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Growing up, my family and I would spend every night laughing and scrolling through the TV for
the best family-friendly shows. From Disney Channel to ABC Family, we always had a plethora
to choose from; until modern-day culture began to seep in. Soon, clean and funny shows were a
rarity. Romance with no spice was few and far between. Ones that showed Christian or
wholesome values seemed to be non-existent.
Today, as adults, my husband and I don’t have television for this very reason. Well, that and
we’re both pretty minimalist when it comes to entertainment around the home. While we do have
some streaming services, very little of our time is actually spent watching a screen. On occasion,
we will find a show or movie that blows our socks off.
If you’re looking for a faith-friendly film to show for family night, here are 8 I’d recommend in a
heartbeat. Under each is a quick summary and questions you can ask your family for
discernment.
- I Still Believe-
Released by Lionsgate Films, Starz Entertainment, and Paris Filmes in March 2020, I Still
Believe portrayed the real-life story of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp and his journey
through adulthood, love, and loss. After Camp goes off to college to pursue music, he quickly
falls in love with Melissa. When he finds out that Melissa has ovarian cancer, the two are
astounded. She is miraculously cured, and they get married only to find out on their honeymoon
that her cancer has returned. As the story continues, Camp’s life becomes a testament to true
love, faith, and hope even in the face of tragic loss. The film features Britt Robertson as Melissa
Camp and KJ Apa as the young Jeremy Camp.
If you and your family are interested in watching this film, here are three questions I’d consider
asking:
Are we okay with watching a story of love and loss?
When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want, how do we know He’s still
good?
Do you struggle to trust God when bad things happen?
At its core, I Still Believe is a family-friendly film with positive spiritual elements, plenty of
good belly laughs, and a warming coming-of-age story. However, it also explores great loss,
doubting God, and immense pain, so be prepared for some potentially difficult conversations.
With a box of tissues ready, the film portrays Song of Solomon 8:6 well: “Set me as a seal upon
your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its
flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord” (ESV). - I Can Only Imagine-
Released by Mission Pictures International, City on a Hill Productions, and Kevin Downes
Productions in March 2018, I Can Only Imagine revealed the true and heartbreaking story of
Christian band MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. Highlighting his complicated and abusive
relationship with his father, the movie title and song were inspired by Millard’s ability to
overcome hardship with eternal love. When the song and memoir became a hit film, Millard
told People Magazine, “I’m in a great place now, but I never thought in a million years it would
actually happen.”
Throughout the movie, Millard’s upbringing shows a traumatic childhood full of divorce, abuse,
substance use, and hot tempers. When his dad gets diagnosed with cancer, however, the script
gets flipped upside down: Millard gets to see his dad find Jesus, and the trajectory of his life is
forever changed.
Because of the nature of the storyline, there are some important questions to ask you and your
family before showing this film:
Are you prepared to have conversations about abuse with those watching?
How can you use this film to talk about unconditional forgiveness (and the difference
between forgiveness and something being permissible)?
How do difficult relationships shape our future?
Inspired by the biblical principles found in Ephesians 3:20, Millard’s story encourages us to look
beyond pain in light of what Christ can do. We don’t ignore our stories. We need to take time to
process them, grieve, and heal. But then, watch what God can do: “Now to him who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”
(NIV).
- War Room-
Released by Kendrick Brothers Productions, Provident Films, Affirm Films, and Sony Pictures
Entertainment in December 2015, War Room explored how prayer is a powerful weapon when
we truly believe what we’re asking God to deliver. From the creators of Fireproof and
Courageous (two other highly acclaimed Christian films), Tony and Elizabeth Jordan seem to
have it all from the outside looking in. When Tony is tempted by pride and seduction, their
marriage starts to crumble. Elizabeth then meets Miss Clara, who encourages her to create a
“War Room” and prayer plan for her family. By the end of the film, Tony must decide if he will
choose the ways of the world or the future of godliness.
With little to no violence, drinking, drugs, smoking, sex, or nudity, the film is a family favorite
for generations old and young alike. Full of humor, positive messages, and real-life moments,
here are a few questions to consider:
All families have problems: Use this as an opportunity to discuss how parents, children,
and siblings can deal with conflict appropriately.
Does your family believe in the power of prayer? If so, keep at it! If not, discuss how you
can integrate it.
Explore the importance of open and honest communication even in times of hardship.
In James 5:16, we read these words: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each
other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”
(NIV). As this film illustrates, prayer won’t magically fix everything, but it’s a wonderful tool
for lasting hope even when circumstances don’t change.