Not many genres have gained appreciation of religion. Since the 1970’s religion has often been depicted in memorable movies. Whether it’s religious pastors, news reporters or scandalous popes, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the humongous number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about religion which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Shawshank Redemption
Hope is something that I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I can remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with the grim pressure posed by high school studies, I began facing anxiety. During a painful time, religion served as a positive force that made it possible for me to find light at the end of a dark tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how faith can allow people to achieve redemption as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about religion. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont used innovative cinematic techniques to capture prisoners using religion to overcome despair. Darabont has always had an aptitude for making bold movies about religion, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “The Shawshank Redemption”. Darabont effectively used voice-over narration capturing the lives of prisoners seeking redemption. For instance, the scene in which Andy Dufresne manages to miraculously escape prison using the Bible as a resource overcoming a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Tim Robbins, who embodied a prisoner turning to faith to overcome tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite film about religion of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in prisons that are targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the power of faith which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about hopeless inmates turning to religion to achieve redemption in a scary prison, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve appreciation.
2. Spotlight
Journalism is a profession that my cousin always regarded with admiration. I remember a cousin that had dreams of becoming a news reporter. He was an enthusiastic journalist dedicated to write stories about religious scandals hidden in plain sight. As someone that has always admired scandalous stories journalists write, I adored “Spotlight”. Released in 2015, Tom McCarthy’s movie honoured journalists that uncovered the Catholic Church religious scandal. McCarthy uses montages capturing dedicated journalists working together to uncover a scandal that’s shocking. For instance, the scene in which Robby confronts representatives that refuse to accept abuse committed by the Catholic Church causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied a journalist seeking to uncover a scandal of religion. Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies about journalism which are oftne boring, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of abusing religion which would resonate with everyone. A strong portrait of controversial scandals about which reporters sought to write, it’s a superb reminder of a great genre shining spotlight on obstacles religious figures fight.
3. Silence
Religion has shaped my identity. At an early age, I became drawn to religion with an inspiring message. Praying became a pivotal part of my routine at the age of thirteen. My strong connection to religion has always given my clueless life a greater sense of direction. As someone that has grown to treasure religion shaping my life experience, I loved “Silence”. Released in 2016, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted religious priests questioning their identity. Scorsese has always explored themes of religion in his movies, and “Silence” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese effectively uses scenes of silence to capture religious priests questioning their faith. For instance, the scene in which Father Rodrigeus is faced with a dilemma torn between his faith and lives of his congregants is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Andrew Garfield, who captured the hardships religious priests go through. Ultimately, what makes “Silence” a religious masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about faith which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of priests seeking silence, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre making movies that attract a massive audience.
4. There Will be Blood
Greed can affect abilities of people to be religious. Several years ago, I witnessed a friend with greed struggle to maintain faith in religion causing sorrow. Affecting his happiness, greed impacted my friend’s ability to be religious. As someone haunted by a friend with greed that faced bad blood, I appreciated “There Will be Blood”. Released in 2007, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured the lives of greedy oil prospectors avoiding religion. Anderson excels at making movies about religion causing disaster, and “There Will be Blood” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Anderson effectively used symbolism of oil to capture a entrepreneur facing turmoil. For instance, the scene in which Daniel Plainview confesses sins of abandoning his child in church causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrays a greedy oil prospector. Ultimately, what makes “There Will be Blood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of religion which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most Paul Thomas Anderson movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As precious as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences value.
5. Life of Pi
Life of Pi is a legendary book about religion that my mother would always glorify. I remember my mother grew up to treasure an iconic book about tigers surviving disaster. She would always marvel at a book about the power of religion that she considered inspirational. My mother always believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a book holding a precious place in her heart. In 2012, Ang Lee honoured the book about Indian boys seeking religions to glorify in his movie “Life of Pi”. Lee has always had an aptitude for creating spectacle in his movies through stunning special effects, and “Life of Pi” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Pi fondly recounts his childhood memories of trying our various religions in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Irrfan Khan, who embodies a reflective author recounting his past trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Life of Pi” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Pi’s bond with Richard Parker, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great films which audiences treasure.
6. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret
When it comes to the best books ever written about religion that are hard to forget, it’s worth discussing Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Since its publication in 1970, Judy Blume’s book has become a beloved classic. In 2023, Kelly Fremon Craig honoured the book about religion in her movie “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret”. Unlike most movies in the genre what makes “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” stand out is its depiction of teenagers. Craig uses captivating voice-over narration capturing a teen girl questioning religion. Assisted by Rachel McAdams who is amazing in the lead role, Craig honoured a celebrated book about religion. As strong as Margaret’s desire to pray, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
7. Conclave
Popes are figures that always fascinated my grandmother. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that admired popes facing a dilemma. As someone treasuring a grandmother that was fascinated with the way popes behave, I admired “Conclave”. Released in 2024, Edward Berger’s Oscar-nominated drama captured popes facing a crisis. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Conclave” stand out is its depiction of religious popes. Berger uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a religious pope is facing. Assisted by Ralph Fiennes who is amazing in the lead role, Berger created a captivating film about conflicted popes. A captivating portrait of conflicted popes experiencing a dilemma, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre making memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
8. The Devil All the Time
Religion has often been depicted in movies in a positive way. Movies often portray religion as a positive force that resolves the issues of people. In a genre depicting religion in a positive manner all the time, it’s worth praising “The Devil All the Time”. Released in 2020, Antonio Campos’ movie depicted the dark side of religion. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Devil All the Time” stand out is its depiction of religious violence. Campos uses non-linear storytelling capturing a small town of people impacted by religious violence that’s frightening. Assisted by Robert Pattinson who is amazing in the lead role, Campos created a powerful portrait of religion. A dazzling depiction of violence conflicted priests have committed, it’s a compelling reminder of a genre making memorable movies which deserve to be celebrated.
9. The Master
Paul Thomas Anderson is a fantastic filmmaker that has always been fascinated with religion. Anderson has often made memorable movies about religion causing adversity. In 2012, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he tackled religion in his movie “The Master”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Master” stand out is its strong depiction of trauma. Anderson uses engaging non-linear storytelling capturing a drifter joining religious cults which are frightening. Assisted by Phillip Seymour Hoffman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Anderson created a compelling psychological drama about religion. A powerful portrait of religious cults that are dangerous, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made world-famous movies which audiences consider precious.
10. Noah
Few movies ever made about religious figures facing a dilemma are as iconic as “Noah”. Released in 2014, Darren Aronofsky’s movie honoured the commemorated story of Noah’s Ark. Aronofsky used captivating symbolism to capture a messiah building an ark that’s inspiring. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is spectacular in the lead role, Aronofsky honoured a story written centuries ago. Although I admired the movie, its depiction of religion has aged poorly. The film attracted controversy for depiction of Christianity. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as Noah’s Ark, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies about dark hardships experienced by religious figures which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism leaving a lasting mark.
The Film Buff 