From musicals to comedies, dramas to biopics—regardless of genre, all films are on equal footing when award season comes around. That's when a movie's theme is an objective view instead of a subjective filter. What if the film has a faith-based underlying composition to it? For some, it's an insurmountable hurdle. For others, it's a surprising element.
Some movies are undeniably the best in different areas. And if they have a Christian or spiritual theme, they're more enjoyable for the Church. Here are seven of those Oscar-winning films that have a profound Christian theme.
"Conclave" (2024)
Adapted from the thrilling Robert Harris novel, this mystery thriller set in the Vatican centers on the conflict between righteousness and reality. Featuring an all-star cast, Ralph Fiennes is Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals, poised to govern the election of a new Pontiff.
Something more surreptitious is happening than the Papal Conclave itself, and it's his job to discover what. His reverence for God and mission to do what is right lead him on this righteous mission, ultimately ending this fascinating film.
"Those who have reverence for the Lord will learn from Him the path they should follow" (Psalm 25:12 GNT).Oscars: 1, Best Adapted Screenplay
"Sergeant York" (1941)
Gary Cooper remarkably plays Alvin York, one of history's most decorated war veterans. The Medal of Honor recipient led a patrol in WWI that captured 132 German soldiers and 35 machine guns. His life became a Hollywood legend when his inner battle became the core of this script.
Then, a Corporal, York, was a devout Christian and a pacifist. Heading into WWI, he wanted to be declared exempt from the draft because he didn't want to fight. Losing that battle, he accomplished great exploits for God by almost single-handedly capturing those enemies of war without a grave amount of violence.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17 ESV).
Oscars: 11, including Best Actor, Picture, Director, and Screenplay
"Silence" (2016)
Martin Scorsese is an icon among Hollywood's elite directors but still doesn't get the respect he deserves for the historical drama Silence, which features Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver. In it, they play Jesuit priests on a mission to proselytize the medieval Japanese kingdom of Edo and rescue their mentor, played by Liam Nesson.
Christian persecution is ongoing, and just because it isn't in the news, that doesn't quell the cries for help from the 13 Christians killed each day for believing in Jesus. Even during the 17th century, Christians were faced with staying true to their faith or hiding it to preserve their lives. This movie tackles that gripping dilemma beautifully.
"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also" (John 15:19-20 NIV).
Oscars: 1, Best Cinematography
"Ben-Hur" (1959)
A resounding epic starring Charlton Heston, "Ben-Hur" is a modern portrayal of Joseph through the life of a 1st-century Jewish prince from Jerusalem named Judah Ben-Hur (Heston). Like Joseph, Ben-Hur was betrayed by someone he loved, sold into slavery, and survived a brutal existence only to return home to a wealthy and respected man.
The plot twist is that he later meets Messala (Stephen Boyd), the friend who betrayed him and is faced with challenging him to win a chariot race before the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. That's only half of the film. The other half is a quest for Ben-Hur to find his family, who has contracted leprosy. His goal is to take them to Jesus of Nazareth for healing. He finds him nailed to a cross and hears his dying words of forgiveness. It is worth all 212 minutes invested to watch this glorious film.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
Oscars: 12, including Best Picture, Actor, Director, Supporting Actor, and Score
"The Sound of Music" (1959)
Considered one of the most prolific musicals ever made, "The Sound of Music" tackles a theme familiar to many Christians: the power of calling. Julie Andrews is a novice in an Austrian Abbey who struggles to follow convent rules but believes she has a purpose in being there. When a fiercely strict Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) loses his wife, Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) sends young Maria to serve as a governess for his seven children, like a foster mother.
She struggled to be a nun, but as she watched these children, Maria learned she could serve the Lord anywhere. Through joy, music, and love, she fills the children's lives and empty hearts with everything God offers. Her plight to serve God is resonant throughout the film, and the purity of its message can't be overstated—follow God, not your heart, and you will fulfill the calling of the Lord.
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
Oscars: 5, including Best Picture and Director
"Amadeus" (1984)
"Amadeus" was the middle name of one of the most gifted composers in musical history, Mozart. However, it also means "Beloved of God." That name makes the title of this semi-biographical film central to a theme of faith. The spotlight isn't upon Mozart (Tom Hulce) but his aging and senile counterpart, Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). He promises devotion to God in hopes of being made a success.
Throughout the movie's fascinating flashbacks, Salieri struggles with envy, hatred, resentment and personal faith. He confesses murder to a priest, which creates a mesmerizing tapestry of personal accounts related to the young maestro. As the movie ends, Saleri's life turmoil remains unresolved because he wants Amadeus to fall, who took his gifts for granted, only to realize that the gift from God is what was to be exalted.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17 KJV).
Oscars: 8, including Best Actor, Picture, and Director
"Schindler's List" (1993)
This definitive movie about the Holocaust is Steven Spielberg's opus. A true collective about Oskar Schindler, who defied the laws of Nazi Germany and embraced the faith of God. Schindler, embodied by Liam Nesson, struggles throughout the entire film while saving the lives of 1,100 innocent Jews trapped in Poland and fleeing for safety.
Throughout the film, Schindler is being tracked by Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes). That is Schindler's evil enmity for all the good he puts back into the dark world he fights daily. It's a strenuous battle for peace in the morose atmosphere Nazi Germany has created and for the lost souls scared to exist.
Oskar goes from conniving capitalist to the Harriet Tubman of the Jewish people, proving when God has something for you to do, no one can deny His loving grace.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35-39 NIV).
Oscars: 7, including Best Director, Screenplay, and Director
These Oscar-winning films remind us that biblical truth can be found in the most unexpected places—even in Hollywood's biggest productions. Whether overtly faith-based or subtly woven with spiritual themes, each movie speaks to the human condition and our deep need for redemption, grace, and purpose. They prove that God’s messages of love, sacrifice, and calling can shine through powerful storytelling. For believers, these films aren't just entertainment—they're a reflection of eternal truths worth celebrating.
