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Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents and Family Movie Night

The Fervent Mama uses Affiliate Links. See our disclosure policy here .

Let’s set the scene…..

You’ve picked the movie, you’ve popped the popcorn, everyone’s comfy. You pop in the movie and things are going well. You’re laughing and smiling and enjoying family time. And then it happens, that scene you forgot about, or those words that made you cringe.

Oh, shoot! Wasn’t this supposed to be a kid’s movie? How could I forget about this?! You cover the kid’s eyes while your spouse fumbles around trying to turn it off, or fast-forward, or even just hope the electricity goes out. Give us a break, right?!

You’ve been there, I know you have because I’ve been there too! But, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that I’ve been carrying around for a while. With a simple click, you won’t have to worry anymore if the movie is kid-friendly, or stands up to your convictions.

You’re New BFF

These movie review sites for Christian parents will be your BFF when it comes to your next family movie night! I can almost guarantee that you’ll find family-friendly movie reviews on the show of your choice via one of these sites.

I do find it interesting that not one of these websites will give you a definitive “do not watch” or “definitely watch” at the end of the review. To make your decision, you will still need to gather information from the reviews and make a judgment call based on your family values and expectations.

You might find it helpful to look at more than one site to get a more well-rounded perspective! Fortunately, most of these websites use headings and organize the posts so you can quickly scan for the content that matters most, such as sexual content, profanity, violence, or nudity. 

I’ve put this list in order of preference, so I recommend you start at the top of the list for the best information and then work your way down when you can’t find what you need. If you need to make a fast decision the DOVE site has the most concise information. But if it’s the details you are looking for, I’d go with Plugged In first every time.

I don’t know how many times we’ve pulled out a movie we watched ourselves as kids and remembered fondly, only to get ten minutes into the movie and turn it off in shock. Growing up, growing in faith, and having children of our own certainly changes how we view content. For this reason, I’m glad we have sites that review older movies and not just the most current content.

8 Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents

This one is, by far, my favorite review site to check in on. I’ve used it numerous times, and not just for kids’ movies. We even check videos out for ourselves using this site too! It never fails to disappoint us with accuracy or detail, the writers at Focus on the Family really do a great job! If you have tweens, it would be perfectly safe to have them read the Plugged In review for the video in question before they ask you for permission. This will give your teens an excellent overview of things to watch for and also save you significant time as they will do the narrowing down for you. 

Common Sense Media 

This next movie review site is my second favorite. Like Plugged In, Common Sense Media is incredibly thorough and provides independent reviews based upon age, ratings, and other pertinent information you’ll definitely want to know about. This site was started to help parents navigate the digital age and protect their children from the unknown effects of too much media. If you can’t find what you are looking for on PluggedIn, you will find all the recent movies reviewed here!

Kinds In Mind

With a scaled rating of Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Language, the system works pretty well for this company. While I was hoping that this movie review site was geared mainly towards Christian parents, they do state that they are independent of all political and religious viewpoints.

I didn’t even know that Dove had their own movie review system. But, they’ve got a pretty good thing going here. I don’t find that it’s as detailed as some of the others here, but it could definitely get the job done if you need just a little snippet of information so you can make a quick decision.

Movie Guide

This is not your old-fashioned movie guide (like I was thinking it was) it actually is very informative and ranks at the top of the list for me! While the site doesn’t have much information about its roots, the site has a ton of movie reviews that are available!

Raising Children

I had never heard of this site until I started doing a little more digging on movie review sites for Christian parents. While this one is not Christian based, and not as detailed in the information, it does cover its bases- so we’ll still list it as a good option for movie review sites for parents.

Box Office Mom

She’s a great movie buff, but I do feel as though it’s a little less informative and a little more dependent on her own opinions when it comes to how her movies are rated. Yet, you may enjoy that real-life review about it. I also love throwing her in here to support another mom blogger!

Parent Previews

Parent Previews is just, well, okay . The problem is that with some of their movie reviews they have a disclaimer that they have not actually viewed the movie yet and the information is gathered from an outside source. No thanks.

Looking for more than just a review site?

If you’re looking for clean entertainment and want specific recommendations, you can check out these posts: Best Clean Shows on Netflix, Clean TV Shows on Amazon Prime , and Faith & Family Movies that you absolutely need to see too!

You might also like these:

All of these sites are different, so it really depends on your personal preference as to which site you’ll refer to when looking for a family-friendly movie review. The top two listed are my favorites, but you may be happy with what another site has to offer!

How do you do your due diligence when choosing what movies are “good enough” for your children?

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All Reviews

Since 1995 The Dove Foundation has been publishing our movie reviews on the Internet.  Well over 100,000 families rely on these reviews each month to help them make informed choices about the entertainment their family can watch with confidence.  Below is a description of the different types of reviews that The Dove Foundation publishes.

