Movies of Great Spiritual Power
Some of these films are Christian-based. Others simply have a spiritual foundation, and some are not particularly spiritual in their content at all. All have one thing in common, though: they moved me to want to become a better person in some way.
Not everything on this list will appeal to everyone, but hopefully everyone can find something they can appreciate. Some of the films are flawed, but they all have something to offer. Enjoy!
Not everything on this list will appeal to everyone, but hopefully everyone can find something they can appreciate. Some of the films are flawed, but they all have something to offer. Enjoy!
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- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsCharlton HestonJack HawkinsStephen BoydAfter a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.The definitive biblical epic, spiritually powerful, reverent, moving, and visually astounding, with possibly the best scene in the history of cinema.
- DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsCharlton HestonYul BrynnerAnne BaxterMoses, raised as a prince of Egypt in the Pharaoh's household, learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and his divine mission as the deliverer of his people from slavery.Probably depicts the power of God and His devotion to His people better than any other film.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsPaul ScofieldWendy HillerRobert ShawThe story of Sir Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII when the King rejected the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarry.A movie that really does challenge you to stand up for what you believe in, regardless of the consequences.
- DirectorLloyd KramerStarsJon VoightEllen BurstynJeff DanielsAn elderly amusement park maintenance man, Eddie, is trapped in purgatory and the only way out is to confront five people from his past. Unfortunately, dark secrets from his service in the Philippines begin to haunt him.You may not matter to yourself, but chances are you probably matter to someone else.
- StarsChristopher LeeBen GazzaraDaniele PecciFollowing the premature death of his mother, Karol Wojtyla is brought up by his father in the Polish city of Krakow during the first half of the 20th century. An outstanding student with a magnetic personality, he dreams of becoming an actor. When his homeland is invaded by the Nazis in 1939, he and his friends secretly oppose the systematic persecution of their Polish culture. But, with the death of his father and the lacerating solitude which accompanies this loss, Karol's personal "resistance" takes on a new form and he decides to follow a priestly vocation. At the end of the war, Poland falls into the grip of Soviet totalitarianism. The newly ordained Karol is constantly surrounded by young people whom he teaches to safeguard and defend human dignity. He could be considered a serious threat to the regime, but the Communist authorities merely see him as an innocuous intellectual and even encourage his nomination for the position of bishop. Karol Wojtila is the youngest bishop in the history of Poland. When he is appointed Cardinal, Karol is more intransigent in the spiritual guidance of his homeland, becoming a real and proper thorn in the side of the Communist government. And the whole Catholic world begins to wonder who he is. On the death of Pope John Paul I in 1978, the cardinals of the Conclave decide that Woytjla is the right man to replace him. Thus Karol leaves his beloved Poland to become Pope John Paul II. His free, unconventional attitude alarms several prelates, but immediately wins the hearts of the people. In an age paralyzed by fear and ideology, the new Pope once again shows everybody the overwhelming fascination of Christianity: this is the beginning of a deep change, which will affect the whole world and the Church itself, as a sort of "contagion". He miraculously survives an attempt on his life in 1981, and not even this event curbs his mission. Thanks to his unshakable tenacity, Pope John Paul II helps to change the course of history: the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 decrees the collapse of Communism. But the Pope does not stop being the voice of Christ, even among the injustices of the capitalistic Western world, and even among the provocations and challenges of modern times. The Great Jubilee of 2000 is the most moving evidence of his mission: 3 million young people in love with the Pope gather in Rome, bringing with them the whole world's hopes. This world has learned to look to him, now old and shaky, as a ray of light in the heart of darkness."When it seems that the whole world is sinking into an abyss of hate, all I can respond with is an abyss of love."
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsMorgan FreemanMatt DamonTony KgorogeNelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.Peace and reconciliation between groups that held each other in contempt. "How do you spend thirty years in a cell and come out ready to forgive the people that put you there?"
