You might think you know what makes a Christian movie, but the truth is, some secular films can be just as spiritually powerful or resonant. As a Christian movie reviewer, I’ve found that movies made outside the Christian moviemaking realm can tell explicitly Christian stories or stories with an underlying spiritual subtext. In this list, I’ve compiled movies with Christian values that have inspired, moved, or challenged me over the years, and ones that I think might move you too. From big blockbusters to lesser-known films, these movies may not be explicitly Christian, but they embody values that resonate with Christian principles. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration or a thought-provoking watch, check out these secular films infused with Christian values. And don’t forget to explore more Christian-friendly movies on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y.
Key Takeaways:
Here are the key takeaways from the article “Top 10 Secular Films Infused with Christian Values According to Plugged In”:
- Christian values can be found in secular films: The article highlights that some secular films can be strikingly thoughtful and filled with unexpected Christian values, even if they weren’t made specifically for a Christian audience.
- Films can have spiritual subtext: Some films may not have wanted to make a spiritual statement, but due to our own experiences and God-given wiring, we might see one anyway.
- Not all Christian movies are made by Christians: The article mentions that some secular films can tell explicitly Christian stories or stories with an underlying spiritual subtext, even if they weren’t made by Christians.
- Films can inspire and challenge: The article highlights that some secular films can inspire, move, or challenge us, even if they weren’t made specifically for a Christian audience.
- Read reviews to decide if a film is right for you: The article warns that some of these films may not be suitable for all ages and encourages readers to read reviews to decide whether or not a film is right for them and their families.
If you’re interested in exploring more Christian-friendly movies, check out this Amazon link: Christian Friendly Movies.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
This film is about one of the nicest, kindest people the world has ever known: Mister Rogers. Starring Tom Hanks as Rogers and Matthew Rhys as the jaded reporter forced to write a story about him, A Beautiful Day gives us insight into what made this kids’ show host so special: The answer? A deep faith (which the movie acknowledges and sometimes shows) and an uncanny willingness to engage with those around him.
Rogers doesn’t just listen: He listens. He doesn’t just care. He cares. He doesn’t preach; he embodies the Christian values that are so important to him. And in so doing, we can see in him maybe a hint of Jesus – talking with the woman at the well as if He’d known her forever (and He had), speaking with sinners with heartbreaking compassion. The movie suggests that when Mister Rogers talked with someone – whether it was a head of state or a 6-year-old boy – that someone was the most important person to Rogers in that moment. And you know what? He was. That posture is one that all Christians are called to, and one that we often fall short of.
If you’re interested in exploring more Christian-friendly movies, be sure to check out our list of Christian Friendly Movies. And don’t forget to visit Plugged In Movie Awards: Best Christian Movies (2023) for more inspiring films that showcase Christian values.
Gravity
Astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Sandra Bullock, is a character who embodies the phrase “lost in space.” She’s not just physically adrift in the vastness of orbit, but also emotionally and spiritually lost, grieving the loss of her daughter and feeling hopeless about her own existence. When disaster strikes, and she’s left floating alone, she’s forced to confront her own mortality and the emptiness within.
As you watch Ryan’s journey, you might find yourself reflecting on your own spiritual state. Are you, like Ryan, feeling lost and disconnected from the world around you? Are you struggling to find hope and meaning in the face of adversity? Ryan’s story can be seen as a powerful allegory for the human experience, where we often find ourselves facing darkness and uncertainty.
But here’s the thing: even in the most hostile environments, there is always hope. Ryan’s story reminds us that even when we feel like we’re floating in a void, there is always a chance for redemption, for renewal, and for rebirth. And it’s precisely this message of hope that resonates deeply with Christian values.
As Christians, we know that we’re not alone in the universe. We have a God who cares for us, who loves us, and who desires a personal relationship with us. And it’s this knowledge that gives us the strength and courage to face even the most daunting challenges. Just as Ryan finds a way to overcome her fears and limitations, we too can find the courage to overcome our own struggles and doubts.
If you’re looking for more movies that explore themes of hope, redemption, and spirituality, be sure to check out our list of Christian-friendly movies. And remember, as you watch these films, to reflect on your own spiritual journey and how these stories might be speaking to you.
A Hidden Life
Now, let’s take a closer look at Terrence Malick’s 2019 film, A Hidden Life. Malick’s work often tends to be dreamy and experiential, filled with haunting images and introspective monologues, but sometimes short on a strong, cohesive narrative. However, A Hidden Life may be among his most accessible and spiritual films.
The film is a biopic of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer who refused to go to war for Adolf Hitler because of his Christian faith and values. “If God gives us free will, we’re responsible for what we do, what we fail to do, aren’t we?” he asks the local bishop. Franz’s principled stance puts him at odds with the town’s fascist mayor, and he and his family become local pariahs. But he refuses to relent.
