33 Wonderful Movies for Christians
If you are having a hard time finding Christian movies that are not only enjoyable, but also encourage you in your faith, you have come to the right place. I love Jesus and I love movies, especially Christian movies and I am always searching for new faith based movies to watch and share with others. I posted my list of 33 favorites a few years ago, here:
Original 33 Christian Movies Post
but there have been a number of fantastic movies released since then. Re-watching some of the old favorites has also altered my opinion of them.
My Top 5 favorite movies is much changed as a result!
Without further introduction, here is my updated top 33 Great Christian Movies, in order from my favorite at 1 down to 33.
I list good movies at the end that are enjoyable, but did not make the list. Lastly, I also included the movies that often make lists like this, but I would not recommend.
1) Jesus Revolution
This very well made movie tells the story of the amazing revival that took place in the United States starting in the late 1960’s. It uses the life of Greg Laurie, a teenager from a troubled family who first got caught up in the drug fueled hippie lifestyle before coming to Jesus to help us understand the cultural phenomena that is still impacting the world. This movie honestly and powerfully depicts the culture that pushed many teens into a life of tuning in and dropping out, the ugliness and pain that followed, and the joy and challenges that followed when thousands of hippies gave their lives to Jesus. It does so without fear and without turning the people involved into caricatures. This is not (hopefully) an expression of bias since I am a Calvary Chapel pastor, since the movie actually raises a number of issues about the state of Calvary Chapel today. Rather, I think is just a fantastic movie that not only tells a story of the past, but can provide lots of insight to Christians about how to reach out to hurting people.
2) Unbroken – Path to Redemption
I have watched this movie many times by now and appreciate more each viewing. 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
3) Woodlawn
This one has really grown on me as I have re-watched it over the years. On the surface, it seems like a Christian football movie based on true story of Tony Nathan, a former NFL football player and his high school career. It is much more than that, though, as this took place in Alabama in the midst of the battles of civil rights movement and school integration. The story does not shout some of the major themes and lessons at you, but they are powerful.
4) The Blind
It is really easy to look at the success of Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty world and assume things were always that way for that family. Despite Phil and his wife, Kay, openly sharing their story, it can be hard to envision them as deeply lost, destructive, and hopeless as they describe themselves early in their marriage. The Blind unflinchingly depicts this time in the life of this couple, but also the years of family backgrounds that led them into the darkness and the wonderful Savior that led them out. I am not an avid Duck Dynasty fan, but I love this movie.
5) 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!
6) Courageous
Though this film revolves around a group of police officers, it’s message is about fatherhood and men in general. Though not as polished as some of the other movies on the list, the mixture of drama, humor, and Jesus is wonderful and inspirational. My family has watched this film so many times since it came out and been blessed by it every time.
7) The Chosen
The Chosen’s change from first on the last list to seventh reflects a combination of good developments in the Christian movie world and, sadly, a bit of slippage by The Chosen. There have been some really good movies that came out that may have taken it out of spot 1 on their own, so I am not saying that The Chosen is not still very good. Yet, perhaps inevitably, it is not quiet in the amazing category as it was after season 1. At times, the insertion of unnecessary story lines, focus of the episodes, and perhaps oversaturation of Jonathan Roumie has caused The Chose to not shined as consistently as it once did.
It is still a must watch and remains thoughtful and often inspiring. I just wish they would streamline things, however, focus more on Jesus, and get rid of the characters through whom they seem to be trying to send messages.
Here is my original review. The Chosen is Amazing – A Pastor’s Review
8) I Can Only Imagine
This is not a “making of the song” documentary. Though it is about MercyMe and their first big hit of the same name, it is more so a biography filled with ultimate hope and 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
9) Unsung Hero
Though my family loves the band For King and Country, you don’t have to enjoy their music or that of their sister to appreciate this movie. Though it is the story of the Smallbone family, including Luke and Joel of For King and Country, it deals with issues of faith, fear, success, and failure that apply to every family. It is just a wonderful film that I highly encourage watching.
10) Free Burma Rangers
This is another movie that dropped significantly, from #2 to # 10, though mainly not from anything related to the actual film. It is still a great story that will encourage you in Jesus.
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.
It inspired me to serve Jesus better. Here is my review.
Warning – the content in the movie is intense.
My Review of this stirring movie Free Burma Rangers Movie – A Christian Review
11) Home Run
Home Run is the first of the unknown, but really good movies on the list. It is about an alcoholic major league baseball player haunted by the abusive home where he grew up being forced to return to his hometown to face his past. In the process, he deals with his addiction, the mess that he left behind, and takes on coaching duties for a misfit Little League team.
