According to Freek L. Bakker, Senior Lecturer in Intercultural Theology at Utrecht University, one of the earliest Christian films ever made was La Passion du Christ (The Passion of Christ), produced in 1897. It was a silent film and received much praise as one of the first faith-based movies of its kind.

With new technology, better actors, bigger productions, and advancements in special effects, faith-based cinema has come a long way since. What are the best faith-based movies you should watch at least once in your lifetime?

Best Faith Movies to Watch

Some of the best faith-based movies are Come Sunday, Miracles from Heaven, and virtually anything produced by the Kendrick Brothers. There is nothing quite like a good uplifting movie such as these to revitalize our inspiration, faith, and belief.

So, whether you're seeking deep introspection, biblical retellings, stories of transformation, or a comforting feel-good film, this list of the best faith-based movies (in no particular order) will deliver. 

1) Come Sunday

Come Sunday is one of the best faith-based movies out there. It is based on "Heretics", a 2005 episode of the radio show This American Life. This drama tells the story of Bishop Carlton Pearson, an evangelical preacher who faces a crisis of faith when he starts preaching that there is no Hell. As you’d expect, this causes a ruckus, and the church and the community do not take this lightly. Pearson’s new controversial belief creates a big rift and lots of rejection. The movie is a big discussion about faith, doubt, and redemption.

You can watch it on Netflix. 

2) Miracles from Heaven

Miracles from Heaven is based on the book of the same name by Christy Beam, in which she recounts the true story of her young daughter who had a near-death experience and was later cured of an incurable disease. Her daughter is miraculously healed, leaving doctors baffled and restoring the family's faith. The power of faith and miracles will leave you speechless after watching this emotional drama.

Find Miracles from Heaven on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

3) Noah

Starring Russell Crowe—the star of films like Gladiator, Robin Hood, and more— as Noah, this dramatic retelling of Noah’s Ark does a powerful job of showing us Noah's obedience to God's command despite skepticism and chaos. Be aware, however, that some critics disliked the film because God is not mentioned by name, being referred to instead as “the Creator”, and there are a few scenes that contradict the Bible’s account.

You can catch this movie on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

4) A Week Away

A Week Away: the musical film that follows a troubled teen who finds faith, friendship, and love when he attends a Christian summer camp. Filled with catchy tunes and tender moments, this movie may be the most feel-good one yet. 

You can stream it on Netflix.

5)  Facing the Giants

This Christian sports drama centers on a high school football coach facing personal and professional crises. Through prayer and a renewed commitment to faith, he transforms both his team and his own life and demonstrates how having confidence in God can lead to triumph. Facing the Giants is directed by Alex Kendrick, who you may know from other faith-based movies like War Room and Courageous.

Find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Tubi (free with ads).

6) Courageous

And speaking of Alex Kendrick, Courageous is another of his faith-based works. It tells the story of four police officers who face daily danger at work but also struggle with their roles as fathers. When tragedy strikes, they commit to becoming better men and to embracing a stronger spiritual foundation in their lives and homes. 

You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.

7) The Two Popes

Since the late Pope Francis’ passing, this movie couldn’t be more relevant. The Two Popes explores the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and back-then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis). It plays after the Vatican leaks scandal, with Pope Benedict XVI trying to convince Bergoglio not to resign as archbishop, whilst confiding to him his intentions to renounce the papacy.

The film discusses change within the Catholic Church, examining theological debates, forgiveness, and doctrine. Critics loved this movie, whose screenplay and actors received Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and British Academy Film Awards.

Stream it on Netflix.

8) God’s Not Dead

This is the first installment of the God’s Not Dead film series. Considering the specific plot of each movie, each film’s main character embarks on a journey of intellectual and spiritual defense of his beliefs to prove the existence of God. In the first film, Josh Wheaton, a college student, is challenged by his atheist philosophy professor to prove the existence of God. If Josh can convince the whole class, he may pass; if not, he will have to bid his academic future goodbye. Will he be able to convince others of his faith?  

You can watch the series on Amazon Prime Video.

9) War Room

One of the most popular faith-based films from the Kendrick Brothers, War Room follows what happens when the most challenged of married couples attempt to rebuild their relationship through the guidance of God. When Elizabeth Jordan, wife and mother, meets an elderly prayer warrior, she learns to fight her battles through prayer. This encounter transforms her life and family in the process. It grossed $67.8 million domestically and became the seventh-highest-grossing Christian film in the United States. The Kendrick Brothers released a spin-off titled The Forge in August 2024. 

Find it on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

10)  Paul, Apostle of Christ

Last but not least, Paul, Apostle of Christ is another great faith-based film that deserves a spot on your watch list. It is the biblical and humanizing retelling of Paul the Apostle. The film portrays his life as young Saul of Tarsus, toward being a Christian persecutor, his posterior conversion to Christianity, acts of faith, up to his execution by the Romans. This movie shows how potent sacrifice and sticking with something (even when it hurts) can be.

Watch this masterpiece on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.