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Joan of Arc's Passion (1928)
Renée Jeanne Falconetti, known for her remarkably expressive facial acting, brings to life the story of the iconic martyr during her trial in England, which ultimately led to her death. While the religious undertones are clear, Joan’s unwavering faith transcends simple labels. The film also masterfully captures the chaotic energy of the masses, whose fury grows as Joan remains silent in the face of their jeers. This aspect feels strikingly relevant even today, nearly 100 years after the film’s release. Highly recommended here.
Where to watch: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel
Silence (2016)
Martin Scorsese’s Silence offers no simple resolutions—in fact, it raises more questions than it answers, which is precisely what makes it so compelling. The narrative centers on two Jesuit priests from Portugal who journey to Japan during the Tokugawa period to locate their mentor, who has mysteriously vanished amidst the brutal suppression of Christians. Tackling themes of persecution, colonization, and the endurance of faith when met with divine silence, this film stands as one of Scorsese’s finest works. Highly recommended here.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
Calvary (2014)
Among the films listed, Calvary stands out as one of the most challenging to categorize: it blends subtle and absurd humor with profound tragedy and introspective moments. The premise is deeply unsettling—a man enters the confessional of Father James (Brendan Gleeson) and reveals a harrowing story of sexual abuse by a priest. He vows to kill Father James, a good priest, in one week as retribution for the loss of his innocence. The film is both captivating and thought-provoking, offering no simple resolutions. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Miracle of Marcelino (1955)
Extremely popular in Spain and well-received in the U.S., Miracle of Marcelino brings to life a Medieval legend about a mischievous orphan left at a monastery. Despite his troublemaking, he becomes the only one capable of communicating with a statue of Christ located in the attic. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Sling TV, Tubi
Lilies of the Field (1963)
Sidney Poitier made history by winning the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Homer Smith, a traveling handyman who finds himself working for a group of nuns in Arizona. Tensions arise between Homer, a Baptist, and his Catholic employers, but the film ultimately celebrates themes of acceptance and mutual respect. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Pluto TV
The Exorcist (1973)
While Catholic priests often appear in horror films, none are as iconic or impactful as Father Merrin, portrayed by the legendary Max von Sydow in this classic. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Way (2010)
This heartfelt project, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father, Martin Sheen, follows a group of pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Sheen’s character carries his son’s ashes, intending to scatter them along the journey. The film’s sincere storytelling resonates with a wide audience. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
A Man for All Seasons brings to life the tale of Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England, who stood firm against King Henry VIII’s split from the Catholic Church. More refused to endorse the annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon and, more controversially, declined to acknowledge the King as the head of the Church of England. At the time, this was seen as a clash within Catholicism, as Henry sought to diminish the Pope’s authority without abandoning Catholic traditions. The historical outcome, however, was far more dramatic. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Moonstruck (1987)
Olympia Dukakis stars as the matriarch of an Italian-American family in the Bronx, deeply rooted in Catholic traditions and preoccupied with themes of mortality. While the film includes overtly religious elements, it also captures the essence of a culturally Catholic family, steeped in generations of faith and tradition. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Dead Man Walking (1995)
Susan Sarandon stars as Sister Helen Prejean, a real-life Catholic nun renowned for her opposition to capital punishment, while Sean Penn portrays a character inspired by two murderers Prejean had ministered to. The film powerfully advocates for empathy and humanity, even in the wake of brutal actions. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Despite Mel Gibson’s controversial remarks over the years, the film continues to face criticism for alleged antisemitism, and its graphic depiction of Jesus’ crucifixion is not suited for sensitive viewers. However, for many, it remains the most definitive cinematic portrayal of this biblical event. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi
Spotlight (2015)
This Academy Award-winning Best Picture tackles the Catholic Church’s global child abuse scandal, spanning decades and drawing on The Boston Globe’s investigative journalism to shed light on the crisis. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Jennifer Jones delivers a remarkable performance as Bernadette Soubirous, later canonized as Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, whose visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858 led to the creation of the revered sanctuary at Massabielle. While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, it remains impactful and earned four Oscars, including Best Actress for Jones. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
This entry represents the entire LOTR trilogy, so viewers should immerse themselves in the nearly 12-hour saga to fully grasp its layered themes. While J.R.R. Tolkien’s deep faith influenced his writing, he avoided direct allegory, even criticizing his friend C.S. Lewis for being too overt in his religious references. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Trouble with Angels (1966)
Rosalind Russell shines as the composed Mother Superior overseeing a Catholic girls’ boarding school in Pennsylvania. This charming and engaging film, directed by Ida Lupino—one of the few women directing major Hollywood productions at the time—also features Mary Wickes, who later played an unforgettable nun in Sister Act. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
I Confess (1953)
While not Hitchcock’s finest work, I Confess is an underappreciated noir featuring Montgomery Clift as a priest who hears the confession of a church caretaker responsible for a lawyer’s accidental death. Bound by the sanctity of confession, Clift’s character becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Several users included the Old Testament epic The Ten Commandments, though it might not perfectly fit the criteria. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Wise Blood (1979)
One of John Huston’s later films, Wise Blood initially faded into obscurity but has since been recognized as a quintessential piece of 1970s auteur cinema. Despite being made by a seasoned Hollywood veteran, it feels fresh and daring. Based on Flannery O’Connor’s novel, it follows Hazel Motes (Brad Dourif), who establishes an anti-religious movement in a town filled with eccentric characters, only to find himself unable to escape the profound aspects of Catholicism. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel
The Mission (1986)
Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons star as colonial figures in South America with conflicting agendas: De Niro’s Mendoza is a ruthless slave trader driven by greed, while Irons portrays a missionary leader striving to convert indigenous people to Christianity. While rooted in historical events, the film’s focus on white protagonists shaping the fate of native populations limits its depth. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Babette’s Feast (1987)
Several users highlighted Babette’s Feast, which is intriguing given its setting within a Lutheran community. The film’s lavish visuals might evoke a high-church aesthetic, or perhaps viewers see reflections of their own faith in its beloved narrative. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Agnes of God (1985)
Exploring complex Catholic themes, Agnes of God features Meg Tilly as a young nun who claims virginity after giving birth. Jane Fonda portrays a psychiatrist delving into a potential abuse case, while Anne Bancroft rounds out the stellar cast as the mother superior. Highly recommended here.
Where to stream: HBO Max