This one can be a bit clunky in story telling at times or else it would be higher. Yet, it is also one of the best depictions of the journey from alcoholism to Jesus I have seen and offers incredibly inspiration to those struggling with abusive pasts.
12) The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Oh, how I love this sweet little unknown movie! It fills me with joy every time I see it. It centers around the friendship between a young boy and Jonathan Sperry, played by 80’s throwback, Gavin McCleod, and offers the simple message at the core of the Christian faith – that one man’s kindness, love, and faithfulness can transform everyone around him for Jesus.
I particularly love watching this one with my children.
13) Paul, Apostle of Christ
Paul is one of the greatest missionaries in history and an amazing man of God. He is a great example for every Christian. Yet, it is really easy to forget he was a real human serving Jesus, with all of the emotions of every other believer. This movie 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 not perfectly formed statues or unthinking robots, but amazing men and women of God who did enormous works for the Lord under terrible circumstances, often in weakness and fighting despair. Seeing their faith, weakness, strengths, and tenacity acted out on screen can spur us to our own great acts of faith for Jesus.
Here is my longer review Paul, Apostle of Christ Review
14) The Resurrection of Gavin Stone
Gavin Stone is a washed-up former child star whose antics result in him doing community service at a local megachurch. The plot thickens when he pretends to be a Christian to land the part of Jesus in their annual Passion Play…and hilarity ensues:) The movie is actually funny, at times, particularly as they depict Gavin Stones’ encounters with the quirks of Christian culture. Yet, the real punch of the film is his dealing with the father he left behind and understanding of the meaning of grace.
15) 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.
16) I Still Believe
The true story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp and the great love and loss that defined his early life. It is a wonderful movie, but one that will likely leave you in tears.
17) Miracles From Heaven
This a challenging movie to watch, particularly as a parent, as it deals with a child suffering from a terrible illness. Yet, it is also a story of faith, determination, and a family that loves each other struggling through it and, obvious a miracle from heaven. I watched this with my daughter who was about the same age as the little girl in the movie and we both cried our eyes out.
18) 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.
19) 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.
20) 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.
21) 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.
22) 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.
23) Blue Miracle
Blue Miracle follows the story of a Mexican boys home faced with grave financial troubles that enters into fishing tournament to save the home. It is a fun and inspiring story.
24) 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.
25) 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. The young man’s simple faith and love overcome pain and bitterness.
26) Fireproof
Fireproof is one of the movies that kick started the Christian movie industry. While it is somewhat of a low budget movie, the compelling story dealing with important issues proved that Christian movies coudl be both Christian and profitable.
On the brink of divorce, Kirk Cameron’s Caleb Hunt undertakes 40 days of a project called The Love Dare to save his marriage. It is an excellent marriage movie.
27) Ring the Bell
Another lesser known movie with a good cast and great message. 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. Doing so, however, actually makes him re-examine his values and outlook on life.
Wonderfully speaks to the work of Jesus in our lives.
28) 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, I’m Not Ashamed it is the true story of this high school student whose compassionate, caring faith caused her to reach out to fellow students.
This is a tough but worthwhile movie to watch. An obvious tear-jerker.
29) 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.
30) Chariots of Fire
The story of Scottish runner and missionary, Eric Liddell and the 1924 Olympics. Liddell’s journey from Scotland to college at Cambridge and then, eventually, to a Japanese internment camp during World War 2 is an inspiring and fascinating one. Part of this faithful life is depicted in this wonderful story of faith and perseverance.
31) Time Changers
This film will never win any awards and is a bit dated. However, I love it for its story and message. A minister in the 1800’s advocating for a more liberal reading of the Bible is transported by a time machine to the modern day to see the impact of these teachings.
32) The 10 Commandments
Charleton Heston and classic movies at their best.
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.
Other Good Christian Movies:
The Encounter, Unconditional, Risen, The Riot and the Dance, Caged No More, Billy, the Early Years, Run the Race, The Perfect Stranger, End of the Spear, The Ultimate Gift, The Most Reluctant Convert, Seven Days in Utopia, A Week Away, Finding Normal, Grace Unplugged
Movies that I don’t Recommend:
Silence – A well produced, emotional movie made by someone who doesn’t seem to understand the Gospel of Jesus that ultimately promotes an un-Christian message. It is subtly offensive to Jesus.
Silence – Christian Movie Review
The Shack – though the story of The Shack does an awesome job pulling on your emotional heart strings, it is done so deliberately in order to promote a new age, universalist message. It is a theological mess.
Hacksaw Ridge – I know this is controversial, but I don’t like this movie for a number of reasons. As a starting point, it is graphically violent and presents a message about a Seventh Day Adventist that is confusing, at best.
Noah – A story that is not really about Noah from the Bible.
Exodus: Gods and Kings – A story that is not really about Moses from the Bible.
