7 Inspiring Christian Movies on Hulu (Perfect for Summer Family Movie Nights!)
Movies
Audio By Carbonatix
6:20 AM on Monday, June 9
By Tessa Emily Hall, Movies
1. I Can Only Imagine (2018)
Rating: PG
If you’ve ever listened to Christian radio, chances are you’ve heard the song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe more times than you can count. It’s one of those songs that never gets old; it’s anointed in a special way that prompts listeners to reflect on eternity and cling to hope in Christ during grief. But what makes the song truly unforgettable isn’t just the melody or lyrics—it’s the story behind it.
"I Can Only Imagine," the 2018 biographical drama, brings that story to life on screen. Centered on the real-life journey of MercyMe’s lead singer, Bart Millard, this powerful film expores the story that inspired the film and into the heart of a young man learning to navigate deep pain, abuse, and abandonment. We watch as Bart grows up with a father who was emotionally and physically abusive. He could have allowed his broken past to define him, but instead, the story that unfolds is a captivating story of redemption, forgiveness, and God’s ability to bring beauty from ashes.
Dennis Quaid gives a gripping performance as Bart’s father, while newcomer J. Michael Finley portrays Bart with raw honesty and compassion. Produced by the Erwin Brothers (Moms’ Night Out, Woodlawn), the film doesn’t shy away from hard truths—but it also doesn't miss the opportunity to point viewers toward experiencing healing, hope, and the transforming power of God’s love.
Whether you’ve heard the song a hundred times or are discovering it for the first time, I Can Only Imagine is more than a movie—it’s a testimony. And it just might change how you see your own story too.
Photo credit: ©Lionsgate
2. War Room (2015)
Rating: PG
If you’ve watched "Fireproof" or "Facing the Giants," then you’re already familiar with the Kendrick Brothers and their powerful storytelling that doesn’t just entertain—it points you to Christ. War Room is no exception. This film takes the theme of intercession and illustrates the authority we have as believers with our prayers.
Starring Priscilla Shirer in her acting debut—alongside T.C. Stallings and Karen Abercrombie—"War Room" follows the story of a “successful” couple whose marriage is quietly falling apart under the weight of pride, bitterness, and financial strain. Just when things seem beyond repair, the wife, Elizabeth, encounters Miss Clara, an elderly prayer warrior who teaches her how to fight for her marriage—not with arguments, but through focused, strategic prayer.
Elizabeth creates her own “war room”—a closet dedicated to intercession—and we watch a powerful testimony of God’s ability to heal what feels broken beyond repair. The film doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle; rather, it reflects authentic struggles in a way that reveals how prayer can shift atmospheres, change hearts, and restore relationships.
What’s beautiful about "War Room" is that it reminds us that we’re not helpless in the face of life’s hardships. This message clearly resonated with audiences, as the film was a box office success, bringing in over $74 million worldwide on a $3 million budget.
Photo credit: ©Sony
3. I Still Believe (2020)
Rating: PG
If you’ve ever heard the song “I Still Believe” by Jeremy Camp, then you know it’s more than just a worship song—it’s a cry of faith, one that was written in the midst of deep personal loss. The film I Still Believe, produced by the Erwin Brothers (I Can Only Imagine, American Underdog), brings Jeremy’s true story to life in a way that is both heart-wrenching and inspirational.
Based on his memoir, the film follows Jeremy’s journey as a young college student chasing after both his music dreams and his calling to be a light for Christ. Along the way, he meets Melissa—his first love—and we watch as these two fall in love. But when Melissa is diagnosed with ovarian cancer just as their relationship begins, their faith is put to the ultimate test.
Starring KJ Apa (Riverdale) as Jeremy Camp and Britt Robertson (Tomorrowland) as Melissa, the film beautifully captures the highs of young love and the heartbreak of loss, all while emphasizing the nearness of God to His children, even in the middle of unimaginable pain. It’s not just a story of love between a young couple, but a revelation of steadfast love for a Savior who remains faithful even when life doesn’t turn out the way we hoped.
While it is certainly an emotional film, "I Still Believe" manages to strike the perfect balance—offering a compelling, clean love story that even secular audiences can connect with, all while remaining anchored in truth. It’s raw, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that our hope in Jesus and eternity can keep us grounded in any storm.
Photo credit: ©Lionsgate
4. The Case for Christ (2017)
Rating: PG
If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about faith—or know someone who has—"The Case for Christ" is a must-watch. Based on the bestselling book by journalist-turned-apologist Lee Strobel, this compelling film tells the true story of one man’s journey from atheism to faith, not through emotional experience, but through honest investigation.
