8 Christian Movies and Shows to Watch in 2026
Movies
Audio By Carbonatix
By Amber Ginter, Movies
1. I Still Believe for Conversations about Faith through Grief
Released by Lionsgate Films, Starz Entertainment, and Paris Filmes in March 2020, I Still Believe portrayed the real-life story of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp and his journey through adulthood, love, and loss. After Camp goes off to college to pursue music, he quickly falls in love with Melissa. When he finds out that Melissa has ovarian cancer, the two are astounded. She is miraculously cured, and they get married only to find out on their honeymoon that her cancer has returned. As the story continues, Camp’s life becomes a testament to true love, faith, and hope even in the face of tragic loss. The film features Britt Robertson as Melissa Camp and KJ Apa as the young Jeremy Camp.
If you and your family are interested in watching this film, here are three questions I’d consider asking:
- Are we okay with watching a story of love and loss?
- When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want, how do we know He’s still good?
- Do you struggle to trust God when bad things happen?
At its core, I Still Believe is a family-friendly film with positive spiritual elements, plenty of good belly laughs, and a warming coming-of-age story. However, it also explores great loss, doubting God, and immense pain, so be prepared for some potentially difficult conversations.
With a box of tissues ready, the film portrays Song of Solomon 8:6 well: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord” (ESV).
Photo Credit: ©Lionsgate/Jason LaVeris
2. I Can Only Imagine for Conversations about Forgiveness and Healing
Released by Mission Pictures International, City on a Hill Productions, and Kevin Downes Productions in March 2018, I Can Only Imagine revealed the true and heartbreaking story of Christian band MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. Highlighting his complicated and abusive relationship with his father, the movie title and song were inspired by Millard’s ability to overcome hardship with eternal love. When the song and memoir became a hit film, Millard told People Magazine, "I'm in a great place now, but I never thought in a million years it would actually happen."
Throughout the movie, Millard’s upbringing shows a traumatic childhood full of divorce, abuse, substance use, and hot tempers. When his dad gets diagnosed with cancer, however, the script gets flipped upside down: Millard gets to see his dad find Jesus, and the trajectory of his life is forever changed.
Because of the nature of the storyline, there are some important questions to ask you and your family before showing this film:
- Are you prepared to have conversations about abuse with those watching?
- How can you use this film to talk about unconditional forgiveness (and the difference between forgiveness and something being permissible)?
- How do difficult relationships shape our future?
Inspired by the biblical principles found in Ephesians 3:20, Millard’s story encourages us to look beyond pain in light of what Christ can do. We don’t ignore our stories. We need to take time to process them, grieve, and heal. But then, watch what God can do: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (NIV).
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Terry Wyatt / Stringer
3. War Room for Conversations about Prayer and Marriage
Released by Kendrick Brothers Productions, Provident Films, Affirm Films, and Sony Pictures Entertainment in December 2015, War Room explored how prayer is a powerful weapon when we truly believe what we’re asking God to deliver. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, the creators of Fireproof and Courageous (two other highly acclaimed Christian films), seem to have it all from the outside looking in. When Tony is tempted by pride and seduction, their marriage starts to crumble. Elizabeth then meets Miss Clara, who encourages her to create a “War Room” and a prayer plan for her family. By the end of the film, Tony must decide whether to choose the ways of the world or the future of godliness.
With little to no violence, drinking, drugs, smoking, sex, or nudity, the film is a family favorite for generations old and young alike. Full of humor, positive messages, and real-life moments, here are a few questions to consider:
- All families have problems: Use this as an opportunity to discuss how parents, children, and siblings can deal with conflict appropriately.
- Does your family believe in the power of prayer? If so, keep at it! If not, discuss how you can integrate it.
- Explore the importance of open and honest communication even in times of hardship.
In James 5:16, we read these words: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NIV). As this film illustrates, prayer won’t magically fix everything, but it’s a wonderful tool for lasting hope even when circumstances don’t change.
Photo Credit: ©Sony
4. Priceless for Conversations about Justice and Human Dignity
Released in partnership with Radiate Films, Roadside Attractions, and for King and Country in October 2016, Priceless tells the untold story of many trapped by the violence of greed, human trafficking, and despair. What starts as an attempt to regain custody of his daughter through a shady cross-country driving job quickly turns into a rescue mission for those enslaved by sex trafficking. As James, played by Joel Smallbone, realizes the risk of his assignment, he risks everything to save two women trapped by its deceitful throes.
