13 Summer Streaming Options with Christian and Family Morals
By Tess Farrand, Staff Writer
The summer season is officially upon us! In between family vacations and days out in the sun, if you and your family are looking for a great movie to watch that honors your faith and values, we want you to know that there are plenty of options worth your time! We’ve compiled a list of 13 movies that speaks to the Christian ideas of family and other noteworthy themes like loving others, sacrificing and friendship. So, what are you waiting for? Pop some popcorn, dim the lights and enjoy the show!
You’ll find the following movies streaming on Netflix…
- MEET THE ROBINSONS
MEET THE ROBINSONS is an animated movie about a boy genius, Lewis, who escapes from a villain into the future, where he has to rebuild a time travel ship before a mysterious, eccentric family from the future disappears. MEET THE ROBINSONS tugs at the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone. It also has a very strong moral worldview.
- THE SECRETARIAT
SECRETARIAT is a very uplifting, inspiring, exciting movie about a true story, the story of a determined woman who raises one of the most successful, dynamic racehorses of all time. SECRETARIAT is stirring and joyful, with many references to God, Jesus Christ and the Bible and a pro-capitalist message celebrating American values, but there are a few very lightweight obscenities and vulgarities and brief references to racetrack betting.
- EVAN ALMIGHTY (pictured above)
EVAN ALMIGHTY stars Steve Carell as Evan Baxter, the anchorman from BRUCE ALMIGHTY, who has become a U.S. Congressman, but sees his political career put on hold when God commands Evan to build an ark. EVAN ALMIGHTY is a funny, heartwarming family movie with a thrilling ending that makes up for the movie’s theological mis-steps, such as the important fact that the movie does not make it clear that, when God appears to us in human form, he always appears as Jesus Christ as noted in John 1.
- CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
In CHRISTOPHER ROBIN, Christopher is all grown up and has forgotten the wonders and joys of life, but when Pooh surprises him, everything changes. CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is charming and has a strong moral worldview about making family first, along with some amazing cinematography and special effects, but the plotline is weak.
- GOOD SAM
GOOD SAM is a comical mystery movie streaming on Netflix about a breaking news reporter who covers a story about a Good Samaritan who anonymously leaves money to those in need. GOOD SAM draws on the principles found in the biblical story in Luke 10 and shows many Christian themes like hope and paying good deeds forward. That said, GOOD SAM’s plot is predictable. Also, due to a few scenes with alcohol and high stakes, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.
- STUART LITTLE
In the family movie, STUART LITTLE, a human family in New York City adopts a little mouse named Stuart, who has trouble fitting in despite his big courageous heart. A nutty fairy tale with excellent special effects, STUART LITTLE contains pro-family and redemptive messages marred by four mild obscenities.
- LILO AND STITCH
LILO & STITCH is the story of two outcasts who find each other and, through many dangers and trials, change each other for the better and find love and “Ohana,” the Hawaiian name for family. Cartoon violence and two brief comical references to evolution and voodoo are the only things which mar the moral worldview of LILI & STITCH, which is appropriate for older children.
- INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE stars Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in a fabulous Indiana Jones adventure where Indy and his estranged father search for the Holy Grail, the chalice Jesus used at the Last Supper. Despite some crudities and scary moments that warrant caution for younger children, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE is a thoroughly entertaining, uplifting adventure movie that glorifies God, faith, and Jesus Christ while promoting more positive father-son relationships.
- THE GRINCH
THE GRINCH (2018) is a great movie about the true meaning of Christmas triumphing over alienation and materialism. It features powerfully loving parents and children, a joyous community of inspired Whos, and a terrific character arc for the Grinch, plus great Christmas carols and hymns focusing on Jesus Christ and His redemptive divinity, lordship and love.
- SPY KIDS
SPY KIDS is a James Bond adventure for children, starring Antonio Banderas as a father of two children who used to be a spy, along with the mother. SPY KIDS is a very imaginative family movie for older children, with a strong family message.
- CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS is a very clever, funny and exciting animated tale about an inventor whose new machine changing water into food almost destroys his town. It is a delicious feast for the eyes and the funny bone as well as the heart and mind with a very strong moral worldview that speaks out strongly against gluttony and extols positive family relationships, courage, temperance or self-control, discipline, hard work, and sacrifice.
- EMMA
EMMA is the third movie adaptation of a Jane Austen novel in two years. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow in the title role, it tells of a young socialite who seeks to marry off her contemporaries in early 19th Century England. Emma gets in one muddle after another until she eventually finds a man for herself. Positively demonstrating Christianity and the ministry, it represents a pleasant alternative to the normal summer blockbuster.
- INCREDIBLES 2
In INCREDIBLES 2, the sequel to Pixar and Disney’s classic animated movie, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their children spring into action once again when a supervillain hypnotizes innocent civilians to harm others. INCREDIBLES 2 is another fun, exciting, family-friendly superhero movie with lots of humor and heart, but it contains a couple light expletives and some scary elements requiring caution for younger children.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
