The 10 Best Christian Movies of 2022

Journalist Lee Strobel travels the world to investigate near-death experiences and the afterlife. The film includes interviews with Francis Chan, Andrew Palau, John Burke and researcher Sharon Dirckx. We also hear one of the last interviews with the late evangelist Luis Palau. Strobel, a former skeptic of near-death experiences, now says he believes in them. "Even as a Christian," he told Crosswalk, "I was skeptical about near-death experiences initially until I did the research.

2. A Christmas … Present

A woman reaches out to her brother following the tragic death of his wife, only to learn he is doing better than expected. The film stars Candace Cameron Bure as a real estate agent, Maggie, who organizes a Christmas get-together at the home of her brother, Paul, and his daughter. Though grieving, Paul is finding peace in his Christian faith and in the knowledge he will see his wife again. The film was one of 18 original Christmas films that debuted on Hallmark-rival Great American Family this season.

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Jesus sends out the disciples two-by-two and encourages them to preach the gospel boldly even though danger is lurking. ("Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”) It includes the first two episodes of Season 3 of The Chosen and explores multiple scenes from Scripture, including the Beatitudes sermon. The film soars in its portrayal of the love and grace practiced within the early church. It was the best faith-based movie of 2022.

4. Family Camp

Two polar-opposite families are forced to bond – and to share a yurt – during a church summer camp. The faith-based comedy stars the comedic duo known as the Skit Guys (Tommy Woodard and Eddie James), who portray the movie's fathers – one who is a workaholic dad and the other who is over-the-top spiritual. It includes lessons about family, forgiveness, reconciliation and work-life balance. It also stars Leigh-Allyn Baker (Will & Grace) and Robert Amaya (Courageous, Moms' Night Out).

Photo courtesy: ©The Chosen, used with permission.

A young boxer who is searching for meaning in life opts to become a priest. The film stars Mark Wahlberg in the lead role and tells the true story of Stuart Long, who won the 1985 Golden Gloves boxing heavyweight title in Montana before dabbling in the entertainment industry and then turning to the priesthood. A motorcycle accident – he was nearly killed – changed the direction of his life. Later, Long developed a rare autoimmune muscle disorder and died at the age of 50. It's a powerful tale of second chances, perseverance and finding purpose amidst trials. Two versions of this film were released: one rated R and the other rated PG-13. (Father Stu: Reborn is the PG-13 version.) Both contain coarse language. Wahlberg said he prayed over the movie "a lot." The movie, he told Crosswalk, "was my calling."

6. 5000 Blankets

A wife is inspired to collect blankets for the homeless after her husband, who suffers from mental illness, goes missing on the streets. The film is based on the true story of Cyndi Bunch and her young son Phillip, who launched a homeless ministry (Phillip's Wish) in Fort Worth, Texas after the subject was personalized and they saw a need. It stars Anna Camp (The Help, Pitch Perfect) and Carson Minniear (Palmer), both of whom are excellent and believable. 5000 Blankets includes solid messages about love, compassion and overcoming tragedy.

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A father writes one of the most famous Christmas carols in American history in the wake of a personal tragedy. The film tells the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who penned I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (and also Paul Revere's Ride). Though grieving, Longfellow found strength in his Christian faith. It is the first movie by Sight & Sound Films, a company launched by Sight & Sound Theatres. The goal of Sight & Sound films, director Josh Enck told Crosswalk, is to "portray the stories of figures and events from history that changed the world because Christ first changed them." The movie includes a powerful message about finding hope and purpose in the midst of loss.

8. Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon

The Christian faith of the "Man in Black" is explored in this documentary, which includes interviews with family members such as son John Carter Cash and sister Joanne Cash Yates. It also includes interviews with Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Jimmie Allen, Alice Cooper, Greg Laurie, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw. Kingdom Story Company – the same company that produced I Can Only Imagine, American Underdog, I Still Believe and Woodlawn – made it. For Cash, faith "was just what was most important to him," his son John Carter Cash told Crosswalk. It's the best faith-based documentary of the year.

Photo courtesy: ©Sight & Sound, used with permission.

The world of a high school teenager gets rocked when his birth mom contacts him, wanting to meet. It's based on a true story and was produced by the same faith-based filmmakers – Alex and Stephen Kendrick – who made War Room, Courageous and Overcomer. The film stars Kirk Cameron, Dawn Long, Rebecca Rogers and Marisa Lynae Hampton. Newcomer Raphael Ruggero is excellent in the lead role. It's one of the best life-affirming films ever made. "We're hoping it will not only save a lot of lives, but we're hoping that it will inspire a lot of believers to support adoption in their local communities," producer Stephen Kendrick told Crosswalk.

10. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters

A business-focused father faces a crisis when his future business partner – his adult daughter – declares she's getting married and moving away. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Meg Meeker and includes echoes of the classic film Father of the Bride (1991). This hilarious comedy includes solid messages about fatherhood, family and love. It includes Hallmark-like "feels" and debuted on Pure Flix, the faith-based streaming platform that has seen its library grow since being purchased by Sony (which owns the faith-centric Affirm Films). It stars Bart Johnson (JAG, High School Musical), Robyn Lively (9-1-1: Lone Star) and Maria Canals-Barrera (Wizards of Waverly Place).

Also worth watching: The Mulligan, It's Christmas Again, Why The Nativity? and Patterns of Evidence: Journey to Mount Sinai.

Photo courtesy: ©Fathom, used with permission.