Christian Movies on Netflix Worth Watching

I'll be honest — for a long time, I avoided Christian movies. Too many of them felt like a sermon disguised as a screenplay, with wooden acting and plots you could predict from the opening scene. But something has shifted in recent years. Filmmakers of faith are telling better stories, hiring talented actors, and trusting audiences enough to show the mess before the miracle.

Netflix has quietly built a solid collection of faith-based films. Some are explicitly Christian, others explore faith themes with nuance and depth. Here are the ones we think are genuinely worth your evening.

Films That Will Strengthen Your Faith

The Two Popes (2019)

This isn't your typical "Christian movie," and that's exactly why it belongs on this list. Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce deliver Oscar-worthy performances as Pope Benedict XVI and the future Pope Francis. The film explores faith, doubt, tradition, and reform through deeply human conversations. You don't need to be Catholic to be moved by two men wrestling honestly with what it means to serve God in a broken world. The scene where they discuss their failures is one of the most authentic portrayals of confession in modern cinema.

A Week Away (2021)

Think of it as a faith-based musical for the whole family. A troubled teen gets sent to a Christian summer camp instead of juvenile detention, and — yes, it's predictable — but the music is surprisingly catchy, the performances are warm, and there's a genuine sweetness to it that never feels forced. It's the kind of movie your teenagers might actually watch with you, which is worth something.

Fatima (2020)

Based on the true story of three shepherd children in Portugal who reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, this film handles miraculous events with both reverence and restraint. Harvey Keitel plays a skeptical professor investigating the claims decades later. The movie doesn't try to convince you — it invites you to consider. The cinematography is stunning, and the children's performances are remarkable.

Come Sunday (2018)

This one will challenge you, and that's the point. Based on the true story of Carlton Pearson, a prominent megachurch pastor who began preaching that there is no hell. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a powerful performance as a man whose theological shift costs him everything — his congregation, his reputation, his community. Whether you agree with Pearson's conclusions or not, the film raises important questions about how we hold our beliefs and what happens when conviction collides with community.

The Young Messiah (2016)

Ever wondered what Jesus might have been like as a seven-year-old? Based on Anne Rice's novel, this film imagines the holy family's return from Egypt and young Jesus beginning to understand His divine nature. It's speculative, of course, but handled with such tenderness that it deepens rather than diminishes the mystery of the Incarnation. The portrayal of Mary and Joseph navigating parenthood with the Son of God is beautifully done.

Family-Friendly Picks

The Star (2017)

An animated retelling of the Nativity from the perspective of the animals. If you have kids under ten, this is a wonderful way to share the Christmas story. The voice cast includes Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Steven Yeun. It's funny, colorful, and keeps the biblical narrative intact while making it accessible to little ones.

Breakthrough (2019)

Based on the incredible true story of John Smith, a teenager who fell through ice and was underwater for fifteen minutes. After being pronounced dead, his mother's prayers in the hospital room preceded his miraculous recovery. Chrissy Metz and Topher Grace lead the cast. The film doesn't shy away from the medical reality, which makes the miracle all the more powerful. Keep tissues nearby.

God's Not Dead (2014)

Yes, this one has its critics. The premise — a college student challenges his atheist professor — is a bit heavy-handed. But it sparked a cultural conversation about faith in academia, and for many believers, it was the first time they saw their struggles represented on screen. It's best watched as a conversation starter rather than a theological treatise.

Documentaries Worth Your Time

American Gospel: Christ Alone

This documentary examines the prosperity gospel and contrasts it with historic Christian teaching. It features interviews with pastors, theologians, and former prosperity gospel followers. Whether you've been personally affected by prosperity theology or just want to understand the movement, this film is thoughtful and well-produced.

The Case for Christ (2017)

Based on Lee Strobel's bestselling book, this film follows the true story of an investigative journalist who sets out to disprove Christianity after his wife's conversion — and ends up becoming a believer himself. Mike Vogel brings warmth and skepticism to the role. The film handles apologetics in a way that feels like genuine investigation rather than propaganda.

Tips for a Faith Movie Night

• Watch together. These films are better shared. Invite friends, family, or your small group.
• Discuss afterward. The best faith-based films raise questions. Don't rush past them. Talk about what resonated and what challenged you.
• Don't expect perfection. Not every Christian movie will be Shawshank Redemption. Grace extends to filmmakers too.
• Check availability. Netflix libraries vary by region and change frequently. If a title isn't available in your area, check if it's on another streaming platform.

The beautiful thing about stories is that they sneak past our defenses. A sermon might bounce off a hardened heart, but a story can slip through the cracks. So the next time you're scrolling Netflix looking for something to watch, consider choosing a film that might not just entertain you — but transform you.

Have a favorite Christian movie on Netflix we missed? Let us know — we're always updating our list.