By Andy Briggs —
I had started writing an entirely different blog two weeks ago and decided to scratch that and write something that might offer practical help for the present moment we are living in. This pandemic has changed the way we live for a time and yet there have been some wonderful things to come from it: All over social media we are able to read things that encourage us about the greatness of our Savior and how His hand is ever protecting us and guiding us through these unprecedented circumstances.
And because God speaks to His children in a variety of ways, I decided to compile a list of movies that I believe will also encourage you, inspire you, and touch your heart as we are confined to our houses. I hope that you enjoy the movies on this list as much as our family did and that you make way for the Lord to speak to you, possibly through a movie on this list, throughout this difficult time.
1. The Case for Christ Starring: Erika Christensen and Mike Vogel
This movie is based on the bestselling book by Lee Strobel of the same name. It chronicles the remarkable journey of Atheist Lee Strobel attempting to prove that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were a farce and that God does not exist. He embarks on this endeavor after his wife, Leslie, gives her life to Christ causing a rift in their marriage. Rated PG for thematic elements, including medical descriptions of crucifixion.
2. I Can Only Imagine Starring Dennis Quaid, J. Michael Finley and Madeline Carroll
I Can Only Imagine chronicles the physical and emotional abuse that Bart Milard (Finley) endures at the hands of his father (Quaid) and their eventual reconciliation when his father becomes terminally ill. The events inspire Bart to write the hit song, I Can Only Imagine as a member of the Christian group Mercy Me. Rated PG for thematic elements and abuse.
3. Breakthrough Starring: Chrissy Metz, Marcel Ruiz and Topher Grace
Breakthrough is based on the remarkable true story of teenager John Smith, who spent 15 minutes trapped under the ice on a small lake. Pronounced dead at the hospital, we get to follow his incredible recovery from medical death to full recovery. Rated PG for thematic elements.
4. A Good Lie Starring Reese Witherspoon, Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany And Emmanuel Jal
This is one of our family’s favorite movies. While not made to be explicitly Christian, it has terrific christian principles as the movie follows a small group of Sudanese refugees who win the immigration lottery to come to the United States. As they begin assimilating into the american culture, they touch the lives of those who are helping them to do so. Rated PG
5. The Impossible Starring: Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor
This is another of our family’s favorite movies. This is also not a Christian film, but it truly is an inspirational film. It is very tough to watch as you follow a family that is separated during the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand. Based on a true story, it is almost unbelievable and seemingly impossible what transpires to this family. Heartbreaking and yet redemptive, this film will not leave you disappointed. I’d recommend 13+ for this movie. Rated PG-13.
6. Greater Starring Neal McDonough, Leslie Eastbrook and Christopher Severio
This is the story of a young Christian football player named Brandon Bulsworth who walked on the Arkansas Razorbacks football team and became one of the greatest walk-ons to ever play college football. Rated PG
Other great movies:
Amazing Grace-(2006) PG
Miracle-(2004) PG (language)
Glory Road-(2006) PG (language and racism)
We are Marshall-(2006) PG (language)
While we are forced to live different lives for a season, let’s use our time to grow our relationships with our families and with the Lord. Taking time to watch a movie with a loved one and reflect on the message God may be communicating to you through it would surely be time well spent.