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 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.
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