Epic Spiritual Journeys
Movies tackle faith in countless ways. IMDb users have rated these religious films highest among spiritual cinema. Some directors approach divinity with reverence. Others ask tough questions. The best films? Well, they do both.
20. Barabbas (1961): 6.9
This spiritually complex film powerfully explores the profound theological question at the heart of Christianity: Why was Jesus sacrificed while a criminal went free? Anthony Quinn's tortured performance as the man who received Christ's pardon creates an unforgettable meditation on salvation, guilt, and redemption.
The Day Became Night (Barabbas, 1961) by Andrew Bairactaris
20. Barabbas (1961) (Cont.)
Through Barabbas's journey from gladiatorial arenas to Sicilian sulfur mines, the film examines how divine grace changes even the most hardened hearts. Director Fleischer literally captured a real solar eclipse during the crucifixion scene. Based on Nobel Prize winner Par Lagerkvist's novel, the movie avoids simplistic moralizing.
Barrabás (1961) by Jorge Montesinos
19. King Of Kings (1961): 7.0
Religious cinema reached a magnificent pinnacle when Nicholas Ray directed this reverent portrayal of Christ's life. It featured Jeffrey Hunter as a contemplative, compassionate Jesus. The film's strength lies in its respectful treatment of scripture while humanizing biblical figures through nuanced work.
King Of Kings (1961) | Modern Trailer by Sankhara
19. King Of Kings (1961) (Cont.)
Ray's decision to focus on the socio-political context of Roman-occupied Jerusalem provides viewers with a critical understanding of Christianity's origins within a historical context. The Sermon on the Mount sequence particularly stands as one of cinema's most moving depictions of Christian teaching.
King of Kings • 1961 • Theatrical Trailer by Discape
18. Jesus Revolution (2023): 7.1
This film, inspired by real people, tells the tale of how the Holy Spirit moved through a hippie street preacher named Lonnie Frisbee and a more traditional pastor, Chuck Smith. Together, they sparked a huge spiritual awakening and founded the Calvary Chapel movement.
Jesus Revolution (2023 Movie) Official Trailer - Kelsey Grammer, Joel Courtney by Lionsgate Movies
18. Jesus Revolution (2023) (Cont.)
Released by Lionsgate on February 24, 2023, Jesus Revolution earned $54.3 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. It was highly praised by audiences, earning an "A+" CinemaScore and a 97% positive PostTrak score. Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Frisbee is a standout.
17. The Apostle (1997): 7.2
Robert Duvall's passion project nearly never saw the light of day until he funded it himself. This man poured his heart and soul into this searing depiction of a Pentecostal preacher seeking redemption. After assaulting his wife's lover, Sonny flees to Louisiana, rechristening himself “The Apostle E F”.
Butcher's Run Films, The Apostle (1997)
17. The Apostle (1997) (Cont.)
Critics praised Duvall's unflinching approach to faith that acknowledged both divine inspiration and human fallibility. Besides, Roger Ebert awarded it four stars, calling it “a lesson in how movies can escape from formulas and obligations”. The Academy also recognized Duvall's performance with a Best Actor nomination.
Butcher's Run Films, The Apostle (1997)
16. The Passion Of The Christ (2004): 7.2
The Passion Of The Christ shattered box office expectations by grossing over $600 million worldwide despite its R-rating and subtitled Aramaic dialogue. Its unflinching portrayal of Jesus's suffering through Jim Caviezel's committed work created a visceral, immersive experience. Audiences were literally stunned into contemplative silence.
Icon Productions, The Passion of the Christ (2004)
16. The Passion Of The Christ (2004) (Cont.)
Vatican officials called it "a triumph of art and faith," while Jewish organizations raised concerns about potential antisemitism. The technical achievements behind this film enhanced religious storytelling to new heights. It got three Academy Award nominations for Best Makeup, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.
Icon, The Passion of the Christ (2004)
15. The Prince Of Egypt (1998): 7.2
DreamWorks Animation's first traditional 2D masterpiece boldly reimagined the Exodus story. The emotional core of this biblical epic lies in the fractured brotherhood between Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) and Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). They humanized these monumental figures without diminishing their spiritual significance.
The Prince of Egypt (1998) - Final Scene - 1080p by Max Canon
15. The Prince Of Egypt (1998) (Cont.)
According to reports, directors Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells consulted with religious scholars from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to ensure respectful authenticity. Stephen Schwartz's songwriting, especially the Oscar-winning "When You Believe," uplifted the storytelling through music that expressed deep theological concepts.
DreamWorks, The Prince of Egypt (1998)
14. Silence (2016): 7.2
This movie tackles some tough questions about faith through the story of two Jesuit priests in Japan who face serious persecution. Andrew Garfield gives an incredible performance as Father Rodrigues, whose confidence starts to waver when he has to deal with tough moral decisions.
SILENCE | Official Trailer by Paramount Movies
14. Silence (2016) (Cont.)
Scorsese's adaptation of Shusaku Endo's novel questions whether apostasy committed to save innocent lives might paradoxically be Christ-like. Reviewers loved the film's intellectual courage, with A O Scott calling it “a movie about the paradoxes and agonies of religious faith that is like no other I have seen”.
