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.
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.
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