Movie nights have sure changed a lot since I was a kid. I can still remember jumping into the back of my parent’s old minivan and driving to our local video store to rent a DVD for the weekend. My siblings and I would argue about what to get, and our parents would have to ask the clerk what movies were “appropriate for children”. Now, streaming services like Netflix allow people to watch movies at the push of a button. Ironically, all these jumps in technology haven’t made it easier for Christians to find faith-based movies that are safe for the whole family.
That’s where this list comes in. Below are five inspiring Christian movies available for viewing on Netflix. Some are family-friendly, others are educational, but all are sure to encourage and entertain thanks to the redeeming message of Christ.
The Prince of Egypt
Consider this entry one to break out on “family movie” night. The Prince of Egypt is an animated classic best remembered for its striking imagery and breathtaking score, qualities which still hold up by today’s standards. Based on the Biblical book of Exodus, the film chronicles Moses life in pharaoh’s palace, his journey into exile, and God’s calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Though the Prince of Egypt does take some liberties with the story of Moses, it still embodies the spirit of the scriptures. Parents can use The Prince of Egypt as a means of introducing their children to the gospel, and perhaps learn a bit more about God themselves.
Unconditional
The Bible tells us to love our enemies, but few of us really understand what difficult journey that can be. Unconditional brings this concept to life by introducing viewers to Samantha Crawford, a happily married woman living out her dream life on a beautiful ranch. When her husband Billy is tragically killed, Samantha loses her faith and becomes consumed by grief. Only through a reunion with a childhood friend does she discover God has remained present in her life. Unconditional focuses heavily on themes of hope and the need for Christian mentors. Given the state of the world right now, that’s something we could all use.
Son of God
Mark Burnett and Roma Downey made headlines when they first produced The Bible, a radical new miniserieswhich guided viewers through the story of scripture. What many people don’t know however, is that the story of Jesus was compressed into its own film, beginning with his birth in Bethlehem and concluding with his ascension into Heaven. While not the most dynamic film, Son of God still manages to bring Christ’s time on Earth into focus, thanks in no small part to a winning performance from Diogo Morgado. Son of God is the perfect film for any small group Bible study looking to explore the life of Christ in more detail.
Ragamuffin
Rich Mullins is something of a household name among Christians. Yet the tragic, grace-filled story behind one of Christian music’s greatest artists is just now reaching his listeners. Ragamuffin: The Story of Rich Mullins delves into the past and exposes audiences to Mullin’s humble roots. A strained relationship with his father, combined with his struggle against alcohol, caused Mullins to wrestle regularly with his faith. Thankfully, mercy and grace would ultimately win the day. Both painful and poignant, Ragamuffin reminds its viewers that God’s love is truly boundless!
Irreplaceable
What is family? What does it mean to be part of one? This unique documentary from Focus on the Family seeks to answer these questions by exploring the Biblical and historical roots of the family in our society. Directed and narrated by Tim Sisarich, Irreplaceable embarks on a search that spans the globe and challenges our culture’s prevailing attitudes toward marriage. While this journey is better suited for the intellectual viewer, it contains more than a few surprises, and by the end, you may find yourself pondering a new outlook on a familiar world.
*Published 7/22/2016