These new Christian movies of 2023 explore heartfelt stories, compelling narratives, and uplifting messages of faith. They can help us keep our focus on Christ and find inspiration in our own lives!
It's amazing to see faith-based films becoming more and more popular. And in 2023, a fresh wave of Christian movies has captivated audiences, delivering powerful messages of hope, redemption, and the enduring strength of faith.
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Here, we delve into some of the latest Christian movies poised to make their mark in 2023. From heartwarming tales of personal redemption to overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, these films promise to uplift spirits, foster reflection, and strengthen our connection to God's incredible power!
So, grab your popcorn and get ready to embark on a cinematic pilgrimage where faith takes center stage. Whether you prefer romances, comedies, dramas, or even musicals -- this list has got something for everybody!
In the world of cinema, some of the most powerful and inspiring tales are those rooted in real-life experiences. These are the stories that bring the boundless strength of faith to the forefront, reminding us that truth can be more compelling than fiction.
The following Christian movies from 2023 are based on true stories. Here, the intersection of faith and reality becomes a source of inspiration and profound connection.
Release Date: February 2023 | Rating: PG-13
Starring Kelsey Grammer (from the popular TV show, Frasier), Jesus Revolution tells the true story of how Greg Laurie (played by Joel Courtney) became a Christian at the age of 17 during “The Jesus Movement.” Though many today do not remember this exciting and fascinating time in American history, Pastor Laurie lived it, and his experiences all those years ago led him to become a believer.
Today, he serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, which is the 3rd largest church in California and the 8th largest body of believers in America. Harvest has 15,000 members.
When talking about the film, Kelsey Grammer teared up, saying, "I love this movie. I really love it." He then explained, in his own words, what the movie is about.
RELATED: Christian Movie Jesus Revolution Box Office Numbers Are ‘Incredible’, Passing $40 Million
"He's a man looking for his own faith and finds it as well," Kelsey explained. "A man whose church is empty, and he can't get traction and he's starting to think he's going to get fired from his job as a pastor. This hippie comes into his life, and he finds new purpose and started a movement that is still, still going."
(Here's more about Kelsey Grammer Talking About ‘Jesus Revolution’)
Jesus Revolution may very well have it all. Humor, conflict, healing, hope, romance, history, and pop culture fun all seem to make an appearance. This is one to put on your “must-see” list!
Release Date: April 2023 | Rating: PG
In this harrowing true story of faith, passenger Doug White (played by Dennis Quaid) sets out on what seems like a routine flight to fly home from a funeral with his family. During the flight, the pilot unexpectedly dies mid-flight. Doug has to figure out how to fly the plane and land it safely.
On A Wing And A Prayer is based on a series of true events that took place in 2009 when Doug White and his family were returning home from a funeral in Marco Island. Their pilot Joe Cabuk suddenly died of a heart attack. Doug had logged 150 hours of flying a single-engine plane, but he had never flown a King Airplane, nor had he ever flown over 7,000 feet.
On A Wing And A Prayer is being promoted as a story of ‘faith and survival,’ and it comes on the heels of Christians demanding faith-based stories. Buckle up and get ready to soar in this adventure film.
Release Date: April 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
Miracle At Manchester revolves around the true story of Bryce Newman who battled an aggressive form of brain cancer as a schoolboy back in 2015. At just 15 years old, Bryce endured multiple brain surgeries, a staph infection that nearly killed him, and temporary paralysis of his entire right side, among other things. Yet, he trusted the Lord throughout it all and received a miraculous healing.
"I always had that confidence and that faith that God's got this, and I've just got to focus on doing what I can, but I know that He had the bigger picture," Bryce recalled. He also said, "I knew I was going to be healed. Whether it was a miracle or not, I knew the healing was going to happen."
The community rallied around Bryce in prayer. And this Christian movie from 2023 shows how during his battle, two other men "find their own restoration in his healing journey and a father finds his faith again."
Release Date: July 2023 | Rating: PG-13
The film is based on the true story of a government agent, Tim Ballard, played by Jim Caviezel. While working for the Department of Homeland Security, Tim rescues a young boy from child traffickers. However, he learns the boy's sister was kidnapped and is being held captive in another country.
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While the other agents push Tim to "let it go," he simply can't. He's determined to rescue the girl, even if it costs him his job.
