Before “The Chosen,” there was “What If…” Now re-released 15 years later, Dallas Jenkins’ early film reminds us how far faith-based cinema has come — and how much it still gets right. With strong performances and surprisingly sharp writing, it remains one of the best examples of its genre, even as it wrestles with ideas that feel more relevant now than ever.

Angel Studios finally gets it right. “The Last Rodeo” pairs authentic faith with a moving story and sharp filmmaking. Neal McDonough leads a cast of seasoned pros in a drama that doesn’t preach but still speaks to the soul. It’s the kind of faith-based film we’ve hoped for — honest, grounded and actually good. If this is the future, it looks promising.

Minervini’s “The Damned” isn’t just another war film — it’s a quietly arresting portrait of human souls caught between violence and faith. With non-actors improvising dialogue and a visual style echoing Malick, it offers something rare: a war story grounded in character and conscience. It never preaches, yet still reveres belief. What remains is human, haunting — and full of space for meaning.

Jesus isn’t just showing up in theaters — he’s topping the charts. With “The Chosen” and “The King of Kings” taking multiple top-ten spots at the box office, faith-based films aren’t just succeeding; they’re resonating. Their rise says something about more than numbers. It speaks to a hunger — not just for truth, but for beauty. Not just theology, but story. And not just Jesus as an idea, but as a person.

In its Season 5 finale, The Chosen reaches for more than storytelling — it brushes up against religious art. With Roumie’s Jesus agonizing in Gethsemane, the series delivers not just emotion but encounter. The camera doesn’t just observe; it bears witness. You don’t watch these scenes — you feel them. And in the space between performance and Scripture, something sacred settles in. Something that feels a lot like worship.

“The Chosen: The Last Supper” kicks off its fifth season with confidence, clarity and a whole lot of cinematic power. From Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his quiet moments of inner resolve, the premiere balances tension and tenderness with surprising ease. More than just great faith-based TV, this is great TV — crafted by artists who trust both the Gospel and their own creative instincts.

The latest faith-based film, “The Last Supper,” has passion behind it — and a few promising ideas — but falls short where it counts. As faith-based entertainment raises the bar with hits like “The Chosen,” it’s fair to expect more. Strong intentions aren’t enough. We need stories well told and beautifully made. And this one reminds us why Christian audiences stopped settling.

Amazon’s “House of David” is the latest in a wave of high-quality, faith-based entertainment — and it could rival “The Chosen” in scope and impact. Created by Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn and featuring Dallas Jenkins as a special advisor, the series brings David’s rise to power to life with bold storytelling and cinematic scale. With compelling characters, masterful storytelling and a faith-driven core, “House of David” sets a new standard for biblical epics.

When many are seeking a deeper, more experiential faith, Tyler Staton’s “The Familiar Stranger” urges Christians to reintroduce the Holy Spirit into their daily lives. But does this emphasis on experience risk sidelining discernment? Staton’s call for a more Spirit-led faith resonates with some, while raising concerns for others who worry about mistaking emotion for divine guidance.

Angel Studios’ “Brave the Dark” spotlights a teacher’s fight to help a struggling young man in a story that balances heartwarming mentorship with a raw portrayal of modern masculinity. The film breaks from faith-based norms, focusing on relatable, traditionally male dynamics that reflect empathy, tough love and understanding. With standout performances and thoughtful craftsmanship, it’s a hopeful step forward for faith-driven storytelling. 

Faith-based films are reshaping Christmas movies, bridging timeless traditions with modern audiences. As Hollywood shifts toward niche storytelling, faith-centered Christmas films are gaining traction, connecting deeply with families seeking meaning in the holiday season. With overlapping themes of family, hope and reconciliation, these films could redefine what it means to create a Christmas classic. Could faith-based movies become the future of holiday storytelling? 

Martin Scorsese’s “The Saints” offers a reverent portrayal of Christian heroes, blending dramatized storytelling with the director’s signature grit and grace. Through lives like Joan of Arc and Maximillian Kolbe, the series invites viewers to reflect on sacrifice, flaws and faith. While the docudrama doesn’t dive as deeply as some might hope, it’s a compelling introduction to saints who shaped history and whose legacies still inspire.

When forgiveness feels impossible, how do we move forward? ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ follows an artist as he confronts the pain of reconciling with his estranged father, raising questions about trauma, healing and redemption. With stunning imagery and a heartfelt narrative, the film challenges the boundaries of forgiveness and whether it always leads to reconciliation. It’s a story that asks you to reflect on your own relationships and what it takes to truly forgive.

The finale of "Rings of Power" Season 2 delivers a mix of triumph and missteps, offering a more faithful take on Tolkien’s world while still wrestling with some awkward writing and plot contrivances. Sauron’s manipulations intensify, Galadriel’s growth in humility takes center stage, and the humanization of orcs adds new layers. For fans of rich storytelling despite imperfections, this finale delivers plenty to unpack.

Faith-based films are capturing attention, with “The Chosen” and “Am I Racist?” taking center stage. These powerful stories address pressing cultural questions while drawing audiences who seek more than just entertainment. As these films rise in popularity, they’re sparking meaningful conversations and shifting the way faith-based storytelling is seen today. Their success signals a new era for faith-based storytelling, one that’s both thought-provoking and culturally relevant.

Regardless of concerns about AI, “Fleur de Lis” remains an entertaining show that is worth watching and supporting for people who want entertainment based deeply in a Christian imagination and who also want the content to be authentically dramatic and funny. 

‘Sound of Hope’ is the latest film distributed in theaters by Angel Studios — and the first in partnership with conservative media company The Daily Wire — produced by Letitia Wright. The film tells the true life story of the town of Possum Trot, who, inspired by the town’s pastor and his wife, adopts over 70 children in foster care.

‘Wildcat’ is a gorgeous and truthful portrayal of the inner world of a thoughtful Christian creative person. The film follows the life and fiction of the famous southern Catholic writer Flannery O'Connor (played by Maya Hawke), who wishes to be a great novelist but struggles against her growing terminal illness and rejection by her readers — both professional and personal.

‘Unsung Hero’ follows the Smallbone family, particularly David Smallbone, the family patriarch, and his wife Helen Smallbone, as they move across the world and face numerous hardships to have a better life and help themselves and their children achieve their dreams in the music industry.

Christians are divided on how to think about rise of singleness. One camp sees it as a problem that needs to be solved by helping people get married. The other sees the problem as society’s privileging of marriage — and believes that it’s the church that needs to adapt to reflect shifting demographics.