Now Showing in the Theater

Here you will find a list of Dove approved feature length movies that are currently playing at your local theaters.  While most of these films should be available in all areas of the country, some may be designated as “limited release” and only shown in select cities.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

Coming Soon to Home Entertainment

Here you will find a list of Dove approved home entertainment products.  These videos and DVDs can usually be found at a local retailer for purchase or you can rent them at your local video store.  This list contains only Dove approved titles.

Theatrical Reviews

This link will group all of our theatrical reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent films appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

Video/DVD Reviews

This link will group all of our home entertainment reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent products appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

Book Reviews

This link will group all of our Book reviews together and sort them by their review dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

TV/Network Reviews

This link will group all of our made for television movie reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

Audio CD Reviews

This link will group all of our audio CD reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

Manuscript Reviews

This link will group all of our manuscript reviews together and sort them by their release dates with the most recent reviews appearing first.  Here you will find reviews of both approved and non-approved titles.

Dove Content

Faith Film Producer DeVon Franklin Steps in Front of the Camera for ‘Jesus Revolution’

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Redeeming Love: Grace Rising Up Out of the Dirt

Filmmakers Highlight the Hope and Heroism in “Gi...

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Movie Review Websites for Christian Parents

Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Luke Gilkerson  has a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion. He is the author of Your Brain on Porn and  The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality . Luke and his wife Trisha blog at IntoxicatedOnLife.com

Are you looking for Christian movie reviews? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of helpful websites where you can find reviews on all the latest movies from a Christian perspective. They include content advisories, worldview analysis, and even discussion questions for your family so you can thoughtfully consume media.

List of Review Websites

MovieGuide is an organization founded by Dr. Ted Baehr. Its mission is “to redeem the values of the entertainment industry, according to biblical principles, by influencing industry executives and artists.” They do this through reviews, as well as many other efforts to inform Christians and influence Hollywood.

PluggedIn is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers, and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment is part of ChristianAnswers.com, a site dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about Christianity. The “Spotlight on Entertainment” features quick content summaries and ratings, as well as extensive plot overviews and content analysis. This is a great option for Christian parents looking for in-depth review content.

CBN Movies is the movie website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. More than just movie reviews, this site features exclusive interviews, and entertainment news as well.

CrossWalk Movies

CrossWalk Movies is a movie review service of CrossWalk.com. Find reviews on all the latest movies, all written from a Christian perspective.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is not a Christian organization. Nonetheless, they’ve done a lot of work to help families make informed decisions about media. Each movie review has a grading system for different types of content, making it easy for parents to make informed decisions.

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The Top 10 Highest Rated Christian Movies Of All Time

Faith-based films have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. If you’re a Christian looking for wholesome entertainment, you may be wondering what are the highest rated Christian movies of all time. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Here we will countdown the 10 best reviewed Christian movies that you need to add to your watchlist. From animation to live action, these films all scored high with both critics and everyday viewers for their inspirational messages and positive values.

The Highest Rated Animated Christian Movies

The prince of egypt (1998).

One of the highest rated animated Christian movies of all time is “The Prince of Egypt” released in 1998. This film tells the biblical story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells, it features an all-star cast including Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Sandra Bullock, and Michelle Pfeiffer.

“The Prince of Egypt” received critical acclaim for its stunning animation, powerful storytelling, and memorable soundtrack, which includes the Academy Award-winning song “When You Believe”. The film’s positive portrayal of faith and its themes of redemption and liberation resonated with audiences of all ages.

Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)

Another highly rated animated Christian movie is “Joseph: King of Dreams” released in 2000. This direct-to-video film is a prequel to the animated musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.

It tells the biblical story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. “Joseph: King of Dreams” showcases breathtaking animation, memorable songs, and a compelling narrative that explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and the power of dreams.

The film’s positive message and family-friendly content have made it a favorite among Christian audiences.

These two animated films stand out not only for their high ratings but also for their ability to bring biblical stories to life in a visually stunning and engaging way. They have received praise for their accurate portrayal of biblical events and their ability to captivate audiences of all ages.

If you’re looking for animated Christian movies that combine entertainment and faith, “The Prince of Egypt” and “Joseph: King of Dreams” are definitely worth watching.

Top Live Action Christian Movies

The passion of the christ (2004).

The Passion of The Christ, directed by Mel Gibson, is considered one of the most impactful Christian movies of all time. Released in 2004, this film depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, focusing on his crucifixion and the events leading up to it.

The movie received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. It resonated with audiences worldwide, grossing over $600 million at the box office. The Passion of The Christ remains a beloved and highly rated Christian film.

God’s Not Dead (2014)

God’s Not Dead is a thought-provoking Christian drama that explores the clash between faith and secularism in a college setting. The movie follows a college student who defends his belief in God in a philosophy class taught by an atheist professor.

