10 Popular Movies for Studying 10 Books of the Bible

1. Is Genesis History? – The Book of Genesis

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” - Genesis 1:27

This fascinating look at our planet has been hailed a multi-tool kit for anyone who believes in – and is looking to understand – the concept of a young Earth and the reliability of scripture. Produced by Focus on the Family, viewers are confronted with questions of evolution, dinosaurs, the flood, and what evidence supports the Bible’s account of creation. Though the documentary does stand out on this list of Hollywood titles, it still finds a place here by encouraging viewers to consider how a beautiful creation was destroyed through the selfishness of mankind, and why God will do everything in his power to restore what was lost. Ultimately, Is Genesis History? Is a delightfully scientific look at the beginning of our planet, and those who see it will never read the book of Genesis the same again.

2. A Bug’s Life – The Book of Exodus

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go, tell Pharaoh King of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.'" – Exodus 6:10 – 11

This often-overlooked Pixar classic has plenty to teach Christians about the Book of Exodus. Sure, the stories differ greatly in content, but they still share many things in common. Like the Israelites, the ants of A Bug’s Life spent years living as slaves under the cruel and tyrannical grasshoppers. Both groups cried out for deliverance, and both groups received a leader, albeit imperfect ones. Moses was a poor speaker who constantly second-guessed God’s plan, while Flik wallowed in self-pity and tried to hide behind others. Both lacked self-confidence. In the end though, ants and Israelites alike realized they were made for something greater. And really, who needs an excuse to watch a Pixar movie?

3. The Greatest Showman – The Book of Ecclesiastes

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” - Ecclesiastes 1:14

Ecclesiastes is a book overflowing with poetry and wisdom, but its lessons don’t come cheaply. Modern readers in particular can have a difficult time parsing through Solomon’s artistic language. Thankfully, The Greatest Showman can provide them with a solid foothold when studying the text. The Greatest Showman follows P.T. Barnum as he rises from humble origins to become part of New York’s elite society. Yet no matter how much wealth or fame he incurs, Barnum is still left feeling empty. Solomon knew these circumstances as well. Despite being king over all he surveyed, Solomon came to realize how fleeting his existence was, and that only God mattered in the end. Both great men leave their audience with a serious question to ponder: Your life is short, so what will you live for?

4. La La Land - Song of Solomon

“Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” - Song of Songs 2:12

Song of Solomon is all about the concepts of love and identity. Throughout the text we see two lovers praising, yearning, and expressing their passion for one another. But how do we find the simpler meanings laced beneath Solomon’s romantic prose? Well, one way is with a viewing of La La Land. In the beginning, this film seems like just another romantic drama, but in reality it’s a bittersweet examination of what it means to love and lose. Sebastian Wilder and Mia Dolan (Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone) clearly have feelings for one another throughout the story, but they also must confront their own personal failings and ambitions. By the end of their journey, viewers come to realize just how precious our ability to love is, even when it hurts.

5. Beauty and the Beast – The Book of Esther

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’” – Esther 4:15-16

Christians are frequently told how God can use even the worst circumstances for our betterment. Of course, it’s a lot harder to believe this when you’re in the middle of a difficult situation, but that’s what makes the Book of Esther so powerful. In many ways the story of Esther is like a fairytale, almost identical to Beauty and the Beast in fact. We see how a young woman is taken from those she loves and imprisoned with a man she fears. However, her courage and compassion ultimately save the lives of many. It’s a heroic tale of love conquering evil, and asks us to consider for ourselves whether we were made for such times as these.

6. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – The Book of Luke

“Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” - Luke 23:46

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is already beloved by Christian readers everywhere, but the film adaption also serves as an excellent guide to the book of Luke. As one of the four Gospels, Luke is considered essential reading for any believer since it fully encapsulates the life and teachings of Christ. The birth, ministry, and crucifixion of Jesus are all recorded in great detail, helping readers take their first tentative steps on the Journey toward God. In the same way, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe offers up the same message through the fantastic world of Narnia. From the weight our own sin, to the hope found in Christ’s resurrection, this film has everything a believer could possibly ask for.

7. The Lord of the Rings – 1st Corinthians

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” -  1 Corinthians 1:27

Hobbits certainly are strange creatures. They’re not strong like men, wise like wizards, or powerful like elves, yet in The Lord of the Rings we see how these unlikely characters shape the course of their world. In fact, the central theme of Tolkien’s three-film epic is that great power doesn’t overcome evil, but rather simple acts of faith, kindness, and charity. In 1^st Corinthians we witness a Church facing a similar crisis. Fledgling believers are struggling with infighting and uncertainty, and how does Paul respond? He encourages them to meet together in fellowship, to respect one another as brothers, and to remember that God uses small acts of love to do great things! To paraphrase one grey wizard, “That is a very encouraging thought.”

8. Hidden Figures – 2 Timothy

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

It’s hard to imagine what life must have been like for African Americans in the 1960’s. Segregation still had its ugly hooks planted firmly in the American psyche. Women like Katherine Johnson were regularly ignored, demeaned, or openly abused by the society in which they lived. Despite all this, many brave individuals stepped forward and demonstrated a spirit of courage, love, and perseverance that would ultimately change history. 2 Timothy is often quoted amongst believers for its message of hope and encouragement, but what few remember is how Paul authored this book while sitting in prison. With the promise of death looming on the horizon, Paul still urged his brethren not to give into despair. For even in the face of evil, God will always overcome.

9. Hello, Dolly! – The Book of Philippians

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

As I’ve written before, the 1969 musical Hello, Dolly! offers sage advice on what it means to be Christian. The brassy Dolly Levi may not have much, but she’s determined to spread joy wherever she can. She sees people for who they and accepts them despite their faults. Her riches aren’t in personal wealth but in the relationships she cultivates with her neighbors. If the book of Philippians had a few more song and dance numbers, one could almost mistake it for something Dolly wrote. Paul’s primary purpose in this letter was to thank the Philippians for thinking of him while in prison, and he urges them to rejoice regardless of their circumstance. Above all, he wanted them to cherish the fellowship and unity they had built together. As Dolly Levi would say, “Love only works if it’s spread around, encouraging young things to grow.”

10. Thor: Ragnarok – The Book of Revelation

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Who said the apocalypse couldn’t be fun? Admittedly, you’re probably wondering what a sci-fi comedy about Norse mythology could possibly have to do with the Bible. Well, throughout this Marvel romp, the character of Thor is shown desperately trying to save his kingdom of Asgard from its prophesied destruction. By the end of all things however, Thor has come to understand one simple truth,

“Asgard is not a place, it is a people.”

Christians have argued about the significance of Revelation for centuries, but the gospel teaches us Christ’s Kingdom is not made of brick or stone. The Kingdom of Heaven are God’s people. No one knows what the future holds for any of us, but we can still rest easy in the promise that God has not forgotten his children.