In a world full of screen time, selecting a film that entertains and uplifts can feel like navigating a maze. For parents and young people themselves, choosing Christian movies for teens means finding stories that speak to real life, while pointing to God and offering positive messages.
At Living Scriptures+, we believe film can be a bridge: from everyday struggles to a deeper walk with Christ. Here’s a friendly, relatable guide to choosing and using Christian movies for teens.
Why Christian Movies for Teens Matter
Teenagers face questions about identity, purpose, relationships, and the future. They watch movies that show real stakes: friendship and betrayal, success and failure, hope and heartbreak. For them, and for the parents or mentors guiding them, christian movies for teens offer a unique opportunity: to engage with stories that have faith at their core, not just as background decoration.
When young people see characters wrestle with truth and explore their own life, it opens space for conversations that matter. According to Movieguide, faith‑based teen movies can encourage young people to “find their identity in Christ” and confront issues relevant to their age and world (MovieGuide).
What Teens (and Parents) Should Look For
1. True Story or Strong Narrative
True‑story films carry an extra weight: they show that real people faced real struggles and found hope in God. For instance, the film I Can Only Imagine is based on the life of Bart Millard and his abusive father, then his redemption through faith and music.
2. Relatable Issues
Look for stories dealing with things teens actually face, such as peer pressure, abusive father or difficult family life, feeling misunderstood, or trying to live out faith in school or society. When the film reflects “your world,” it resonates more.
3. Positive Messages + Solid Values
Good Christian movies shouldn’t feel cheesy. They should have real characters and real stakes. As Common Sense Media notes, faith‑based movies with “positive messages and traditional values” help families pick meaningful entertainment (Common Sense Media).
4. Suitable for the Audience
Consider age and content. A teen might handle more complex themes than a child. Some films appropriate for older teens may include heavier subjects, so preview if possible.
5. Conversation Starter
Use the movie as a tool for family, youth‑group or friend conversation. What did the characters learn? How does that apply to your teen’s life? Films become richer when followed by talk.
Top Picks to Consider
Here are a few standout films that hit many of these marks. You’ll find more at Living Scriptures+ (and beyond) to build your list of more christian movies.
1. Life of a King (PG‑13)
Why Teens Will Love It: Inspired by the true story of Eugene Brown, an ex-convict who turns his life around and teaches chess to inner-city youth. Through strategy and self-discipline, he helps them believe in their God-given potential.
Themes: Redemption, mentorship, second chances, purpose
Great For: Teens facing difficult environments, educators, youth programs
2. Soul Surfer (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: Bethany Hamilton loses her arm in a shark attack but refuses to give up surfing, or her faith. It’s a raw, real look at purpose beyond pain.
Themes: Overcoming adversity, identity, true story
Great For: Athletes, girls struggling with self-image
3. Jesus Revolution (PG-13)
Why Teens Will Love It: The wild 1970s. Lost youth. A powerful revival. This true story features Greg Laurie discovering Christ in the middle of a culture that had nearly given up.
Themes: Faith revival, counterculture, hope for the lost
Great For: Teens questioning their place in the world
4. God’s Not Dead (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: A college freshman stands up for his beliefs when his professor says “God is dead.” It’s a reminder that even teens can defend their faith boldly.
Themes: Apologetics, truth, courage
Great For: Youth group movie night, classroom faith struggles
5. A Week Away (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: Think High School Musical meets church camp. A teen with a troubled past finds hope, friends, and faith at a summer retreat.
Themes: Redemption, friendship, fun
Great For: Teens who like music, romance, and lighthearted vibes
6. Grace Unplugged (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: A teenage girl runs from her faith to chase pop music fame—but success leaves her empty. Sound familiar?
Themes: Fame, faith, father-daughter tension
Great For: Daughters, music lovers, fans of strong female leads
7. To Save a Life (PG-13)
Why Teens Will Love It: A popular teen grapples with the suicide of his best friend and decides to live differently. It’s gritty, raw, and needed.
Themes: Teen suicide, loneliness, peer pressure, purpose
Great For: Teens who feel unseen or left out
8. The Perfect Race (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: A college runner learns that faith, not perfection, is what truly matters. A great follow-up to Remember the Goal.
Themes: Athletics, expectations, surrender
Great For: Sports-minded youth, performance-driven teens
9. Never Give Up (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: Based on a true story, this new film follows Brad Minns, a deaf tennis player who wins an impossible match at the Deaf Olympics. Against all odds, his faith and resilience shine through.