Released in 2014, God’s Not Dead sparked conversations about the existence of God and the importance of standing up for one’s faith. It received positive reviews from audiences and became a surprise hit, grossing over $60 million at the box office.

War Room (2015)

War Room is a powerful Christian drama that focuses on the power of prayer and the importance of faith in the face of adversity. Released in 2015, the film tells the story of a struggling couple who turns to prayer to save their failing marriage.

War Room resonated with audiences, grossing over $67 million at the box office. It received praise for its heartfelt performances and its message of the transformative power of prayer.

I Can Only Imagine (2018)

I Can Only Imagine is a biographical drama that tells the inspiring true story behind the hit Christian song of the same name. The film follows the journey of Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, as he overcomes a troubled childhood and finds redemption through music.

Released in 2018, I Can Only Imagine received positive reviews for its emotional storytelling and uplifting message. It became a surprise box office success, earning over $83 million worldwide.

Breakthrough (2019)

Breakthrough is a Christian drama based on the true story of Joyce Smith and her son’s miraculous recovery after a near-fatal accident. Released in 2019, the film explores the power of prayer and the resilience of the human spirit.

Breakthrough received positive reviews for its inspiring story and heartfelt performances. It grossed over $50 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Christian films in recent years.

Other Noteworthy Christian Movies

In addition to the top 10 highest rated Christian movies of all time, there are several other noteworthy films that have touched the hearts of audiences around the world. These movies have captivated viewers with their powerful storytelling, inspiring messages, and exceptional performances.

Here are three such films that deserve special mention:

Courageous (2011)

Courageous is a thought-provoking film that explores the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood. Directed by Alex Kendrick, this movie follows the journey of four police officers who struggle to balance their demanding careers with their responsibilities as fathers.

As they face personal and professional obstacles, they are forced to confront their own shortcomings and redefine their priorities. Courageous reminds us of the importance of faith, family, and the impact that fathers can have on the lives of their children.

Miracles from Heaven (2016)

Miracles from Heaven is a heartwarming true story that follows the journey of a young girl named Anna who is diagnosed with a rare, incurable digestive disorder. As her health deteriorates, her mother, Christy, embarks on a desperate search for a cure.

Through faith and perseverance, Christy discovers that miracles can happen in the most unexpected ways. This inspiring film reminds us of the power of faith, hope, and the miracles that can occur when we refuse to give up.

Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)

Paul, Apostle of Christ is a captivating historical drama that brings to life the story of the apostle Paul during his final days in a Roman prison. As he awaits execution, Paul reflects on his life and teachings, offering hope and encouragement to the early Christian community.

This film explores themes of persecution, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith. With powerful performances by James Faulkner and Jim Caviezel, Paul, Apostle of Christ is a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of the early Christian movement.

These three films, along with the top 10 highest rated Christian movies, serve as a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of faith-based cinema. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment, or spiritual enlightenment, these movies offer a powerful and uplifting viewing experience.

So grab some popcorn, gather your loved ones, and enjoy these remarkable stories that celebrate the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, these inspirational Christian films provide an uplifting option in contrast to today’s darker and more cynical movies. From the horrors of crucifixion in The Passion of the Christ to the power of prayer in War Room, the highest rated faith-based films remind us of eternal hope and the values that truly matter in life.

So next time you’re looking for a wholesome movie night, be sure to add some of these top-ranked Christian classics to your must-watch list.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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Reviewed by: Shawna Ellis CONTRIBUTOR

Imaginary friends

A young girl who goes through a difficult experience

She then begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up

M any have been anticipating the debut of IF, a film written and directed by John Krasinski . He demonstrated his skill with “ A Quiet Place ” and “ A Quiet Place II ,” leaving people to wonder how his moviemaking would translate to a PG-rated film that is clearly geared toward children. Indeed, Krasinski said that he wanted to make a movie that his own daughters could watch.

I applaud him for not only including strong positive themes of love , parenting and family in the films he has directed, but for also showing how great loss can affect those left behind. His effort to make an uplifting and beautiful film in a time that is otherwise filled with unwholesome content is commendable.

The very talented Cailey Fleming is “Bea,” an adolescent girl whose difficult past leads her to push the whimsy of childhood behind her and press forward to adulthood. Her loving Dad ( John Krasinski ) wishes that Bea could reclaim some of that childlike joy before she grows up. When she encounters fantastical creatures and a mysterious stranger ( Ryan Reynolds ), Bea is faced with difficult choices. Will she believe? Can she help these imaginary friends before they are forgotten forever?

IF is a “story about stories,” about memory and comfort, about moving forward while not forgetting the past. One of the characters that Bea encounters is Lewis, a teddy bear wonderfully brought to life by the late Louis Gossett Jr. in a quiet and powerful moment wise old Lewis tells Bea, “Nothing you love can ever be forgotten.”

