The first part of 2014 saw four high profile faith-based movies climb the chart of the top grossing movies of the year – Noah (21), Heaven is for Real (24), God’s Not Dead (32), and Son of God (33).
Their popularity and box office returns have only fueled Hollywood’s captivation with the Christian audience. After seeing the success of The Passion of the Christ, which remains the highest grossing R-rated movie 10 years after its release, movie studios have realized the market that exists for films that appeal to Christians.
Lifeway Research found 56 percent of Americans said they wished there were more movies with Christian values. And it looks like they may get their wish. The rest of the year looks to continue the trend of films that draw their inspiration from the Bible, affirm Christian values, or at least draw from material created by Christians.
Here are eight movies to be released in 2014 that may appeal to a faith-based audience.
The Identical – September 5
Twin brothers are unknowingly separated at birth; one of them becomes an iconic rock ‘n’ roll star, while the other struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father.
Starring: Blake Rayne, Ray Liotta, and Ashley Judd
The Remaining – September 5
Friends gather at a wedding, but the celebration is shattered by terrifying apocalyptic events forcing them to examine life, love, and faith as they must choose between redemption and survival.
Starring: Johnny Pacar, Shaun Sipos, and Bryan Dechart
Believe Me – September 26
Desperate, broke, and out of ideas, four college seniors start a fake charity to embezzle money from Christians for tuition.
Starring: Alex Russell, Zachary Knighton, Johanna Braddy, Miles Fisher, Sinqua Walls and featuring Nick Offerman, Christopher McDonald, and Lecrae
Left Behind – October 3
Based on the best-selling novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, a small group of survivors are left behind after millions of people suddenly vanish and the world is plunged into chaos and destruction.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Chad Michael Murray, Nicky Whelan, Lea Thompson, and Cassi Thomson
A Matter of Faith – October 17
A Christian girl goes off to college and begins to be influenced by her biology professor who teaches that Darwinian evolution is the only logical explanation for the origin of life. When her father becomes concerned about his daughter drifting away from her Christian faith, he tries to do something about it.
Starring: Jordan Trovillion, Jay Pickett, and Harry Anderson
Exodus: Gods and Kings – December 12
An account of the exodus of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt as led by Moses.
Starring: Aaron Paul, Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, and Ben Kingsley
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – December 17
In the conclusion to The Hobbit movie trilogy, the Company of Thorin has unleashed the dragon Smaug upon Laketown. A battle will ensue between five armies that will change the face of Middle-earth forever.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, and Martin Freeman
Unbroken – December 25
World War II hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini, a former Olympic track star, survives a plane crash in the Pacific, spends 47 days drifting on a raft, and then more than two and a half years living in several Japanese prisoner of war camps.
Starring: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Jai Courtney
As a disclaimer, we have not seen these films and are not making a viewing suggestion. Rather, this is merely meant to inform readers who should make their own educated decision about which movies to watch.
