In 2023, we have already been blessed by a wide variety of inspirational films that touched and changed many lives. Most of those 2023 films, such as “Sound of Freedom,” “Jesus Revolution,” “Big George Foreman,” “The Blind,” “Miracle in East Texas,” “Nefarious” and more, continue to touch people through DVD, streaming and licensed church showings. Thankfully there are still several films in theaters this month, followed by an impressive line-up for 2024. These movies not only bless believers, but also provide an excellent opportunity for outreach. Since the secular media usually ignores these, we as believers need to spread the word as much as we can.

 

Preview of Upcoming Faith-Based Theatrical Releases

Check websites for additional information. Release dates are subject to change and some are yet to be determined (TBD). Films show at least one week except for “Fathom Event” releases (indicated by *), which show for limited nights. For family-friendly reviews of many of these and other films, check pluggedin.com. Websites like faithfilmfan.com and fathomevents.com/categories/inspirational are excellent resources to get information and updates since additional films will be added later.

 

2023

“Journey To Bethlehem” (started 11/9) Live-action musical adventure for the entire family about events leading to the birth of Jesus. journeytobethlehemmovie.com

“The Shift” (started 11/30) SCI-FI faith film featuring an all-star cast – with multi-verse, end-time scenarios, persecution and a Job storyline. angel.com/movies/the-shift

“The Perfect Christmas” (starts 12/8) Christmas comedy with faith, family and holiday fun. theperfectchristmasmovie.com

“Max Lucado’s: Because Of Bethlehem” (*3 nights only 12/5-7) A reflection on the true Gift of Christmas. fathomevents.com/categories/inspirational

“Christmas With The Chosen 2023” (*12/12-17) Special about the birth of Jesus with drama and many musical performances. thechosen.tv/en-us/explore/christmas-with-the-chosen-2023

 

2024

“A Case For Love” (*1-day only 1/23) “Is unselfish love the solution to the societal and political divide?”  Contains good points, but the list of speakers suggests it will also include some “woke” material. acaseforlovemovie.com

“Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive” (*1-day only 2/13) When the disco legend hit rock bottom, she learned the power of faith to move from “surviving” to “thriving.” gloriagaynoriwillsurvivemovie.com

“Ordinary Angels” (starts 2/23) Inspired by the true story of a hairdresser rallying a community to help a widowed father save the life of his daughter. With Hillary Swank and Alan Ritchson. ordinaryangels.movie

“Cabrini” (starts 3/8) Incredible story of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian woman who confronted the government, the church and blatant bigotry to fight for those at the margins of society. From Alejandro Monteverde (“Sound of Freedom”). angel.com/cabrini

“Someone Like You” (*starts 4/2) Beautiful, redemptive love story about a young architect who, after the loss of his best friend, launches a search for her secret twin sister. someonelikeyou.movie

“Unsung Hero” (starts 4/26) The remarkable true story of the Smallbone’s (For King and Country) – about a mom’s faith standing against all odds to inspire her husband and children. unsunghero.movie

“Multiplied” (*2-days only 5/20,21) Jesus-centered film with the goal to win as many people as possible to Christ. everynationwillbow.com/multipliedmovie

“Winter Bird” (starts 8/20) A bully is visited by his Jewish Grandmother from Paris and is transformed by her remarkable story about how her life was rescued from the Nazis by the kindness of a schoolmate. With Helen Mirren & Gillian Anderson . whitebird.movie

“The Forge” (starts 8/23) From the Kendrick Brothers, a faith-filled new movie with old friends (from WAR ROOM) and inspiring new twists about a young man discovering God’s amazing purpose for his life. theforgemovie.com

“Bonhoeffer” (starts 11/1) The story of Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man who preached love while standing up to the evils of Nazi Germany – willing to risk his life to do what is right. angel.com/movies/bonhoeffer

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (TBD) Based on the classic book – an inspiring story about the surprises when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town’s Christmas performance. By Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”).

“The Chosen: Season 4” (*TBD) This season of “The Chosen” will be released first in theaters. thechosen.tv/en-us

“No Address” (TBD) Profound film bringing faces to the real problem of homelessness. noaddressmovie.com

“Sight” (TBD) Based on the true story of a Chinese immigrant defying all odds to become a world-renowned eye surgeon. With Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen. sightthemovie.com

“Homestead” (TBD) Action-packed apocalyptic thriller with redemptive characters and hopeful themes. With Neal McDonough. angel.com/homestead

 

Some of the ways to help these films touch more lives 

• Stay informed about upcoming faith films through sites like facebook.com/LightinDarkPlace, faithfilmfan.com, and/or by joining the movie email list (bit.ly/faithfilms). 
• Pray (and fast)! 
• Help spread the word via social media, fliers, church bulletins, etc.
• Help organize groups to see the films on opening weekend. 
• Purchase tickets as far in advance as possible.

 

Feel free to contact me for assistance in any of these areas (including getting group discount tickets). 

See you at the movies! 

 

Stanley Goldenberg has been involved in grassroots promotion of Christian films for over 16 years. He has hosted a regular “Movie Connection” program on LIFE-FM (90.9 FM) in Miami. He is also a federal hurricane research meteorologist who has published scientific articles and appeared in numerous TV hurricane specials.

For more on faith-based movies, visit https://www.goodnewsfl.org/topic/culture/movies/