10 Movies That Teach Teens The Power Of God’s Love
By Movieguide® Contributor
One of the most important things teenagers need to know is the Lord’s love for them. Having a firm foundation will carry them through many of the challenges they face throughout adolescence. This Movieguide®-curated list features films that demonstrate how God’s love impacts the lives of young people. From faith-based comedies to true-life miracles, teens will benefit from watching characters’ lives transform through the power of God’s hold on their hearts.
Quality: ***
Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media-wisdom is suggested to discuss).
IDENTITY CRISIS is a light-hearted film about a shy college girl who uses an old computer to clone a bolder image of herself. When the clone takes over her life, she realizes she must embrace her confidence to become her best self. It’s a sweet story with a very strong Christian worldview, extolling the value of every life. Teens will learn the power of God’s love for them. IDENTITY CRISIS features mild violence, but it’s all in good fun. Other than that, IDENTITY CRISIS has no questionable content.
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
A WEEK AWAY is a Christian musical about a troubled teenager named Will who agrees to attend a church camp instead of serving time in a juvenile detention center. He’s not thrilled to be there until he instantly connects with a girl named Avery. Will she accept his checkered past? A WEEK AWAY is a fun film filled with catchy songs. It contains a very strong evangelical worldview with only mild violence. Best of all, it’s a story of transformation through the love of Christ.
Quality: ***
Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media-wisdom is suggested to discuss).
SWITCHED is a comedy Movieguide® calls a “faith-based FREAKY FRIDAY.” Cassandra Evans is tired of being bullied and prays that the most popular girl in school could walk a day in her shoes. The Lord answers her prayer when the two girls switch bodies. This heartfelt film is a Kairos Prize winner and presents a strong Christian worldview. While a comedy, the story serves as a cautionary tale of the potential pitfalls of social media. There is no questionable content, which makes SWITCHED a funny option for teen girls.
Quality: ****
Content: +3 Some minor questionable elements (media-wisdom is suggested to discuss).
DIVINE INFLUENCER follows the life of a spoiled social media influencer who loses her job, is cut off by her wealthy parents and is kicked out of her apartment. She resorts to becoming RA at a Christian rescue shelter’s dormitory for women, where she learns to help others and discovers God’s plan for her life. The film contains a very strong biblical worldview and some light violence but nothing over the top. DIVINE INFLUENCE is made for adolescents, so Movieguide® suggests kids 13+ will enjoy the film.
Quality: ****
Content: +4 (Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.)
OVERCOMER is a faith-based sports drama about a high school basketball coach who meets a troubled teen when he begrudgingly takes over the cross-country program. They inspire each other to find their identities in the Lord by overcoming obstacles. It’s a powerful movie made by the creators of WAR ROOM that contains a very strong Christian worldview. OVERCOMER contains no violence or foul language, but some mild adult themes might confuse young children. Movieguide® suggests caution for kids under 10.
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
I CAN is an inspirational movie based on the real-life story of Katelyn Pavey, a girl who was born with one arm. She pursues her dream of becoming an All-American softball player in college despite her challenges. Her faith is tested when she suffers a knee injury during a game. The film contains a very strong Christian worldview, extolling family and forgiveness. Parents should know there is light violence and adult themes like adultery, which are handled tastefully. I CAN is a powerful movie for teenagers and adults.
Quality: ****
Content: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
OCTOBER BABY is a pro-life film that tells the story of Hannah, a college student who learns she’s the adopted survivor of a botched abortion. She sets out on a road trip with friends to meet her birth parents, discovering herself along the way. The film features a very strong Christian worldview with light violence and mature thematic elements. While not appropriate for younger viewers, it’s a beautifully made film about healing through Christ’s love. Heartwarming and compelling, OCTOBER BABY is worth a watch.
Quality: ****
Content: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
Tweens will love GRACE UNPLUGGED, which follows the story of Grace Tray, who has her faith tested when she launches a music career in Hollywood. She must fight the lure of stardom after being thrust into the real world. This unforgettable film has a very strong Christian worldview with pro-family messages. Parents should know there is a scene with alcohol, and a girl runs away from home. The positive messages outweigh the questionable moments. The movie tells a prodigal story about the impact of God’s love. It’s filled with incredible praise music to boot. Kids 12 and older will enjoy GRACE UNPLUGGED.
Quality: ****
Content: -1 Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
TO SAVE A LIFE is a faith-based drama about an all-star high school basketball player whose life is upturned when his best friend commits suicide. Things seem to go from bad to worse with problems at home and the consequences of his bad decisions. TO SAVE A LIFE covers mature topics, including alcohol use, implicit teenage sex and teen suicide. Yet, it’s a powerful testimony of repentance and forgiveness that will spark important conversations. Movieguide® suggests extreme caution for viewers under 16.
Quality: ****
Content: -1 Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
LIFEMARK is a faith-based drama about a teenage boy who has kept the fact that he’s adopted a secret. When his biological parents try to contact him, he must decide if he wants to have them in his life. This pro-life film with a positive Christian worldview contains no objectionable content and focuses on God’s purpose for our lives and forgiveness. LIFEMARK celebrates the value of life but has some heavy themes that may be inappropriate for young children. It’s a heartwarming flick for the 13+ crowd.
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