Loss, love and memories combine as the pervasive theme of this film, which at times can seem a heavy load for the young target audience. Although children in my theater laughed aloud at the imaginative creatures and fantastical situations, at other times they seemed quiet and disinterested as the movie grew slow, brooding and melancholy. IF alternates between the silly and serious, the magical and the moody. At times it races with frenetic action, but then shifts jarringly to an unhurried stroll.

I felt as if I was watching two films… one about a father and his daughter as they navigate her growing up, and another about a girl trying to help magical creatures find their place. I think either premise makes a fine story, but both together seems a bit disjointed and unsure of its audience.

Many aspects of this film will appeal to children, but there are long interludes in which younger children may become restless. Adults though can enjoy both the whimsy and the thoughtful family drama. My daughter (age 18) really liked the film, perhaps because she is right on the cusp of her own adult life. I enjoyed it but felt that there were some lost opportunities that could have been further explored in the world of the imaginary friends (IFs).

Voice acting was fun and varied, with many stars joining Krasinski in the making of this film. Character design was imaginative and colorful. Human characters varied in their performances, but Cailey Fleming really carried this movie. It was nice to see Ryan Reynolds in a more family-friendly role.

Unfortunately, however, there are some cautions in this PG film. The main concern is language, which seems particularly out of place. Both Dad and Calvin (Reynolds) use mild curses in the presence of the adolescent girl, and there are frequent careless uses of “God” throughout the film. While the secular moviemakers may think this is “just a word,” God’s name should be spoken with respect. It was disheartening to hear this so often in a movie that would otherwise be appropriate for all ages. While IF was delightful and refreshing in many ways, the pervasive careless use of God’s name as an exclamation will trouble some parents. It certainly troubled me as I watched.

There is a joke about flatulence and some mild thematic elements involving illness and death . One other note of concern is that Bea (at age 12) is left to her own devices for many hours at a time, wandering around the city and following a strange man she just recently met. This might require some discussion about safety.

Of course, there is the whole concept of “imaginary friends” being portrayed as real entities, which may be confusing for impressionable children. Sometimes these IFs are present but unseen, or in rooms with sleeping children. None of the children in my viewing seemed frightened by this, but you will have to gauge your own child’s level of comfort with this idea.

In one scene, a character says, “You’re never truly alone.” This is meant as a reassurance that there is always someone out there who sees and cares about you, whether a real person or an imaginary being. In the case of the imaginary friends, the movie explains that they each have different roles and purposes in the lives of their children, such as “protection” or “comfort.” For many of us, those basic needs are still present even after we’ve grown up.

Thankfully, those who have trusted in Christ do not have to rely on an imaginary friend. We have the Holy Spirit inside of us, who the Bible describes as a Comforter , a Helper, a Guide, an Advocate and more. For true Christians , He is continually with us through all of our trials and joys.

Romans 15:13 describes the Holy Spirit as the one who helps us abound in hope . We don’t have to pretend, or seek comfort and help by our own imagination, or go through this world alone. In the world of IF, characters need hope, joy, peace, comfort, and more… supposedly provided by remembering their childhood imaginary friend. In the real world, we can have all that and more through Christ !

Those who have not trusted in Jesus really are alone, even if they do not realize it. There are no real life “IFs” to help in this broken world. But we don’t have to remain alone when God has made a way for us to be saved and brought into relationship with Him.

Content of concern

Violence: Some cartoon style slapstick for humor. Several scenes in a hospital or concerning illness with nothing graphic or overtly scary. A few scenes near the beginning have a slightly ominous undertone with mysterious creatures moving about in the shadows. Some of the imaginary friends could be a bit much for very sensitive kids, including a marshmallow that is on fire with a cartoonish melting eye (children laughed at the image). Another has intense quick movements, often suddenly grabbing characters by the shirt or shoulders and yelling in their faces.

Language: A couple uses each of “ d*mn ” and “ h*ll .” There are about 20 (or more) irreverent uses of God, including “Oh my G*d” and “I swear to G*d.” This was shockingly pervasive.

Sex and nudity: This film is refreshingly devoid of sexual references and innuendo. In one scene, an artist tells a creature shaped like a cherry or apple to “cover up,” as though she had been posing nude. A man tells a banana creature to “put on some pants,” and the banana covers himself sheepishly.

Drugs and alcohol: None.

Other: One joke about passing gas. A young girl spends a great deal of time alone or in the company of a strange man in the city, sometimes without her family knowing where she is for hours. One of the IFs is a classic style ghost in a sheet.

IF is a refreshingly different movie and well-executed in many ways. But its attempt to entertain children while also tugging at the emotions of parents makes it a bit uneven in pacing and tone. While imaginative, I don’t think IF will become a “classic” children’s film such as “Toy Story” or “Finding Nemo”… both of which were able to mesh the silly with the serious in a way that IF does not quite capture.