13. The Flowers Of St Francis (1950): 7.3
Using non-professional actors, including actual Franciscan monks, Rossellini crafted a film of spiritual authenticity that highlights St Francis's radical simplicity and humility. The episodic structure allows viewers to experience the transformative power of Francis's teachings through intimate, often humorous encounters.
The Flowers of St. Francis (Francesco Giullare Di Dio, 1952) - Trailer by Intramovies
13. The Flowers Of St Francis (1950) (Cont.)
It has a childlike perspective on faith—not childish, but full of wonder, openness, and freedom from cynicism. Film critic Andre Bazin described it as "a perfect film" that achieved “a sort of cinematographic perfection”. Martin Scorsese later cited it as a profound influence.
12. The Hiding Place (1975): 7.4
The Hiding Place brings to life the extraordinary true story of a Dutch Christian family who hid Jews during the Holocaust. Jeannette Clift George’s acting as Corrie earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She really brought to life the character’s vulnerability while showing her growing spiritual strength.
The Hiding Place 1975 Movie Full - English + Romanien subtitles by Radio Calea Spre Cer
12. The Hiding Place (1975) (Cont.)
Well, the film doesn’t shy away from showing the pain people went through, but it also includes moments of surprising grace. It talks about the family's Christian faith as being essential to their forbearance and perseverance, particularly in the latter stages.
The Hiding Place 1975 Movie Full - English + Romanien subtitles by Radio Calea Spre Cer
11. The Mission (1986): 7.4
Here comes a historical epic that explores the complex intersection of faith, colonialism, and indigenous rights through the story of 18th-century Jesuit missionaries in South America. Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons deliver contrasting performances as a reformed slave trader and a devoted priest, respectively.
11. The Mission (1986) (Cont.)
Their divergent responses to colonial violence, one choosing armed resistance, the other non-violent martyrdom, give rise to a profound meditation on how faith manifests in action during moral crisis. Though controversial for its historical interpretations, The Mission received the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
The Mission (1986) - Trailer HD 1080p by Grindhouse Movie Trailers
10. The Last Temptation Of Christ (1988): 7.5
Controversy erupted months before Scorsese's adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis's novel even reached theaters. Protesters condemned its exploration of Christ's humanity and inner struggles. Willem Dafoe's raw, vulnerable act as Jesus wrestling with doubt, fear, and temptation offered a radical departure from sanitized portrayals.
The Last Temptation of Christ, Universal Pictures
10. The Last Temptation Of Christ (1988) (Cont.)
The film's most contested sequence of a dream wherein Jesus experiences an ordinary life with Mary Magdalene (Barbara Hershey) serves to highlight his ultimate sacrifice. Some theologians praised the film's willingness to engage with Christ's full humanity while others condemned it as blasphemous.
Universal, The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
10. The Last Temptation Of Christ (1988) (Cont.)
Even though it was initially overshadowed by controversy, The Last Temptation has been reassessed by many individuals as a deeply spiritual work. In Scorsese's words, it aimed to “make Jesus more accessible through his humanity”. The movie bagged a Golden Globe nomination for Hershey’s character.
Universal, The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
9. The Song Of Bernadette (1943): 7.6
Academy Awards showered upon Jennifer Jones for her luminous depiction of Bernadette Soubirous. She was a 14-year-old peasant girl whose visions of "the lady" at Lourdes turned her into an eventual saint. Director Henry King achieved a noteworthy balance between reverent faith and historical realism.
Twentieth Century, The Song of Bernadette (1943)
9. The Song Of Bernadette (1943) (Cont.)
Arthur Miller's black-and-white cinematography (Oscar winner) bathes the apparition scenes in ethereal light. The Song of Bernadette was a significant undertaking for 20th Century Fox, with an estimated budget of $1.6–2 million. The screenplay was adapted from Franz Werfel’s bestselling novel.
The Song of Bernadette (1943), 20th Century Fox
9. The Song Of Bernadette (1943) (Cont.)
Critically acclaimed for its inspiring narrative and moving score, the film resonated with audiences during WWII, offering a sense of hope and faith. It garnered numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards: Best Actress for Jennifer Jones, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.
8. The Two Popes (2019): 7.6
Intellectual debates about theology, tradition, and the future of Catholicism transition into riveting cinema. All this is done through the work of Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce in an imagined encounter between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (the future Pope Francis).
8. The Two Popes (2019) (Cont.)
Screenwriter Anthony McCarten based his work on extensive research while taking creative liberties to understand the contrast between Benedict's traditionalism and Bergoglio's progressive approach. Critics praised the film's unusual look at religious subject matter, focusing on institutional reform and personal fallibility.
7. The Gospel According To St Matthew (1964): 7.6
Surprisingly, Marxist filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini created what many consider the most authentic depiction of Christ ever filmed. It is recognized for its stark, neorealist style, which uses non-professional actors, including Spanish economics student Enrique Irazoqui as Jesus. Pasolini’s mother acted as the older Mary.
