5 best Christian movies to watch (and 3 to skip) on Netflix

Are you in the mood to watch something inspiring, uplifting, and heartwarming? Netflix has a plethora of movies based on or around Christianity available, some that are more on-the-nose and others that are just faith-based with moving themes and resonating religious values.

Below we've listed some of our favorite picks for Christian movies on Netflix, plus a couple you can go ahead and skip.

Jesus Revolution (2023)

Set in the 1970s, Jesus Revoluton is a Christian drama film based on Greg Laurie's semi-autobiographical book of the same name. Released in 2023, this is one of the newer additions to Netflix within the faith-based genre, but an easy one to overlook if you didn't catch it in theaters last year or realize it had been added to Netflix.

Players star Joel Courtney portrays a young Greg Laurie and the movie follows his journey through adolescence while being raised by his single mother Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley). Even though it received mixed reviews from critics, audiences enjoyed the film and appreciated its ability to be entertaining without becoming preachy.

Verdict: WATCH

I Can Only Imagine (2018)

This 2018 film starring J. Michael Finley and Dennis Quaid is another biographical movie. Directed by the Erwin Brothers, I Can Only Imagine is based on the story behind the song of the same name from the group MercyMe. Finley plays the band's lead singer Bart Millard and Quaid plays his father. The song is about their relationship.

I Can Only Imagine fared better with critics than Jesus Revolution and, again, audiences really enjoyed it, so if you are looking for an inspiring true story to watch that leans into Christianity, this is a good pick. Plus, it's rated PG, so you can watch with your family.

Verdict: WATCH

Forgiven (2016)

Kevin Sorbo and Jenn Gotzon Chandler star in this terrible 2016 movie. I'm sorry, I hate to be too critical because I do know how challenging it can be to get films made, but there's just no saving this one. Sorbo plays a lieutenant who gets caught up in a terrifying hostage situation. Forgiven has a muddled script, a low budget, and poor acting. There are better options on Netflix.

Verdict: SKIP

The Hill (2023)

Funnily enough, I Can Only Imagine is not the only movie on this list that stars Dennis Quaid! The Hill is another 2023 flick that flew under the radar in which Quaid plays an intensely faithful traveling pastor and the father of Rickey Hill, played by Colin Ford.

The Hill is based on the true story of the baseball player and his dreams of playing in the major leagues by overcoming physical obstacles. The Hill was beloved by audiences, so it's worth watching if you're interested in the story and especially if you like Quaid.

Verdict: WATCH

Greater (2016)

Director David Hunt steps behind the camera this heartfelt family film about American footballer Brandon Burlsworth. After becoming a walk-on player, Brandon quickly became a valuable part of the team and then tragically died in a car crash just 11 days after being drafted to the NFL. Greater stars Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Michael Parks, and Nick Searcy.

Greater can be too heavy-handed in its ideals at times, but is still an overall inspiring movie for those invested in this story. Greater is a decent watch, but it's not very complex as a biopic and it's way longer than it needs to be, making the tale drag out in some parts.

Verdict: SKIP

The Man of God (2022)

This Nigerian movie from 2022 is likely one you haven't seen yet, but it's based on one of the most iconic biblical stories of all time, the prodigal son, specifically the story Man of God. It follows Samuel Obalolu (Akah Nnani), who grows frustrated by his strict parents and their religious upbringing.

Samuel eventually leaves religion to find to strike out on his own, but finds his soul torn between his faith and his new life. Keep in mind that this film is definitely more adult-oriented, as it's really focused on Samuel's struggles with various temptations as he tries to figure out the best path forward.

Verdict: WATCH

A Week Away (2021)

If you're a parent looking for a movie with strong faith-based messages for your kids to watch then you might want to check out the adorable and charming musical film A Week Away.

The movie follows a teen who starts attending a Christian camp and learns how to find his identity, reaffirm his faith, create genuine friendships, and maybe even find love. Uplifting and romantic, A Week Away is the perfect way to spend an evening with your family.

Verdict: WATCH

A Fall from Grace (2020)

With Tyler Perry's newest movie Mea Culpa now on Netflix, some viewers might be considering checking out his previous Netflix Originals and I'm advising you to steer clear of this one.

Another movie that was produced, written, and directed by Perry, A Fall from Grace is not a typical faith-based movie and leans much more into thriller territory. It's not a totally "Christan movie," but it does have a lot of religious themes throughout. Regardless, this one got panned by audiences and critics alike, so you can feel free to skip it.

Verdict: SKIP