HBO Max has a diverse selection of TV shows and movies, including several with Christian themes. These films can be enjoyed by Christians of all stripes, as they explore themes of doubt, faith, hope, and perseverance.
How to Watch HBO Max
You can watch movies on HBO Max on a variety of devices, including computer, phone, and TV. But viewers can also watch via streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast.
HBO Max costs $9.99 per month for an ad-supported plan. However, you can watch without adds for $14.99 per month. You can also get HBO Max as an add-on to your Amazon Prime Video subscription.
If you already have a Prime account but haven’t yet included the HBO Max add-on, you can try it out free for seven days. In addition, if you don’t have an Amazon Prime account, you can sign up and try that out free for 30 days. And if don’t have either, you can use both services free for the respective limited times. Sign up for HBO Max here. Sign up for Prime Video and the HBO Max add-on free here.
If you’ve already got HBO Max or plan on trying it out, here are 12 movies with Christian themes on the streaming service to watch.
Judgment
“Judgment” is a compelling made-for-television drama movie that delves into the complex issues of faith and morality. Directed by Tom Topor, “Judgment” features a talented cast, including Keith Carradine, Blythe Danner, and Jack Warden.
The movie follows a devout Catholic couple, whose beliefs are challenged when their son confesses that he has been sexually abused by their priest. This revelation forces the couple to confront their faith and question their trust in the church. As they grapple with the trauma and betrayal, the movie explores themes of forgiveness, justice, and redemption. Watch “Judgement”
First Reformed
“First Reformed” is a psychological drama written and directed by Paul Schrader. The movie examines the inner turmoil of Ernst Toller, a Protestant minister portrayed by Ethan Hawke. Toller is struggling with his faith and the weight of his past as he serves as the pastor of a dwindling historic church in upstate New York.
“First Reformed” boasts an impressive cast. It includes Amanda Seyfried, Cedric (“the Entertainer”) Kyles, and Philip Ettinger, who deliver powerful performances. Throughout “First Reformed,” the audience is taken on a journey that explores the themes of doubt and despair, as Toller grapples with his own inner demons and the mounting pressures of his congregation. Watch “First Reformed”
Harriet
“Harriet” is a biographical period drama about abolitionist Harriet Tubman, directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Gregory Allen Howard. The movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, with Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe in supporting roles.
“Harriet” follows Tubman’s escape from slavery and her subsequent work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She helped hundreds of the enslaved escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The movie is an inspiring story of courage and determination. Watch “Harriet”
Unbroken
“Unbroken” is an epic biographical war film directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan. It is based on Laura Hillenbrand’s 2010 “true story” book of the same name. The film stars Jack O’Connell as Louis Zamperini, an Olympic track and field athlete who joined the U.S. Air Forces.
Zamperini’s incredible journey of survival began when his B-24 Liberator was shot down during a reconnaissance mission over the Pacific Ocean. Stranded in the middle of the ocean, he and his fellow crew member endured 47 days in a raft, battling the elements and starvation, before finally washing ashore on a Japanese-occupied island. Unfortunately, their ordeal was far from over, as Zamperini was soon captured by the Japanese Navy and held as a prisoner of war for two and a half grueling years. Despite the brutal treatment he endured, Zamperini never lost his spirit, and even reportedly became an evangelist later in life. Watch “Unbroken”
Hotel Rwanda
“Hotel Rwanda” is an historical drama about the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994. The movie stars Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina. Rusesabagina was a Hutu manager of a luxury hotel in Kigali, who sheltered over 1,200 Tutsi refugees during the genocide.
“Hotel Rwanda” is based on the 1999 book of the same name by Paul Rusesabagina. Sophie Okonedo and Joaquin Phoenix also have supporting roles. The film is a moving story of courage and compassion. Watch “Hotel Rwana”
The Children Act
“The Children Act” is a drama about a British High Court judge who must decide whether to order a life-saving blood transfusion for a teenage boy with cancer. The judge is involved because the boy’s family refuses to accept medical treatment for religious reasons.
“The Children Act” stars Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Reena Lalbihari. The film was directed by Richard Eyre and written by Ian McEwan, based on his 2014 novel of the same name. The film explores the themes of faith, family, and the law. Watch “The Children Act”
Miss Evers’ Boys
“Miss Evers’ Boys” is a made-for-television drama. The movie tells the story of a nurse who is recruited to participate in a 40-year medical study on syphilis in African American men.
“Miss Evers’ Boys” stars Alfre Woodard, Laurence Fishburne, and Craig Sheffer. It was directed by Joseph Sargent and written by Walter Bernstein. The film is an inspiring story of courage and determination. Watch “Miss Evers’ Boys”
Mary and Martha
“Mary and Martha” is a movie directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Richard Curtis. The film stars Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn as two mothers who meet at their children’s school after both of their sons die of malaria. The two women form an unlikely friendship as they support each other through their shared experiences.
“Mary and Martha” also stars Sam Claflin, Frank Grillo, and James Wood. The film is a moving story of faith and friendship. Watch “Mary and Martha”
Boy Erased
“Boy Erased” is a biographical drama directed by Joel Edgerton and written by Edgerton and Garrard Conley. The movie is based on Conley’s 2016 memoir of the same name. “Boy Erased” stars Lucas Hedges as Jared Eamons, the teen son of a Baptist preacher.
Jared is sent to a gay conversion therapy program after his parents discover that he is gay. During his time at the program, Jared is forced to confront his sexuality and his faith, which leads to an internal struggle. “Boy Erased” features an all-star cast, including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Edgerton, and Troye Sivan. The film is a powerful story of courage and resilience. Watch “Boy Erased”
Spotlight
“Spotlight” is a biographical drama about The Boston Globe’s 2002 investigation into the Roman Catholic Church sex abuse cases in Boston. The movie was directed by Tom McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Josh Singer.
It stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, and Brian d’Arcy James. The film is a powerful story of investigative journalism and the fight for justice. In addition, a book was also written about the movie. Watch “Spotlight”
4 Little Girls
“4 Little Girls” is a documentary directed by Spike Lee. The movie tells the story of the 1963 Birmingham Sunday morning church bombing by KKK members. The bombing killed four young girls.
“4 Little Girls” features interviews with the victims’ families, survivors, and civil rights activists. The movie is a powerful story of the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality. Watch “4 Little Girls”
Amazing Grace
“Amazing Grace” is a documentary about the making of the 1972 album of the same name by Aretha Franklin. The album was recorded by Franklin with a choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Los Angeles. The movie was directed by Sydney Pollack and produced by Alan Elliott.
“Amazing Grace” features interviews with Franklin’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage of the recording sessions. The film is a moving documentary that captures the power of music and faith. Watch “Amazing Grace”