The film poses a question that we Christians should ask ourselves sometimes: What does it mean to follow God? And are we prepared to pay the price? This movie is a powerful exploration of faith, conscience, and the cost of discipleship. As you watch Franz’s story unfold, you may find yourself reflecting on your own commitment to your faith and values.
If you’re interested in exploring more films with Christian values, be sure to check out our list of Christian-friendly movies on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y. And remember to always read our reviews to decide whether or not a film is right for you and yours.
Iron Man
There’s something strikingly redemptive about Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. When we meet him in the 2008 film, he’s as selfish as they come – a noted drinker, womanizer, and all-around hedonist. But after he suffers a grievous chest wound and gets kidnapped by a terrorist who wants him to build a powerful weapon, Tony turns a corner.
Instead of building the weapon, Tony escapes in his first makeshift Iron Man suit. Now, let’s take a look at that suit for a minute, shall we? It has jets on its hands and feet, right where we’d find nails in most depictions of Jesus’ crucifixion. The engine that powers it all also keeps Tony alive, preventing shrapnel from sinking into his heart. You could say that Tony has a new heart, and with it, a new outlook on life. “I shouldn’t be alive, unless it’s for a reason,” he says.
Tony’s not at all perfect: Subsequent movies make that quite clear. But in him, I see echoes of what happens to us imperfect souls when we accept Jesus and move in a better trajectory. Just as Tony gets a new heart, our souls are wiped clean when we place our faith in Christ. We’re asked to sublimate our own selfish desires for something better and greater than we are, as Tony tries to do. We’re called to follow Christ, to the cross if need be, sacrificing ourselves for God and others. And, if you’ve followed Tony’s saga to the end, we know that Tony sacrificed a lot himself.
If you’re looking for more Christian-friendly movies like Iron Man, be sure to check out our curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y. And remember, as always, to read our reviews to decide whether or not a film is right for you and yours.
The Lord of the Rings
You’re probably thinking, “What’s so Christian about a bunch of hobbits, elves, and dwarves fighting orcs and dragons?” But bear with me, because J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy is infused with Christian values and themes that might surprise you.
Tolkien, a devout Catholic, never explicitly mentioned God or Jesus in his books, but he did leave subtle hints about his intent. For instance, Sauron’s downfall on March 25 coincides with Easter in Old English tradition. The battle between Gandalf and the Balrog in The Fellowship of the Ring can be seen as a clash between light and darkness, good and evil.
You might argue that the story features not one, but three Christ figures: Gandalf, who dies and is reborn; Aragorn, the exiled king who returns to claim his rightful throne; and Frodo, the humble hobbit who bears the weight of the One Ring and sacrifices himself to destroy it.
The One Ring itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the corrupting influence of pride and sin. It takes even the best qualities of its bearers and twists them into something sinister. Meanwhile, Gollum’s tragic character arc illustrates how even the most flawed and broken individuals can be used for a greater, divine purpose.
As Gandalf reminds Frodo, “There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil.” This comforting thought resonates deeply with Christian values, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and redemption to be found.
If you’re interested in exploring more Christian-friendly movies, be sure to check out our curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y.
A Quiet Place
While A Quiet Place may seem like an unlikely candidate for a film infused with Christian values, this tense horror movie offers some thought-provoking themes that resonate with Christian principles.
The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where creatures that hunt by sound have wiped out much of humanity. The Abbott family, led by Lee (John Krasinski) and Evelyn (Emily Blunt), must navigate this treacherous landscape in silence to survive. As they struggle to stay alive, they also grapple with grief, fear, and the importance of family.
One of the most striking aspects of A Quiet Place is its portrayal of sacrificial love. Lee’s willingness to risk his own life to protect his family is a powerful illustration of the kind of selfless love that Jesus modeled for us. As Christians, we’re called to lay down our lives for others, just as Lee does for his family. This theme is especially poignant in a scene where Lee gives his life to save his children, echoing Jesus’ words in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
The film also explores the idea of hope in the face of despair. Despite the dire circumstances, the Abbott family holds onto hope, even when all seems lost. This hope is not based on their own abilities or circumstances but on their love for each other and their determination to survive. As Christians, we’re called to hold onto hope, even in the darkest of times, knowing that God is always with us and working for our good.
If you’re looking for more Christian-friendly movies like A Quiet Place, be sure to check out our curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y. And as always, remember to read our reviews to decide whether a film is right for you and your family.
The Pursuit of Happyness
After exploring the depths of human connection in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, we’re going to shift gears and examine into the inspiring true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling single father who refused to give up on his dreams. The Pursuit of Happyness, directed by Gabriele Muccino, is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, we can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
In this biographical drama, Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a salesman who invests his life savings in a portable bone-density scanner, only to find himself struggling to make ends meet. As he faces eviction, homelessness, and the loss of his son’s trust, Chris refuses to surrender. Instead, he enrolls in an internship program at a prestigious brokerage firm, determined to build a better life for himself and his son.
