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The year after “Sound of Freedom” and “Jesus Revolution” made cinema history come even more high-quality films that Christians should see in the movie theater.
2024 is shaping up to be a great year for Christian movies. In this article, we preview just a few of the promising entries hitting theaters this summer (and one that’s already showing).
As the Standing for Freedom Center recently noted, Christians are clamoring to see quality films that feature Christian themes and moral content, but in order to make that happen, they have to vote with their pocketbook and actually go out to the theater to support these movies.
This year, we think you’ll be more than happy that you did.
Here, then, are just some of the movies you and your family should make it a point to see.
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: In Theaters Now
“Unsung Hero” is already in theaters so you should make plans to see it soon. It is based on the inspiring true adventure of the Smallbone family. Those familiar with contemporary Christian music will recognize the family as that of both solo artist Rebecca St. James and her brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, the singers of the popular band For King & Country.
The movie depicts the family’s move from Australia along with the challenges they faced not only immigrating to a new country but navigating and breaking into the Christian music industry.
Luke Smallbone produces the movie, while Joel is a co-writer and co-director and acts in the film, portraying their father, David. The brothers said that they tested the movie by showing it to a friend in the film industry who they knew would give them a straightforward response.
Joel stated, “We showed him the movie and he wiped a tear from his eye. I said, ‘Well, what did you think?’ And he said, ‘I want to be a better dad.”
He hopes others have a similar reaction to the film, explaining,
“My hope is that people walk away with fathers saying, ‘I want to be a better dad.’ I hope that mothers are incredibly seen for all the hard work that they do. I hope that they see that it matters, that it shapes the next generation. I hope for young kids to see there’s no reason why we can’t dream big dreams, because dreams start in a very vulnerable place, but they can bloom. They can blossom and do something extraordinary. And so my hope is that the family will be infused with great hope.”
The movie stars Joel Smallbone, Daisy Betts, Kirriliee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, and Candace Cameron Bure.
View the trailer here:
Studio: Angel Studios
Release Date: May 24, 2024
“Sight” tells the true story of Dr. Ming Wang, a world-renowned eye surgeon, who grew up in communist China, survived the Cultural Revolution, and eventually immigrated to the United States. The movie depicts his effort to restore the sight of a girl who was blinded with acid, while he seeks to come to grips with his past.
The film is based on Dr. Wang’s autobiography From Darkness to Sight.
The movie stars Terry Chen and Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Greg Kinnear.
Dr. Wang says that “Sight” isn’t just about the journey of patients from physical darkness to sight “but also is a journey mentally for the protagonist, me in this case. That at the end, as much as I have helped these patients, they also have helped me. And in the process I also have come out of my own darkness to light.”
View the trailer here:
Studio: Angel Studios
Release Date: July 4, 2024
“Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” tells the true story of a Texas church that sought to solve the foster care problem in their community. Reverend Martin and his wife help their church see the need to love children in the foster care system, leading to the community taking in 77 children.
Jared Geesey, Chief Distribution Officer of Angel Studios, linked the film to the studio’s massive hit “Sound of Freedom,” which was released last July 4 and took in worldwide box office receipts of more than $250 million. He explains,
“Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is a rare film that merges an incredible true story with the power to transform a critical issue facing our communities. Our Angel Guild was deeply moved by the story. Last July 4, Sound of Freedom brought issues of trafficking to the attention of millions, and we know that a staggering percentage of children from foster care become targets for trafficking. We hope to continue to build on that awareness and shine light on the next step this Independence Day.”
The film stars Demtrius Grosse, Nika King, and Emmy award winner Elizabeth Mitchell.
Letitia Wright known for her roles in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Avengers Infinity War” is the producer of the film.
Studio: Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films
Release Date: August 23, 2024
“The Forge” is a new film from the Kendrick Brothers (“Facing the Giants,” “Fireproof,” “Courageous,” “War Room”). Though not officially a sequel, it does feature some characters from the 2015 hit “War Room.”
The film follows 19-year-old Isaiah Wright, a troubled youth who struggles to adjust to being a man. Wright is forced to get a job, which soon leads him to meet a group of men who will challenge him to grow in his faith in Christ.
The themes of the film are discipleship and prayer.
“In our culture, so many people say they believe in God, but their walk with God is very lukewarm and half-hearted. Discipleship means it’s time to get on fire and all in, and this movie will push you, encourage you, inspire you to be all in for Christ,” Stephen Kendrick stated, before explaining,
“It’s a forging process to be a disciple. Jesus says, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.’ So in other words, this is a different level of following Jesus — not just belief that He is the Son of God … but also following Him with your life. You can’t be Jesus’ disciple in a lukewarm status.”
The Forge stars Aspen Kennedy, Cameron Arnett, T.C. Stallings, and Alena Pitts, and features former NFL player Benjamin Watson.
The movie also stars author Priscilla Shirer, the daughter of pastor Dr. Tony Evans, who reprises her “War Room” character Elizabeth Jordan.
View the trailer below:
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