The 8 Best Christian Movies on Netflix

1. Jesus Revolution

A straight-laced pastor welcomes “hippie” Christians into his small church and sparks a nationwide revival known as the Jesus Movement. The film tells the 1960s/70s-era true story of California pastor Chuck Smith, who befriends a young Jesus-loving hippie named ‎Lonnie Frisbee and the decade’s flower children. Smith loses a few members but gains far more. (A young Greg Laurie is among those who are portrayed in the film.) This Kingdom Story Company film earned an A+ CinemaScore from moviegoers. It stars Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Rated PG-13 for strong drug content involving teens and some thematic elements.

2. I Can Only Imagine

A young man leaves his abusive home to chase his dreams of becoming a Christian singer, only to watch the dad he hated turn to Christ late in life. The film tells the true story of Mercy Me’s Bart Millard, who penned his most famous song -- also called I Can Only Imagine -- following his father’s death. This 2018 film stars John Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, and Dennis Quaid, and was a surprising hit, grossing $83 million domestically. It received an A+ CinemaScore and was the first major hit for the company behind it, Kingdom Story. Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence.

3. Blue Miracle

A washed-up fisherman teams up with a group of boys at an angling tournament with hopes of saving their orphanage. It’s based on a true story and follows the tale of the Casa Hogar orphanage, which is located along Mexico’s coast and faces closure due to unpaid bills. The orphanage is thrown a lifeline when the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament, reeling from a hurricane, pairs a past champion with Omar, the head of Casa Hogar, who is driven by his faith. It stars Jimmy Gonzales and Dennis Quaid and is rated TV-PG for minor language.

Photo credit: ©Netflix; used with permission.

4. Soul Surfer

A courageous young teen returns to competitive surfing after losing her arm in a shark attack. It’s the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a well-known professional surfer who was 13 years old when she lost her left arm in an accident that seemingly ended her career. She and her family, though, refused to abandon her dreams. It stars Anna Sophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award, a People’s Choice Award, and an ESPY. It also received an A+ CinemaScore from moviegoers. Rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material.

Photo credit: ©Affirm; used with permission.

5. The Hill

A sports-loving boy overcomes a disability to play professional baseball. The film tells the true story of Rickey Hill, a preacher’s son who was born with a degenerative spinal disease and wore leg braces but developed an uncanny talent to hit baseballs -- even though he practiced with nothing more than rocks and a stick. It won Best Family Feature Film at the Family Film and TV Awards, edging Barbie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. It stars Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford and is rated PG for thematic content, minor language, and smoking throughout.

6. A Week Away

A troubled teenage boy finds faith and romance at a church summer camp. This teen-centric film has the catchy sound and style of a Disney musical with a message about life straight from Scripture. Still, it’s not heavy-handed. It stars Kevin Quinn, Bailee Madison, Sherri Shepherd, and David Koechner and includes new versions of well-known songs from Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and For King and Country. It’s a favorite movie among my family and friends. Rated PG.

Photo credit: ©Netflix; used with permission.

7. Big George Foreman

A minister and ex-boxer gets back in the ring with the goal of winning enough bouts to save his youth center. The movie tells the true story of former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who won the title in the 1970s before retiring in order to launch a youth ministry. When Foreman’s bank account ran dry, he got back into shape and re-launched his boxing career with his eyes set on another championship. Khris Davis, who portrays Foreman, is phenomenal. Rated PG-13 for some sports violence.

8. Journey to Bethlehem

A young woman is told she will give birth to the Savior of the world. It’s a pop-style musical about the Nativity story. It features several well-known faces from Christian music, including For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone, CCM artist Moriah, and Grammy winner/Christian hip hop artist Lecrae. Adam Anders, who received Grammy nominations for Glee and Rock of Ages, directed it and co-wrote the screenplay and the music. He previously produced music for The Passion (2016) and Son of God (2014). My kids love this film. Rated PG for thematic elements.

Other faith-centric titles worth watching on Netflix: The Chosen, Tyson’s Run, Greater, Forgiven, The Two Popes, Testament: The Story of Moses.

Updated: April 2024.