12 Mainstream Movies With Subtle Christian Themes
Movies can reaffirm or further our faith. For decades, they've been used to spread the Almighty's message, whether through epic productions like The Ten Commandments or Ben-Hur or low-budget indie dramas targeted toward church-goers, like Fireproof or Left Behind.
There are other films that, while not overtly Christian, have a subtle, positive message that can be equally inspiring. Here are 12 (one for each apostle) for you to choose from.
First Reformed (2018)
One could argue that the writer of Taxi Driver has been making Christian-themed movies all of his life, but Paul Schrader's faith (he is a graduate of Calvin College) is most apparent in this A24 film. It stars Ethan Hawke as a reverend looking for hope as the religious world becomes increasingly corrupt, but his existential journey leads him down a violent path.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Kanopy, Cinemax
Signs (2002)
Not quite as cynical as First Reformed, M. Night Shyamalan's horror film about an alien invasion has a faithless former priest as its protagonist. The movie's central theme—does the Almighty have a grand plan?—becomes fairly obvious as the plot's secrets become known.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Made at the height of Al Pacino's "shouting" period of his career, this legal thriller/horror hybrid revolves around a young lawyer (Keanu Reeves) whose spotless legal record takes him to a prestigious New York law firm where he is slowly corrupted by his boss (Pacino). The film's excessive nudity and crude language make it inappropriate for family film night, but it does touch on Christian themes such as the seven deadly sins and Lucifer's fall from heaven.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Tubi
A Wrinkle In Time (2018)
When this big-budget adaptation of Madeline L'Engle's novel hit the screens, there were concerns about omitting its Christian elements. However, the film stays true to the book's core themes: There is meaning in our chaotic universe, and our weaknesses can be our greatest strengths.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Disney+
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Speaking of young adult fantasy adaptations, this blockbuster about "two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve" who find a magical land inside a closet delves deep into Christian themes. They become undeniable when Aslan, the wise titular lion, returns to life after sacrificing himself for one of the children at the story's center, much like a certain Christian did for the world.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Disney+
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Just like C.S. Lewis, the author of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, writer and devout Catholic J.R.R. Tolkien (also a friend of Lewis) did not shy away from the fact that his novels, upon which these award-winning films are based, are founded on religious themes. A simple Google search will reveal any number of interpretations, from the ring representing temptation to the wizard Gandalf's resurrection after his death.
Where to stream: Digital rental, Max
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Between the epic car crash scenes, musical cameos, and classic soundtrack, the plot of this hilarious film, which revolves around a pair of brothers (Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi) who get their band back together to put on a fundraiser for the orphanage they grew up in, has religious undertones. Much like Joan of Arc, the titular characters see a heavenly vision that sets them out on "a mission from God," though it's doubtful He asked them to drive through a shopping mall to escape the police.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Ryan Gosling is having a moment right now, so it wouldn't be prudent not to include one of his films on this list. At first blush, this dramedy about a shy soul who becomes (chaste) friends with a sex doll doesn't seem like a movie that reflects Christian values. However, quite unexpectedly, its themes of tolerance, faith, and love have prompted churches to use the film as an instructional tool.
Where to stream: Fubo, MGM+, Hoople, Tubi, Pluto TV, Kanopy, Digital rental
Chariots of Fire (1981)
One runs to overcome intolerance; the other runs to bring God glory. The true story of British sprinters Harold Abrahams, an English Jew, and Eric Liddell, a Christian missionary, at the 1924 Olympics was awarded the Oscar for Best Picture in 1982. What sets this inspirational film apart from other sports dramas is that both men firmly believe their athletic abilities are part of a higher purpose. They each find strength in remaining true to their beliefs.
Where to stream: Digital rental
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra's film about redemption and life is everyone's favorite holiday film for a reason. It also touches on faith, purpose, and family—many of the touchstones of Christianity.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Freevee, Plex, Hoopla, Digital rental
The Blind Side (2009)
The recent drama between the real-life Michael Oher and his adoptive family aside, this inspirational sports drama wears its themes of charity and faith on its metaphorical sleeve. The Tuohy family openly talks about their Christian beliefs and believes that their faith in God makes everything possible.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Leap of Faith (1992)
This dramedy looks like a typical Steve Martin movie, with the comedian exchanging quips with the likes of Liam Neeson and Debra Winger. The film is about a traveling preacher/con man who performs “miracles” every night at his revivals, but when actual divine events occur, he doesn’t understand why. While the film begins by framing Christianity as a get-rich-quick scheme, it becomes a profound meditation on faith and God's plan.
Where to stream: Max, Digital rental