Faith-based movies are bigger than ever. Christians used to get excited when such a film would forego the typical direct-to-video route and make its way to the big screen; nowadays, we're not only seeing more biblical films than ever at the cineplex, we're seeing them do well, and even warrant sequels. 

As God's Not Dead 2--the first major sequel of a Christian film--hits theaters, members of the NRT staff share their favorite faith-based movies of the past few years.  

Lead Contributor Kevin Davis:
Grace Unplugged Grace Unplugged is an excellent faith-based film that I plan to watch with each of my three daughters and lovingly discuss with them my desire for each of them to personally "own" their saving faith in Jesus Christ. Whether or not music has had a big impact on your life or your walk with the Lord, I highly recommend going to see the prodigal daughter-inspired film, Grace Unplugged, starring AJ Michalka (of Ali and AJ) as Grace Trey. 

The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke's Gospel account (Luke 15:11-32), is everyone's story. In one way or another, we all want our inheritance and want to squander everything with prodigal living. The Good News of the Gospel is that we're never too far away from the reach of our loving Father, God. If you liked the faith-based films Soul Surfer, Courageous and Home Run, then you absolutely must see Grace Unplugged. It is easily the most entertaining and life giving film I've seen in the past five years. The movie is a beautiful, well-acted and inspirational portrayal of grace.
 
Associate Editor Mary Nikkel:
To Write Love On Her Arms
Although falling outside the realm of your average Christian movie, To Write Love On Her Arms is a film that displays aspects of the redemptive work of Christ in one of the truest ways I have seen in recent years. The movie delivers a story rather than a polemic, offering a glimpse into the struggles and ultimate recovery journey of Renee Yohe, the real-life girl who inspired the global movement that is To Write Love On Her Arms. 

The imaginative piece treads gently through the subjects of depression, drug addiction, abuse, self injury and suicide with startling grace and unflagging dedication to the reality that we human souls need each other to reach healing-- as imperfect as we all may be. This movie is not for the faint of heart (and given the topics addressed obviously comes with a trigger caution for those in recovery), but it is for those looking for an honest, not-oft-told redemption story. Added bonus: Artists Between the Trees and Paper Route make appearances in the movie.
 
Executive Editor Marcus Hathcock:
The Song
I saw The Song at a special preview screening at Creation Northwest nearly two years ago, and I was blown away. The story isn't one that's terribly unfamiliar--a virtuous artist trying to make it has a hit and struggles with the pitfalls of stardom--but it's done so beautifully and artfully, and goes out of its way to reflect its ultimate source material, the life of King Solomon. It was refreshing to see a Christian film that didn't just extol virtues like faith, fidelity and love, but also tastefully illustrated the real, dark sides of life, too, without glorifying it. I was relieved that the script (and its delivery) lacked cliches, cheesy/unrealistic dialogue and uncomfortable preachiness. 

Alan Powell was incredible as main character Jed King, and the former Anthem Lights singer even pulled off singing Americana in a way that made me want to see a full "Jed King" record someday. The two ladies in his life--his virtuous wife Rose (played by Ali Faulkner), and the singing seductress Shelby (played by Caitlin Nicol-Thomas)--expertly embody their heroic and villainous characters without coming across as one-dimensional. At the end of the film, I feel educated on the life of Solomon (and the Proverbs), encouraged in my marriage, and cautious as to the things that motivate me. The Song accomplishes exactly what you want any good film to do: entertain, make you think and make you feel. 
 
News Curator Caitlin Lassiter:
The Grace Card & Courageous
Although the film is a bit older and less known than most, The Grace Card is, in my opinion, one of the very best ever made. Without feeling cliche or overdone, the movie gives a stunning picture of grace and forgiveness in the most tragic situations. The storyline feels real and captures you in a wave of intense emotion. Watchers are sure to stay on the edge of their seat through the whole movie, moved to tears by the overarching power of Christ's forgiveness and the choice we have in Him to forgive others.
   
And one of the most popular Christian films out there, Courageous follows the storyline of a group of cops striving to be better fathers. Through tragedy and triumph, the movie uses the perfect blend of humour and seriousness to drive home their point. Also one of the more genuine feeling films I've seen, the storyline is relatable to many families struggling in this area and has been a source of inspiration to many fathers across the globe. 
 
What's your favorite Christian movie? Any one of these? Another one? Share in the comments below!