Sound Of Freedom is one of the most popular Christian movies of 2023. The film enjoyed incredible success at the box office, beating out Disney’s Indiana Jones and grossing $14.2 million on its opening day. It's an incredible story of one man's perseverance to do the right thing, no matter the cost. And it serves as a wonderful reminder God’s children are not for sale!
Release Date: August 2023 | Rating: PG
Dennis Quaid stars in the inspiring and moving film The Hill, about one man’s improbable journey to professional baseball.
The film is about one man, Rickey Hill, who despite his obvious physical challenges, persisted and persevered to achieve his dream of playing Major League Baseball.
RELATED: Actor Dennis Quaid Is ‘Grateful To Be Alive’ After Overcoming Addiction & Gives God All The Glory
From a young age, Rickey displayed a love and talent for playing baseball. However, Rickey has a pronounced disability, which makes playing the game challenging.
In the film, Dennis Quaid plays Rickey’s father, James Hill, who tries to save his son from hurt and embarrassment. James tries to talk sense into his young and overly ambitious son.
“You can’t play baseball,” James tells Rickey. “You’re going to get ridiculed and you’re going to wind up with an injury that you’ll never get over. God’s going to give you a higher calling.”
However, Rickey Hill persists in his dream to play baseball and leans on his faith in God for strength.
Release Date: September 2023 | Rating: PG-13
Many people recognize Phil Robertson from the popular A&E reality TV show, Duck Dynasty. The show followed the antics of Phil, Willie, Si, Jase and Jep Robertson and their wildly successful duck-hunting business.
Viewers instantly fell in love with the Robertson family. But now, his inspiring backstory is the topic of one of the new Christian movies of 2023.
RELATED: Miss Kay From Duck Dynasty Shares The Untold Story Of The Moment Phil Found Jesus
Before the success of the show and the business, Phil Robertson wrestled with his own demons, which nearly tore apart his marriage to Miss Kay. The Blind takes a closer look at that time from his past. Dealing with alcoholism and infidelity, Phil's life spiraled out of control. However, he ultimately found redemption "in an unlikely place."
Release Date: September | Rating: Not rated by the MPPA
Never Give Up tells the true story of the deaf tennis player, Brad Minns. At 3 years old, Brad contracted a deadly fever. And while he survived the sickness, he lost his hearing as a result. Yet, from an early age, Brad had an unshakeable belief that God had a unique plan for his life.
Brad fell in love with the game of tennis and became an incredible player thanks to "God helping him to never give up." The film Never Give Up details his incredible five-hour match during the Men’s Singles Tennis Finals in the 1985 Deaf World Games where Brad had an unbelievable comeback.
Through prayer and determination, Brad has achieved feats in the world of tennis that are awe-inspiring. But here's what truly touches our hearts: Brad's life is not just about personal success. It's about using his talents to inspire others and glorify God.
Brad Minns has become a role model for young athletes facing challenges of their own, showing them that faith can move mountains. He now speaks at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) groups where he shares his testimony of living a life for Christ.
Release Date: October 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
Starring Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen (Almost Famous, Falling), SIGHT tells the inspiring story of Dr. Ming Wang. Dr. Wang's journey is a shining example of the incredible impact one person can make when they combine their talents with a heart full of compassion.
Born in China during a time of great hardship, he faced adversity from a young age. However, his unwavering determination and belief in the power of education propelled him forward.
Facing adversity at every turn, Dr. Ming Wang found his way to America, attended Harvard and MIT, and defied all the odds to become a world-renowned eye surgeon in the United States.
However, Dr. Wang didn't just become an accomplished eye surgeon; he became a pioneer in the field. And he faced one of his greatest challenges by taking on the seemingly impossible challenge of helping a blind orphan.
Dr. Ming Wang's journey reminds us that no matter where we start in life, faith and perseverance can lead to greatness. His life's work is a testament to the incredible impact that one person can have on the world when they combine their talents with a heart full of love and a deep faith in God.
These new Christian movies for 2023 are where love, faith, and inspiration intertwine to create beautiful tales that touch our souls.
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In these enchanting films, we're reminded that love is not just a human experience but a divine gift. It's a reflection of God's love for us, portrayed through characters who navigate the complexities of relationships while staying true to their faith.
