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Recommended Family Movies (updated 1/24/12) Over the years, I have often been asked my opinion on good quality movies that are appropriate for Christian teens and families. In the past, I haven't posted anything like this because it is very subjective, but the requests keep coming. So, here are some personal movies that I have enjoyed. I am sure there are many more beyond this that I haven't seen, but here are a few that I can "vouch" for. One last thing. I am sure I will get emails about me needing to add to this list. I am only posting what I have seen and enjoyed. I'll do my best to watch what is recommended to me and pass them on to you!
*Items with this asterisk are movies that are not "Christian" based and may have a few foul words. Overall, the concept and moral values are very good. (In alphabetical order) *August Rush- Great movie about a orphan boy who has a love for music. *Blind Side- Great story about a homeless football player overcoming amazing odds. Courageous- Great movie! Walks through the life of several police officers and struggles faced at hom. End of the Spear- Extremely well done movie about the 5 missionaries who gave their lives in the jungles of Ecuador. This is a must see! *Evan Almighty- A modern-day tale of Noah and his ark. Great movie for all ages. Boy mentions the male part of an animal twice and God's name used in vain briefly (once she begins to follow God, she changes to gosh). Expelled- Good for educational purposes. This documentary shows how "evolution" is being pushed down our culture's throats with nothing to back it up. Facing the Giants- Not the greatest acting, but not bad. The sports side appeals to most teens, but the gist of the movie is most challenging for adults. A must see. Fireproof- This is a movie that every married couple must see. Will challenge the way you view your marriage and walk with God. Very well made. Flywheel- This was the first in the series of the makers of "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof". Acting and production is lower quality, but good storyline. Not very entertaining for teens, but good storyline for adults. *Forever Strong- Accidentally came across this on Netflix and glad I did. Great story line and is great of teens and young adults. Very clean movie with a great storyline. Gifted Hands- Loved this true story of a black child who thought he was stupid after being picked on throughout his school years. After following the advice of his mother and focusing on God, he would prove them wrong. *Glory Road- Great story about an all-black college basketball team overcoming odds to prove a nation wrong. *Gods and Generals- If you are really into Civil War history, this is a must-see. Very long, but interesting movie about how Christian beliefs shaped those in the Civil War. This is the "prequal" to "Gettysburg". *Karate Kid- This movie was great! I really enjoyed this very well-made movie. There are 1 or 2 bad words if I remember correctly. Left Behind Series- There are several movies in this series. The biblical concept of this series is debatable (the rapture), but whatever your view is of the "end times", this movie challenges teens and adults to live out their faith despite persecution. For a "Christian" movie, it is pretty well made. Letters to God- Good family movie. Will leave you with both smiles and tears. Luther- Very good historical movie. It is slow and many teens might not appreciate the historical side of the movie. Anyone who is interested in history typically really likes this movie (I loved it!). It shows the life of Martin Luther and the corruption of the Catholic church during his time. Narnia- All 3 movies are very well made and have a great "hidden" Christian plot. This series was written by one of the top Christian writers of all time. The first and the third movies are my favorites! Kind of scary for very young viewers (preschool and young elementary). *National Treasure Series- These 2 movies are some of my favorites. Lots of action and very clean. The Nativity Story- Very well-made story about the birth of Jesus. Walks through the life of Mary and the birth. Very good movie for all ages. *October Sky- Good movie about following your dreams. Story of teen in the West Virginia coal country who aspires to work for NASA. I think there were a few curse words. One Night with the King- Very well-made story of the Biblical account of Esther. Slower movie and you have to really pay attention. Have shown this one to the teens after studying the lesson and they seemed to really enjoy it. Passion of the Christ- Extremely life-like depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. Not something you would just sit back and watch as a "family movie". Great if you are in the process of teaching about what Christ went through. Rated R for being VERY graphic. *Radio- Great movie about a disabled man taken under the wings of a local high school team. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry- Not the most outstanding-made movie, but has a great Biblical storyline. I had doubts at the beginning, but by the end, it challenged me more than most movies I had seen. Movie is for all ages, but really hit home to me as an adult. Shows us how we can leave a legacy. Sergeant York- Teens who are ok with an old black-and-white movie might appreciate this (it's one of my favorites). This is the true story of one of the most decorated men in military history. Soul Surfer- As of writing this, I have not yet viewed it (not yet on DVD), but I have heard GREAT reviews about this movie. This is a Christian-based movie with top actors and great reviews. Geared toward teens, this tells the life story of a teen who had her arm bitten off by a shark while surfing. To Save a Life- Probably the best made "Christian" movie to date. Geared toward high school teens, but is a movie that all parents should see. It gives a very real view of life in high school and how a Christian teen should respond. Has a few curse words, but in context, shows the reality of high school culture (actually, they make it very clear that these words are inappropriate).
If you are in need of a
new Bible, but are unable to afford one,
At Generation246, we use the Holman Christian
Standard Bible (HCSB).
Defending/Sharing Your Faith "Share Jesus Without Fear"- William Fay "Case for Christ"- Lee Strobel "More than a Carpenter"- Josh McDowell "Know Why You Believe"- Paul E. Little
"Boy Meets Girl"- Joshua Harris "I Kissed Dating Goodbye"- Joshua Harris "When Dreams Come True"- Eric & Leslie Ludy "When God Writes Your Love Story"- Eric & Leslie Ludy "Dating" (Pocket Bible Study & Journal)- Hayley DiMarco "The 10 Commandments of Dating"- Ben Young & Dr. Samuel Adams "Falling in Love with Jesus"- Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccoli **Girls, I highly recommend books by Leslie Ludy "Not Even a Hint" (mature guys)- Joshua Harris *"13 Ways to Ruin Your Life" (mature guys)- Jarrod Jones
Others for Older Teens & Adults "Radical"- David Platt (a must-read for all Christians) "A Chance to Die: Biography of Amy Carmichael"- Elisabeth Elliot "Congratulations...You're GIFTED!"- Doug Fields & Erik Rees "It's Not About Me"- Max Lucado "He Chose the Nails"- Max Lucado "The Five Love Languages"- Gary Chapman "How to Ruin Your Life by 40"- Steve Farrar "God's Gift to Women" (mature guys)- Eric Ludy *Books by Fred Stoeker are great on being a man and purity
"Revolutionary Parenting"- George Barna (MUST-READ book!) "Teen-ology"- Jim Burns "Teaching True Love to a Sex-at-13 Generation"- Eric & Leslie Ludy "Youth Culture 101"- Walt Mueller "Interviewing Your Daughter's Date"- Dennis Rainey "Logged On and Tuned Out"- Vicki Courtney "The Five Love Languages of Teenagers"- Gary Chapman "The Five Love Languages"- Gary Chapman "Boundaries with Teens"- Dr. John Townsend "Passport2Purity" kit- Dennis & Barbara Rainey
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