Redeem Your Movie Time

Many of us are faced with a lot of free time on our hands.  We are spending lots of time indoors often in front of the television.  This is not a bad thing by itself.  Entertainment is an important part of life as a person.  God gave us the ability to tell stories and an inherent enjoyment of them.  It is no accident Jesus taught through parables.   Yet, some of these stories are better than others.  There are those that simply waste time or defile us.  There are others that encourage us in our love of Jesus.  They combine great stories with great messages to feed our Spirits as we watch.  Great Christian movies can be hard to find though.

If you are having a hard time finding good Christian movies to feed your Spirit, you have come to the right place.

Here are my top 33 Great Christian Movies in order from my favorite at 1 down to 33:

1)            The Chosen

The Chosen is absolutely amazing.  It is the best depiction of Jesus I have seen.  It is TV series of 8 episodes, so far, setting out the calling of the first disciples of Jesus and beginning of their ministry.  It will make you laugh, cry and praise Jesus.  It will help you better understand Jesus.  Every one of the friends I recommended The Chosen to loved it.  Yes, it really is that good.  Here is my longer review.  The Chosen is Amazing – A Pastor’s Review

Go watch it and you will be blessed.  I know it is not a movie but it is too good not to include.

2)            Free Burma Rangers

I know putting an unknown documentary this high on a list of Great Christian movies seems like an unlikely choice.  Yet, Free Burma Rangers is just that impactful.  It is the story of a family of Christians who take the directions of Jesus seriously.  They left all – all meaning literally all – in order to go and serve Jesus.  If you don’t believe me, ask Francis Chan.  He called it the best Christian movie he has ever seen.  The movie challen

ged me in every way.  It inspired me to serve Jesus better.  Here is my review.  It is now available on Vimeo on Demand, Christian and coming soon on Amazon.

Two warnings – First, the content in the movie is intense.

Second, you may question your life choices after watching, in a good way.  You will not be the same after watching.

My Review of this stirring movie Free Burma Rangers Movie – A Christian Review

3)            Unbroken – Path to Redemption

Louis Zamperini was a man broken by war and captivity.  He was an angry, unemployed, anxiety-ridden alcoholic trying to drink his Post Traumatic Stress-induced nightmares away…until he met Jesus.  His transformation from a completely shattered man into a victorious servant of Jesus is the source of the somewhat ironic title – Unbroken.  He had to be completely broken by life before he could be remade again by God.  It is a great story!

Unbroken: Path to Redemption – Christian Movie Review

4)            The Case for Christ

In 1980, atheist and investigative journalist Lee Strobel applies his journalistic and legal skills to attempt to disprove his wife Leslie’s newfound Christian faith, which creates a rift within his marriage. After completing a thorough investigation for almost two years he finds the historical evidence for Jesus, and then finds a new faith in Christ.

This movie so accurately captures the journey from skeptic to disciple!

The Case for Christ: A Christian Movie Review – Go See it!

5)            I Can Only Imagine

The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe’s beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.

This movie left me in tears.  It is wonderful.

I Can Only Imagine: A Christian Movie Review and Recommendation – Go See This Movie

6)            Paul, Apostle of Christ

Paul wrote a good portion of the New Testament.  He is one of the greatest missionaries in history.  Paul’s life is still the benchmark for working for Jesus.  He was an amazing man of God.  Despite this, the man has received very little attention in Christian film.  This movie does not disappoint.  It does a wonderful job of humanizing Paul, Luke and the early believers of the church.  It presents them in a light that we often miss when reading the Bible.  They were amazing men and women of God who did enormous works for the Lord under terrible circumstances.  They also had doubts, fears, and frailties.  Understanding the humanity of the early church is a blessing when reading the Bible.

Here is my longer review Paul, Apostle of Christ Review

7)            Do You Believe

A dozen different souls-all moving in different directions, all longing for something more. As their lives unexpectedly intersect, they each are about to discover there is power in the Cross of Christ … even if they don’t yet believe it. When a local pastor is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.

8)            Courageous

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they face danger every day. Yet when tragedy strikes close to home, these fathers are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, and their faith. From this struggle will come a decision that changes all of their lives. With action, drama, and humor, the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures embraces God’s promise to “turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.” Souls will be stirred, and hearts will be challenged to be … courageous!

This movie is an all around favorite in our house.  The first of the multiple Kendrick Brothers movies on the list.    It was my favorite movie for years.

9)            Woodlawn

This movie is based on the true story of Tony Nathan and a revival that took place in Alabama during the battles of the civil rights movement and integration.

10)          The Song

This movie is one of my lesser known favorites.  The plot follows the son of a country music legend as he seeks to make his own way in the entertainment industry.  It is a parable of sorts as the story follows the lives of David and Solomon with narration from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

The movie is gritty and deals with mature topics but is worth a watch.

11)          Overcomer

Life changes overnight for Coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a new-found friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.

Another inspiring Kendrick Brothers movie.

12)          Mom’s Night Out

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and fun – a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation, and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours … what could go wrong?

This family friendly movie will keep you laughing from beginning to end.

13)          The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

A washed-up former child star, forced to do community service at a local megachurch, pretends to be a Christian to land the part of Jesus in their annual Passion Play, only to discover that the most important role of his life is far from Hollywood.

I recently watched this movie from the director of The Chosen and was pleasantly surprised.  Gavin Stone’s transformation is fun to watch.

14)          War Room

Tony and Elizabeth Jordan seem to have it all; great jobs, a dream home, a family. But their marriage is falling apart, until Elizabeth meets Miss Clara, an older and wiser woman who teaches Elizabeth how to fight for her family with the power of prayer.

