Rachel Evans
Film is an incredibly powerful medium that combines the beauty of painting and photography with the emotional force of music and drama. It is an essential part of evangelization in the modern world. While some Catholics may choose to limit their movie-watching to safe and Christian films, there are many films with explicitly Catholic themes that are beloved by Christians. In 1995, the Vatican celebrated 90 years of cinema by compiling a list of the greatest films. Many Catholic organizations have since created their own lists of Catholic movies, with films like A Man for All Seasons, Babette's Feast, The Dark Knight, and The Adventures of Robin Hood making the cut. These films reflect Catholic values such as transformation, conversion, heroism, and redemption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic movies should be inspiring | The Dark Knight, Babette's Feast, A Man for All Seasons, The Reluctant Saint, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story, Knute Rockne: All American, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Singing Nun, Monsieur Vincent, The Assisi Underground, Au Revoir Les Infants, Come to the Stable, Diary of a Country Priest, In This House of Brede, The Jeweller's Shop, The Miracle of the Bells, The Fighting Sullivans, The Fourth Wiseman, The Juggler of Notre Dame, Barabbas, King of Kings, Francis of Assisi, The Decalogue, The Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Angels With Dirty Faces, The Fugitive, Thérèse |
| Catholic movies should portray transformation, conversion, heroism, and redemption | The Miracle Worker, Lorenzo's Oil, The Mission, The Nun's Story |
| Catholic movies should be artistic and spiritual | The Life of St. Teresa of Avila |
| Catholic movies should be good and not boring | |
| Catholic movies should be popular and entertaining | |
| Catholic movies should be evaluated and discussed |
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What You'll Learn
Films with explicitly Catholic themes
There are many films that explore Catholic themes, whether implicitly or explicitly. Some films with explicitly Catholic themes include:
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
This film offers a vivid depiction of the biblical story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and is known for its graphic violence and emotional intensity. It was directed by Mel Gibson and is considered a faithful portrayal by many Christians.
A Man For All Seasons (1966)
This film tells the story of Sir Thomas More, a lawyer, writer, and Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of King Henry VIII. More's refusal to endorse the King's separation from the Catholic Church and his divorce and remarriage led to his imprisonment and eventual execution for treason. The film explores themes of integrity, faith, and standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Based on a novel by Franz Werfel, this film tells the true story of Bernadette Soubirous, a young French girl who experienced visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, in 1858. The film follows Bernadette's journey as she faces skepticism and opposition but remains steadfast in her faith and commitment to sharing her experiences.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
While known for its heartwarming story and Christmas theme, "It's a Wonderful Life" also incorporates Catholic imagery and themes. The film follows George Bailey, who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve but is shown the value and impact of his life by a guardian angel. The film explores themes of redemption, grace, and the power of compassion.
The Mission (1986)
This film is set in the 1750s and tells the story of Jesuit missionaries in South America who form a bond with a local tribe but face conflict with the colonial forces of Spain and Portugal. The film explores themes of faith, cultural differences, and the complexities of missionary work. It stars Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro and features stunning cinematography and a renowned score by Ennio Morricone.
Babette's Feast (1987)
Based on a short story by Isak Dinesen, "Babette's Feast" tells the story of a French refugee, Babette, who brings her culinary skills to a small Danish community. The film explores themes of grace, redemption, and the power of hospitality and community. It is known for its beautiful cinematography and poignant portrayal of how food can bring people together and heal old wounds.
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Catholic values in non-religious films
Film is a powerful medium that combines visual beauty with the moral power of drama and the emotional force of music. It is an essential part of evangelization in the modern world. All great films, regardless of genre, are "Catholic" in the sense that they touch on universal themes of human existence.
Many films with explicitly Catholic themes exist, including saintly biopics, biblical stories, and films written by popes and saints. For example, \"A Man for All Seasons\" is a faithful adaptation of the play of the same title, depicting the last years of St. Thomas More and his refusal to support King Henry VIII's request for an annulment. \"Babette's Feast\" is another classic film that explores man's relationship with sin, violence, and divine intervention.
However, Catholic values can also be found in non-religious films. For instance, \"The Dark Knight\" explores the philosophy that men can and should stand strong in the face of evil, echoing the sentiment, "the glory of God is man fully alive." \"Ben-Hur\" (1959) beautifully portrays the Christian message of grace through the redemptive story of a slave who learns about forgiveness through his encounters with Christ. \"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is another film that shares the Christian message with viewers from diverse religious backgrounds.
While some Christians may choose to limit their movie-watching to "safe and Christian" films, it is important to recognize that good movies beloved by Christians may not always be labelled as "Christian movies." Films can offer a powerful means to discuss and evaluate cultural phenomena and universal themes, contributing to our spiritual journey and providing moments of peace, beauty, and joy.
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Catholic films for children
There are many Catholic films for children that can be used to teach them about the basic themes of the Christian life. Parents are advised to screen all films to determine if they are appropriate for their children. Here are some Catholic films that are suitable for children:
- The Prince of Egypt – This 90s classic uses animation and a brilliant soundtrack to tell the story of Moses.
- Finding Nemo – This CGI film can be compared to the story of the Prodigal Son.