Domenico Notarangelo, Wikimedia Commons
7. The Gospel According To St Matthew (1964) (Cont.)
Cultural critics have long debated the apparent contradiction of an atheist director making such a spiritually powerful film. The answer lies partly in Pasolini's recognition of Christ's radical message for the oppressed and marginalized. Pope Francis had cited this movie as his favorite depiction of Christ.
Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons
6. The Nun's Story (1959): 7.6
Audrey Hepburn abandoned her usual glamorous roles to provide her finest work as Sister Luke. She is a Belgian nun struggling to reconcile her individualism with the demand for absolute obedience in religious life. The film follows Sister Luke through her crisis of faith during WWII.
Warner Bros., Wikimedia Commons
6. The Nun's Story (1959) (Cont.)
The Nun’s Story earned around $12.8 million domestically on a $3.5 million budget. It also received eight Academy Award nominations, though it did not win any due to competition from Ben-Hur. Nevertheless, Zinnemann was honored as Best Director by the New York Film Critics.
The Nun’s Story • 1959 • Theatrical Trailer by Discape
5. A Man For All Seasons (1966): 7.7
This movie is a fantastic adaptation of Robert Bolt's play about Sir Thomas More's intense clash with King Henry VIII over his beliefs. Paul Scofield acts as More, a man who loses everything because he won’t compromise his faith by backing the king's divorce.
Columbia, A Man for All Seasons (1966)
5. A Man For All Seasons (1966) (Cont.)
The film does an amazing job of highlighting the details of the Tudor period. Fans particularly praised the screenplay's intellectual brilliance, with Roger Ebert noting how it “makes no attempt to simplify the issues... yet has the remarkable quality of clarifying them”.
A Man for All Seasons (1966) - Because I Believe Scene (3/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
4. Deliver Us From Evil (2006): 7.9
Deliver Us From Evil centers on Father Oliver O'Grady, who admitted to abusing approximately 25 children in Northern California. Through O'Grady's chillingly candid interviews from Ireland (where he was deported after serving seven years in prison), the film creates a uniquely disturbing portrait of clerical abuse.
Deliver Us from Evil (1/8) Movie CLIP - Oliver O'Grady (2006) HD by Movieclips
4. Deliver Us From Evil (2006) (Cont.)
Berg's work earned the film universal critical acclaim, including a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans called it “a searing look at an institution protecting its leaders at the expense of its followers" and "more terrifying than any horror movie, because it's about something that really happened”.
3. The Ten Commandments (1956): 7.9
Charlton Heston's dominant portrayal of Moses and Cecil B. DeMille's epic recreation of the Exodus event are examples of its breathtaking scope. Real Egyptian antiquities were meticulously reconstructed thanks to the director's attention to detail. The Red Sea's splitting was accomplished using realistic techniques.
Motion Picture Associates, The Ten Commandments (1956)
3. The Ten Commandments (1956) (Cont.)
Despite its epic scope, the film succeeds by grounding its narrative in Moses's personal change from privileged Egyptian prince to Hebrew liberator. The American Film Institute recognized the movie’s cultural importance by including it among the top ten epic films of all time.
Motion Picture Associates, The Ten Commandments (1956)
3. The Ten Commandments (1956) (Cont.)
Annual television broadcasts have made this Technicolor marvel an Easter and Passover tradition for generations of families. The Ten Commandments was highly praised upon release. The Hollywood Reporter even called it a “masterpiece” and “unsurpassed achievement,” predicting it would draw audiences who usually do not attend movies.
2. Ben-Hur (1959): 8.1
Unprecedented in ambition and achievement, Ben-Hur bagged 11 Academy Awards and set box office records. The film's religious significance lies in its parallel narrative. While Judah Ben-Hur pursues vengeance against Roman oppression, the unseen yet influential presence of Christ turns his quest into one of redemption.
2. Ben-Hur (1959) (Cont.)
That legendary chariot race, requiring a year of preparation and three months to film, remains cinema's greatest action set piece. Reviewers gave the movie overwhelmingly positive reviews, complimenting mainly its chariot race. The New York Times' Bosley Crowther described it as “a remarkably intelligent and engrossing human drama”.
2. Ben-Hur (1959) (Cont.)
Similarly, Variety's Ronald Holloway praised it as “a majestic achievement”. In addition, the American Film Institute titled the movie one of the best American films ever made, and the Library of Congress decided to preserve it in its National Film Registry.
1. The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928): 8.1
Based on real historical records, the silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc dramatizes Joan of Arc's trial and execution. Renee Jeanne Falconetti as Joan is widely celebrated as one of the finest characters in cinema history.
Societe generale des films, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
1. The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928) (Cont.)
Upon its release, the movie received immediate critical acclaim for its artistic achievement, with The New York Times calling it “a film work of art (that) takes precedence over anything that has so far been produced”. Falconetti's depiction was especially lauded for its depth and realism.
Societe generale des films, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