Set in the 1980s, the film follows Strobel (played by Mike Vogel), an award-winning legal journalist and devout skeptic who is stunned when his wife, Leslie (played by Erika Christensen), becomes a Christian. Determined to “rescue” her from what he believes is a misguided belief system, Lee has one mission: he hopes to disprove the resurrection of Jesus by using the same investigative tools that he’s learned in the newsroom. But what begins as a mission to debunk Christianity leads him to the ultimate Truth.
We watch as Lee interviews scholars, medical experts, and historians, uncovering evidence that he can’t seem to ignore. The story doesn’t just explore intellectual arguments for the faith—it also unpacks the emotional tension in Lee and Leslie’s marriage, showing how Christ can redeem and restore broken families.
Produced by Pure Flix, the film does a remarkable job of weaving together apologetics, relational drama, and spiritual truth without feeling preachy or forced. It’s both engaging and thought-provoking.
With a modest budget of $5 million and a global box office return of $17 million, The Case for Christ proves that faith-based films can be both moving and intellectually satisfying.
Photo credit: ©Pureflix
5. Soul Surfer (2011)
Rating: PG
Sometimes the most inspiring stories are the ones born out of the most painful trials. "Soul Surfer" is the perfect example of that. Based on the true story of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, this uplifting drama invites viewers into the life of a young woman whose faith, courage, and determination became a beacon of hope to people around the world.
Bethany (portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb) is a talented teenage surfer with dreams of going pro, living in Hawaii with her close-knit family. But after a devastating shark attack leaves her without her left arm, it appears as though her dreams are no longer within reach. But instead of giving up, Bethany chooses to have faith and trust God, even though her life no longer looks like what she once imagined it would. We watch as Bethany navigates this new challenge, leaning on her faith, continuing to persevere, and receiving the support of her family and church community. She eventually gets back on her board and into the water.
What makes "Soul Surfer" stand out isn’t just the dramatic true story or the incredible cinematography—it’s watching Bethany’s determination and resilience as she overcomes the impossible and leans into God’s strength to make up for her weakness. Christian themes are woven throughout the story, offering encouragement without feeling forced, making it a movie that resonates with both faith-based and broader audiences.
With a cast that includes Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood, this film grossed $47 million worldwide and continues to inspire viewers of all ages to keep moving forward and clinging to God’s strength, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Photo credit: ©Affirm
6. The Jesus Music (2021)
Rating: PG-13
If you’ve ever found yourself worshiping in the car, touched by an anointed and powerful chorus, or simply feeling God’s presence through a song on the radio—"The Jesus Music" is a documentary you won’t want to miss. Produced by the Kingdom Story Company (I Still Believe, American Underdog), this insightful film takes us on a journey through the history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), beginning with its unexpected birth during the Jesus Movement of the 1960s.
This isn’t just a timeline of events. Rather, The Jesus Music documentary invites viewers into the heart of a movement—one that forever changed how the Church and the world engage with worship and evangelism. With raw and honest interviews from Christian artists like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and many others, the film shines a light on how God used broken vessels to birth a new sound–even though it began as quite controversial at the time.
What I especially appreciate about this documentary is the vulnerability shared by the artists—how they shared stories of faith, failure, redemption, and how music became the bridge between the supernatural and the natural. It’s a reminder that Christian music isn’t just about performance. It’s about both ministering to others, leading them into His Kingdom, and ultimately glorifying Christ.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Christian music or just discovering it, "The Jesus Music" offers a nostalgic, sometimes emotional look at the artists and songs that helped shape the soundtrack of faith as we know it today.
Photo credit: ©Lionsgate
7. Courageous (2011)
Rating: PG-13
"Courageous" is yet another heartfelt film from the Kendrick Brothers, known for crafting stories that blend spiritual truth with everyday struggles—and this one is especially powerful. "Courageous" is especially a powerful film for fathers to watch, as it explores what true Christian leadership looks like within the home.
The story follows four police officers who are committed to protecting and serving their community—but when tragedy strikes, they’re each forced to confront what it really means to protect and lead their families spiritually. As they navigate grief, broken relationships, and their own pasts, these men begin to reevaluate their roles as fathers and husbands. We watch as they come to the realization that being a provider isn’t enough. God is calling them to a greater role: to lead with integrity and serve with humility.
What I love is how the film doesn’t shy away from its message; rather, it’s pretty upfront in its faith approach. And while it may come across a little strong for some, the heart behind it is genuine. It’s not just a movie. It’s a challenge. A wake-up call for men to take their role seriously as the spiritual leaders of their families.
Featuring powerful performances and emotional moments, "Courageous" has resonated with many over the years, sparking important conversations in homes, churches, and men’s ministries. With a budget of just $2 million and over $35 million earned at the box office, its impact proves that God can use faith-based stories to reach hearts and change lives for the sake of the gospel.
Photo credit: ©Sony