Heaven is for Real – I have no ill will toward Clayton Burpo or his family, but I don’t believe most of the “heaven tourism” movies.
What do you think? How are my rankings? Did I miss any great ones?
Happy watching!
Thank you so much for the helpful reviews!!
I watched I still Believe with some of my family recently after reading your review. It was so good and really encouraging!!
The Chosen is to be added to list of “movies to avoid” list.
Hi – I can’t agree with you, personally, my friend as I appreciate much of what they do. Even when I disagree with how something is portrayed or with some of the added elements, I still appreciate that a depiction of Jesus and the Gospel is getting out to people for them to ponder. It is not perfect, but neither are Christmas pageants, plays, and just about everything that involves people passing on the message.
I do, however, heartily support you if you don’t want to watch it.
I came here looking for good recommendations. For the most part you did a great job on your list. But I disagree with your Heaven is for real analysis. To each their own. I have followed Akiane the girl who painted THE PRINCE OF PEACE. That is the painting that Colton Burpo finally agrees on that Jesus looks like. Colton has gone on to be a very good preacher of the word of God. Akiane also had an encounter with Jesus. The two children never met and yet they were connected through the image and visit of Christ. I fully believe this is true and possible. God Bless.
Hi Debbie – thanks for your thoughts! I know that many people agree with you and don’t have a problem with your conclusion or Colton Burpo, as I mentioned. I have just concluded differently based on my reading of Scripture and the stories people tell. I pray that Colton’s story has encouraged you in your faith!
Hi PastorUnlikely – Thank you for the list. I look forward to watching a few that I have not come across so far. I did also want your take on a based on true story movie, Come Sunday. I see this movie promoted on many a Christian must watch list and am always confused by it. I do not consent to the treatment of this pastor/man and family by his church, for my heart breaks from just reading the movie synopsis because of how people hurt one another and for this pastor who seems to have fundamentally lost his way. Jesus calls on us to pray for one another (including those who may be misguided) to love the lost and be a light, so it always pains me when very Christians seem to do the opposite of this at times. I must admit, I have not watched the film myself as its synopsis highlights a great misleading of doctrine and if one is veering off from Scripture, that is a huge concern and bears being spoken against. Nevertheless, the many atimes I see this movie being promoted I must wonder if I am the one missing something. Any thoughts? Are you familiar with the film, Come Sunday?
Hi there – Glad you liked the list and hope you enjoy the recommendations! Sorry, I have not seen Come Sunday. Though I am aware of the movie, I really don’t want to watch a movie where the “hero” is a man who departs from sound doctrine and the villains are the church. I certainly understand that churches can act poorly and don’t shy away from addressing that here, but that doesn’t make bad teaching correct.
I agree with you about the “Best of Christian movies” lists as well and it is one of the reasons I wrote this one. Some of the movies that I see on theses lists present some very strange views of God and faith and are very far from being Christian movies.
PastorUnlikely – Thanks for your viewpoint and reponse. It’s good to simply know that I am not alone in this understanding of the movie. Again, I appreciate your list. God bless you for your time in doing so.
Also, I recently watched The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry because of your list. In all my times of searching for good Christian movies to watch, I’ve never come across this one, nor have I ever heard of it. It really is a hidden gem, and truly blessed me. I’ve enjoyed it so much I,’ve ebcouraged my niece and nephew to watch as well and would like to recommend for the youth ministry at church. So many are concerned about relating to kids and their interest by showing the new movies out there, but these are the films they really should be introduced to. Again, thank you for your time and obedience in this list, this movie alone was a blessing and encourager of what more I can do to spread God’s Gospel. God bless!
So glad that you liked it! You are right, it is such a hidden gem. Hope that your niece and nephew enjoy it as well.
I’m here looking for recommendations for clean comedies and romances for my family to enjoy, as nothing contemporary has even a clue about good story or faithfulness.
I appreciate that you rejected “Silence” by name. Quite a disappointing treatment of such a powerful subject. I heard “The Mission” was excellent.
A (much!!) better account of Christians standing faithful to the end is “A Man for All Seasons,”
and the timeless classics about the ancient Christians like “Quo Vadis,” “Ben Hur,” or “The Robe.”
“Faith Like Potatoes” is not in the same category of these films but was a solid Christian movie that had us in tears at the end.
God bless!
Hi – hope you found some good suggestions! I haven’t seen “The Mission” in many years but if I remember correctly it is somewhat mixed in its message.
Thank you for mentioning Silence. What a terrible treatment of such a powerful subject! Movies with much better treatment of Christian faithfulness to the end is A Man For All Seasons, Ben Hur, Quo Vadis, The Robe. Unfortunately these are all classics made 50+ years ago. God bless!