Faith-filled films continue to dominate Hollywood and surpass movie critics’ expectations. “Jesus Revolution” kicked off the year by surpassing $50 million at the box office. More recently, “Sound of Freedom” reached the coveted No. 1 spot at the box office for its July 4th release and has shown no signs of slowing down.
It’s not uncommon for faith to inspire and bring together communities through storytelling, and Hollywood has been tapping into this niche market for quite some time now. This year alone, faith-based films have shattered box office expectations and proved that they are here to stay. “Jesus Revolution” and “Sound of Freedom” are prime examples of this success, with the former grossing over $50 million and the latter claiming the No. 1 spot on July 4th weekend.
These movies not only offer a refreshing take on cinema but also provide a platform for spiritual and moral lessons to be communicated in a way that resonates with audiences. Whether you’re a believer or not, these faith-filled films are worth watching before the year ends. The captivating storylines and strong performances are sure to leave a lasting impression and perhaps even offer a newfound appreciation for the power of cinema and the messages it carries.
Here’s a list of seven faith-inspired films to watch before the summer season ends.
7 faith-inspired movies to watch before end of Year
The movie “Sound of Freedom” has achieved remarkable success, earning more than $40 million in just one week at the box office. Despite facing relentless criticisms from secular media, the film’s total earnings in the U.S. have reached $174 million, surpassing even the expectations set for box office performance. Notably, it has outperformed major blockbuster franchises like “Indiana Jones” and “Mission: Impossible.”
The Angel Studios production had set out with the ambitious goal of drawing in 2 million viewers during its release week, symbolizing the 2 million children caught in the web of trafficking. Astonishingly, this goal was achieved within a mere four days.
Directed and co-written by Alejandro Monteverde, “Sound of Freedom” was initially showcased in 2,600 theaters. The film narrates the true story of a man’s resolute mission to combat the horrors of child sex trafficking.
Based on the life of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent who left his position to spearhead the rescue of children ensnared in modern-day slavery, the film delivers a powerful message advocating for the liberation of countless children trapped in the clutches of human trafficking, boldly declaring that “God’s children are not for sale.”
The overwhelming success of the film can be attributed in part to the innovative “Pay It Forward” technology employed by Angel Studios, which allows individuals to donate tickets to those who may be unable to afford the cost of admission.
Starring Jim Caviezel (“Passion of The Christ”), Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino (“The Final Cut”), Bill Camp (“12 Years a Slave”), and José Zúñiga (“Twilight”), “Sound of Freedom” also features Eduardo Verástegui (“Unplanned”) as the film’s producer.
During the film’s premiere in Miami, Monteverde shared with Vine Pulse that he takes to heart Jesus’ admonition to His disciples in Luke 17:1-2: “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
Produced five years ago, “Sound of Freedom” had once been affiliated with Disney but was subsequently shelved. Despite facing rejection from multiple Hollywood studios, Angel Studios secured worldwide distribution rights earlier this year, leading to its current status as a certified triumph.
The movie enthralls viewers with suspense as they await Ballard’s next moves in his mission to reunite a vulnerable family, whose worst fears materialize when both children are abducted for the horrors of sex trafficking. While the film includes mild strong language and scenes of violence, it’s the implied yet haunting depiction of child abuse that resonates deeply with audiences.
Currently screening in theaters, “Sound of Freedom” has garnered an A+ CinemaScore and an impressive 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘On a Wing and a Prayer’ released April 7
The movie titled “On a Wing and a Prayer,” featuring Dennis Quaid in the lead role, is a faith-based family drama produced by MGM/LightWorkers. This compelling film, which is also inspired by a true story, is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
The gripping narrative follows a family from a small town that faces a daunting challenge when the pilot of their aircraft passes away mid-flight. Passenger Doug White, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, must step in to pilot the plane safely and ensure the well-being of his family on board. Alongside Quaid, the movie stars Heather Graham and Jesse Metcalfe.
Roma Downey, the film’s producer, expressed her sentiments about the project to The Christian Post, stating, “It’s been ours for a long time. Now we get to share it and have it be seen and have it be felt. I think it’s very much a movie to feel in your heart.” She emphasized that the movie carries profound themes for Christians, highlighting the power of prayer and the mercy of God.
The screenplay, penned by Brian Egeston (“Perfect Harmony”), is rooted in a true story that Egeston came across while undergoing flying lessons. The actual incident took place on Easter Sunday and revolves around a family that experienced redemption through their prayers, successfully navigating the plane to a safe landing despite the intense drama, fear, and nervousness involved.
Produced by Roma Downey (“Son of God”) and directed by Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer”), the process of bringing this film to life was marked by a series of serendipitous events. Downey shared that shortly after reading the script, she coincidentally met Dennis Quaid, who had come in for a meeting about a podcast concept he was considering.