Because the film is centered around prostitution, human trafficking, pimps, and sexual assault, it’s important to consider these themes and questions before allowing young kids or teens to see it:
- Are we comfortable allowing our children to learn about human trafficking and assault?
- How does the main character illustrate justice, compassion, and integrity?
- How can we as a family support those trapped by the wiles of injustice in society?
Focusing on mutual love, respect, and honor, this film highlights many key scriptures of God’s love for His people: “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life” (Isaiah 43:4, NIV). This Bible reading plan by You Version also does a great job of exploring difficult topics with grace and propriety.
Photo Credit:©Radiate Films
5. Redeeming Love for Mature Conversations about Redemption and Trauma
Produced by Mission Pictures International with Cindy Bond, Brittany Yost, and Michael Scott, Redeeming Love is based on Francine Rivers' novel and loosely reflective of the book of Hosea in the Bible. Though the film is set in the realities of the 1850s Gold Rush, it highlights sex slavery through the lens of Angel, the lead female character. When Michael Hosea, a devout Christian and farmer, rescues Angel from prostitution and marries her, his love is put to the test when she repeatedly goes back to infidelity.
Though many have criticized the film for deviating from the biblical story of Hosea, the film does a good job of portraying Michael’s love for Angel and God’s love for us. Because the nature of the flick is centered around emotional trauma and sexual abuse, I would caution high-level discernment before showing it to children under the age of 16-18. Families who do decide to show the film should be prepared to discuss the following questions:
- How does this story compare and contrast with the Biblical story of Hosea and Gomer?
- Explore what mutual love and respect should look like between a man and a woman. What does it not look like?
- Since the film is PG-13, are we comfortable with our family seeing sexual content and having an open conversation about prostitution?
While the film is a bit difficult to watch in terms of violence and abuse, it does greatly reflect the endless pursuit of Hosea’s love for Gomer and God’s love for Israel in Hosea 1-3. As Hosea 3:1 summarizes: “The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes” (NIV).
Photo Credit: ©Pinnacle Peak
6. A Week Away for a Lighthearted Christian Musical
Produced by Alan Powell, Gabe Vasquez, and Steve Barnett and shown on Netflix in March 2021, A Week Away has received praise from secular and Christian audiences alike. Featuring Bailee Madison and Kevin Quinn, the plot follows a troubled teen boy who decides to attend a summer camp that ultimately changes his life and his eternity.
According to Plugged In reviews, “Camp Aweegaway isn’t just a summer camp; it’s a Christian summer camp. And camp director David’s philosophy is that kids are just 'a week away' from having their lives changed forever.” While the plot does thicken around Avery (Bailee Madison) and Will’s (Kevin Quinn) blossoming friendship, the movie is appropriate for all ages.
Here are some questions that could be fun to discuss after watching the film:
- How can we maintain fire for God beyond a typical camp conversion?
- Which character in the movie do you find yourself most drawn to? Why?
- Do you find the plot believable? How can we share the Gospel with those around us, even if we never set foot in a camp?
If you like musicals, dancing, and good old Disney Channel Camp Rock or High School Musical vibes, then this is the movie for you. However, many viewers have noted that while the movie is appropriate, enjoyable, and fun, many aspects don’t seem realistic or believable for everyday life.
Photo Credit: ©Netflix / YouTube
7. The Forge for Conversations about Discipleship and Mentorship
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing in August of 2024, The Forge is the newest film on my top 10 Christian movies list to watch in 2026. While many films that portray Christian values are cheesy or inauthentic, I really felt this one hit the mark.
Featuring Aspen Kennedy, Priscilla, and Jerry Shirer, Cameron Arnett, the film follows the story of Isaiah Wright, who needs a wake-up call to be a man and a productive member of society. Raised by a single mom and challenged by those around him, Isaiah finds himself with a new job teaching him more than just work ethic, but a new way of living.
