex terrain of grief while also delving into their family lives.
Interwoven with the support group's narrative are the stories of several individuals facing their own unique challenges.
With various narratives, the movie is able to tackle different themes, such as loss, dreams, societal expectations, and difficult decisions, and how faith realistically all plays a role in waiting for God’s perfect timing.
Mass
"We have to talk about it. We have to talk about the hard stuff, even when it hurts."
"Mass" (2021) is a thought-provoking Christian movie that revolves around two sets of grieving parents, Jay and Gail, and Linda and Richard, who meet in a church to discuss a tragic event that profoundly affected their lives.
The event was a school shooting where one couple's son was the victim, and the other couple's son was the shooter.
The movie teaches the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and the healing power of communication in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
It underscores that through open and honest dialogue, individuals can find a path toward reconciliation and hope.
The Lost Husband
This movie tells the story of Libby, a grieving widow who moves to her aunt's goat farm with her two children to start anew after her husband's death. There, she meets James, the farm manager, who helps her find healing and love amidst life's challenges.
This Christian movie offers several valuable lessons.
It shows that moving forward after loss is possible and that love can bloom again even in the face of tragedy. It emphasizes the importance of family, faith, and the power of forgiveness in the journey toward healing and happiness.
First Reformed
The movie tells the story of Reverend Ernst Toller, the pastor of a small historic church called First Reformed. Toller grapples with his faith and personal demons as he ministers to a dwindling congregation.
His life takes a challenging turn when he becomes involved with a pregnant parishioner, Mary, and her radical environmentalist husband, Michael.
As Toller guides Mary through her crisis, he is confronted with deep existential questions about faith, ethics, and the environment.
This reveals that even spiritual leaders can experience deep doubts and inner turmoil, emphasizing the possibility of redemption and spiritual growth even in the darkest of times.
His journey of self-discovery and spiritual turmoil unfolds against the backdrop of mounting environmental concerns and his own physical and emotional struggles.
Hacksaw Ridge
"Hacksaw Ridge" (2016) is a powerful war movie based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a devout Christian and conscientious objector during World War II.
The film depicts his remarkable journey as he enlists in the army but refuses to carry a weapon due to his religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist.
Instead, Doss becomes a medic and is deployed to the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
Doss's faith is rooted in his deeply held belief in the Sixth Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill."
He is quoted in the film as saying, "With the world so set on tearing itself apart, it does not seem like such a bad thing to me to want to put a little bit of it back together."
God’s Not Dead
Faith often requires standing up for what you believe, even in the face of opposition or skepticism.
This high-grossing Christian movie follows the story of Josh Wheaton, a college student who faces a challenging dilemma when his philosophy professor, Professor Radisson, demands that all students declare in writing that "God is dead" to pass his class.
Josh, a devout Christian, refuses to compromise his faith. He takes a courageous stand by choosing to defend the existence of God in a series of debates against his atheistic professor.
This decision sets off a chain of events that not only tests his own faith but also impacts the lives of those around him.
Heaven is for Real
"Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it there."
This movie is based on a true story of the Burpo family, whose young son, Colton, claims to have visited heaven during a near-death experience.
The film revolves around Colton's account of his journey to heaven, which includes encounters with angels, Jesus, and deceased family members.
As Colton shares his extraordinary experiences with his family and the community, his story sparks both wonder and skepticism.
The film encourages you to question and seek answers when faced with extraordinary claims.
It illustrates the importance of an open and honest dialogue about faith and experiences that challenge our understanding.
Soul Surfer
"Soul Surfer" (2011) is a Christian biographical drama based on the inspiring true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young and talented surfer from Hawaii.
Bethany's life takes a dramatic turn when she loses her arm in a shark attack while surfing. The movie chronicles her journey of resilience, faith, and determination as she confronts life-altering challenges.
Bethany's deep Christian faith is a central theme. A poignant line from the film is, "I do not need easy, I just need possible."
This line reflects the idea that faith can provide the strength to face difficult situations and believe in what seems impossible.
Faith education through movies
Watching movies, including Christian movies, can offer valuable educational benefits.
One of them is that they provide a visual and engaging way to learn about various subjects and themes.
Christian movies, in particular, can enhance your understanding of faith-related stories and principles, making it easier to grasp and remember these important teachings.
That being said, if you want to reinforce your faith or bring someone to Christ, refer to our list of Christian movies to watch.
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