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.As others have observed, moral clarity is more important than intellectual capacity.
- DirectorEdwin L. MarinStarsReginald OwenGene LockhartKathleen LockhartAn elderly miser learns the error of his ways on Christmas Eve.Any legitimate adaptation will do, but the 1938 version is my favorite. A character who comes out of darkness into light. A classic story, with imagination to spare.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.Considered one of the most inspirational movies of all time, for good reason. It's impossible to appreciate light without having seen darkness.
- DirectorNicholas RayStarsJeffrey HunterSiobhan McKennaHurd HatfieldThe temporary physical life of the Biblical Savior, Jesus Christ.Very reverent adaptation of the life of Jesus Christ, with interesting perspectives from secondary characters.
- DirectorAlex KendrickStarsAlex KendrickKen BevelKevin DownesWhen a tragedy strikes close to home, four police officers struggle with their faith and their roles as husbands and fathers. Together they make a decision that will change all of their lives.The best film from Sherwood Pictures. More emotionally honest than most independent Christian films, and deals with the pervasive problem of absent fathers.
- DirectorJerry LondonStarsGregory PeckChristopher PlummerJohn GielgudVatican efforts, led by Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, to save Allied P.O.W.s and downed Allied airmen as the Nazis invade Rome.A truly great film that deserves to be better known. Great performances from Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer, and one of the most powerful endings I've ever seen.
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsHarrison FordAnnette BeningMichael HaleyAfter being shot, a lawyer loses his memory and must relearn speech and mobility, but he has a loving family to support him.A man becomes a better person through very unlikely means, changing his life and that of his family.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsBen KingsleyJohn GielgudRohini HattangadiThe life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.A biography of a great man who valued peace even in the face of violence. "Show them that you mean them no harm, but neither are you going to submit to them."
- DirectorChristian CarionStarsDiane KrugerBenno FürmannGuillaume CanetIn December 1914, an unofficial Christmas truce on the Western Front allows soldiers from opposing sides of the First World War to gain insight into each other's way of life.The true story of the WWI Christmas truce has captured a lot of imaginations over the years, but never like this. An absolute must for any believer in the power of religion, Christmas, or music.
- DirectorAndrei TarkovskyStarsErland JosephsonSusan FleetwoodAllan EdwallAt the dawn of World War III, a man searches for a way to restore peace to the world and finds he must give something in return.The ending will polarize people, but it's part of the point of the story. Regardless, the first half is among the most spiritually powerful pieces of cinema I have ever seen.
- DirectorEmilio EstevezStarsMartin SheenEmilio EstevezDeborah Kara UngerA father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the "El camino de Santiago," and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.The filmmakers said it was their goal to create a film that was "pro-life, pro-people, not anti-anything," and they certainly succeeded.
- DirectorKore-eda HirokazuStarsArata IuraErika OdaSusumu TerajimaAfter death, people have a week to choose only one memory to keep for eternity.Very imaginative, gentle, and meditative, this film beautifully explores the impact others have on us, as well as what truly matters to us.
- DirectorCarl Theodor DreyerStarsHenrik MalbergEmil Hass ChristensenPreben Lerdorff RyeFollows the lives of the Borgen family, as they deal with inner conflict, as well as religious conflict with each other, and the rest of the town.Regardless of how spiritual or religious people may say they are, most of them really don't believe in miracles. A very deep exploration of faith.
- DirectorPavel LunginStarsPyotr MamonovViktor SukhorukovDmitriy DyuzhevSomewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives an unusual man whose bizarre conduct confuses his fellow monks, while others who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future.Living a life of piety is about constantly working to be better. God gives out grace, but He also expects us to give something in return.
- DirectorDavid PetersenStarsDarlene DuncanJoAnn PerkinsIn Washington D.C., one church becomes the symbol of a local community dedicated to one another.Very refreshing to see a community of people dedicated to the Lord and to each other, who really do mean what they say.