My Favourite Films About Religion

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 have never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began to fail classes in my 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 after 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 made iconic movies which deserve appreciation.

2. Conclave

Religion is a sensitive subject that always earned by grandfather appreciation. I fondly recall with nostalgia a grandpa that was fascinated with popes facing a dilemma. He would always speak fondly about the pope as a figure that gave him hope. As someone treasuring a grandfather that was fascinated with the way popes behave, I appreciated “Conclave”. Edward Berger’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a religious pope facing a dilemma. Berger used captivating production-design of churches to capture a pope under intense pressure whose reputation is on the line. For instance, the sequence in which Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with the challenging tasks of selecting a new pope causing despair is one of the greatest scenes of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied a pope facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Conclave” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies about religion targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about religion which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of popes facing a dilemma, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a year that produced memorable theatrical Cinema.

3. 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 commonly treasure.

4. 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 worldwide audience.

5. Spotlight

Journalism is a profession that my cousin has always regarded with admiration. I recall memories of a cousin that once had dreams of being a famous news reporter. He was a strong journalist dedicated to write big 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 a great role by Michael Keaton, who embodied a journalist seeking to uncover a scandal of religion.  Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” a classic 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 grim scandals about which reporters sought to write, it’s a superb reminder of a great genre shining light on barrier religious figures commonly fight.

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 absolutely today.

7. 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 absolutely celebrated.

8. Dune: Part Two

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about religion that won’t be forgotten soon, it’s worth discussing Dune. Since its publication in the 1960’s, Frank Herbert’s book has become a literary classic. In 2024, Denis Villeneuve honoured the classic book about hardships religions go through in his movie “Dune: Part Two”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dune: Part Two” stand out is its depiction of conflicted mothers. Villeneuve uses captivating symbolism capturing the hardships that mothers raising children on doomed planets are facing. Assisted by Rebecca Ferguson who is outstanding in the lead role, Villeneuve honoured a book about religion that’s inspiring. As precious as dune planets that shine beneath the moon, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

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 unforgettable mark.