Good Christian Movies

Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 9:36 am

Good Christian movies aren’t always easy to find, and those of quality are especially rare. That’s why I’ve put together this list for devout moviegoers, with all of the films listed below either dealing directly with events in the Bible or teaching important moral lessons. Grown-ups will find plenty to keep them entertained, but younger viewers will still be able to select from animated and sci-fi movies.

If you wish to rent any of the works listed below, you can do so by becoming a subscriber to Netflix. They offer multiple pricing plans, and there are absolutely no late fees. If you want to make them a permanent part of your collection, you can also purchase Christian films from Amazon. Clicking on either of the links will take you there, and we do receive a small commission if you buy something (it goes back into the site, by the way).

Oh, God! (1977) – George Burns stars as God in this unconventional comedy from director Carl Reiner. When he chooses an unassuming supermarket manager (John Denver) to be his modern-day prophet, the move is met with skepticism from the general public and religious leaders. This culminates in a courtroom showdown, where God takes the witness stand and sets everyone straight. Two sequels would follow, with Burns reprising his role as the Almighty in each.

Elmer Gantry (1960) – Loosely based on the 1927 Sinclair Lewis novel, Elmer Gantry stars Burt Lancaster as a con man who poses as a preacher in order to get closer to a female revivalist (Jean Simmons). His ruse works, and Gantry soon finds himself traveling across the country and spreading the word of God. But a newspaper reporter doubts his motives, and an old flame threatens to expose his past indiscretions. Will Gantry reform, or will he continue to use God’s name to make a profit? Winner of three Oscars, including Best Actor for Lancaster.

Going My Way (1944) – Bing Crosby became a major box office star with this musical tale of a young priest taking over his new assignment at a parish in New York. In addition to finding modern ways to deal with age-old problems, Father Charles “Chuck” O’Malley must also deal with two beautiful women from his past. Crosby sings five songs in the film, and the picture would win seven Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Actor).

The Book of Eli (2010) – In a post-apocalyptic world, almost all copies of the Bible have been lost or destroyed. But the wandering Eli (Denzel Washington) has a copy, and he’s carrying it to the west coast after receiving a vision from God. Along the way, he’ll have to contend with desperate marauders, cannibals, and a local warlord (Gary Oldman) who realizes the power that the book holds. Think of The Road Warrior, only with a more spiritual message. Also starring Mila Kunis, Jennifer Beals, Tom Waits, Michael Gambon, and Malcolm McDowell.

The Nun’s Story (1959) – Audrey Hepburn stars as a Belgian nun who sees the world plunged into chaos with the beginning of World War II. Unable to sit idly by, she leaves her convent and becomes a nurse. Peter Finch co-stars as the doctor she assists. The film would be nominated for eight Academy Awards, and Hepburn often cited this as her favorite role.

The Prince of Egypt (1998) – If you’d like your children to learn more about events in the Bible, you may want to give this animated tale from DreamWorks a try. It follows the life of Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) from his time as an Egyptian prince to his role in freeing the Hebrew slaves and leading them to the Promised Land. Featuring the voices of Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, and Steve Martin, as well as plenty of musical numbers.

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) – From his birth to the Resurrection, this epic film captures the life of Jesus Christ (Max von Sydow). Featuring a massive ensemble cast of familiar faces (including Charlton Heston, Angela Lansbury, John Wayne, and Dorothy McGuire), The Greatest Story Ever Told is a must-see movie for Christians of all ages.

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Boys Town (1938) – Loosely based on the story of Father Flanagan (Spencer Tracy), the founder of Boys Town, the film tells of his efforts to reform wayward young men, especially the rebellious Whitey Marsh (Mickey Rooney). It teaches an important lesson about reaching children through love and discipline, and Tracy would be rewarded with a Best Actor Oscar.

Letters to God (2010) – Each day, an eight-year-old boy with cancer writes a letter to God and mails it. This is the story of where his letters end up, and how they change the life of a lonely alcoholic. An inspirational tale for the entire family, it belongs on any list of good Christian movies.