During the meeting, Quaid mentioned his hobby of flying planes. This revelation prompted Downey to suggest he consider the script for “On a Wing and a Prayer.” Despite initial hesitation, Quaid eventually agreed to read the script based on Downey’s assurance that he would find it compelling. She recalled their conversation, saying, “Please trust me, you’re going to love this story. And it’s a true story. Call me when you read it.”
Quaid was deeply moved by the story and struck a deal with Downey. He agreed to star in the film if funding could be secured for its production. Interestingly, director Sean McNamara had previously collaborated with Dennis Quaid on a movie titled “Soul Surfer,” further aligning the pieces of the puzzle.
In essence, “On a Wing and a Prayer” stands as a testament to the convergence of divine timing, connections, and faith, resulting in a remarkable cinematic creation that resonates with audiences seeking stories of courage, redemption, and the boundless possibilities of prayer.
‘Roll With It’ released May 9
The comedy “Roll With It” premiered in theaters nationwide in May and was also divinely orchestrated as the film’s star, Chonda Pierce, was able to showcase her husband’s work in the film.
The feature-length comedy weaves an inspiring (and hilarious) story of strength, survival, family values and faith, with Pierce, a popular Christian comedian, playing a single mother who, with help from her friends, readjusts to life after the loss of her husband.
“A little part in this movie I thought was so powerful — because my husband and I wrote much of the script and some of that stayed in,” Pierce shared in an interview with CP. “My character, Bonnie, talks to her dead husband all the time. Nobody can see him but her, and so, the town thinks she’s kind of crazy. But we kept that in where I go to the cemetery and I talk to him about my day often and everything.
“The Bible says take care of the widows and the orphans, and for 32 years, this world has really been so kind and taking care of me and now I want to turn around and take care of some other widows,” Pierce added. “I want to remember the children who need care and love and compassion, and so I just love all the little themes. This movie was just really, really a part of me, and I love that.”
‘Into The Spotlight’ releasing Sept. 1
The new movie “Into The Spotlight” is also worth watching this summer before heading into the fall season.
Described as a “coming-of-age” musical, the film follows a teenager with a rockstar dad and an enchanted microphone.
Written by a 15-year-old Kate Larson at the time, the faith-based film stars Leigh-Allyn Baker (“Good Luck Charlie”), Karen Abercrombie (“War Room”), Larson, and other teenage stars with whom she appeared in the film “Lifemark.”
The musical features nine original songs which are also available for download on Apple Music, iTunes, Pandora and Spotify.
“At 15, I saw the world shutting down and my friends losing hope, so I wrote ‘Into the Spotlight,’” she said in a statement shared with CP.
“From struggling with dyslexia as a younger child to creating a story to inspire my generation, it has been truly magical,” she added. “‘Into the Spotlight’ has changed my life and I know girls everywhere need this story about overcoming insecurity, friendship, love, empowerment, and staying true to who you were meant to be.”
‘The Hill’ coming to theaters Aug. 25
Another film on the horizon is “The Hill,” also starring Dennis Quaid, along with Scott Glenn, Colin Ford, Randy Houser and Joelle Carter.
The movie follows the life of minor league baseball player Rickey Hill, who possessed a natural ability to hit a baseball despite having a disability.
Hill, the top home run hitter of his team, would go on to make it to the minor leagues and eventually lead the 1978 Grays Harbor Loggers to a Northwest League championship. The former baseball player was born with a defect that required braces on both his legs but that did not stop him from fulfilling his dreams.
The movie features the themes of family, faith and never giving up hope.
“God gives you the talent; you either have it or you don’t,” Hill said in a recent interview with CP. “It’s just a matter of what you do with it. You can take that talent, and you can work.
“Scripture says that faith without works is dead. You can have all the faith in the world, but if you don’t have that work that goes along beside that faith, it’s dead. So I always looked at that Scripture my whole life, knowing that I had to work to make it happen. And I did, every day.”
‘Big George Foreman’ released April 28
The biopic, “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World” is another inspiring film to watch this season.
Starring Forest Whitaker (Foreman), Khris Davis and Sullivan Jones, the movie is based on the remarkable true story of one of the “greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances,” according to the film synopsis.
“Fueled by an impoverished childhood, Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit, it continues.
“But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.”
According to Variety, Foreman’s boxing career highlights are captured in the film, including when he obtained Olympic Gold at the 1968 Mexico City Games and his world heavyweight champion run. The athlete’s journey to faith is also on display along with his retirement and becoming a preacher.
Foreman was ordained a minister in 1978 and founded The Church of The Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas, in 1980.
The trailer shows Foreman reflecting on how sometimes preaching is “just as hard” as getting “punched in the face.”
Captured in the movie as well is Foreman’s triumphant return to the ring at 45, when his family and church faced financial hardship. Despite his age, he claimed the heavyweight champion title and became the oldest person in boxing history to do so. “Big George Foreman” is now available to stream on ROW8, Prime Video, Apple TV or Vudu.
Discussion about this post