Seeking Inspiration? Get Uplifted With The Best Christian Movies on Netflix
Family-friendly movies that entertain your whole crew and offer spiritual affirmation.
It can feel impossible to find family-friendly movies that entertain your whole crew, especially if you’re looking for a film that offers spiritual affirmation as well. However, some of dramas on Netflix are more than just entertaining, they’re meaningful. Full of lessons on love, faith, and family, these films were made to bring your family together. Prepare to be inspired, and make your way through our list of the best Christian films on Netflix.
American Underdog
American Underdog is an inspiring and heartwarming true story that follows the remarkable journey of Kurt Warner, an underdog quarterback who defied all odds to become an NFL legend. From his humble beginnings working in a grocery store to leading the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory, Warner's determination, faith, and unwavering belief in himself prove that with grit and a strong support system, even the most unlikely dreams can come true.
Walk, Ride, Rodeo
In a list full of poignant stories, Walk, Ride, Rodeo is a standout. This biopic shares the life of Amberley Snyder, a nationally ranked rodeo racer who barely survives a catastrophic car accident. Her prognosis is grim, and doctors tell her she’ll never walk again, let alone ride. Snyder’s love of the sport and her support system allows her to see beyond her new limitations. Bring the tissues, it’s hard to make it through her uplifting story without a few tears.
An Interview with God
An Interview with God will speak to anyone who’s felt lost in their Christian beliefs. When an up and coming journalist returns from covering the war in Afghanistan, he finds his life is falling apart. His principles deeply shaken, he’s offered the opportunity to interview a man who claims to be God himself. The pair tackle some of life’s most difficult questions in theology and conviction, and this gripping story provides unique insight into some of religion’s biggest unknowns.
Good Sam
Good Sam is a sweet and heartwarming Netflix original that is big on good vibes. Ambitious reporter Kate Bradley (Tiya Sircar) has been demoted to fluff pieces, and her first assignment is to cover a woman who found $100,000 on her doorstep. The story leads to further random acts of kindness performed by a mysterious good Samaritan (or Good Sam). Bradley’s investigative skills kick in as she hunts for the identity of the Good Sam and finds a lot more in the process.
Like Arrows
Like Arrows tackles the struggles of parenting, from the birth of your firstborn all the way through adulthood. Parents Alice and Charlie navigate the challenges of raising their children while keeping God at the center of their family. A lesson in purposeful and intentional parenting, Like Arrows provides a blueprint in how Christian families can handle some of the most challenging parenting dilemmas.
Same Kind of Different as Me
Struggling in their marriage, Ron and Deborah Hall begin to volunteer at a local mission and find themselves building a renewed sense of purpose. Deborah (Renee Zellweger) shows that faith can change lives as she connects with others. Same Kind of Different as Me highlights the power of grace, compassion, and forgiveness in an inspiring story of human connection.
Never Heard
With a father spending his life in prison, Jalen (Romeo Miller) is lured into the Los Angeles drug scene. His life seems destined to go down a similar path. When Jalen’s grandmother introduces him to a girl from church, he begins to see ways to turn his life around. Never Heard is worth watching for the inspiring preaching moments alone, but this moving film is full of so much more. Showing the complexity of father-son relationships and the circumstances that can lead vulnerable people down the wrong path, Never Heard has meaningful and valuable lessons to share.
Running For Grace
Set in the 1920s in Hawaii, where the division between Japanese immigrants and the white upper class is rigid, Running for Grace is a touching story that will have you falling in love with its characters over and over again. The story follows Jo (Ryan Potter), a young orphan whose quick feet earned him the job of running medicine on the island. As Jo grows older, he falls in love with Grace (Olivia Ritchie), whose high status makes their romance forbidden. Running for Grace puts an emphasis on integrity and virtue, with actors who make each character irresistible.
Rock My Heart
Rock My Heart is a German film with English subtitles that quickly grips its audience. Jana Hilbig (Lena Klenke) is a 17-year-old with a heart defect that rails against her limitations by being rebellious and daring. As she bonds with an unruly stallion, she is recruited to compete as a jockey in a dangerous race. Klenke offers a standout performance as we learn the kind of transformations that happen when we’re determined.
God Bless the Broken Road
This Christian drama is loosely based on the song of the same name. Wife and mother Amber Hill (Lindsay Pulsipher) lost her husband in Afghanistan and now struggles to make ends meet as she raises her daughter, Bree (Makenzie Moss). Hill’s challenges lead her away from God, and it takes a look at her blessings in the midst of sadness to help her find her way back. With a specific purpose of showing love put into action, God Bless the Broken Road is a celebration of gratitude, perseverance, and community.
Come Sunday
Telling the true story of the ex-communication of pastor Carlton Pearson, Come Sunday is a different take on Christian dramas. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a dynamic performance as Pearson, an internationally acclaimed pastor whose faith leads him to share with his parishioners that there is no hell, leading to his division from the church. While this film is light on some of the intense theological debates that sparked Pearson’s epiphany, the struggles that come from beliefs he defends with his whole heart are meaningful and impactful.
Holy Camp!
This can’t-miss Spanish musical comedy film follows Maria (Macarena Garcia) and Susana (Ana Castillo), two rebellious teens who are sent to a Catholic summer camp in the woods as punishment. The troublesome pair’s antics continue until Maria has a late-night encounter with God himself, who happens to appeal to the young aspiring pop star through Whitney Houston. Holy Camp! modernizes Catholicism with real-life miracles, singing nuns, and a joy that’s been impossible to replicate since Sister Act. Its sincerity and charm are infectious.
Joseph: King of Dreams
The classic tale of Joseph from the book of Genesis is retold in this animated biblical musical. Full of fun, catchy music (most notably the song “You Know Better than I” which is sure to get stuck in your head), and stunning animation, expect a production value rarely seen in a straight-to-video film. Joseph: King of Dreams more closely follows the bible than its predecessor The Prince of Egypt, which means it contains more violence than the average cartoon. However, it’s all handled in an intelligent and mature way that can be age-appropriate for kids as young as 8.
Soul Surfer
The very real and triumphant story of Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year-old surfer who loses her arm in a violent shark attack is deeply affecting. AnnaSophia Robb stars as Hamilton, whose love of surfing inspires her to return to the sport that changed her life forever. As told in her documentary, Unstoppable, also on Netflix, Hamilton credits her faith with her ability to overcome her challenges. One of the highlights of Soul Surfer is the lack of cheesiness that plagues most Christian films. Hamilton and her family’s Christ-based lives are delivered with refreshing sincerity.
Greater
Another inspirational sports drama that’s based on real-life events, Greater is the story of University of Arkansas walk-on football player Brandon Burlsworth (Chris Severio). The young man’s work ethic, relationships, and faith catapult him to becoming one of the most successful unrecruited players in University of Arkansas history. Burlsworth devotion to God lead him to overcome a tumultuous childhood and paves the way for him to believe anything is possible.
Sunrise in Heaven
As she faces the reality of losing her husband of 44 years, Jan Hurst looks back on their courtship and marriage, as well as the way relationships between men and women evolved over time. In this poignant romance, Jan and Steve’s (Caylee Cowan and Travis Burns, respectively) lives are built on love and trust in God, providing them the wisdom and strength to overcome any obstacles they face.
The Young Messiah
Offering an imaginative look at the parts of Jesus’s life that remain a mystery, The Young Messiah tells the story of seven-year-old Jesus of Nazareth, who is just starting to understand the truth about who he is. This thought-provoking film invites Christians to consider the very human challenges the young son of God would face.