These movies uplift our spirits, teaching us that love can conquer all obstacles when we put our trust in the Lord. Whether it's the blossoming of a young romance or the rekindling of love after trials and tribulations, these films speak to the depths of our hearts.
So, prepare to be swept off your feet by tales of devotion, commitment, and the belief that love can conquer all!
Release Date: February 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
Heaven Sent is a faith-based, Pure Flix original film that tackles the often-grueling process of dating from a Christian perspective. It focuses on two people finding love later in life.
Elise, a grandmother and small business owner, has been hurt in the past. Pastor Briggs is a widow who has also given up on the possibility of finding love again. However, both have decided to give dating a chance. And as the trailer to the film points out, sometimes “faith can change the game.”
This story reminds us that age is but a number -- and the heart remains forever young when it comes to matters of love!
Release Date: May 2023 | Rating: PG
In the 2023 Christian film, Sun Moon, Kelsey is heartbroken after being left at the altar. She escapes to Taiwan, accepting a teaching position as a means to seek healing and an understanding of God’s purpose for her life. As she begins making connections with her students and strikes up a friendship with another teacher, Kelsey starts to see how God can work through all circumstances in our lives.
Release Date: September 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
In Divine Influencer, a film from Pure Flix, one young woman who considers herself an “influencer” learns the hard way that Twitter, Instagram and TikTok aren’t real life.
The movie's main character, Olivia, has amassed quite a following on social media. But when her parents decide to no longer support her financially, she's forced to find a real job.
As the first look at the film, posted on YouTube shows, the film’s main character, Olivia, has to find a real job. Her parents are no longer going to support her financially. She will now have to try to find and influence a boss to give her a job and a paycheck.
“The message is to bring people to know Jesus and know that they are enough without feeling they need to be influenced by someone else,” explained Lara Silva, the actress who plays the main character, Olivia.
Looking for more Christ-centered movies to inspire, uplift, and entertain? There are plenty of other amazing faith-filled films that have hit or will be hitting the screens in 2023. Drama, comedies, musicals -- even sci-fi -- there is something here for every type of movie buff!
Release Date: February 2023 | Rating: PG-13
This film is about four enduring, lifelong friendships and stars some pretty big names. Sally Field, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Rita Moreno, just to list a few!
Based on a true story, 80 For Brady features a group of elderly Patriots fans who want nothing more than to get to the Super Bowl. Well, that, and they also want to meet the team’s sure-to-be first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
Turns out, both those tasks are easier said than done!
The movie follows the journey of these four friends and all the wild and crazy situations they get themselves into trying to make it to the big game.
Release Date: March 2023 | Rating: PG-13
Based on the most controversial scripture of the Bible and the events that unfolded when the Lord gave Abraham the ultimate test by commanding him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The story of Abraham follows the Bible when God visits Abraham and promises to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation.
His Only Son explores the age-old question of our own personal relationship with Christ and why God would require such a sacrifice. But the underlying theme of the film is whether or not we still truly stand on our faith if God were to ask us to give everything.
Release Date: April 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
The legendary country singer Naomi Judd ended her own life on Saturday, April 30, 2022, just one day before The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The news shocked the world and devastated her daughters, Ashley and Wynonna Judd. And it left Wynonna wondering what to do about the tour they had initially planned together.
RELATED: Days After Naomi Judd’s Death, Her Daughters Honor Their Late Mother With Scripture
Wynonna's husband encouraged her to consider going back on tour and told her she deserved to celebrate the legacy of her mother. So, in the midst of grieving the loss of her mother and how she passed, Wynonna dd just that.
Wynonna Judd: Between Hell And Hallelujah is a documentary following Wynonna’s journey of healing, perseverance, and what it means to have support from others in the face of tragedy. It offers viewers moving and intimate footage of Wynonna trusting in the Lord and with her friends as she honors her mother and processes her grief.
Release Date: May 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
Grab your friends for a laugh-out-loud AND sing-out-loud comedy starring Christian comedian Chonda Pierce.
RELATED: Christian Comic Chonda Pierce On Her Late Husband’s Alcoholism
Facing the unexpected foreclosure on her home, Bonnie a small-town Biscuit Barrel waitress takes on her biggest fears — and the toughest singing competitors around — in hopes of winning the big cash prize in the karaoke contest at the County Fair. With the help of her family, and friends that are family, Bonnie is ready to ...ROLL WITH IT!