The Apostle (1997) – After leaving his wife’s lover in a coma, a Texas preacher (Robert Duvall) flees to New Orleans and renames himself “The Apostle E.F.” He fixes up a dilapidated church, and soon his congregation is growing by leaps and bounds. But will the sins of the past come back to haunt him? Duvall deservedly received an Oscar nomination, and his co-stars include Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Walton Goggins.

Dead Man Walking (1995) – Based on a work of non-fiction, the film tells the story of a nun (Susan Sarandon) who helps a death row inmate (Sean Penn) in the months leading up to his execution by lethal injection. Tim Robbins directed, and Sarandon received an Oscar win for Best Actress. A powerful tale of redemption and forgiveness.

Inherit the Wind (1960) – Based on the stage play of the same name, Inherit the Wind uses the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial to comment on the dangers of McCarthyism. Starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Harry Morgan, Florence Eldridge, and Claude Akins. Nominated for four Academy Awards.

If you’ve found this list of good Christian movies helpful, you might also check out some other items from OGM:

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 9:36 am and is filed under Good Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

13 Responses to “Good Christian Movies”

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June 9, 2010

Steph McGregor

Thank you for this list, you are so right it is very hard to find good Christian movies as there is no such section as most poeple view it as fiction sadly, so thank you 🙂 I sore three that I am going to go and hire out now.

July 24, 2010

I AM the movie (2010)

This is a movie which takes the 10 Commandments and weaves it into a contemporary, “Crash”-like story and aims to appeal to the faithful and non-faithful alike. It’s coming out in October, and I think it will be like no other faith-based film that you have seen. Check out the website at http://www.iamthemovie.com.

August 17, 2010

Fred Wilharm

“Class of ’91” is the first faith based movie with a financial theme. Featuring a cameo by money expert Dave Ramsey, the comedy follows the trials of a high flying couple looking forward to their upcoming class reunion who find themselves suddenly broke and must turn to God for support. The website is http://www.classof91movie.com. The movie is available at Christian bookstores and has been acquired by new satellite channel “Parables HD”.

November 24, 2010

Jason

Inherit the wind is not a christian movie. A real christian movie is one that contains no swearing, and upholds a firm christian value. Look at movies like Pilgrims Progress, Time Changer, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, etc etc. Pick Real movies not worldly movies. God Bless and Jesus is Lord

November 25, 2010

Shane

Jason, if you’d like to write your own list of the best Christian movies, I’d be happy to post it.

January 4, 2011

Lisa Clark

I have to agree. God said to keep away from all uncleanliness of this world. If we participate in the things of this world that are against God how are we any different from the world? We shouldn’t watch movies with anything in it against the bible. Time changer is an excellent movie and I wish all christians would watch it.

God Bless
Lisa

January 22, 2011

Doug

I agree that we should not be funding, watching, or participating in the voluntary viewing of movies that go against God.

July 7, 2011

Michael

The Bible is full of Gods ill-tempered and half-holy servants, and Paul also quotes “wordly” philosophers.
Thanks for a great list!

March 16, 2012

Will

I’ve definitely got to disagree with Jason. There’s nothing wrong with cussing in the right time and place. There’s cussing in Book of Eli too fyi. If you think God expects everyone to fit the same mold, I don’t care to associate with you. We all have different paths to follow, and just because you’re clean cut, doesn’t mean a smoking, drinking, cussing, manly man can’t be christian as well

March 22, 2012

Terry Snow

Reggie’s Prayer starring former NFL All-Pro Reggie White is a good Christian movie. Members of the cast include former pro players Rosie Greer, Willie Roaf, Bryce Paup, and Mel Renfro. The cast also has Pat Morita of Happy Days and Karate Kid fame–and MC Hammer. I especially like Mike Holmgren and Brett Favre as the janitors. It’s a good wholesome story and we don’t see enough of those these days.

September 15, 2012

Tina

Will’s view is what is wrong with the world today. Watered down “christians”. How in your world, can you tell the sinners from the redeemed? The Bible tells us to not conform to this world and to have a renewing of our mind. To be set apart. To abstain from all appearance of evil. Not to blend in.

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