19 Movie plots that revolve around spirituality

The portrayal of spirituality in movies is one of the most profound explorations of human emotions. Tackling the themes of faith, belief, and the moral dilemmas of a human being through a good narrative can sometimes serve as a cathartic experience. These timeless stories often highlight humanity’s yearning for deeper meaning, inner peace, and connection with the transcendent. This genre of movies often encourages viewers to introspect and reflect upon their own spiritual journeys. Here's a list of 19 such movie plots that revolve around spirituality.

19) Paul, Apostle of Christ (2018)

This biblical drama, directed by Andrew Hyatt focuses on the story of Paul the Apostle, played by James Faulkner, and his final days in a Roman Prison. With sustained faith even in chains, his relationship with Saint Luke, played by Jim Caviezel, is at the core, dictating the essence of their mission and teachings. The film shows how their shared spirituality anchored them in the face of persecution. Paul’s letters, full of wisdom and guidance, provide a beacon of hope amid suffering.

18) Come Sunday (2018)

Directed by Joshua Marston, the film depicts a spiritual journey of transformation as Pastor Carlton Pearson, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, challenges traditional Christian beliefs. Facing backlash for heretical views, he preaches God's unconditional love and acceptance of all souls, irrespective of sins or faith. The film highlights his struggle with faith, the church, and his community, ultimately emphasizing spiritual growth, questioning, and the evolution of personal beliefs.

17) ⁠I Still Believe (2020)

This film is a profound tale of faith and love and tracks the real-life journey of Christian musician Jeremy Camp. The film delves into Jeremy’s, played by KJ Apa profound spiritual struggle and ultimate resilience as he grapples with his wife Melissa’s, played by Britt Robertson, terminal illness. Despite his heartbreak, Jeremy’s faith in God remains unshaken, as he channels his pain into his music.

16) ⁠12 Days With God (2019)

This movie tells the story of a man named Devin Sherman, played by Tyrone Jackson, who faces a tough battle with cancer. He has to go through several risky surgeries, and the doctors aren't sure he'll make it. During this challenging time, he turns to his faith and puts his trust in God, hoping for a miracle. The movie explores how his spirituality helps him cope with fear and pain. It's a touching story about the power of faith, hope, and the belief that something greater can help us through life's hardest moments.

15) ⁠Heaven Is For Real (2014)

Directed by Randall Wallace, this movie is based on the true story of a young boy named Colton Burpo who has a near-death experience. After recovering, Colton, played by Connor Corum, shares vivid descriptions of his visit to heaven, meeting Jesus, and encountering deceased family members. His accounts challenge his father, a pastor, and the community as they confront their beliefs about the afterlife, faith, and miracles. The movie delves into themes of hope, divine visions, and the profound impact of spirituality on individuals and families.

14) ⁠Resurrection (2022)

This 2022 psychological thriller, tells the story of Margaret, played by Rebecca Hall, a single mom with a good job, whose past comes back to haunt her. Her abusive ex-boyfriend, David, played by Tim Roth, shows up, forcing her to face her old fears and traumas. The movie is about Margaret finding strength and courage to overcome her difficult past. It touches on themes of inner strength, redemption, and personal growth, showing how dealing with past pain can lead to a new, stronger self.

13) Son of God (2014)

Christopher Spencer's 2014 film recounts the life of Jesus Christ, portrayed by Diogo Morgado, highlighting key events such as His birth, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. The film captures His unwavering faith, compassion, and teachings about love, forgiveness, and divine purpose. By exploring Jesus's profound impact on His disciples and the world, it delves deeply into spiritual themes.

12) ⁠Redemption Way (2017)

This film follows the story of Jenny, played by Kateline Griggs, a hospice nurse who struggles to keep her faith strong while dealing with her own problems and her work. When her childhood friend Autumn, Rose Sengenberger, gets leukemia and refuses to believe in God, Jenny starts to doubt her own faith too. As Autumn’s condition gets worse, Jenny has to find the courage to help her friend while dealing with her own doubts.

11) The Rite (2011)

The Rite follows the story of Michael Kovak, played by Colin O'Donoghue, a skeptical seminary student who is sent to study exorcism at the Vatican. His faith is tested as he confronts powerful demons and witnesses shocking events. Guided by an experienced exorcist, Anthony Hopkin's Father Lucas, Michael faces his own doubts and fears, ultimately finding his faith strengthened. It’s a haunting journey of spiritual awakening and resilience, making it a compelling narrative on the impact of faith and the supernatural.