This film is infused with Christian values that resonate deeply. Chris’s unwavering perseverance and faith in himself, despite the overwhelming odds against him, are a testament to the power of hope and resilience. His selflessness and devotion to his son, Christopher, demonstrate the importance of putting others before oneself, a fundamental principle of Christian teaching.
Moreover, The Pursuit of Happyness highlights the significance of community and the impact that one person can have on another’s life. Chris’s relationships with his son, his estranged wife, and the people he meets along the way serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for redemption and transformation.
If you’re looking for more Christian-friendly movies like The Pursuit of Happyness, be sure to check out our curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y. These films are thought-provoking, inspiring, and perfect for sparking meaningful conversations with your loved ones.
Schindler’s List
Unlike some of the other films on this list, Schindler’s List is a historical drama that explicitly deals with Christian themes and values. Directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1993, this film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves the lives of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.
What makes Schindler’s List stand out is its portrayal of humanity in the face of unimaginable evil. Schindler, played by Liam Neeson, is a complex character who starts out as a war profiteer but eventually becomes a hero who risks everything to save the lives of his Jewish employees. His transformation is a powerful testament to the human capacity for compassion, empathy, and selflessness.
The film also explores the theme of sacrifice, which is a fundamental Christian value. Schindler’s actions are motivated by a sense of moral obligation to protect his employees, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way. This selfless sacrifice is reminiscent of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of putting others before oneself.
If you’re looking for more Christian-friendly movies like Schindler’s List, be sure to check out our curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y. You’ll find a range of films that explore Christian themes and values in a thought-provoking and inspiring way.
Schindler’s List is a powerful and emotional film that will leave you moved and inspired. It’s a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of standing up against evil and oppression. As a Christian, you’ll find plenty to reflect on in this film, from the theme of sacrifice to the importance of treating others with dignity and respect.
Les Misérables
Once again, a classic tale of redemption and sacrifice reminds us of the power of Christian values in a secular film. Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, is a timeless story of love, forgiveness, and the struggle for justice.
You may know the story: Jean Valjean, a former prisoner, is pursued by the ruthless Inspector Javert after he steals a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s seven children. But Valjean’s life takes a dramatic turn when Bishop Myriel shows him kindness and generosity, inspiring him to change his ways and dedicate his life to helping others.
This film adaptation, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway, brings to life the themes of mercy, compassion, and the redemptive power of love. As Valjean’s character evolves, we see a man transformed by the grace of God, echoing the biblical message of forgiveness and new life.
In a world where darkness and despair often seem to prevail, Les Misérables reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The film’s iconic songs, such as “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, have become anthems of resistance and resilience, inspiring generations to strive for a better world.
If you’re looking for more Christian-friendly movies like Les Misérables, be sure to check out our curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y. And remember, as always, to read our reviews to decide whether or not a film is right for you and yours.
Summing up
As a reminder, the concept of a “Christian movie” can be quite broad and subjective. While some films may be explicitly Christian in their themes and messages, others may convey Christian values and ideals without necessarily being labeled as such. The list of top 10 secular films infused with Christian values according to Plugged In highlights this very notion, showcasing movies that may not have been intentionally created to promote Christian ideals but still resonate with them.
You may be surprised to find that some of these films, such as Iron Man and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, contain subtle yet powerful Christian themes and motifs. Others, like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Gravity, may not have been intended as explicitly Christian films but still convey messages of hope, compassion, and redemption that align with Christian values. Whether you’re a Christian movie enthusiast or simply looking for films that inspire and challenge you, this list offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and cinema. And if you’re interested in exploring more Christian-friendly movies, be sure to check out this curated list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y.
FAQ
Q: What are the top 10 secular films infused with Christian values according to Plugged In?
A: According to Plugged In, the top 10 secular films infused with Christian values are: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2020), Gravity (2013), A Hidden Life (2019), Iron Man (2008), The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003), A Quiet Place (2018), and five more films that can be found in the original article. These films may not be explicitly Christian, but they contain themes and values that resonate with Christian principles.
Q: What makes a film “Christian”?
A: A Christian film is typically defined as a movie made by Christians for Christians, with explicit Christian content and themes. However, some secular films can also contain Christian values and themes, even if they weren’t intentionally made to promote Christianity.
Q: Can secular films be spiritually powerful or resonant?
A: Yes, secular films can be spiritually powerful or resonant, even if they don’t explicitly promote Christianity. Some films may contain underlying spiritual themes or messages that can inspire or challenge viewers, regardless of their faith background.
Q: Are all the films on the list suitable for families or children?
A: No, not all the films on the list are suitable for families or children. Some films may deal with mature themes, heavy content concerns, or ask difficult questions that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. It’s necessary to read reviews and use discretion when choosing films for your family.
Q: Where can I find more Christian-friendly movies?
A: You can find more Christian-friendly movies on platforms like Amazon, which offers a curated selection of faith-based films. Check out this link: https://amzn.to/3LYqe3y