Beyond ‘Jesus Revolution’: 10 Outside-The-Box Faith-Based Films On The Horizon 

According to reports, moviegoers feel the spirit. 

Premiering last week, revival-themed “Jesus Revolution” Jon Erwin is Jon Erwin’s codirector”I Can Only Imagine”) earned $15.8 million — one of the biggest first weekends ever A faith-based movie. “While the runaway hit is exciting, it translates to over one million people who have watched and been inspired by the movie,” Kevin Downes, producer. “That’s why we made it, and what we’re thrilled to see.”

Kelsey Grammer is the star of this film, which was based-on-true events.”Frasier”Jonathan Roumie and a California pastor.”The Chosen”() As the hippie preacher, who transforms his southern California church upside down. Reviews have been mixed — with most audiences It is a great product, and it’s very popular with general-market customers. some Christian critics Be aware of certain weaknesses 

However, this huge haul confirms Kingdom Story Company’s premise and strategic plan. Jon Erwin and Andy Erwin of Kingdom Story have always said that Christian audiences are not well served and it is possible to reach them en masse if you put in enough effort. Hollywood studio Lionsgate agreed to this deal. to distribute Kingdom Story movies. 

However “Jesus Revolution” While it might not spark every believer’s heart, don’t be discouraged. There are many faith-conscious films being released this year by a variety of filmmakers. The majority of these films are true stories. They come in a wide variety genres including comedy, drama, music, and romance. The following are 10 films about faith that go beyond the box for this year. 

‘Wildcat’ (biopic, fall)

Flannery O’Connor’s works are a popular choice among American Catholics, even though he was plagued with Lupus. He died in 1964 at 39. Ethan Hawke is now writer and director-star.”Gattaca”She will be bringing her story on the big screen. “Wildcat,” Biopic that will reveal The struggles that the Georgia-born young lady faced in publishing her first book, and how they influenced her decision to focus her attention on the poor in society. 

Hawke assembled an outstanding cast, led by Maya Hawke, his daughter.”Little Women,” “Stranger Things”(pictured above), will portray the role of the young writer. Laura Linney (Oscar nominee) is another.”The Truman Show”), Philip Ettinger (“First Reformed”), Steve Zahn (“Sahara”Vincent D’Onofrio and Claude D’Onofrio”Daredevil”). Recent major media attempts To “cancel” O’Connor’s story, and this dramatized account of her life, may be a great starting point for national discussion. 

‘The Thorn’ (musical stage show, March 6) 

Influenced by Cirque du Soleil productions, “The Thorn” Presents the Passion and ministry of Jesus through a musical drama of dance moves, acrobatics or pyrotechnics. It is an immersive stage performance that moves quickly and has a fast pace. has evolved Over the last 25 years, hundreds of performances have brought significant Gospel scenes alive through the eyes and actions of characters that draw the viewers into the story. 

The limited theatrical engagement will feature a combination of Broadway stars and dancers from the Joffrey School. also previews A live show celebrating Easter is currently being performed in 10 locations across the Heartland.

‘On a Wing and a Prayer’ (biopic/thriller, PG, April 7)

After his stellar turn in “Blue Miracle” — a Netflix original movie recognized as the best inspirational film of 2021 — Dennis Quaid’s next story of faith and survival comes in a harrowing true story from director Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer”Roma Downey is the executive producer and a member of the governing board.”The Bible”). Doug White (Quaid), a pilot on a small aircraft, must decide what to do if their pilot passes away mid-flight. 

‘Roll with It’ (family comedy, G, May 9)

Chonda Pierce (Emmy-nominated Comedian) teams up with Chris Dowling, writer and director.”Blue Miracle”Ken Carpenter (Producer)”The World We Make”( for heartwarming comedy “Roll with It,” Last fall, which won the audience award Dallas International Film Festival 

Count on a heavy dose of Jeff Foxworthy-style humor — playing up generational differences and urban versus rural life — as Pierce’s character, a waitress in small-town Tennessee, deals with a series of setbacks, including a bank seeking to repossess her home. She plans to show her skills to win thousands of dollars at a local competition in karaoke. Things don’t always go according to plan, just like all good comedy.

Untitled Nativity Film, musical, Nov. 10

Musicals and movies are on the rise thanks to an eccentric chocolate-factory prequel “Wonka” Blockbuster Stage adaptation “Wicked” The next year. This team “A Week Away,” Camp romp with tongue in cheek featuring Christian music hitsThe musical, which depicts biblical Nativity events and is currently being shot in Spain by Jeremy, has returned to the big screen. 

Follow Mary (Fiona Palomo) “Outer Banks”Joseph (Milo Manheim), as they journey to Bethlehem in this untitled film features Antonio Banderas (“The Mask of Zorro”) as King Herod, Joel Smallbone from Christian music group For King and Country as Herod’s son, rap artist Lecrae as the angel Gabriel, and pop singer MŌRIAH in a role not yet announced. Sony’s Affirm Films has a lot of this film in the pipeline. 

Five Honourable Mentions

As film distribution continues to be in flux — with theatrical versus streaming release often not decided until months before release — a preview of the year ahead has some question marks. This category has only one,Big George Foreman“The Heavyweight Champion’s Life” is a PG biopic that will be released in theatres April 28th. It has been dated.

Zachary Levi stars (“Shazam!”Patricia Heaton and ).”The Middle”), “The Unbreakable Boy“Resilient children’s struggles with rare diseases bring joy to their hearts. Ming Wang, an immigrant from poverty who became a well-known eye surgeon in China is told through his dramatic story. “Sight,” A biopic Terry Chen is the star”Almost Famous”As Wang and Greg Kinnear”Flash of Genius”).

“Unsung Hero,” The musical heritage of Rebecca St. James, contemporary Christian music superstar will dramatize Their journey from Australia to sell-out arena shows in America was a memorable one. “Surprised By Oxford,” filmed The renowned university of the United Kingdom recounts A tempestuous love story with themes of discovery and trust. These films will be featured in more detail as soon as the releases plans are complete.

Josh Shepherd is a journalist covering culture, faith and policy at several media outlets, including The Stream. He has published articles in Christianity Today and Religion & Politics as well as Faithfully Magazine, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Providence Magazine, Christianity Today and Religion & Politics. Graduate of the University of Colorado. He previously worked as an employee at Focus on the Family, The Heritage Foundation, and Faithfully Magazine. Josh lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and their two children.