Lights, Camera, Inspiration: The Best Christian Films and Series of the Last 20 Years
Lights, Camera, Inspiration: The Best Christian Films and Series of the Last 20 Years
Christian stories have captivated audiences since the motion picture was invented in the late 1890s. The groundbreaking Life and Passion of the Christ (1903), set the scene for many more incredible films and TV shows. Who could forget epics such as like Ben-Hur (1959) and The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)? While Hollywood’s focus on Christian stories has ebbed since the golden age of Hollywood, the last two decades have seen a resurgence of faith-based storytelling. And it’s not surprising – redemption, sacrifice and morality are universal themes which resonate across cultures and generations. And in recent years, there have been some wonderful, thought-provoking films and series which have inspired and uplifted millions of people across the globe. They’ve also often sparked important discussions about the nature of spirituality and what it means to be human.
Looking for stories that combine powerful Christian themes and the best of cinema and television? Here are 7 of the best Christian films and series from the past 20 years. Ready for more? Then explore the vast collection at https://newfaithnetwork.com/en!
Heaven Is For Real (2014)
Adapted from the best-selling 2010 book of the same name, this beautiful film follows the story of Colton Burpo. Colton is a young boy who claims to have visited Heaven whilst undergoing life-saving surgery. His vivid descriptions of Heaven present huge challenges to the faith of both his family and community. The central themes of the film are belief and scepticism, and Heaven Is For Real encourages us to embrace perhaps a purer, more childlike version of faith. The film was a box-office smash, with the gross of $101 million making it the second-highest grossing Christian film of the last two decades.
Facing The Giants (2006)
Filmed on a shoestring budget and featuring volunteers from a local Baptist Church in supporting roles, this sports drama directed and starring Alex Kendrick is an absolute gem. The film is about a high school football coach experiencing career and domestic turmoil. In the depths of despair, he turns to God for guidance. Through his faith, he’s able to inspire his team to incredible personal and team growth.
Risen (2016)
A unique take on Christ’s resurrection, Risen explores the story through the eyes of a Roman Tribune, Clavius. After supervising the crucifixion, Clavius is dispatched to find Christ’s body by Pontius Pilate, desperate to dispel rumours that he rose from the dead. As his investigation continues, Clavius grapples with faith and his cynicism of the accounts of those he questions. It is a gripping story, which not only looks at the resurrection with a fresh perspective, but also explores the power of Christ on even the most disbelieving souls.
AD: The Bible Continues (2015)
This excellent, 12-part series follows on from The Bible miniseries (which also comes highly recommended). It explores the struggles of the apostles following the resurrection of Christ as they contend with persecution as they spread his message. A.D gets under the bonnet of what life looked like in the aftermath, and how these incredible events affected Christ’s friends and his family. The narrative explains how the Christian Church came to be established, and it’s just the ticket for anyone who wants to witness the courage of those first Christians.
The Pillars Of The Earth (2010)
Adapted from Ken Follett’s 1989 novel, The Pillars Of The Earth is another splendid series. Directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, produced by Hollywood director Ridley Scott, and featuring an ensemble cast, this series is a sweeping historical drama. The plot revolves around the ambitious construction of a cathedral in medieval England, against the backdrop of intrigue and civil war. It’s more a political thriller than an overtly Christian story, but it has strong religious overtones, and a narrative of human resilience and devotion. It’s a great watch for those looking for faith-based storytelling.
The Miracle Maker (1999)
This stunningly crafted stop-motion animated film is a Welsh-Russian production that tells the story of Christ’s life, as seen through the eyes of Tamar, a young girl who whose encounters with Jesus highlight his divine purpose. Originally released in Welsh in 1999, this deeply moving film was released in English in 2000. Critically acclaimed, The Miracle Maker really gets under the skin of the story, and brilliantly portrays the historical realities of the world Jesus lived in. Highly recommended.
God Friended Me (2018-2020)
A very entertaining, yet thought-provoking drama about Miles, a young atheist podcaster who gets a Facebook friend request from an account called “God.” The account begins to send an initially sceptical Miles on a series of missions via friend suggestions. These tasks all help people in need, while he tries to find out just exactly who is behind the account! The story cleverly imparts the key themes of faith in action and kindness through the lens of our digital age, using social media as a tool for connecting people and fostering compassion.
Discover More at New Faith Network
These wonderful films and series are just a small taste of what’s out there for fans of faith-based entertainment. Whether you’re looking for inspiring stories, thought-provoking narratives, great historical accounts or even a deeper connection to your faith, then New Faith Network is your go-to destination. With their huge collection of Christian films and series, there is something for everyone to explore. Let these amazing and compelling stories ignite your soul, strengthen your faith, and entertain you!