John Krasinski seems to be a devoted father, and I appreciate his passion for making a film that’s an homage to childhood. He has brought us an entertaining family film which I found worth watching, but I worry that it has too many solemn moments for most young children, as well as an over-abundance of great ideas crammed into too little space.

• Profane language: Moderately Heavy
• Violence: Minor
• Occult: Minor
• Vulgar/Crude language: None
• Nudity: None
• Drugs/Alcohol: None
• Wokeism: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers .

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• Blog: Movies

Top Christian Movies Streaming Now

• June 1, 2022

We’ve talked about the promise and peril of the big streaming services . We’ve let you know about some Christian (or at least family-friendly) streaming alternatives to consider if you’re ready to part company with Netflix or Disney+.

But what if you want to watch some good Christian movies, but have a yen to watch Stranger Things 4 , too? What if you’re not ready to say farewell to Prime or Hulu, but you’d still love to watch a recent faith-based flick?

Believe it or not, some streaming services do have Christian cinematic options for you. They might not make a splash on your home screen. And a few might be on second-tier streaming platforms. But they’re out there. And we’d like to give you a few suggestions on what—and where—you might watch. Here are some great Christian family movies streaming right now.

Blue Miracle (Netflix, 2021):

Last year, Netflix did more than introduce the uber-bloody Korean drama Squid Game. It made a pitch to faith-based viewers, too, releasing a handful of movies specifically geared toward Christian audiences. Blue Miracle —the story of a clutch of scrappy orphans and a crusty old fisherman (Dennis Quaid) competing in the most prestigious fishing tournament in the world—was one such story. And one of the best Christian Netflix movies, we think. It’s not particularly preachy, but its heart is strong. Omar (played by Jimmy Gonzales) tells his charges that it’s important to be a good, principled person, no matter the circumstances. And those principles are powered by Omar’s own Christian faith. He finds those values tested during the film, but he perseveres. And through that journey together, he and the orphans see, indeed, a miracle. 

The Jesus Music (Hulu, 2021):

Like Blue Miracle, The Jesus Music made our “ Best Christian Movies ” list during the Plugged In Movie Awards earlier this year. This documentary takes us through the history of contemporary Christian music. That journey starts in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, then moves into our more worship-themed age today. While it’s not a comprehensive look at CCM, it reminds us that making a joyful noise unto the Lord can be a beautiful thing. That’s true even if the artists involved don’t always perfectly mirror the righteousness and grace of God. And The Jesus Music is one of the few Christian movies on Hulu.

The Pilgrim’s Progress (Prime Video, Tubi, 2019):

Looking for a Christian movie that’s also based on an all-time classic bit of literature? Look no further. The Pilgrim’s Progress delivers a faithful animated rendition of John Bunyan’s classic allegory first written in (are you sitting down?) 1678 . When we nominated it for a Plugged In Movie Award back in 2020, it’s availability was extremely limited. But now, you can find this well-made, engaging production on a couple of streaming services. No need to struggle through the Slough of Despond to find one of the best Christian movies on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

Selfie Dad (Peacock, 2020):

Ben Marcus wasn’t happy at work, at home, anywhere. He was lost. And then he found … a streaming video platform where he becomes a slam-dunk star. No, that’s not the sort of glowing moral one would normally see in a Christian movie. But here’s the thing: The movie goes on from there. Without ever taking itself too seriously (it is a comedy , after all), Selfie Dad reminds us that when we’re lost, we need to find (or rediscover) Scripture. The movie’s tagline is “Read the Bible. Change your life.” And it shows us, with a smile and a giggle, how true that is.

Soul Surfer (Netflix, 2011):

This movie demonstrated to mainstream Hollywood that  inspiring true stories with Christian content can attract a big audience. Soul Surfer , which dramatizes the story of teen Bethany Hamilton (who had her arm bitten off by a shark), illustrates the power of faith and family in unimaginably difficult circumstances. Starring Dennis Quaid (again), Oscar-winner Helen Hunt and AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, Soul Surfer is a strong, sweet and incredibly inspirational story.

Oh, and while you’re hanging around Netflix, you might want to check out the documentary based on Bethany Hamilton’s life, too. It’s called Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable , and it takes us on the celebrity surfer’s more recent adventures in addition to chronicling her past ones.

Show Me the Father (Roku, Sling, Starz, 2021):

Another documentary, Show Me the Father also shows us how important fatherhood is. The first documentary from Christian movie empresarios the Kendrick Brothers, the film features loads of familiar faces and voices, including Focus on the Family’s own Jim Daly. His own lack of a father growing up reminds us how integral dads are.

Unplanned (Tubi, Vudu, 2019):

You’ll rarely see an R-rated film on a Plugged In list of “Best Christian Movies,” but that’s what happened in 2020, when this abortion-centric drama snagged a nomination during our Plugged In Movie Awards. Though difficult to watch, Unplanned offers both a strong Christian and pro-life message, along with some pretty strong performances. This is not a movie for the whole family (or the faint of heart), but few films can beat this one in embracing the beginnings of family—even unexpected ones. 

