Perhaps “Netflix” isn’t synonymous with “Christian movies” in your household.
It’s not in mine, either. I subscribe to Netflix for its original content and its diverse lineup of options. I can catch an episode of Seinfeld, watch a documentary about elephants, and then chill on the couch as my kids enjoy Paddington - all on the same platform.
But Netflix also has a decent lineup of faith-based titles. (If you’re wanting dozens upon dozens of Christian titles, you’ll need to look elsewhere.)
Netflix offers a faith-based musical, a Bible-based series, and a film starring Dennis Quaid. It also offers a documentary about a legendary children’s television host.
Here are the seven best Christian movies on Netflix:
A Week Away
A teenage boy from a broken home discovers faith and romance at a Christian summer camp. This toe-tapping, faith-based musical has the catchy, Disney-like music and dance moves that kids and teens love - but positive messages that mom and dad can embrace. It stars Kevin Quinn (Bunk’d) and Bailee Madison (Bridge to Terabithia). It features original music along with fresh takes on Christian hits from the past. TV-PG. Messages/lessons: second chances, love, forgiveness, and salvation.
The Chosen
A diverse group of men and women leave their lives behind in order to follow a man who performs miracles. Netflix houses the first season of The Chosen, the global sensation that follows the story of Jesus and His disciples. Among the episodes is one of my favorites: Season 1, Episode 6, which spotlights the paralytic who was lowered through the roof. Dallas Jenkins is the series’ creator and director. Rated TV-14. Messages/lessons: redemption, forgiveness, love, sacrifice, and salvation.
Blue Miracle
A washed-up fisherman partners with a cash-strapped orphanage to try and save it from closure. The catch? It will require winning the world’s biggest fishing tournament. The film is based on the true story of the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Cabo San Lucas, which annually hosts the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament. It stars Dennis Quaid (I Can Only Imagine, The Rookie) and Jimmy Gonzales (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, The Case for Christ). Rated TV-PG for fear and minor language. Messages/lessons: sacrifice, fatherhood, second chances, and resisting temptation.
The Resurrection of Gavin Stone
A washed-up actor performs community service at a megachurch and pretends to be a Christian in order to land a role in the annual Easter play. This faith-based comedy/drama stars Brett Dalton (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) in the lead role and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (I Still Believe) as his romantic interest. It was directed by Dallas Jenkins. (The film’s underperformance at the box office led to Jenkins trying something different, which resulted in The Chosen.) It’s one of the funniest faith-based comedies ever made. Rated PG for thematic elements, including a crucifixion image. Messages/lessons: second chances, redemption, and salvation.
Little Boy
A 7-year-old boy is inspired to believe his father will return from World War II after hearing a priest deliver a sermon on Jesus’ words in Matthew 17:20 (“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed …”). It was made by the same company (Metanoia Films) that produced the inspiring movie Bella. It stars Oscar nominees Emily Watson (The Book Thief, War Horse) and Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins, John Adams). Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements, including violence. Messages/lessons: faith, love, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.
Forgiven
A desperate armed man barricades himself inside a church and holds the pastor and his family hostage. One of the hostages -- the pastor’s daughter -- is determined to see the hostage transformed by the love of Christ. Forgiven stars Jenn Gotzon Chandler (Nixon, Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland) as the pastor’s daughter and Kevin Sorbo (Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist) as a police lieutenant. TV-14. Messages/lessons: forgiveness, salvation, love, and salvation.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
An ordained minister launches a television program in order to teach the nation’s children about kindness. The documentary tells the true life story of Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which ran from 1968 through 2001 and taught children they were special and loved. He was a graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. “Fred’s theology was, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’” a friend says. Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language. It also includes a discussion about homosexuality. Messages/lessons: kindness, love, and sacrifice.
As of April 21, 2023
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/People Images
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.