There have been many popular Christian films released this year, from God’s Not Dead, Noah’s Ark, Unstoppable and most recently, Mom’s Night Out. There are more great movies coming out in the next few months with story lines based on books, sports, musicians, grace, forgiveness and love. Here are five upcoming movies I am looking forward to watching that you should not miss, in order of their release dates.
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Based on the book “Love Finds You in Sugar Creek” by Serena B. Miller, Joe and his young son are on their own and end up in Sugar Creek, Ohio. It’s a unique town with an Amish community that holds onto an old fashion way of life and kindness that means accepting all strangers who come by. It attracts many tourists who like a glimpse back in time, but the community can also teach some hard to learn lessons. Rachel Troyer is a police officer who is prone to question strangers. She’s curious of Joe’s past and where he is going for good reason.
Release Date: July 8, 2014
If you love the songs of the late Rich Mullins, you need to watch this movie about his life. Ragamuffin is one of Rich’s most popular songs and the title of this movie, which shows his journey (played by Michael Koch) from working on his family’s country farm to becoming a Christian music sensation. His beliefs and music challenged contemporary churches and religion, but most of all, he showed his ability to love like Jesus. Rich Mullins didn’t take the easy path in life and he even struggled with different types of addiction.
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Frank (played by Robert Davi) is set on experiencing new opportunities in the big city and asks his father for his inheritance. Mr. Abraham (played by John Diehl) knows he has to let his son venture off on his own, but misses him dearly. One thing leads to another after a few years and Frank ends up broke with no place to go, so he heads home. This modern-day story of a prodigal son shows the love of a father for his son and how everyone can find hope to change their life.
Release Date: August 22, 2014
This movie is based on the true story of De La Salle High School and football Coach Bob Ladouceur. Coach Ladouceur and Coach Terry Eidson built a solid football program from the ground up and won 151 games over 12 years that put their high school on the map. “Coach Lad” focused on character building, responsibility, faith and commitment, which strongly influenced the players on and off the field and led many students to promising futures that would have been impossible otherwise. When the team finally loses a game, the students and community are challenged in many ways, but not because of a losing score. Coach Lad has to regroup and refocus, leading the community to the next level of character building that ends up testing his faith.
Release Date: September 26, 2014
Similar to God’s Not Dead, A Matter of Faith takes place in a college setting and debates creation verses evolution. Rachel Whitaker (played by Jordan Trovillion) is a freshman attending college and is starting to believe the theory of evolution, which is taught by well-know Professor Kaman (played by Harry Anderson). Rachel’s father is getting concerned with what she is being taught and takes action that leads to a great debate on campus.
Since Christian movies are becoming more mainstream, there are certain production companies, including Advent Film Group, Five & Two Pictures, Provident Films and PorchLight Entertainment that are able to grow and share more Christian messages. Actors and actresses are taking on more Christian-based roles and sharing their faith. This long list includes Sarah Lancaster (played Madison Kellner in Everwood), Shane Harper (played Josh Wheaton in God’s Not Dead), Alex Kendrick (played Daniel in The Lost Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone, Adam Mitchell in Courageous, Pastor Strauss in Fireproof), Kristy Swanson (played Jody Peterson in Storm Rider), Candace Cameron Bure (played Dr. Lisa Leland in Finding Normal, Summer Van Horne in Make It or Break It) and Kirk Cameron (played Caleb Holt in Fireproof, Buck Williams in Left Behind: World at War). There are countless other religious-based movies scheduled to be released, which ones are you waiting for?
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.