The Young Messiah (Netflix, 2016):

The Bible tells us a lot about Jesus. But it doesn’t tell us everything. Between Jesus’ birth and around the time He turned 12, the Scriptures go silent. The Young Messiah , a PG-13 film, fills that gap with this imaginative extra-biblical account. It might not reflect history, but offers some insight all the same. Yes, it’s based on Anne Rice’s 2005 of the same name. And the Interview With a Vampire author has had, shall we say, a complex history with Christianity. But this sincere rumination is surprisingly impactful—as long as you don’t take it as the Gospel truth.

A Week Away (Netflix, 2021):

We end this list as we began it—with a Netflix original. But it’s very different, too. This musical (!) romcom takes us to a church camp where boy-meets-girl, boy-sings-to-girl, boy-dances-with-girl-until-both-fall-in-love. But that love is rooted in a love of God, and that’s important here. And for those who love classic CCM songs from the 1990s and early 2000s, A Week Away holds a lot of attraction.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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Zoë Kravitz's 'Blink Twice' examines the expectations for women to smile through trauma

Zoë Kravitz is not offended by descriptions of her directorial debut “Blink Twice” as “a ‘Get Out’ for women.” It is a thriller, she said, and like “Get Out,” it’s a deep cultural analysis. The difference here is that it centers women. Power, she told NBC News, is her main target.

“I wanted to explore power, not necessarily empowerment, but power as an entity, and what that does to us, what people will do to get it, and what people do once they have it, the abuse of power,” she said. “It’s oppressive by nature. In order to be at the top, someone has to be at the bottom or below you, and it’s something that we all want, but to want something that is oppressive is so complicated.”

The film, starring Naomi Ackie and Kravitz’s fiancé, Channing Tatum , follows Ackie’s Frida, a young cocktail waitress struggling to make ends meet whose fortunes seemingly change when she and friend Jess, played by Alia Shawkat, swap their server clothes for cute dresses and go from pouring Champagne to drinking it.

Frida and Jess join the orbit of Tatum’s Slater King, a famous billionaire. They meet at a fundraiser he is hosting, but the party spins off to King’s private island, where things get eerie.   

The young women party under increasingly weird circumstances, drinking copious amounts of Champagne and consuming five-star meals. Because they are not used to being surrounded by opulence, it’s easy to understand why Frida especially brushes off the many unexplainable incidents.

In the background, viewers can see workers killing huge snakes and other machinations, with the film slowly getting creepier as it goes on. But that development doesn’t hit in the way we’ve come to expect from thrillers or horror films or both. Instead, Kravitz offers social commentary on how society views women as well as how women are expected — or forced — to behave.

“I also really wanted to highlight the absurdity of what women are asked to do in society,” Kravitz said. “Women are constantly expected to pretend like we don’t remember. We’re constantly expected to smile through our trauma and our pain, and we’re constantly needing to communicate to each other with just our eyes because we don’t feel safe to speak. I wanted to try and find a way to highlight the absurdity.” 

Casting played a huge role in that mission. Because the Slater Kings of the world aren’t readily seen as predators, she turned to Tatum. “The character Slater King needed to be someone we felt comfortable with, someone that was charming, someone that felt safe,” she said.

Ackie was also pivotal to making the Fridas real to audiences.

“This character requires a lot of her. It requires her to display and feel almost every emotion at once, and she does that so beautifully. To go from drama to comedy to action to fierceness, it’s so many things, and she does it so well. She also has one of the most expressive faces I’ve ever seen. And because so much of the movie is not necessarily about what she’s saying, but about what she’s feeling, I knew that she’d be able to do that beautifully.”

It would be easy to liken Slater King to some of the most high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct or crimes in recent years, such as Jeffrey Epstein or Harvey Weinstein, but Kravitz shuts down those comparisons. Instead, Kravitz said she began this journey with her own observations and experiences first as a novella, followed by a script with collaborator E.T. Feigenbaum that took nearly five years to complete. Once it was clear they could get financing to make it into a movie, she decided to direct it. 

The fact that “Blink Twice” is so timely, however, speaks to the pervasiveness of the sexual mistreatment of women, Kravitz said. 

“People so badly want to make this story about one or two people, and it’s frustrating because those are just two examples of people of power abusing it,” she said. “And I think that that’s, again, what power does. So it’s a bigger issue. 

“This isn’t just about billionaires or rich men,” she continued. “This is about anyone that has power. It can be your boss. It can be the guy down the street following you home. It can be a family member. It can be anybody.”

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Atlanta-based writer Ronda Racha Penrice is the author of "Black American History For Dummies." 

