My experience with Christian movies is a fairly new phenomenon. But it has been an intriguing and uplifting journey. So here are five that left a positive influence on me. There listed in no particular order. However, #1 is #1. And this list will only continue to grow, I’m sure. 

Your time is precious, but if any of these picks have you being particular nostalgic. Why not pick up the book, Six Words and experience God’s lovethrough the characters he helps in my novels.

5. I Can Only Imagine

Released: March 16, 2018

Cast: J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins,

Director: Jon Erwin · Andrew Erwin

Why Its Great: I was reluctant to watch this one and I’m not sure why. But once I got into it there was no going back. I truly enjoyed it. There were some moments at the beginning of the movie, that was clearly Christian washed. But it’s a beautiful testimony and nothing could truly take away from that. It’s also awe-inspiring, what God can do.

Where to see it right now: Buy on Amazon Prime and DVD. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “The movie works for the same reason the song does: It lightens the burden of the pain people are shouldering today, and gives them something to look forward to.” – Peter DeBruge, Variety. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]
• “I Can Only Imagine is a timely release for this Easter, delicately balancing the need to bring out the importance of forgiveness without being too evangelical.” – Lucas Wong, The New Paper (Singapore). [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]

4. War Room

Released: Aug 28, 2015

Cast: Priscilla Shirer, and T.C. Stallings

Director: Alex Kendrick

Why Its Great: First movie that helped me realize that I needed a change. That my marriage needed a change. And it came to me at a difficult time in my life. And I didn’t get the message that God answers all prayers because that would be unrealistic. I picked up that he listens. And i badly needed someone to listen.

Where to see it right now:Rent/Buy in the usual places. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Just like in the real world, faith and love of God doesn’t solve all the turmoil in your life. But it sure does go a long way in making those down times easier to deal with in all aspects. Wonderful.” – Don S,
  Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]
• “I tend to be highly critical of Christian movies – or, more honestly, I avoid them altogether because I have an intolerance for cheese. But, I was pleased with this one.” – Unknown, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

3. I’m In Love With A Church Girl

Released: Oct 17, 2013

Cast: Ja Rule and Adrienne Bailon

Director:Steve Race

Why Its Great: It truly is cheesy cornball goodness. Although, I can’t say that it affected my journey. It was one of the few Christian movies I could say that I enjoyed watching before and after God’s love. When I wasn’t taking my journey quite so seriously. So many Hollywood Christians forget that they can use their platform not to reach other Christians, but outsiders as well.

Where to see it right now: Watch on Netflix, the full movie. Watch trailer first.

What do moviegoers say:

• “A good movie about God and his plans for all of us. That he loves us all, we just need to give him our love and have his love in return. Also, I love the actors and actors and actress in this movie.” – Vivian G,
  Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “LOVE IT, ROMANCE, FUNNY, SUSPENSEFUL, A REALLY GREAT MOVIE.” – Ja’Laaiyah G, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

2. Foolproof

Released: Sep 26, 2008

Cast: Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea

Director: Alex Kendrick

Why Its Great: Teaches you how to save a marriage the Christian way. I’m curious if there are any anecdotal studies of people trying this in there own marriages.. I just loved the whole idea of it.

Where to see it right now: Rent/Buy in the usual places. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “This movie is a great watch for marriages who are in trouble. I’ve watched it over and over again and find many tips and strategies. If you want to save your marriage? See this movie and get the Fireproof Your Marriage workbook.” – Unknown, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “A wonderful, heart-warming movie that uplifts marriage and emphasizes how it’s not always easy to make it work.” – Derek B. C , Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

1. The Case For Christ

Released: Apr 7, 2017

Cast: Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen

Director: Jon Gunn

Why Its Great: The movie is great and the book is great. I found myself tearing up at different intervals in both. And the book is definitely something I would personally recommend to new Christians in the faith. Its also the first Christian movie I’ve watched since Church Girl that didn’t feel muted. Truly deserving of the number 1 spot.

Where to see it right now: Watch on Netflix. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “There are no out-and-out villains in this film; just plenty of people with flaws. And it’s with sympathy for all of them, perhaps, that Jon Gunn makes his best case for Christianity.” – Luke Y. Thompson, Forbes, [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “A captivating, tender, and heartfelt journey well worth taking.” – Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]