See the World Through a Catholic Lens

Grab some popcorn, it’s time for a movie!

Few things affect the imagination as powerfully as movies. On this page you’ll find suggestions of movies that can bring alive some aspect of the Faith and help spark great conversations between your family members.

Please note: these categories are just suggestions. Parents are advised to screen all films to determine if they are appropriate for your children/family members.

Rest assured as your children explore their world through these wholesome films!

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

This 90’s classic uses timeless animation and an incredible soundtrack to bring the epic of Moses to life. Read the story of Moses from a children’s bible together as a family before watching The Prince of Egypt. Afterwards discuss the Burning Bush scene—what is God like? What did we learn about God from the movie?

Click HERE for the trailer.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Experience this CGI classic in an entirely new light. Read the story of the Prodigal Son together as a family and then watch Finding Nemo. Afterwards discuss the similarities and differences between the story and reiterate to your little ones that God loves them even more than Marlin loves Nemo.

Click HERE for the Trailer

The Miracle Maker (2000)

Enjoy this ambitious claymation film that brings to life the story of Jesus of Nazareth in a way unlike any other film before (or after).

Click HERE for the trailer

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

C.S. Lewis’s masterpiece brought to life! Have a discussion with your children after the movie; How is Aslan the lion like Jesus? How is the White Witch like the Devil?

Click HERE for the trailer.

Watch these shows/movies together and see if you can discover subtle and not-so-subtle Catholic themes!

The Chosen (2017)

This series has caused shockwaves around the world. It is the largest crowdfunded media project of all times and millions of people are calling it the greatest media depiction of Jesus’ life ever produced. After you watch an episode consider finding the corresponding scripture passages that describe the story you just saw depicted and have a conversation—what did the series portray well? What’s different in the passage?

The Chosen series is FREE. For more information on how to watch click HERE.

The Sound of Music (1965)

How long has it been since you watched this classic film? Re-experience the story of the Von Trapp with your family and have a discussion afterwards about vocation—how to discover what God is calling us to do with our lives, about decisions—and how our decisions affect the ones around us, and about our Christian duty to bravely stand up against evil when it rises up in society.

Click HERE for the trailer.

I Am David (2003)

A twelve-year-old boy escapes from a Bulgarian Communist concentration camp and sets out on a journey to reach Denmark. This movie is based on a 1963 children’s novel, “North to Freedom,” by Anne Holm. While watching the film look for symbolic references to the Church’s sacraments.

Click HERE for the trailer

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Around the holidays settle the family in for this Christmastime classic. Afterwards have a discussion with the family about the importance of sacrificing, community, and the importance and dignity of every human being.

Click HERE for the trailer

These films can be challenging, and always need to be screened by parents first. But see if you can find moments of grace – light shining in the darkness!

A Hidden Life (2019)

The quiet acts of unsung heroes are often what save civilizations. Experience the powerful story (based on true events) of an ordinary man and faithful Catholic who refused to fight for the Nazis. Afterwards, discuss the importance of the interior life, how relationships can sanctify us, the meaning of duty, and the different ways we are called to give of ourselves to bring glory to God.

Click HERE for the trailer

Les Miserables (2012)

Starring Russel Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Anne Hathaway the movie traces the story of an ex-convict who his hunted for decades by a ruthless policeman. Look for the numerous Catholic themes (Redemption, Resurrection, Mercy, Integrity) woven throughout the film adaption of one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Click HERE for the trailer

The Lord of The Rings Trilogy (2003)

Did you know that J.R.R. Tolkien was a devout Catholic and that his LOTR trilogy (which launched the modern fantasy genre as we know it) is filled with Catholic themes? The parasitic nature of evil, free will, temptation, sacrifice, pride, humility. It’s all there! Watch and discuss what themes you can pick up on.

Click HERE for the trailer

The Mission (1986)

With a star-studded cast (including Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons) and one of the greatest cinematic soundtracks every composed, this film about the Jesuit Missionaries in South America delves into themes ranging from conversion, repentance, and penance to martyrdom to when/ if violence is every justified behavior for a Christian. Be prepared for a moving scene involving the Blessed Sacrament.

Click HERE for the trailer.

Word on Fire

Bishop Barron has been dubbed the “Bishop of the Internet” For over a decade now he has been producing high quality Catholic content on the internet. You can find high quality, compelling feature length documentaries, YouTube videos and more.

We recommend watching the Catholicism series as well as the Pivotal Players series as a family!

Check out WordOnFire.Org

FORMED

Chances are your parish has a subscription to Formed.org (Imagine Netflix for Catholic Content). Contact your pastor and ask him how you can get access. You’ll find countless hours of movies, documentaries, and more!

We Recommend The Search series with Chris Stefanick.

Check out Formed.Org

Ascension Presents

From Australian Theologians to Franciscan Friars to Fr. Mike Schmidtz you can find thousands of hours of great video content on the Catholic youtube channel Ascension Presents.

Pick a topic that interests you and watch a 10 minute video a few times a week as a family!

Click HERE to access the channel.

Looking for something more?

There are hundreds of high quality movies that are either directly or indirectly relevant to Catholics. The movies above are just a few suggestions. Below you will find an extensive list of movie suggestions.

Search online for the trailers of the movies, find one that interests you, and then search online for articles that outline the Catholic Themes present in the movie! You can use the articles you find to help you lead a discussion with your family after watching the film.