What movies should we be showing our kids? We want our kids to hear lovely, instructive stories. And we want to share this experience alongside our children. This is a beautiful thing. In time past, the major medium for narrative as a shared experience was film. We may not read books aloud to one another as was common in the past (though we could if we so choose); we may not prioritize the medium of the stage (and what a pleasure it would be if we did); but we still get together with our friends and family around the screen, which is also a lovely thing. We may not congregate around a campfire and listen to grandfather tell a grand tale as much as previous generations did, though we certainly should. However, we frequently have trouble coming up with something worthwhile to display on that screen. Where can we find films that reflect our ideals in a world full of more and more mediocre or just awful movies? Specifically, where can we discover Christian family movies that give beautiful, informative storylines that complement the Orthodox Christian ideals we desire to instill in our family?
1. Pilgrim’s Progress (2008)
This movie has a clear allegory in it! Robert Fernandez has turned John Bunyan’s 1678 classic Pilgrim’s Progress into an animated film. With a cast including Kristyn Getty, David Thorpe and other known names, this retelling does a phenomenal job of carrying the viewer through the journey of Christian as he walks the path of becoming a believer, living a godly life, and overcoming obstacles, facing temptations, and seeing victory over death. Coming in at a little under two hours, this makes for a fantastic conversation-starting and thought-provoking movie night for the entire family.
2. Star Wars (1977)
There are references to biblical truth in Star Wars, even though it is considered secular entertainment. Since their 1977 premiere, the original films have grown into a whole empire—pardon the pun—that Disney recently acquired. The show’s protagonists often speak of “the Force,” an energy source that gives them power, particularly in grave circumstances.
The overpowering struggle between good and evil is a common theme in Star Wars, and Christians’ interactions with the Holy Spirit can be reflected in how the good characters engage with the Force. But unlike the Holy Spirit, the Force is a source that may be employed for either good or evil rather than a human being. Please be aware that there are differences in mild language, sexuality, and violence between the original films, the more current episodes, and the made-for-TV spin-offs like The Mandalorian. Parents should preview before viewing with their youngsters.
3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, one of the greatest allegories ever written by C.S. Lewis, was adapted into a movie in 2005. The other Chronicles of Narnia books were shortly to follow.
The lion Aslan stands in for Jesus in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and his powerful, moving sacrifice on Edmund’s behalf symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection. Other themes include forgiving, overcoming jealousy and rivalry, and preserving faith. This is a tear-jerking, cheer-inducing family favorite that’s a must-watch for all ages.
4. The Wizard of Oz (1993)
Adapted into a movie in 1939 after the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this renowned classic film contains elements of allegory you might not have considered. Dorothy’s incessant desire to return home is evident throughout the journey. She finishes with the well-known ruby-slipper heel click, chanting, “There’s no place like home.”
Just as Dorothy was a foreigner in the kingdom of Oz, we as Christians are aliens on this Earth, destined for our ultimate home in Heaven with the Lord. It’s also interesting to see how all the characteristics attributes Dorothy’s companions desired for, they already had but couldn’t perceive (courage, heart, and intelligence). As they traveled down the Yellow Brick Road to confront falsehoods and uncover the truth, they relied on one another, which highlights the importance of Christian fellowship.
5. Beauty & The Beast (2017)
Beauty and the Beast, one of my all-time favorite Disney animations, captures the essence of selflessness as Belle sacrifices her freedom—her life—for her father in order to remain with the beast in his ominous castle. The message of the cross and how Jesus died in our place must be reflected in every movies that centers on selflessness and sacrifice (or the willingness to give oneself for others). We are neither innocent nor victims, in contrast to Belle’s father. As sinners, we deserve our sentence of death. However, Jesus took our sentence and paid it Himself because of God’s immense love for us.
6. Annie (2014)
With its lovely narrative of adoption, the film Annie is a profoundly poignant illustration of the gospel. We, as depraved sinners, are adopted into God’s family by the unadulterated grace and love of our Heavenly Father, just as the filthy, skinny young orphan Annie yearned to be adopted and start a family of her own.
7. Harry Potter
While considerable criticism remains over Harry Potter among Christians, viewers can’t dispute the epic conflict depicted over the entire series between good and evil. In a gesture of genuine love, Harry’s mother put her own life in danger to keep him safe. As the many characters battle evil, make sacrifices for one another, and exhibit genuine acts of friendship, glimpses of the gospel’s hope are also evident throughout the movies. Parents should take prudence when watching with children due to varied degrees of violence and darkness.