15)          I’m Not Ashamed

The Columbine Massacre of April 20, 1999 completely redefined America’s view of the lives of high school students. Drawn straight from Columbine victim Rachel Joy Scott’s words and journal entries, through the insight of her mother, Beth Nimmo, it is the true story of a high school student whose compassionate, caring faith caused her to reach out to fellow students including her killers who made her a target of their murderous plan.

This is a tough but worthwhile movie to watch.  Faith in the face of the terrible.  An obvious tear-jerker.

16)          Home Run

A baseball player with a substance abuse problem is forced into rehab in his hometown, finding new hope when he gets honest about his checkered past, and takes on coaching duties for a misfit Little League team.

A great story of redemption and hope from the depths of addiction.  Another unknown favorite of mine.

17)          Where Hope Grows

A baseball player whose professional career was cut short due to his personal problems is suddenly awakened and invigorated by a young-man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store.

A young man’s simple faith and love overcome pain and bitterness.

18)          Priceless

A man stands at the crossroads of his life. Angry after the death of his wife and losing custody of his daughter, James is unable to hold down a job. Out of desperation, he agrees to drive a truck across the country for cash. When he discovers what his cargo is, he goes all out to save two sisters who will be sold into the sex slave trade.

For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone does a great job in this film as a desperate man who makes the hard choice to do what is right.

19)          Breakthrough

When he was 14, Smith drowned in Lake Saint Louis and was dead for nearly an hour. According to reports at the time, CPR was performed 27 minutes to no avail. Then the youth’s mother, Joyce Smith, entered the room, praying loudly. Suddenly, there was a pulse, and Smith came around.

Touching movie about hoping in Jesus even when things seem hopeless.

20)          End of the Spear

The End of the Spear is the story of Mincayani, a Waodani tribesman from the jungles of Ecuador. When five young missionaries, among them Jim Elliot and Nate Saint, are speared to death by the Waodani in 1956, a series of events unfold to change the lives of not only the slain missionaries’ families, but also Mincayani and his people.

A story about the amazing faith of the martyred missionaries and their wives who came after in the name of Christ.

21)          Amazing Grace

In 1797, William Wilberforce, the great crusader for the British abolition of slavery, is taking a vacation for his health even while he is sicker at heart for his frustrated cause. With few allies such as his mentor, John Newton, a slave ship captain turned repentant priest who penned the great hymn, “Amazing Grace,” Prime Minister William Pitt, and Olaudah Equiano, the erudite former slave turned author, Wilberforce fights both public indifference and moneyed opposition determined to keep their exploitation safe.

Great historical drama about the life of one man willing to give all for the love of Christ.

21)          Perfect Stranger

An old favorite about a woman who learns about faith through an encounter with Jesus Himself.

23)          Unconditional

A woman’s world is shattered after her sweetheart Billy is murdered in a random act of violence. After this tragic event she starts to dig around to find the killer of her husband. On her quest she reunites with her childhood best friend Joe who runs an after school program for children in his neighborhood.

24)          Run the Race

Against the backdrop of high school football and track, two brothers in a small Southern town face escalating problems with two different world views, straining – but ultimately strengthening – the bonds of brotherhood.

This movie was produced and supported by the Tebow brothers.  It is story of two brothers coping with life and learning about faith.

25)          Billy, the Early Years

We know the famous evagelist, Billy Graham.  This is the story of how he went from a small town boy to preaching to millions.

26)          Fireproof

Caleb Holt is all about himself, and it’s ruining his marriage. On the brink of divorce, Caleb’s father asks him to wait 40 days before separating from his wife and implement a selfless project called The Love Dare. See how The Love Dare changes Caleb and begins to change his marriage, his faith, and every aspect of his life.

This movie changed my world when I realized I was more the pre-change Caleb Holt than then post-Jesus one.  An excellent marriage movie.

27)          October Baby

As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah-unscripted-collapses in front of the stunned audience. After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt. In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah learns that every life is beautiful.

Powerful movie on a very emotional topic.

28)          Caged No More

Inspired by real events, CAGED NO MORE is the story of Aggie Prejean, a grandmother on a desperate search to find her two granddaughters, Skye and Elle, who have been kidnapped by their sinister father. As the details behind the girls’ disappearance begin to unravel, it’s discovered he has taken them overseas to be sold into slavery to settle his drug debt. Aggie enlists the help of the girls’ uncle, a well-respected local philanthropist, and his son Wil, who is former Special Forces. A global hunt ensues, and the team will stop at nothing to see the girls safely returned home. CAGED NO MORE is a drama meant to engage and educate audiences on the realities of human trafficking.

Kevin Sorbo as a bad guy!  The film is worth it for that alone.  He is dastardly as the sinister father who sells his daughters into sex slavery.  Allan Powell is excellent in the movie as well.

29)          The Riot and the Dance

Follow the journey of Dr. Gordon Wilson as he traverses the globe studying God’s remarkable land animals.  Dr. Wilson discusses how animals and nature clearly show God’s fingerprints on them.  They are created and point to the Creator.

30)          Risen

Follows the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Clavius, a powerful Roman Military Tribune, and his aide Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Yahshua in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.

31)          Ring the Bell

A fast-talking pro sports agent goes to a small town in hopes of convincing a high school baseball star to skip college for the big leagues, but getting to know the kid and the townsfolk makes him re-examine his values and outlook on life.

Another lesser known movie that wonderfully speaks to the work of Jesus in our lives.

32)          Forever My Girl

After being gone for a decade a country star returns home to the love he left behind.

A feel good movie centered on forgiveness and redemption.

33)          I Still Believe

The true-life story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss that looks to prove there is always hope.

I haven’t seen this one but Jeremy Camp’s story is amazing and I am looking forward to it.  Should be a good one.

What do you think?  How are my rankings?  Did I miss any great ones?

Happy watching!