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Christian Slater Held Zoë Kravitz as a Baby, Now She Directs Him in 'Blink Twice'

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The Big Picture

• Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat and Simon Rex discuss working with Zoë Kravitz on her directorial debut, Blink Twice .
• Rex recalls a specific unforgettable acting note he received from Kravitz while making the film.
• Shawkat also discusses her experience working on Severence Season 2, and Slater teases Harry's storyline in Dexter: Original Sin .

Naomi Ackie is the headliner of Blink Twice , and she’s an absolute ace in the role, but Zoë Kravitz ’s feature directorial debut is also an ensemble piece that demands pitch-perfect casting across the board. In the film, Ackie’s character, Frida, gets what she thinks is a dream opportunity — to be whisked away by a tech billionaire ( Channing Tatum ) to his private island where she can spend limitless time relaxing by the pool and partying with his high-profile friends. What starts as a high-energy party film you can’t help but want more of takes a deft descent into disturbing chaos courtesy of Kravitz’s clear vision, the cast chemistry, and each actor's thorough understanding of their role.

Alia Shawkat steps in as Jess, Frida’s best friend who joins her on this trip to Slater King’s private island. Christian Slater is Vic, described succinctly in the production notes as “the jerk that the rest of them put up with.” And then there’s Simon Rex ’s Cody, the member of the group who incessantly shows off the food he's cooked and has a thing for Adria Arjona ’s Sarah, even though she's busy looking in Slater King’s direction.

With Blink Twice now playing in theaters, I got the chance to sit down with the trio to revisit their experience working with Kravitz as a director and their collaboration with each other as an ensemble. On top of that, Shawkat touched on her time working with Ben Stiller on Severance Season 2, and Slater teased what to expect from Harry’s storyline in Dexter: Original Sin .

Hear about it all straight from Slater, Shawkat and Rex in the video at the top of this article, or you can read the interview in transcript form below.

PERRI NEMIROFF: With a movie like this, having the right ensemble is so important, and I think you see that big time while you're watching the film. For each of you, do you remember the first thing that happened on set that made you stop and say to yourself, “This is the right vibe. We are the right group for this?”

SIMON REX: It was that first camera test day, if you remember. We did a camera test while we were rehearsing, and it was some pan shots where we walked up with our wardrobe and we were all kind of feeling it out. I just remember it being like, “Okay, yeah, this is something.” It just felt like something. I could just tell from that day, and that was in a rehearsal phase.

CHRISTIAN SLATER: That's a good answer.

ALIA SHAWKAT: I'm gonna take that answer, too. That’s all our answers. [Laughs]

SLATER: I'm gonna go out on a limb — I wasn't there that day. I can’t remember that.

REX: You came a few days later.

SHAWKAT: You didn’t need a camera test. You’re Christian Slater.

SLATER: Oh, come on! But it is true, when we were there shooting it and in the pool and having those moments, you know what I loved? When Levon [Hawke] would play the little guitar, those songs. Those were special.

REX: Zoë was cool enough and open enough to, in those moments, be like, “Oh, let’s put that in the movie!” She was an open channel as opposed to being rigid.

SLATER: Or closed off.

REX: “Best idea wins” kind of vibe. That's what you want.

Zoë Kravitz Throws the Best Parties and That Was Important While Making ‘Blink Twice’

"a movie set, in a way, is like the ultimate party that you have to keep fun for a long time at crazy hours.".

Zoë Kravitz Explains Why Her New Film 'Blink Twice' Was Actually Originally Titled Pu**y Island

Kravitz's directorial debut, 'Blink Twice,' hits theaters on August 23.

I’ll jump to my question about Zoë next. This is her directorial debut. I have a feeling there's going to be many, many more in her future. What's something about her as an actor's director that you appreciated and are now excited for more actors out there to experience with her down the line?

SHAWKAT: Zoë just knows how to set the vibe better than anyone I know. She throws the best parties of anyone I know, and I think a movie set, in a way, is like the ultimate party that you have to keep fun for a long time at crazy hours with a lot of stress, and she's able to keep that party going.

SLATER: She leads with love.

SHAWKAT: She does, and wants everyone to be included on the creative process. She's also, for a first-time director, so clear about what she wants. Even when people are like, “We can't do that. We don't have the time, we don't have the thing,” she was just like, “No.” She needed that. From the inserts to every little moment that no one else could see, she would fight for them to the end. We were even like, “Who needs it?” And she's like, “We do.” And then you see the cut and you're like, “Yeah, she knew exactly what she needed for the cut she wanted.”

The value of inserts! Nobody talks about how important they are.

SHAWKAT: It’s true, especially this movie. It’s so important.

Simon Rex Reveals the Unforgettable Acting Note He Got from Zoë Kravitz

How about for the two of you?

