9 Best Bible-Based & Inspirational Films For Church Youth
The next time you plan your youth events and activities, why not try some classic films from the list below? These inspirational films for church youth inspire people of all ages to continue serving the mission they were created for. Streaming movies on your online platforms, or organizing virtual film nights is also a wonderful way to engage your church members and donors.
1. The Prince of Egypt (Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, starring Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer)
The story of Moses is a Bible classic. This is an animated feature film which takes you through his journey from birth through till the great Exodus. While it is a Bible-based film, the storytelling comes across as down-to-earth, highly engaging, and with stunning animation. Let your young people be mesmerized by the true story of Moses, which is faithful to show his very human side as well. Music produced by Hans Zimmerman, this is a true work of timeless art and moral foundation.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life (Directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore)
This film is often shown as a Christmas classic, but the truth is, you can enjoy it any time of the year. It tells the story of a man named George Bailey, who wishes for a different life. When his guardian angel grants hum that wish, George realizes that his existence in the world actually made a world of difference. This is the kind of movie to think back on and discuss with young people. Considered that it was made a few decades ago, it’s one that should not be forgotten.
3. The Last of These (Directed by Aneesh Daniel, starring Stephen Baldwin, Shari Rigby, and Bollywood star Sharman Joshi)
Stephen Baldwin stars in this movie, released in 2019. It is the true story of Graham Staines, a missionary to India in 1999. Shot on location, this film chronicles his selfless journey to teach children, and is full of lessons on love and forgiveness.
4. The Passion of the Christ (Directed by Mel Gibson, starring Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern)
Many consider The Passion of the Christ the most remarkable Christian movie ever filmed. It certainly is one of the most graphic descriptions of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The entire movie takes place during the final twelve hours of Jesus’ life, before he is put to death in Jerusalem. Get ready for an emotional journey, and discover the pain, fear, love, and grace that we are blessed to receive in abundance. This is not a movie for the faint of heart, so show it only to emotionally-mature teens.
5. Breakthrough (Directed by Roxann Dawson, Starring Chrissy Metz and Marcel Ruiz)
It’s no wonder this film was nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Drama, plus the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress: Drama. Breakthrough is the riveting true true story of a young man who fell through thin ice on a frozen pond. During his 15 minutes underwater, he has a brush with death, and was in fact dead for an hour. But the boy is revived in the emergency room, thanks to the power of his mother’s prayers. This is a film that will test your faith, challenge it, and then possibly strengthen it like never before.
6. The Other Side of Heaven, Parts 1 and 2. (Directed by Mitch Davis, Starring Anne Hathaway, Christopher Gorham)
These two films were shot years apart, but the story is a timeless one that will go down in Christian history. Produced by Jerry Molen, Academy Award winning producer of Schindler’s List and Jurassic Park, it is the biography of a missionary to Tonga in the 1950’s. The second part continues his story when his sixth child is born with an illness. It is a movie of miracles, hope, faith, and humanity.
7. Veggie Tales (Trinity Broadcasting Network)
Who doesn’t love these limbless yet gutsy veggies? They sing, dance, and tell Bible stories in such a fun way, that children young and old, all over the world, love them. Each “VeggieTale” is a short story, either a Bible story or a moral tale. with a distinct moral, acted out by a cast of plump, appealing animated vegetables. Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato lead the cast of vegetables. Even if you have donors who are not overly religious, they and their families might enjoy an episode or two.
8. The Ten Commandments Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Charlton Heston and Anne Baxter and Yul Brynner
This Oscar-award-wining film takes you back to Moses, as a young Egyptian Prince, who must discover and carry out his divine mission as the deliverer of his people. When Moses is cast out of Egypt, he is forced to flee to the desert, where he learns life lessons on faith, redemption, and trust. He is then commanded by God to return to Egypt to free the Hebrews from slavery.
9. The Inn of the 6th Happiness (Directed by Mark Robson, starring Ingrid Bergman, Robert Donat, Curd Jürgens)
Another mesmerizing and well-performed missionary tale who runs an inn in China during the Second World War. She risks her life and health to save the city’s children, but never loses her faith and hope in God. The true story of Gladys Aylward (1902-70), who was born in London, yet became a Chinese citizen in 1936. She is famous for bringing over 100 children across the mountains to a safe place.
Need More Than Inspirational Films for Church Youth?
Have you seen all of the movies listed here? Let us know in the comments if you missed any! For more tips on inspiring activities, resources and ideas for your church’s young people, follow our Donorwerx blog, or schedule a call to find out more. Inspirational films for church youth can go a long way in your congregation, but there’s a lot more that goes into a successful ministry. Contact Donorwerx today and we can help you in those areas.