Themes: Determination, faith, perseverance, trusting God’s plan
Great For: Teens needing encouragement through personal struggle or disability
10. The Case for Christ (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: A journalist tries to disprove Christianity to win back his wife—but what he finds transforms everything.
Themes: Evidence, faith vs. doubt, marriage
Great For: Analytical minds, teens exploring faith intellectually
11. Overcomer (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: A high school runner and her coach both face personal identity crises. With God’s help, they find who they really are.
Themes: Identity in Christ, self-worth, forgiveness
Great For: Teens struggling with self-image or broken families
12. If I Could Ride (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: This heartwarming family movie tells the story of two girls from very different backgrounds brought together by horses, courage, and compassion. While not overtly religious, it’s filled with positive messages that reflect Christlike kindness and perseverance.
Themes: Friendship, forgiveness, trust
Great For: Horse lovers, teen girls, families with children
13. War Room (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: While centered on a couple’s marriage, this film is a wake-up call about the power of prayer and intentional faith, which is perfect for families.
Themes: Spiritual warfare, prayer, transformation
Great For: The whole family, especially parents and daughters
14. I Can Only Imagine (PG)
Why Teens Will Love It: Based on the true story of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, this film dives into forgiveness, pain, and redemption. Bart’s abusive father becomes a changed man—showing that no one is beyond God’s reach.
Themes: Family healing, faith, music, grace
Great For: Teens with complicated family dynamics
Making It a Family Movie Night
A family movie night with teens is a goldmine for faith growth. Here’s how to do it:
- Pick the film together. Let your teen or youth group help select, so they’re invested.
- Set the tone. Have snacks, comfortable surroundings, but make sure it’s more than just entertainment. Make space for reflection.
- Watch actively. Encourage teens to notice themes: “What did that character believe? How did their decisions affect their life or faith?”
- Discuss afterward. Ask gentle, open‑ended questions: “What stood out to you? How would you have acted? What does this say about God in our world?”
- Follow up. Use the movie to spark ongoing connection. Maybe your teen journals an insight, or you revisit a topic over a snack.
Why Youth Groups and Schools Should Use These Films
Youth ministry leaders and educators at a private Christian school or church youth program will find enormous value in these movies. They serve as catalysts in communal celebration of faith: movies can turn a casual movie night into meaningful discussion about believing in Christ, living for God, standing up for truth, and living with hope.
How to Build a Going‑Forward Movie List
- Start with themes your teen cares about – friendship, identity, purpose, family issues.
- Mix genres – drama, sports, true story, comedy. Variety keeps things fresh.
- Include “more christian movies” regularly – rotate films each month or quarter.
- Keep a watch‑list – include upcoming releases, streaming options, perhaps dvd purchases for easy access.
- Invite input – ask teens what they want to watch, what issues they face in their life and school.
The Bigger Picture: Film as Faith Tool
When we watch a movie together, it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about inspiration. Christian films for teens help answer:
- Who am I?
- What do I believe?
- Who is God?
- Where do I fit in?
- What kind of friend, son/daughter, youth or young adult do I want to be?
And for parents and leaders, it’s a chance to guide young people gently, showing them they’re not alone and their questions matter. God can use big stories (and movies) to touch small lives.
A film becomes a signpost pointing to hope, faith, renewal. It uses story to show the invisible God at work in visible lives.
Tips for Watching Responsibly
- Check ratings and content first. Some films may deal with heavy issues (grief, death, abuse).
- Be ready to pause and discuss key scenes.
- Use streaming or dvd wisely, sometimes slower is better: watch in parts and talk in between.
- Encourage teens to note lessons or questions they have during the film.
- Don’t pretend the movie solves everything. It catalyzes conversation instead of replacing it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing christian movies for teens should be about investing in young hearts. When a teen sees someone on screen wrestling with faith and trusting God despite fear, it builds courage to do the same in their own life.
At Living Scriptures+, we’re excited about offering not just animated Bible stories, but also inspiring films and series that meet young people where they are. Whether you’re in a youth‑group circle, a private Christian school meeting, a family home, or one‑on‑one, a faith‑filled film can become a stepping stone to deeper growth.
So gather your snacks and dim the lights before you hit Play. Enjoy a movie night that goes beyond entertainment to offer transformation. Let the story lead to faith and the screen lead to conversation.
Make tonight a movie night that matters.