- Nicholas the Boy Who Became Santa – This film is about Saint Nicholas.
- The Greatest Miracle – This film covers Catholic topics such as Confession, Communion, and Intercessory Prayer.
- The Brother Francis Series – This series of films covers a wide variety of Catholic topics, from the Mass to the Rosary, to the saints and more.
- The Star – This film is about the birth of Jesus, although it contains a caveat regarding the donkey's reference to Mary not being royalty.
- Jesus of Nazareth – This film was shown on TV every Christmas and Easter.
- The Slipper and the Rose – A live-action adaptation of Cinderella, with music written by the Sherman Brothers, who also composed the Mary Poppins soundtrack.
- Angela's Wish 1 and 2 – Christmas movies about a Catholic family in Ireland.
- The Toy Story Franchise – Although not obviously Catholic, these films are suitable for children.
- The Sound of Music – A classic film with something for the whole family.
- The Narnia Series – Another series of films that are suitable for children.
- The Miracle Maker – A stop-motion movie with stories from the Gospels.
- Pilgrim's Progress – An animated version of John Bunyan's classic allegory of the Christian walk.
- Dangerous Journey – An illustrated adventure story that shows children the basic themes of the Christian life and pilgrimage.
- Fire on the Ridge – The first narrative feature film about the Camp Fire that destroyed multiple communities in Butte County, California, in 2018.
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Catholic films about saints
There are many films that depict the lives of Catholic saints. Here are some examples:
St. Joan of Arc
Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent film classic, "The Passion of Joan of Arc", is a profound and spiritually significant portrayal of St. Joan of Arc's trial on charges of heresy and her claims of holy visions. It is considered a must-watch for its emotional performances and tremendous visual power. Another film about St. Joan of Arc is "Joan the Maid", directed by Jacques Rivette, which focuses on her life as a warrior and her faith.
St. Bernadette Soubirous
"The Song of Bernadette" (1943) tells the story of St. Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl from a small town in 1850s France who claimed to have seen a divine vision. The film stars Jennifer Jones as St. Bernadette and Charles Bickford as her pastor.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
A film depicts the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
The story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint canonized by the Pope, is told in a film. After the death of her wealthy husband, she converted to Catholicism, fought bigotry, and established free Catholic schools and orphanages.
St. Vincent de Paul
A film portrays St. Vincent de Paul's efforts to bring peace and continue his charitable work during the Black Death in Europe.
St. Francis of Assisi
"The Flowers of St. Francis" is a biopic that made the Vatican's list of great Catholic films in 1995. It showcases the life and work of St. Francis of Assisi and his Franciscan monks.
St. Damien of Molokai
A film titled "Molokai: The Story of Father Damien" (1999) tells the story of St. Damien, who volunteered to care for lepers on the island of Molokai. Another film in development will also focus on his life.
St. Edith Stein
A movie is based on the life of St. Edith Stein, a German nun of Jewish descent who converted to Catholicism and was an outspoken academic.
In addition to these films, there are also documentaries and biopics about various saints, such as "Full of Grace" (2015) and a documentary about Father Judge, a Franciscan priest who struggled with alcoholism and accepted his homosexuality while remaining celibate.
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Catholic films about the Bible
There are many Catholic films about the Bible, and some of the most notable ones are listed below.
The National Catholic Register and Faith & Family magazine compiled a list of the top 100 pro-Catholic films in 2004, and the following Bible-themed films were included:
- The Passion of the Christ (2004)
- The Ten Commandments (1956)
- Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
- The Miracle Maker: the Story of Jesus (2000)
- Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)
In addition to the above, there are several other Catholic films that focus on the Bible and its characters, such as:
- Paul the Apostle
- Abraham
- Joseph
- Moses
- The Apocalypse
Other Bible-related films include:
- Sight & Sound's musical stage production
- The Road to Emmaus
- In the Steps of Moses
- The Holy City and a Garden
- Paul in Greece
- Galloping through the Gospels
- Exploring Biblical Jordan
- The Seven Churches of Revelation Rediscovered
- Journeying with Jesus
Some films focus on specific books of the Bible, such as Pier Paolo Pasolini's film based on the book of Matthew, and films about the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
There are also films that explore the impact of the Bible in wider society, such as a documentary classic following four salesmen who sell big Bibles in New England and Florida, and Bad Lieutenant, which blends Luke 2:14 with the American dream.
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Frequently asked questions
Some movies that are considered good for Catholics to watch include "A Man for All Seasons", "Babette's Feast", "The Dark Knight", "The Adventures of Robin Hood", and "The Godfather I". The Vatican’s Commission for Social Communications released a list of 45 significant films in the categories of religion, values, and art to celebrate 100 years of film.
Film can be a powerful medium for evangelization in the modern world. It combines the visual beauty of painting or photography with the emotional force of music to create an experience that can move the human heart. Catholics should not shy away from studying, evaluating, and discussing films as a cultural phenomenon.
A movie need not be explicitly Catholic or Christian to reflect Catholic values. Transformation, conversion, heroism, and redemption are key elements that align with Catholic teachings. A good Catholic film should inspire viewers to be the best they can be and do what God has called them to do.
