Finding good movies on Philo that can keep your attention from beginning to end can be tricky sometimes. So we’ve compiled this short list featuring a variety of films with religious themes that a broad range of Christian viewers might enjoy.
Before we jump in, though, be mindful that this list of films is not 100% “Christian” — like our previous list of Christian movies to watch on Philo. That being said, we believe this list of good movies on Philo features titles that Christian viewers might find entertaining and/or inspiring — mostly because of their religious themes.
This list assumes viewers already have Philo. But if you’re not already aware, Philo provides live and on-demand movies and shows for just $25 a month. For that price subscribers get access to more than 60 channels. And there’s no need to commit. You can try the service free of charge for seven days (just remember to cancel in time). That’s a full week to sample what Philo has to offer. And you don’t need a TV to do so. You can watch Philo on your phone or computer, or use streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.
Without further ado, here’s our list of good movies on Philo for your consideration.
The Kingdom of Heaven
“The Kingdom of Heaven” is a 2005 film starring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green. Bloom plays a blacksmith named Balian who finds himself swept up in the holy wars of the Crusades. The historical epic was directed by Ridley Scott, who reportedly intentionally left “religion” out of the film. Instead of centering a Christian or Muslim perspective, Scott “shows characters more concerned with personal power and advancement than with theological issues,” according to late critic Roger Ebert.
Watch “The Kingdom of Heaven” on Philo
The Prophecy
This 1995 fantasy/horror film taking a look at faith has quite the cast. Christopher Walken gives an unusual depiction of the angel Gabriel. Eric Stoltz and Viggo Mortensen also play supernatural foes. “The Prophecy” centers on the discovery of “a lethal heavenly prophecy” linked to a missing chapter from the Bible. At the center of this war over humanity’s fate is a young girl who must be protected at all costs. “The Prophecy” received mostly positive reviews and even nabbed a couple of awards. However, the same can’t be said of its sequel and spinoffs, which were released straight to DVD.
The Case for Christ
This 2017 movie is based on the bestselling book of the same name. “The Case for Christ” focuses on the personal transformation of journalist Lee Strobel. As the description on Philo reveals:
In 1980, Lee Strobel’s (Mike Vogel) award-winning, investigative reporting earns him a promotion to legal editor at the Chicago Tribune. Things at home aren’t going nearly as well. His wife Leslie’s (Erika Christensen) newfound faith in Christ compels Lee to utilize his journalistic and legal training to try and disprove the claims of Christianity, pitting his resolute atheism against her growing faith.
This inspirational true-life story is a big favorite among Christian viewers, and Christian film critics found it worthwhile. After all, who doesn’t like a good conversion story? Fans certainly showed up for its theatrical debut. “The Case for Christ” grossed more than $18 million worldwide at the box office and reportedly only had a $3-$5 million budget.
Watch “The Case for Christ” on Philo
The Wailing
“The Wailing” is a Korean horror film that takes a chilling look at a fight of good versus evil. When a small-town cop’s daughter is suddenly impacted by an evil force, he goes all out to save her — himself blurring the moral line. But she isn’t the only one in the village being targeted by a suspicious outsider. A mysterious young woman and a shaman seemingly come to the cop’s aid as he takes matters into his own hands. Will he prevail, or also fall prey to the evil tearing his neighbors apart?
Greater
“Greater” is definitely a film for sports enthusiasts as it dramatizes the real-life story of Brandon Burlsworth, “possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.” The 2016 inspirational biographical sports film is also a tearjerker, as it deals with loss seemingly even in the face of victory. But the heart of the story centers faith, perseverance, and the ability of the human spirit to overcome obstacles. “Greater” is definitely one for devout Christian audiences.
