10. The Bible Mini-Series
Produced by the husband and wife team of Roma Downey (think Touched by an Angel) and Mark Burnett (think Survivor and The Voice) this 10 hour epic gives a Hollywood touch to the Bible from Creation through Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. While there was definitely some creative license taken and the film is as much creative as it is documentary it is still and dramatic undertaking to bring the truth of God’s Word to a new audience.
9. The Lee Strobel Series featuring The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith and The Case for a Creator
The story of the atheist reporter who set out to disprove Christianity and ended up getting saved through his research is on display in these three documentaries from Lee Strobel. His testimony is amazing and each of these films represents a reporter’s thorough research as he explores who Jesus is and what He did for us, why we should believe in Him and why we should trust Him as our Creator.
8. The Creation Adventure Team Series – Buddy Davis
This jewel of a series from Answers in Genesis has several entries all of which bring fun while answering important questions about life and Creation from a Biblical perspective. Buddy Davis himself is energetic and incorporates some of his original music in these films which serve to educate and inspire the watcher. This is a series that is perfect for younger audiences but parents will enjoy as well.
7. Monumental – Kirk Cameron
The former Growing Pains star who has made a huge impact in the world of Christian film entertainment starring in the movie adaptations of the “Left Behind” books as well as the marriage boosting “Fireproof” brings us this remarkable documentary about the founding of our nation and the Christian roots that make the liberty and freedom we have possible. This film is aptly timed for a nation experiencing so much division in our political and social realms.
6. Indescribable – Louie Giglio
From the Passion Talk Series this documentary is part sermon, part astronomy lesson and all inspiring. Produced during on the Passion tours this documentary shows how amazing God’s creation is and reminds us that the God who created all we see and all there is, is intimately involved in our lives and will take care of us. This is especially good for teenagers who need a boost from their Father.
5. Amazing Grace – Starring Ioan Gruffudd
Ok so I am cheating a little bit on this one because this is not really a documentary. However, it is an accurate depiction of the life of William Wilberforce who was the English Member of Parliament who fought to end slavery in the British Empire. His life was greatly influenced by John Newton the former slave trader who was saved and penned a number of amazing hymns including the gold standard “Amazing Grace”.
4. Fearfully and Wonderfully Made – Dr. David Menton
A beautifully well done documentary about the development of a baby in the womb based on Psalm 139:13-14a “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” While this may not be for younger audiences it shows genius of God in His design of life that begins at conception and gives believers excellent information when discussion the topic of abortion.
3. Drive Thru History – Dave Stotts
See the history of the ancient world, early America and other great periods in a way you would never expect. Dave Stotts leads this fun romp through different periods of history in this extremely entertaining and educational series. With great costumes, locations and plenty of humor this is a series that the whole family will enjoy.
2. Expelled – Ben Stein
Actor, comedian, and game show host Ben Stein shows there is much more to his background than entertainment in this documentary that exposes how the world of academia is rejecting intelligent design without a thought. Not only are the ideas and research behind it being rejected but so are the people as this film shows college professors and others who have lost their jobs and been barred from all academic pursuits because of their belief in intelligent design.
1. Through the Gates of Splendor – Jim Elliot
What I would say is the most amazing documentary of our time is the story of The Elliot family and their missionary friends who took seriously the call from Mark 16 to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.” In doing so they died reaching out to a tribe in the jungles of Ecuador. After the death of their husbands and fathers these families went to live with the tribe that killed their loved ones in order to share the love of Jesus. A monumental documentary from which the film “End of the Spear” was based.
"The Truth" Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Tell F&E in the comments below what your favorite Christian documentary of all time is, God bless!
Resources- The Holy Bible, English Standard Version“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”, www.youtube.com, Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore via Compfight cc