Roll with It | May 9, 10, & 13 from fathom-events on GodTube.
Release Date: June 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
The Homeschool Awakening is a documentary starring Christian celebrity Kirk Cameron as he explores putting fun and faith back into learning! The film is Kirk’s effort to set the record straight on homeschooling. He and 17 families discuss the ins, outs, and honest answers to homeschooling’s most frequently asked questions.
Release Date: June 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
In God's Country Song, a young man by the name of Noah Bryan (Juston Gaston) has dreams of being a famous country singer when his hopes are dashed by his own poor choices. Not only does he fall from stardom because of fighting and drinking, he thinks his life is over when he discovers he is a father to six-year-old JJ whose mother passed away.
RELATED: Dolly Parton’s Faith Has Been Her ‘Guiding Light’ And What She Has To Say About It Is So Inspiring
With his dreams seemingly as broken as the relationship he has with his own father, Noah discovers grace and what it means to be loved by his earthly father and heavenly father. Juston spoke about what his character Noah was going through.
He said, “It’s easy to get caught up in earthly, worldly things. [Noah is] so caught up in, quote-unquote, ‘make it’ that he’s forgotten where he came from and his moral compass a bit. Which is very easy to do, I feel, when you’re not grounded in [a] community,” He added, “He’s having trouble getting right with God because he and his father are having an issue. That’s hindering his openness to God.”
Saddle up and get ready for an adventurous God-honoring film on Pure Flix where a singing cowboy discovers the Father’s love!
Release Date: September 2023 | Rating: PG
This new Christian movie in 2023 promises to deliver something of a rare treat: a live-action comedy that is appropriate for the whole family.
Camp Hideout follows a troubled teen named Noah who goes to camp in an attempt to escape from two clueless "bad guys." However, they end up tracking Noah down. The film has been likened to a cross between Home Alone and Ernest Goes to Camp. And by the end of the movie, Noah comes to realize "there are people that love him, that care about him and that it's not too late for him to be saved."
Release Date: November 2023 | Rating: PG
The story of the birth of Jesus has been told in many ways but never quite like this. Journey To Bethlehem weaves classic Christmas melodies into new pop songs in a music-infused retelling of the timeless story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.
This live-action musical with Antonio Banderas promises to be an epic Christmas musical unlike any before it!
Release Date: December 2023 | Rating: Not rated by the MPAA
The Shift is definitely not your typical Christian film. It falls into the realm of science fiction and explores a "multiverse" of alternate realities. It is the first original theatrical release by Angel Studios (the studio behind The Chosen) and hosts a star-studded cast: Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers), Sean Astin (Lord Of The Rings), Kristoffer Polaha (Wonder Woman 1984), Rose Reid (Finding You), John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise) and Emily Rose (Haven). Liz Tabish, Paras Patel and Jorden Walker Ross from The Chosen will also be featured.
RELATED: Christian Actor Neal McDonough Was Hesitant to Play the Devil but Wife’s Words Convinced Him
The fast-paced thriller centers around a man named Kevin Garner. He finds himself faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices after encountering a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor. Kevin declines The Benefactor's offer to work with him spreading chaos and now must fight to escape an alternate totalitarian reality and make it back to the world he knows and the woman he loves.
"If you are a fan of The Chosen, it’s going to make sense spiritually, and also artistically,” said Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen and executive producer on The Shift. “The Shift is a project in which truth is dominant and God is present, and we desperately need that.”
As you can see, there are plenty of incredible Christian movies out in 2023. These films aren't just entertainment; they offer glimpses of hope, redemption, and the incredible depth of God's love. Each film serves as a reminder that no matter where life takes us, faith can be our guiding light.
So, as we watch these new Christian movies in 2023, let's open our hearts to the messages they carry. Let's remember that faith is not just a concept; it's a living, breathing part of our lives. It's what connects us to something greater, something beyond the screen, and something that gives us purpose.
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Thank you for joining us on this cinematic journey. May your faith continue to be a guiding star in your life, and may the stories of 2023's Christian movies inspire you on your own path of faith and purpose.
Did we miss any? If there's a great film you don't see included in this list of the Best New Christian Movies Of 2023, be sure to mention it in the comments on social media!
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/bernardbodo
Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!