REX: Well, she gave me a really profound note, to be quite honest, that still, to this day, sits with me that was very sweet and thoughtful. I kept wanting to bring something to every scene, and I'd be like, “Well, what if I do this? What if I do that?” Because she was allowing me to improv a bit and I think I was going overboard with what I was wanting to do, and she knew to dial me back and she said, “Simon, you're enough,” meaning, you don't need to do all the little — she even said, “You don't need to have two swords in every scene.” It was actually quite beautiful and sweet to say, and I've used that since then, two years ago, as, “I'm enough. I don't need to do all those bells and whistles.” That's who she is.

SHAWKAT: It's a great note.

REX: She's that woman. She's a very strong, confident, sensitive, sweet person.

SLATER: But you're a giver.

SHAWKAT: You're a giver. We want more, honestly. It was enough on set, but right now it’s not enough. [Laughs]

SLATER: I just love her. Like I said, she led with love. I held her as a baby when she was little, tiny, so to see her grow up and become this great actress and creative person, and she's worked with all these fantastic directors. She came in and just had a natural ability. And like he was saying, she allowed us to experiment, to have a lot of fun. So that was the experience. There wasn't anybody there with a strong fist. It was a loose, fun, party kind of atmosphere, but when there were serious scenes that we had to do, she really took the time for everybody to sit around and talk about it and discuss, “These are important scenes to service the story, but let's talk about how we feel about doing these scenes, and how can we make each other feel as safe as possible.”

Alia, I'm gonna come your way with a big, ramble-y question. This was something I was thinking about while watching the movie. You are just so incredible at so quickly establishing real friendships on screen that feel whole and like they have history. Just to throw out examples, I think of Whip It , Animals — I can go on and on. Do those scene partners have any shared qualities that signal to you that you can create that real chemistry, but then also, can you tell me something about Naomi that makes her one-of-a-kind?

SHAWKAT: For sure. It is very specific. I definitely have played best friends in quite a few movies, and each time it's a slightly different process based off the actor and the natural chemistry that's there. I've been really lucky that the director or the casting, whoever is involved, picks a good person that they know I'm gonna have chemistry with because it's not always up to me. But me and Zoë have been good pals for a long time, so when she got Naomi — or Naomi was already involved when I got attached — I was so excited to meet her. I'm a big fan of her work and it was just seamless. We met in London before and we were, like, screaming the minute we saw each other. It was just all of a sudden we were like, “It's you!” We were just really excited to hang out.

She's just a brilliant actress. She's so giving. It was a grueling schedule for her because she's in every shot, and so when we were all tired but got to take a night off and have a beer or something, she was like, “Oh yeah, I still have to do those pickups, and then I have to do that thing in the morning,.” She just always had an abundance of energy and is a really giving actress. She's so fun to work with. And then she's just such a good hang, too. And she's British, which you kind of forget because her accent is seamless, and I've worked with some people whose accents are not seamless, and hers is just like, when she speaks now I still get tripped up. I'm like, “I'm sorry, wait, who are you again?”

SLATER: I know, yeah.

SHAWKAT: Right? It's so real.

REX: [With a British accent.] It’s a lot harder than it looks.

SHAWKAT: Yeah, I mean, you're British and you've been doing an American accent this whole time!

SLATER: He does an amazing accent.

SHAWKAT: He likes to do press in his American accent.

Alia Shawkat Got to Work With a Hero on 'Severance' Season 2

The 8 Things You Need To Know About 'Severance' Season 2

"Hey, kids! What's for dinner?"

Alia, I’ll stick with you for another moment because I have to ask about one particular upcoming project. Collider readers and viewers are utterly obsessed with Severance . You join a cast like that and I imagine you go into working on a show that's so decorated and beloved with lots of expectations. Can you tell me one thing about the experience of making that show that exceeded those expectations?

SHAWKAT: I've always wanted to work with Ben Stiller. I'm a huge fan. I was a little scared about the process. I was like, “Is that gonna be good?” He’s like a hero of mine and I didn't want it to go bad, and he was great. I also got to work with Bob Balaban, which was unbelievable. Without spoiling anything, I was in the world, and I was already a fan of the show, so to be on that set was super, super trippy.

Christian Slater Promises Greater Insight Into Who Harry Is in 'Dexter: Original Sin'

The prequel series follows a young dexter as he "transitions from student to avenging serial killer.".

Christian, I’ve got an upcoming project question for you, too, because I'm very excited to see what happens in Dexter: Original Sin . Big question for you because, with your character, we know what happens to him, so it creates an interesting challenge for you. What is the key to making sure people stay in the moment in your show, but you also use the fact that we know where he ends up to this show's benefit?

SLATER: When I read these scripts, first of all, they were just so well written, and Clyde Phillips is amazing. He did the original show, and he's managed to throw in some things here that really did catch me by surprise. There’s also things that Dexter doesn't know that happened with Harry as a character, so those are the things that I'm really excited about and do give, I think, a greater insight into who this guy was.

Blink Twice is now playing in theaters. You can find showtimes below:

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