A number of Christian films made an impact on Christian and non-Christian audiences alike in 2016.
These included Risen, which tells the story of a Roman soldier’s encounter with Jesus after His death and Resurrection. (Release date: February 19, 2016)
Ben-Hur, film was itself an adaptation of the 1925 silent film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, and that film was based on Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel, sometimes called the “most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century.” (Release date: August 19, 2016)
Hillsong: Let Hope Rise, a Christian documentary film on Hillsong United. The 11 members of popular, faith-based Australian band Hillsong UNITED all belong to or volunteer for Hillsong Church, which has over 100,000 parishoners, with large congregations in New York and Los Angeles. (Initial release: September 16, 2016)
A group that started as a small youth band sells out concerts worldwide and has sold 16 million albums with songs in 60 languages. Viewers go on tour with the band, getting a glimpse behind the scenes as well as access to front-seat concert footage.
God’s Not Dead 2, This is the follow-up to the huge 2014 box-office hit from the same studio that brought out similar Christian-themed movies like “Do You Believe” and “Faith of Our Fathers.”
High school history teacher Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) comes under fire for answering a student’s (Hayley Orrantia) question about Jesus. When Grace refuses to apologize, the school board votes to suspend her and threatens to revoke her teaching certificate.
Forced to stand trial to save her career, Grace hires young lawyer Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe) to defend her in court. Endler devises a powerful strategy to show the jury the historical significance of Wesley’s classroom discussion.
Initial release: April 7, 2016 (Brazil). Box office: 23.5 million USD
The Young Messiah: Tells the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, it follows young Jesus as he comes to a fuller understanding of his nature and purpose. (Release date: March 11, 2016)
Miracles from Heaven. Film is based on the incredible true story of the Beam family.
When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution.
After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.
I’m Not Ashamed. Columbine High School student Rachel Joy Scott grew up knowing the love of God but wasn’t always ready to receive it. At times her faith is strong, but at other times, she finds that it’s at odds with her daily life.
After a difficult breakup with her non-believing boyfriend, Rachel finds inspiration from a formerly homeless teen, and her renewed commitment to Christ plays out powerfully at her high school and around the world. Based on a true story. (Release date: October 21, 2016 (USA)
Other notable films include Hacksaw Ridge, Last Days in the Desert, Greater and Silence.
By Mukiibi Joshua
