Christian Movie Reviews and Recommendations
Welcome to our Christian Movie Reviews and Recommendations page! We’re excited to share our favorite faith-based films of the year with you. Christian filmmaking has really stepped up its game, offering a wide range of creative and diverse movies that cater to all tastes.
Our reviews span different genres and styles, so there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re into musicals based on the Bible, chilling horror flicks, or mind-bending sci-fi adventures, our handpicked list has got you covered. Each movie is carefully critiqued to showcase its strengths, themes, and overall impact, empowering you to make informed decisions about what to watch.
We value your input! Share your opinions and top choices in the comments section of each review or engage with us on social media. Your feedback and suggestions will help shape our final recommendations, which we’ll reveal in an upcoming podcast episode where we’ll discuss and deliberate on the best Christian films of the year.
Stay tuned for our final picks and join us on this journey through the world of Christian cinema! We’ve tapped into Focus on the Family’s Pugged In to bring their top movies and reviews to you.
Directors Jon Erwin and Brett McCorkle, known for their successful films like American Underdog and I Can Only Imagine, we are taken on a journey through a pivotal period in American history: the late 1960s and early ’70s. Jesus Revolution tells the story of Lonnie Frisbee, a former hippie who discovers a new purpose as a follower of Jesus. Fate brings Lonnie into contact with Chuck Smith, a struggling pastor in Southern California whose church is facing challenges. Despite resistance from Chuck’s remaining congregation, Lonnie and his fellow hippies, including a young man named Greg Laurie, begin to make an impact. The film skillfully intertwines their narratives, revealing how these disillusioned countercultural youth pushed Chuck to embrace a generation that had been overlooked by the church. This courageous decision sets off an unexpected and powerful revival. In Jesus Revolution, there are hints of the hippie culture’s excesses that led to its PG-13 rating. However, it also showcases how God’s Spirit can unexpectedly work through unlikely individuals. The film is truly inspirational, demonstrating the incredible impact of faith and the value of embracing everyone with open arms.
Drake and her time at the University of Oxford where she finds the truth of Jesus Christ’s gospel through the influence of C.S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy. The movie bravely portrays Caro and her friends’ challenges in the first half, reflecting their reality with sexual humor and secular views. It realistically shows their journey towards Christian values, making Caro’s conversion story more impactful. Addressing theological questions, the film offers insights for Christians of all ages. Surprised by Oxford authentically captures the messiness of Christian conversion, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel in a relatable manner. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace can reach us regardless of our starting point in life.
The Hiding Place really hits home the bravery of those who risked everything to save others during wartime, only to find themselves imprisoned. Corrie ten Boom’s tale is well-known among Christians. In the Netherlands, she and her family courageously sheltered Jews from the Nazis in World War II. This adaptation for the stage and screen beautifully weaves their story in a creative, almost poetic way.
Corrie ten Boom is rightly hailed as a hero, but the movie presents her as a genuine person, displaying her moments of anger, jealousy, and practicality. This portrayal adds depth to her journey, highlighting her courage and unwavering faith in an even more compelling manner.
For those new to ten Boom’s narrative, The Hiding Place serves as a captivating introduction to one of the most extraordinary figures in Christian history of the 20th century. The film not only pays tribute to her lasting impact but also emphasizes how one individual can make an incredible difference in the face of unspeakable evil.
Christmas and music go together like chestnuts and open fires. Despite the many carols and hymns written about the birth of Jesus, a toe-tapping musical centered on the real Christmas story is a rarity. Enter Journey to Bethlehem, a film that breaks the mold by blending romance, drama, Glee-style music, and the charm of Antonio Banderas into one quirky package.
Does it work for everyone? Probably not. But does it work for this reviewer? Absolutely. Journey to Bethlehem not only delivers catchy tunes and fun dance numbers but also brings a fresh sense of humanity to Mary and Joseph, who are often depicted as distant, marble statues in traditional Nativity scenes. This film offers a new perspective, making these iconic figures more relatable and human.
It’s refreshing to see Christian directors take creative risks with their work. Journey to Bethlehem is a bold and vibrant take on the Christmas story, infusing it with modern elements while staying true to its core message. For those looking for a new way to experience the Nativity, this film offers an enjoyable and heartfelt option that stands out in the holiday movie lineup.