10) ⁠The Blind (2023)

The Blind depicts the true story of Phil Robertson, the head of the famous Robertson family from the reality TV show Duck Dynasty. The movie is set in the 1960s and follows Phil, played by Aron Von Adrian, as he struggles with alcoholism and personal issues. With the help of his wife, Amelia Eve's Kay, and their faith, Phil turns his life around. The film shows how he finds strength and hope through his spirituality, dealing with themes like forgiveness, resilience, and faith.

9) ⁠Father Stu (2022)

Directed by Rosalind Ross, this biographical drama portrays Stuart Long's ( Mark Wahlberg) journey from a troubled boxer to an inspiring priest, embodying themes of spirituality and redemption. His physical struggles with inclusion body myositis and his unwavering faith highlight the transformative power of belief. Despite initial skepticism, Stu's journey reveals the profound impact of spiritual awakening, showing spirituality's ability to redefine one's life purpose.

8) ⁠Miracles From Heaven (2016)

This 2016 film tells the true story of Anna Beam, a young girl diagnosed with an incurable digestive disorder. The film's plot revolves around Anna's, played by Kylie Rogers, near-death experience and miraculous recovery, emphasizing themes of faith, hope, and divine intervention. Her mother, Christy, portrayed by Jennifer Garner, struggles with her loss of faith, only to rediscover it through the series of miraculous events that save Anna's life.

7) Mary Magdalene (2018)

Directed by Garth Davis, this movie explores spirituality through the lens of Mary Magdalene, played by Rooney Mara, a key figure in the life of Jesus Christ, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The film portrays her journey of faith, breaking away from societal norms and following Jesus as one of his disciples. It delves into her spiritual awakening, inner strength, and the profound bond she shares with Jesus.

6) ⁠Novitiate (2017)

Maggie Betts' 2017 film explores the intense spiritual journey of a young woman, Cathleen, played by Margaret Qualey, who joins a convent during the early period of the 1960s Vatican II reforms. The film delves into her inner struggles with faith, devotion, and personal identity as she trains to become a nun. Through her emotional and spiritual trials, the story sheds light on the complexities of religious commitment and the quest for personal connection with the divine.

5) ⁠The Two Popes (2019)

The Two Popes delve into the intricate spiritual dynamics between Pope Benedict XVI, played by Anthony Hopkins, and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who later becomes Pope Francis, played by Jonathan Pryce. Their intense dialogues reveal their differing approaches to spirituality, faith, and the future of the Catholic Church. The film highlights their personal spiritual journeys, with Benedict's traditionalism and Bergoglio’s progressive views coming into engaging conflict and eventual mutual understanding.

4) The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Directed by Mel Gibson, this biblical drama focuses on the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, offering a profound exploration of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. The film emphasizes Jesus', played by Jim Caviezel, unwavering spirituality even amidst immense physical suffering and emotional betrayal. His journey reflects deep spirituality, highlighting forgiveness and love for humanity.

3) Silence (2016)

Martin Scorsese's 2016 film, Silence, delves deeply into the complexities of faith and spirituality as it follows two Jesuit priests, Rodrigues and Garupe, played by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver respectively, on their perilous journey to Japan in search of their mentor, Ferreira, portrayed by Liam Neeson, who is rumored to have renounced his faith. The film vividly portrays the challenges they face in a land where Christianity is persecuted, and their faith is tested to its limits.

2) ⁠The Last Samurai (2003)

The Last Samurai showcases the spiritual transformation of Captain Nathan Algren, played by Tom Cruise, a disillusioned American soldier, who is captured by Samurai warriors during a rebellion in Japan. Immersed in their disciplined way of life, Algren finds inner peace and spiritual renewal through their practices and values. Algren's journey from brokenness to a meaningful connection with the Samurai culture underscores the power of spirituality to heal and transform.

1) Seven Years In Tibet (1997)

Jean-Jacques Annaud's biographical film chronicles the spiritual journey of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, played by Brad Pitt, who, after escaping a British POW camp, finds sanctuary in Tibet. There, he forms a profound friendship with the young Dalai Lama, who introduces him to Buddhist teachings. Based on the memoir of Heinrich Harrer, this spiritual bond transforms Harrer, shifting his perspective from self-centered ambition to compassion and humility.