Fancy a brilliant family movie this Christmas with a strong Christian theme? Take your pick from these blockbusters.
Star Wars Episode IV: Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi is packed with Christian themes, from the temptation of Luke Skywalker by the dark side to Darth Vader’s eventual redemption and salvation. We might forgive Luke for yielding to the temptation to attack his evil father, but the Jedi shows him mercy as he lies injured. Darth Vader’s redemption comes as he intervenes to save his son and casts off the dark side for good.
Gospel themes: temptation, redemption, salvation
Frozen
Arguably one of the most popular children’s movies of all time, Frozen is based on fairy tale The Snow Queen and touches on the theme of redemption. Anna pursues her lost runaway sister Elsa to protect her from magical powers she cannot control. Just as Elsa is about to be killed, Anna sacrifices her life to save her.
Gospel themes: sacrifice, redemption
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo Baggins and his friends set out to destroy the infamous ring of Middle Earth but, while they know of its evil power, they constantly struggle to resist the temptation that ensnares any who hold it. Then there’s Aragorn, the Fellowship member who is eventually revealed as the heir to Gondor’s throne. Fellow member Boromir is overwhelmed by temptation for the ring, but as he lies dying, he seeks Aragorn’s forgiveness and is forgiven by the unlikely king.
Gospel themes: sin, temptation, forgiveness
Les Misérables
Frenchman Jean Valjean struggles to flee his past after a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread and attempting to escape, but the kindness of a priest helps him get his life back on track. Courage, love, and compassion flow through the film as Valjean transforms from a hate-filled and hardened criminal into a well-respected man who devotes himself to caring for young orphan Cosette.
Gospel themes: grace, mercy, forgiveness
Iron Man
Tony Stark’s life may be filled with money and supermodels, but it’s empty, with no family or friends. When he is kidnapped and tortured by terrorists in Afghanistan, he bonds with fellow prisoner Yinsen. In what is essentially a conversion story, Yinsen gives his life to save Tony and begs him not to waste his life. Tony returns home, faces the reality of his wasted life and finds salvation by making up for his mistakes, becoming a superhero in the process.
Gospel themes: salvation, redemption, sacrifice
Walk the Line
Walk the Line charts the downfall of Johnny Cash. The singer nearly killed himself with a life of drugs, drink and women until he found June Carter and, eventually, discovered Christ. While the film doesn’t major on this latter part of his life, Cash found redemption and seized a second chance at life, going on to record gospel albums with his new wife and even sing in Billy Graham crusades.
Gospel themes: redemption, transformation
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo (pictured above) echoes the story of the prodigal son as it tells how Nemo’s father travels the length and breadth of the ocean in search of his lost son. Despite the heartache the little adventurer’s travels cause, Nemo’s father longs to be reunited with his wayward son and welcomes him home with open fins.
Gospel themes: the prodigal son, unconditional love, selflessness
