While 2024 didn’t have a breakaway hit for the faith-based film industry like 2023 did, it nevertheless saw a flourishing industry, with big stars such as Anthony Hopkins, Hilary Swank and Sylvester Stallone working on faith-based projects and major studios such as Lionsgate and Netflix entering the fray, as well.
In my estimation, there were more good faith-based films released in 2024 than in any year since “The Passion of the Christ” created the modern industry.
Here are the best faith-based movies of the year:
10. ‘Unsung Hero’
This musical biopic tells the inspiring story of the Smallbone family. They move to Nashville after their music business collapses in Australia.
The story touches on the difficulties of immigration, balancing business and faith, and the power of family. This is a based-on-a-true story of the popular evangelical band King & Country, and in many ways the film acts like an extended music video.
How to watch: “Unsung Hero” streams on Starz.
9. ‘The Forge’
The latest film from the duo behind faith-based staples like “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof,” “The Forge,” is their best yet. It follows Isaiah, a directionless 19-year-old, as his mother and a mentor he meets by chance help him recognize and meet his potential to become like Christ.
“The Forge” features a pretty heavy-handed metaphor, but watching people grow through experience is what good movies are always about.
How to watch: “The Forge” can be streamed for purchase on Apple TV+.
8. ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.’
“Bonhoeffer” is a story we needed in 2024.
A founder of the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany, Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught that we need to put our action where our faith is, and then did just that in his life. The film can be clunky, but it’s the best telling so far of this important story, so the film is worth recommending for that alone.
How to watch: “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” streams on Angel.
7. ‘Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot’
Angel Studios tried to tie this unrelated story to their 2023 hit, “Sound of Freedom.” Viewers didn’t flock to it in the same way, but this may actually be the better film.
In this moving true story about a small Texas community that adopted 76 foster children in need of homes, Nika King and Demetrius Grosse, who play the local pastors, give knock-out performances. Equal parts heartwarming and challenging, the film showcases what faith in action looks like.
How to watch: “Sound of Hope” streams on Angel.
6. ‘Homestead’
How would Christians navigate life after a nuclear attack on Los Angeles? For most of the movie, Christianity is forced into the background by rugged individualism until a final lens-shattering rebuke shows the movie’s true heart. “Homestead” is a powerful story about making hard decisions and eventually making the right ones.
As the Christian film industry matures, perhaps we need to get used to hearing phrases like “post-apocalyptic faith-based film.”
How to watch: “Homestead” is currently in theaters.
5. ‘Ordinary Angels’
In “Ordinary Angels,” Hilary Swank plays Sharon Stevens, a good-hearted mess who finds herself by helping the single father of a sick girl.
The film avoids simple answers and cliches, and somehow manages to find goodness and redemption in the reality of life. A tearjerker in the best way, “Ordinary Angels” emphasizes the beauty of selfless service.
How to watch: “Ordinary Angels” streams on Starz.
4. ‘Mary’
“Mary” is an odd film. It comes from DJ Caruso, who cut his teeth as a director in the Hollywood machine, but who anchors his life on his deep Catholic faith.
“Mary” attempts to paint a picture of the life of Mary from the Bible by leaning on tradition and apocryphal accounts. With stunning visuals and a powerful Anthony Hopkins turn as Herod, the movie is unignorable.
I’ll leave it to the viewer to determine if it ultimately adds or distracts from the birth of Christ.
How to watch: “Mary” streams on Netflix.
3. ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine’
This family drama based on a true story highlights the themes of faith and survival.
A young boy lost in the wilderness learns to rely on prayer and his belief in divine guidance to endure and overcome the odds. It’s a simple but powerful story of faith’s role in overcoming adversity. This is a film that does nothing perfect, but does everything well.
How to watch: “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” streams on Angel.
2. ‘Cabrini’
The story of the first American saint, the patron saint of immigrants, “Cabrini” is a taut, well-structured, layered story that lingers at the intersections of faith, goodness and politics.
Watching the movie will leave you feeling thoughtful, more empathetic and inspired to do better in your spheres of influence. A massive success of storytelling.
How to watch: “Cabrini” streams on Angel.
1. ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
The best Christmas movie of the year is about the worst — and then best — Christmas pageant ever.
The unruly Herdmans come to church for the snacks, and then take over the pageant because they’re bullies. As they discovered the power of the Christmas story for the first time, I felt like I was learning the Christmas story for the first time. It was a rare gift and a near-perfect film.
How to watch: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is currently in theaters.