When Miss Clara (from War Room) and his mother begin praying, Isaiah discovers a love that lasts, a faithfulness that keeps its word, a resilience that goes the extra mile, and a forgiveness that knows no bounds (1 Corinthians 13). As perhaps the most well-crafted and thought-out work that the Kendrick Brothers have ever produced, The Forge will have you smiling, crying, and laughing within the first 10 minutes.
While the film is marketed as a Christian evangelism/discipleship film, it has also gained traction among nonbelievers for its portrayal of friendship, mentorship, growth, compassion, forgiveness, and love. I’d also recommend it for all ages as it has minimal violence and zero crude or profane language. Here are some conversation questions that might be helpful after watching it:
- Who in your life can you mentor? Who can be a mentor for you?
- Do you have anything in your life that stands between you and God and needs to go?
- Who can you share the Gospel with this week?
With a powerful and heartfelt message, The Forge shows what can happen when someone believes in us, and we choose to love and forgive those who have harmed us (Genesis 50:20).
Photo Credit: ©Sony
8. The Chosen for Conversations about Jesus and Scripture
While it’s not technically a movie, The Chosen has been among the most popular Christian shows to date. Produced by Dallas Jenkins, Derral Eves, and Chad Gundersen, the show aims to depict realistic re-enactments of the life of Jesus Christ.
Since its April 2019 season one release date, the show has grown to five seasons and collected billions of fans along the way. On the flip side, however, others complain that the show is deceptive or has fallen too far from Scripture, misusing their creative liberty.
In an article by the Gospel Coalition, author Hannah Le Cras notes, “What I found disturbing was the way that images from the show would start playing in my head when I read certain stories in the Bible. In some places, the show had taken over my imaginative response to the written word. My ability to meditate on the stories and form my own ideas had been seriously compromised. Indeed, the strong emotions I experienced in connection to the way ‘The Chosen’ interpreted them made part of me not even want to.”
While Le Cras has a point, others praise the film for helping them understand the Word better, share the show with friends who otherwise wouldn’t pick up a Bible, and create biblical conversations in the home. The show isn’t an exact replica of the Scriptures, nor does it profess to be, but it can lead to great conversations with family and friends.
- Compare and contrast an episode of the show to that portion of Scripture. What do you notice?
- Can you use this show as an opportunity to share the Gospel?
- What is your biggest takeaway from _______ episode?
From Angel Studios to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and your standard TV streaming devices, good, faith-friendly films do exist for the family, but it might take a little bit of digging. Some might be cheesy, some might make you laugh, and others might make you cry. What matters is that we spend time with those we love and that the film impacts us to become more like Christ in the process.
Though these are in no particular order, they are a few of my top Christian movies of all time! With a blend of comedy, romance, and suspense, this list has it all. Did I miss your favorite? Comment down below and share this list with a friend.
Photo Credit: ©The Chosen
A Prayer for Discernment in the Media We Consume
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the gift of entertainment. No matter what we watch, say, or do, please allow our actions to glorify you and your Name. While it’s okay to watch films for fun, please use _____ film to make us more like you. Guide our family into what is and isn’t okay to watch and help us to stand boldly and confidently in a culture that’s always changing. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christian Movies
- What makes a movie a Christian movie?
A Christian movie usually includes faith-centered themes, biblical values, Christian characters, gospel conversations, prayer, redemption, forgiveness, or a story shaped by a Christian worldview. - Are all Christian movies family-friendly?
No. Some Christian or faith-based movies include mature themes such as grief, abuse, trauma, trafficking, or addiction. Parents should still review content before watching with children. - What is a good Christian movie for family night?
A Week Away, War Room, The Forge, and I Still Believe can all work for family discussion, depending on the age and maturity of the viewers. - Should Christians watch The Chosen?
The Chosen can be a helpful conversation starter, but families should remember that it is a dramatized adaptation. Compare scenes with Scripture and use the show to encourage Bible reading rather than replace it. - How can families use movies for faith conversations?
Families can ask what the story teaches about God, where the film aligns with Scripture, where it takes creative liberty, and how the characters model faith, forgiveness, courage, or discernment.
For Further Reading
- 20 Secular Movies with Christian Themes
- 11 New Christian Movies You'll Want to Watch in 2024
- When Bible Verses Come Alive on Screen
- 5 Reasons I Still Believe Is One of the Best Movies You’ll Ever Watch
- Redeeming Love
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