6 Christian movies coming to theaters this spring : The success of faith-based films in recent years has led to a resurgence of Christian movies being made by Hollywood filmmakers.
2019 is expected to echo 2018 and be a blockbuster year for Christian films, as the Tim Tebow-backed production “Run the Race” has already brought in over $4 million domestically at the Box Office.
Last year, the film “I Can Only Imagine” brought in $17.1 million domestically during its opening weekend, and over $83 million in total, superseding expectations. And the movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ” was among the top 10 films at the box office during its opening weekend.
Here’s a list of six faith-based movies coming out this spring.
‘The Islands’ (March 22)
“The Islands” is based on the true story of Hawaiian Queen Chiefess Kapiolani who came to faith in Jesus Christ over 200 years ago. Her conversion made such an impact that it brought Christianity to all of the Hawaiian islands.
Her conversion to Christianity was “considered the greatest act of moral courage by any world leader,” the filmmakers said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.
The Tim Chey film was shot in Hawaii and features newcomer Teuria Shanti Napa as Chiefess along with Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino and actor John Savage who play Boston missionaries who arrive in Hawaii in 1821. Many of the lead characters in the movie include native Hawaiians and Polynesians.
For more information, click here.
Unplanned (March 29)
The pro-life film “Unplanned” tells the true story of former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson who quit her high profile position at the abortion provider to become a pro-life advocate. Johnson went on to start the nonprofit And Then There Were None to help other women leave the abortion industry.
The Pure Flix film was given an R rating even though filmmakers were certain they were making a PG-13 film. The MPAA informed the filmmakers that they received their first R rating for “some disturbing/bloody images” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Unplanned” stars Ashley Bratcher (“90 Minutes in Heaven”) as Johnson and was written and directed by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon, who also wrote “God’s Not Dead” and “God’s Not Dead 2.” The movie was partially funded by Michael Lindell, a born-again Christian and the founder of the company MyPillow.
“Unplanned” will be released in theaters nationwide on March 29. For more information, click here.
Palau the Movie (April 4, 6)
“Palau the Movie,” an autobiographical film, journeys through the life of world-renowned evangelist Luis Palau. The film tells his life story of being a bad tempered young street preacher who goes on to impact the world for Jesus.
As seen in the trailer, the movie begins by showing a young Palau whose father has died and then has to help his impoverished family. He’s later inspired by listening to Billy Graham on the radio, which leads him to go into ministry. The film also shows some of the trials he faced as a street preacher.
“Palau the Movie” began production in Argentina before the shocking announcement that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year.
“Palau the Movie” will be releasing on April 4 and 6 across the U.S. and Latin America. visit the film’s Facebook page or PalautheMovie.com for more information.
Breakthrough (April 17)
From the producer who brought the blockbuster hit “Miracles from Heaven,” Devon Franklin’s new film “Breakthrough” tells the miraculous real-life account of Joyce and John Smith, a mother and son who show the true power of prayer.
“When Joyce Smith’s adopted son, John, falls through an icy Missouri lake all hope looks lost. Even though John lies lifeless for more than an hour, his mother refuses to lose faith and prays for a miracle. To the astonishment of everyone present, her prayers are answered as John’s heart suddenly begins to beat again, defying every expert, every case history, and every scientific prediction. Mere days after the accident, he’s able to walk out of the hospital under his own power, completely healed,” the movie’s synopsis reads.
The cast includes Chrissy Metz (“This Is us”), Topher Grace (“That 70s Show”), Mike Colter (“Luke Cage”), Josh Lucas, Lecrae and Marcel Ruiz.
“Breakthrough” is based on Joyce Smith’s book, The Impossible, and was adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (“Seven Pounds”). Pastor Samual Rodriguez is listed as executive producer of the film.
For more information, visit breakthroughmovie.com.
The Pilgrim’s Progress (April 18, 20)
Revelation Media is gearing up to release a CGI animated film based off The Pilgrim’s Progressthat was written by John Bunyan while he was in prison, persecuted for preaching the Gospel.
The film will be shown in theaters nationwide and around the world in April. A portion of the profits from the film will be donated to support international missions.
Revelation Media launched a Kickstarter campaign during the film’s early stages which helped raise over $60,000 to complete the project and translate it into 20 languages.
Donations collected from the Kickstarter fundraiser along with advanced ticket sales of the English version will pay for the film to be aired on the second largest TV network in Iran on Easter weekend. The film will also be distributed on our countries where Christians face heavy persecution.
The film is expected to reach 3 billion people worldwide. Ultimately, the goal of Revelation Media is to offer “The Pilgrim’s Progress” CGI animated film to viewers in over 100 different languages.
“The Pilgrim’s Progress” CGI animated film will be in theaters around the country on April 18. Tickets for the movie are on sale at Fathom Events.
Click here for a free Pilgrim’s Progress e-book featuring stills from the movie.
Pilgrim’s Progress – Trailer from Revelation Media on Vimeo.
Bright Ones (April 22)
Bethel Music partnered with Fathom events to make their first-ever feature film named after their youth album “Bright Ones.”
“‘Bright Ones’ follows the lives of three students, each embarking on a journey to find their identity while attending a performing arts high school. In the vein of ‘High School Musical,’ the film embraces themes of friendship, family and the courage to find your own voice and identity in God,” the movie’s synopsis reads.
The motion picture will feature original music by members of Bethel Music, including Jenn Johnson and Steffany Gretzinger.
“Bright Ones” will be showing at select theaters and churches nationwide for a one-night event on April 22.
For more information, visit Fathom Events.
