10 Epic Faith-Based Movies From Classic Hollywood

By Movieguide Contributor

While Hollywood may not be synonymous with Christian films in modern times, there was a period when studios made sweeping productions of Biblical stories. Take a look back at the best classic faith-based films. From bringing Biblical characters to life to showing dramatic interpretations of our favorite Bible stories, these movies are worth a watch.

BEN-HUR

Quality:

****

Content:

+3 Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)

BEN HUR ranks among the most honored of films, taking 11 of 12 Academy awards. This beautifully crafted film begins with the birth of Christ and demonstrates a journey of faith of one man, Judah Ben-Hur, who goes from prince to prisoner to champion charioteer to Christian. This is a film that every family should see and cherish as a defender of faith and Christian values.

Full Review ⇾

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THE ROBE

Quality:

****

Content:

+4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.

THE ROBE, the first movie released in CinemaScope, is a Biblical epic focusing on the Roman tribune put in charge of carrying out the crucifixion of Jesus. This powerful, redemptive story is similar to that of Paul who at first sought to persecute Christians but then became one.

Full Review ⇾

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KING OF KINGS

Quality:

****

Content:

+4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.

Cecil B. DeMillie’s silent film epic of the last week of the life of Jesus.

Full Review ⇾

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Quality:

****

Content:

+4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.

Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 masterpiece, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS has been restored and put on Blu-Ray. It tells the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Hebrews from the slavery of the Egyptians. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is clearly a magnificent achievement in the history of film, with superb performances by Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner, wonderful direction by DeMille, and a theological, biblical power.

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SAMSON AND DELILAH (1996)

Quality:

Content:

-2 Extreme caution for older teenagers and adults.

SAMSON AND DELILAH depicts the biblical story of Samson as he grows up and allows his own sinful desires to interfere with the plan God laid out for his life. The movie does a good job communicating the biblical lessons learned from Samson’s life, but it’s too long and has content that’s not suitable for children. Extreme caution is advised for SAMSON AND DELILAH.

Full Review ⇾

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DAVID AND GOLIATH (1960)

Quality:

Content:

+1 Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)

DAVID AND GOLIATH is the digitally re-mastered 1961 movie based on the Old Testament story of David’s rise to prominence and his victory over the Philistine giant, Goliath. This cheaply made Italian version takes a few creative liberties with the biblical story, but otherwise is inspiring, mildly entertaining and biblically accurate. However, some moderate violence warrants caution for younger children.

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SERGEANT YORK

Quality:

****

Content:

+4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.

SERGEANT YORK stars Gary Cooper in a movie based on the true story of a conscientious objector who became the greatest American hero in World War I. SERGEANT YORK is a profoundly Christian movie, with a brilliant performance by Gary Cooper. It powerfully explores the role Christians should play in times of war.

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THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

Quality:

****

Content:

+3 Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)

Airing occasionally on Turner Classic Movies, the 1944 movie THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM stars Gregory Peck as an unorthodox, very compassionate Catholic missionary to China. While very inspirational as a whole, some caution is necessary regarding comments made about the qualifications for getting into Heaven.

Full Review ⇾