Because I have been known to write a top ten list now and again here at Idol Chatter, I often go in search of what kinds of top lists exist out there on the web. I discovered one yesterday that I found amusing, as well as slightly mystifying. I found the “Top 100 Movies Christians Should See” recommendations on a Christian college website, though I have no idea who actually wrote the list, or whether it was compiled by a survey of Christian college students. In any event, the list certainly is, uh, varied.
The list does break up movies into categories such as inspirational, comedy, action, historical drama, drama, and quite wisely, a separate category for movies about Jesus Christ. There are some obvious, but great, choices that made this list including inspirational standards such as “Chariots of Fire” and “Lilies of the Field.” Although exactly how “Iron Will,” a good movie, beat the Oscar-winning “Chariots of Fire” in the inspirational category is a little unclear to me. Yet that was not as disturbing as discovering that both “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants” ranked higher on the list than “Dead Man Walking.”
Interestingly enough, this list also has some edge to it, with movies like “Dogma” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” appearing on the list. But while I appreciate seeing a Christian list that isn’t afraid of controversy, I still question the wisdom of putting “The Last Temptation of Christ” anywhere on the list unless you are a student of film.
The funniest entry–unintentionally, I think–is the mention of my good buddy Dan Ewald’s movie “Jesus People” under comedy. Uh, the movie has only screened in a couple of places and has not been officially released yet.
The most unforgiveable entry has to be the mention of “The Omega Code.”
Not only should this cheesy apocalyptic Christian thriller not be on anyone’s list, but it is listed under the historical section.
Regardless of my quibbles with the list, it really is a fun read because it is so eclectic.
If you were going to suggest some movies that every Christian must see, what would they be?
posted May 8, 2009 at 6:20 am
I definitely think we should watch christian movies with people of
sound mind, courage, strength, and conviction, not trash that’s on television. Eveb pg13 has some trash.
posted May 8, 2009 at 9:50 am
I would be careful, because while I agree SOME Christians could get a lot out of “Dogma” and the like, others would be too offended to get the salient points, and still others might think the offense is ok as a Christian (which none of it is). So I guess I would make two lists–those for the everyday Christian, and those for the mature Christian that’s also really into movies and can therefore use their critical eye.
posted May 8, 2009 at 7:34 pm
There are some truly terrible movies on this list. The Omega Code? Fireproof?
Here’s my list of great movies with Christian themes (in no particular order):
1: Dead Man Walking
2: Magnolia
3: The Apostle
4: Braveheart
5: Sling Blade
6: Tender Mercies
7: The Mission
And of course, I would also list The Passion of the Christ.
I also think The Last Temptation of Christ is a film that has been greatly misunderstood.
Yes, most are tough to watch, but they are rewarding films that ultimately shine a light on Christian values.
posted May 11, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Lots of interesting choices. I’d add:
(In no particular order)
Man on Fire
I am Legend
The Lion King
Rudy
The Shawshank Redemption
Gladiator
Leap of Faith
Remember the Titans
posted June 6, 2009 at 10:36 pm
The most baffling is the presence of Mormon films – God’s Army, The Work and the Glory, and The Other Side of Heaven
Are we saying these are good “Christian” films to watch
posted November 23, 2010 at 9:55 am
I think that some movies can definitely help you in the hardest moments (break up for example) – when you don’t feel like talking with people, but still need to have some contact with someone who is experiencing the same.