25 Movies Way More Christian Than So-Called "Christian" Movies

Whether it's Saving Christmas or The Passion of the Christ, films that take as their starting point an understanding that they are - in one way or another - a Christian movie, or a movie Christians should see, are usually way less Christian than much of mainline cinema (which is often referred to as un-Christian). Say that ten times fast.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Via amovieaweek.com

So many Christian themes - redemption, freedom, justice.

2. 12 Years A Slave (2013)

Via imdb.com

One of the main ways Christians can be Christian - is recognizing how horrific Christianity has been (and still can be).

3. Amistad (1997)

Via imdb.com

See: "12 Years A Slave."

Also, Djimon Hounsou in THIS SCENE.

4. The Central Park Five (2012)

Via imdb.com

Documentarian Ken Burns takes a story that needs to be told, and tells it.

5. The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

Via imdb.com

It's not all super serious films, either - here, a journey changes the powerful to recognize true justice.

6. Gran Torino (2008)

Via imdb.com

A racist, ignorant old man in a changing neighborhood...ends up completely overturning the dominant cultural narrative of redemptive violence. #whew

7. The Help (2011)

Via imdb.com

The subtitle says it all: "Change begins with a whisper."

The radical Jesus movement, anyone?

8. Talladega Nights (2006)

Via imdb.com

Not really, but this is just such a great scene.

9. The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

Via imdb.com

So many powerful themes that connect directly with the Christian story.

10. The Hurricane (1999)

Via imdb.com

Another case of a wrongful imprisonment (true, as opposed to Shawshank) - as well as racial themes - that align with Jesus' own story.

11. Son of Man (2006)

Via imdb.com

Okay, fine, one specifically "Christian" movie that makes the list - but only because of its unflinching connections between the biblical story and modern-day South Africa.

12. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Via imdb.com

Okay, Ridley Scott isn't the greatest director, but focusing on a story connected to the Crusades and a community of Christians, Muslims, and Jews working together? Yes, please.

13. Lamb (2002)

Yeah, it's not a movie. Yet.

But when it is one (and they hopefully cast Aziz Ansari as Biff), it will be a movie more Christian than any so-called "Christian" movie. Ever.

14. Leap of Faith (1992)

Via imdb.com

Phenomenal film about a totally fake/corrupt traveling tent evangelist.

15. Doubt (2008)

Via imdb.com

Probing deep into a 1960s Catholic parish in New York City, with incredible acting and tough questions (never fully answered). Yes.

(RIP, PSH.)

16. Psycho (1960)

Via imdb.com

The psycho is humanized in such a stunning way, it challenges our demonizing of the "other" that happens way too often within Christianity.

17. Raising Helen (2004)

Via imdb.com

Not the most stirring film, but this scene is worth it for Christians to see.

18. Road to Perdition (2002)

Via imdb.com

Like Shawshank, we have some religious themes in the title itself - and the film is just as "religious," though not in the way we might think.

19. Saved! (2004)

Via imdb.com

Classic. (Many Moore is throwing a Bible in this scene, btw.)

20. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Via imdb.com

Three kids are the center of this fantasy, illustrating Jesus' point that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

21. Children of Men (2006)

Via imdb.com

Dystopic/futuristic movies with a strong sense of hope (as in CoM) as opposed to "Left Behind" are, actually, much more biblical.

22. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)

Via imdb.com

Another example of a true story that digs deep into the struggle for justice that is at the heart of the Christian story.

23. Romero (1989)

Via imdb.com

See #22.

24. Whale Rider (2002)

Via imdb.com

Just. Watch. This.

25. Selma (2014)

Via imdb.com

I mean, duh.