In an inspiring holiday success story, The Forge, a Christian film about faith and redemption, has become a breakout hit on Netflix, securing a spot in the platform’s Top 5 most-watched movies in the U.S. Released on December 21, the film quickly gained traction during the Christmas season, surpassing major titles like Barbie and Sing.

Directed by Alex and Stephen Kendrick—renowned for their faith-based films such as War Room and Overcomer—The Forge weaves a powerful narrative of transformation. The story follows Isaiah, a young man grappling with uncertainty, who finds direction and faith through a life-changing discipleship program led by a wise and compassionate mentor.

Featuring performances from Cameron Arnett, Aspen Kennedy, Karen Abercrombie, Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings, and Benjamin Watson, the film combines a heartfelt script with a talented cast and delivers a story that resonates deeply with audiences.

“Discipleship is different than just being a convert to the faith,” director Alex Kendrick explained in an interview with Crosswalk Headlines. “Salvation is a free gift through Jesus, but discipleship requires denying oneself, taking up a cross daily, and truly following Him. It’s a journey, and we wanted to reflect that.”

The Kendricks hope The Forge will inspire viewers to embrace discipleship as a core part of their faith journey. Through the film’s portrayal of one-on-one mentorship, they highlight the transformative power of investing deeply in others, much like Jesus did with His disciples.

“It’s not always easy, but it produces deeper fruit,” Kendrick said. “When believers practice authentic discipleship, they grow closer to the Lord and show the world what genuine faith looks like.”

Kendrick also emphasized the urgency of living out a committed Christian faith: “What the world needs isn’t more lukewarm Christians but people who are fully devoted to Jesus and seek to glorify Him in their everyday lives.”

The Forge’s success on Netflix is a milestone for Christian cinema. It proves that spiritually enriching stories can captivate mainstream audiences. By surpassing high-budget films like Barbie, it paves the way for more faith-based projects to reach broader audiences.

Beyond its entertainment value, The Forge serves as a rallying cry for the church to deepen its commitment to discipleship. Its message challenges viewers to reflect on their walk with Christ and consider how they can invest in the spiritual growth of others.