10 Movies To Initiate Important Spiritual Conversations With Teens
By Movieguide® Contributor
Parenting teenagers in our modern times can be challenging. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Being a parent is a God-given responsibility, and Christians are called to provide a firm spiritual foundation for their children. The adolescent years are an important time to have hard conversations with teens about the challenges they face today. This curated list includes faith-based films that are powerful conversation starters for parents to discuss with their growing kids.
+3Some minor questionable elements. (Media-wisdom is suggested to discuss.)
In CATCHING FAITH, Christian mother Alexa Taylor must reevaluate her seemingly perfect life when it is upended by a series of troubling events: the death of her father, her son caught drinking, her daughter cheating on a test, her marriage shaken by a lie, etc. CATCHING FAITH is genuinely engaging and does a good job courageously facing down tough choices confronting today’s Christian families. Strong Christian values and important faith discussions make this movie appropriate for the whole family.
THE CASE FOR CHRIST is the inside story of how Chicago Tribune journalist Lee Strobel set out to disprove Christianity when his wife, Leslie, became a Christian and challenged Lee’s atheist beliefs. THE CASE FOR CHRIST is a terrific drama reminiscent of ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN, with its own examples of excellent acting. It also brilliantly lays out the facts confirming Jesus Christ’s resurrection, but does contain some tense moments and alcohol use requiring caution for younger children.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
THE YOUNG BELIEVERS is about the lives and temptations of four Christians who as 8th graders made a pact that they will continue to live for Christ throughout senior high school. The production values leave a bit to be desired, but the story is compelling enough and presents Christianity and the Bible as a positive way for solving problems.
-1Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
I’M NOT ASHAMED opens up a small glimpse into the life of Rachel Scott, one of the young Christian victims during the Columbine school shooting in 1999, and the profound difference Rachel made before and after her untimely death. I’M NOT ASHAMED is a beautifully made movie with passionate actors, and an inspiring Christian message of compassion through Jesus, but some violent moments and displays of teenage rebellion require caution for children.
-1Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
TO SAVE A LIFE is a powerful, profound and inspiring movie about a troubled high school basketball player who comes to Christ when his childhood friend commits suicide and his girlfriend become pregnant. TO SAVE A LIFE deals with some tough topics, but every aspect of it builds the case for faith in Jesus Christ and Christianity.
-1Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
UNPLANNED is the incredible, powerful true story of Abby, a young woman who gets drawn into working for Planned Parenthood because she thinks that the goal is to help prevent pregnancies. UNPLANNED is extremely well made and powerful.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
In OCTOBER BABY, a teenage girl who learns she was born from a botched abortion must find the love of Jesus Christ to heal the pain she feels. Once the script comes together, OCTOBER BABY becomes incredibly compelling and shows that forgiveness can only be found in Jesus Christ.
-1Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
NEW LIFE is a well-orchestrated movie about a deep and caring love story featuring a boy from England and an American girl. NEW LIFE has some poignant moments, funny moments, romantic moments, and heartrending moments, with a strong Christian worldview, but there are some adult issues during the romantic couple’s marriage, so caution is advised for older children.
+1Moderately questionable elements. (Discernment required for young children.)
TYSON’S RUN is an inspiring sports drama, based on the true story of an autistic boy who decides to run a marathon to prove to his father and the world that his disability doesn’t hold him back. TYSON’S RUN is a heartfelt, inspiring faith-friendly movie that brings awareness to some of the struggles that children on the autism spectrum go through in everyday life. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.
+4Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
OVERCOMER is the heartwarming, often funny, poignant story of a young, new track star named Hannah who runs to Christ with the help of a basketball coach. OVERCOMER features a very strong Christian worldview and is filled with many touching, poignant moments.
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.
