The 20 Best Films About Faith

The 20 Best Films About Faith

Faith-based art has a long and rich history, being some of the greatest literature, music, and stories to ever be created. But unfortunately, in the past decade, the words “faith-based film” have become synonymous with low-quality, bad writing, and (perhaps even worse) boring. But great films about faith have a long and beautiful history, stretching back to the very beginning of the film industry’s inception in the beginning of the 20th century. Faith is a central human experience — one that has the unique ability to produce compelling and evocative stories, and characters that touch the hearts and minds of the entire world, when woven into a compelling narrative. While recently we’ve forgotten just how well faith and film intersect, it’s my desire to remember the power of visual storytelling mixed with theology. I’ve curated a list of the best films explicitly about faith throughout history to remind us how powerful stories of faith can truly be. 

Adam And Eve (1912)

It seems fitting to begin this list with the biblical story of the creation of the universe and humanity. Released only two years after the first Hollywood film, this film (with only two colors, no sound, and ancient technology) displays the Genesis story artfully, using shadow and composition to brilliantly display the biblical narrative. 

Sign Of The Cross (1932) 

Based on a play and directed by one of the first and most famous “Christian filmmakers,” Cecil B. DeMille, this movie revolves around post-Christ Rome and the persecution of Christians. In addition to receiving praise from believers for portraying Christianity’s history, it also received push back from religious audiences for its objectionable content.

Sergeant York (1941) 

Starring the great Gary Cooper, Sergeant York is the true story of a pacifist Christian who’s drafted to fight in WWI and is faced with the seemingly impossible moral quandary to either abandon his faith, or not confront an evil in front of him.

The Robe (1953)

The legendary Richard Burton portrays Marcellus Gallio, a drunken Roman soldier who wins Christ’s robe in a game of dice. Upon receiving Jesus’ robe, Marcellus begins having visions that ultimately lead him on a road to salvation with the help of his Christian slave, Demetruis.

The Ten Commandments (1956) 

The movie that truly launched the understanding of “biblical epic,” The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston, tells the biblical story of Moses with an epic and engrossing film adaptation. 

Ben Hur (1959)

Right on the heels of the success of previous religious epics came Ben Hur, a sweeping film of adventure and revenge that follows the story of an aristocratic Jew who’s betrayed and forced into slavery and ultimately fights his way back to salvation through forgiveness. The film won a record 11 Oscars. 

Lilies of the Field (1963)

Lilies of the Field is a moving and beautiful film about a handyman who becomes the answer to a group of nun’s prayers as he builds a chapel in the middle of the desert. The lead role is played brilliantly by Sidney Poitier, who went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance and make history, as he was the first black actor to win the award. 

A Man For All Seasons (1966) 

Based on the true story of 16th century martyr and canonized saint, Sir Thomas More, who was executed for refusing to recognize King Henry VIII as the head of the church. Played brilliantly by Paul Schofield, this film gives a moving depiction of a religious man standing by his convictions, even unto death.  

The Exorcist (1973)

A first of its kind, as a mainstream Christian horror movie had never been seen before. Following a priest who is tasked with exorcizing a demon from a young woman, this movie put the fear of God into the audiences who dared to watch it. The film is not only considered to be one of the scariest films in history to this day, but also takes faith seriously and portrays religion as a saving force.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Based on the true story of missionary and olympic runner Eric Liddell, who, despite his devout religious beliefs that kept him from competing on the Sabbath, went on to win an Olympic gold medal. This movie captures so well the struggle of conviction in the midst of cost and is beautifully filmed, acted, and scored. 

The Mission (1986)

Taking place in 18th century colonization-era South America, this film follows a Jesuit priest played by Jeremy Irons, and a mercenary and slave trader played by Robert De Niro. With breathtaking cinematography, moving performances, and a deeply compelling narrative about faith, forgiveness, and redemption, this film casts religion in a light of true goodness.

The Apostle (1997)

Written, directed, and starred in by Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, The Apostle is a film about a preacher who experiences traumatic events and is fighting with his own demons as he searches for hope. It’s a film that takes both doubt and faith seriously and realistically depicts flawed humans reaching for a perfect God. 

The Miracle Maker (1999)

One of the very film best adaptations of the life and ministry of Jesus is surprisingly not live action. This film recounts the Gospel narrative through the use of captivating claymation, creative animation, a brilliant score, and undeniably powerful vocal performances.

The Passion Of The Christ (2004)

Though both the movie and its director were highly controversial, The Passion of The Christ is truly a piece of art. The only film on the list actually centering around the life of Christ, this film is still unmatched as far as biblical stories are concerned in its cinematography, symbolism, acting performances, and music. 

Amazing Grace (2006)

A star studded cast brings to life the true story of the abolitionist movement in England, led by William Wilberforce. 

The Tree of Life (2011)

A metaphoric film about the love of God and the longing for eternal life. Director Terrence Malick weaves a brutally human but stunningly beautiful film about a father, played by Brad Pitt, and a son. 

Calvary (2014)

A movie that begins with a good priest receiving a death threat during a confession, Calvary follows the small town clergyman, played by Brendan Gleeson, in the week leading up to his potential demise. With some of the most moving performances and deepest spiritual truths displayed on screen, this film shows faith as something that has to do with all of us. 

Silence (2016)

Directed by one of the greatest and most critically acclaimed modern directors, Martin Scorsese, Silence is the stunningly filmed and acted true story of two missionary priests who are tasked with bringing the Gospel to the far east where christianity has been outlawed. 

First Reformed (2017)

In this film, Ethan Hawke portrays a pastor with a dwindling congregation who is forced to grapple with the real-world grief that lives and breathes in the world and the hearts of the characters he interacts with on a daily basis. The ending has caused much discussion and uproar, but the journey deals honestly with the questions of theodicy and where God is to be found in the midst of suffering. 

Who Knows (20??)

It’s been several years since we’ve seen a high-quality and compelling movie centered around religion. But hopefully this list can inspire filmmakers to make more beautiful and compelling stories of faith and remind audiences why they matter.