Movies About Church

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film tells the story of an oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, who is driven by an unyielding ambition to become one of the most powerful men in California. With the help of his young son and a mysterious drifter, Plainview becomes a ruthless oil tycoon and develops a strong rivalry with a charismatic evangelist, Eli Sunday. As Plainview and Eli's rivalry intensifies, it leads to violence and bloodshed, which threaten to tear apart the small community in which they live. The film was nominated for numerous awards, including eight Academy Awards, and won two: Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis and Best Cinematography for Robert Elswit.

From William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Rated R

The Exorcist is a horror film directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973. It tells the story of a 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil who is possessed by a demon. The film follows two Catholic priests, Father Lankester Merrin and Father Damien Karras, as they attempt to save Regan from the demon by performing an exorcism. The priests face a battle of faith and science as they try to rid Regan of the possession. As the priests try to help Regan, they are met with terrifying and unpredictable occurrences. In the end, the priests are able to successfully exorcise the demon, restoring Regan to her former self.

From Gregory Hoblit, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney
Rated R

Primal Fear is a 1996 legal thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney and Edward Norton. The film revolves around the trial of Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), an altar boy accused of murdering an influential Catholic Archbishop. Aaron is defended by Martin Vail (Richard Gere), an ambitious defense attorney who is out to prove that Aaron is the victim of a conspiracy. Vail and the prosecutor Janet Venable (Laura Linney) both face personal conflicts as the trial progresses, and the question of Aaron's guilt or innocence becomes more complicated than anyone imagined. The film is ultimately a journey of self-discovery for Aaron, and a demonstration of the power of the justice system to uncover the truth. Primal Fear is a gripping courtroom drama that ultimately leaves the audience to decide whether or not Aaron is guilty.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft
Rated Not Rated

The Nun's Story is a 1959 American drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Edith Evans and Peggy Ashcroft. It follows the story of Sister Luke (Hepburn), a young Belgian woman who enters a Roman Catholic religious order and struggles to find her place in the world. Despite the disapproval of her superior (Evans), Sister Luke embarks on a crusade to become a true nun and help others. Along the way, she is faced with temptations and struggles to reconcile her desire for human relationships with her religious vocation. As she strives to honor her vows, she discovers the depths of her faith and ultimately finds her true place in the world.

From Barry Levinson, starring Robert De Niro, Kevin Bacon, Brad Pitt, Jason Patric
Rated R

Sleepers is a 1996 American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and starring Brad Pitt, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, and Kevin Bacon. Set in the early 1960s, it tells the story of four teenage boys from Hell's Kitchen, New York, who are wrongfully imprisoned for a prank gone wrong. The boys are sent to an upstate New York reformatory, where they are subjected to extreme cruelty and abuse. After their release, two of the boys, now adults, seek revenge against their former tormentors. The film takes a powerful look at the lingering effects of childhood trauma and the potential for revenge.

From Richard Donner, starring Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, Harvey Stephens, David Warner
Rated R

The Omen is a 1976 horror film directed by Richard Donner. It follows the story of Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck), an American diplomat who is given the task of adopting an orphaned baby, Damien. Little does he know that the child is actually the Antichrist, sent to cause destruction and chaos. As his family and those around him are picked off one by one, Robert begins to realize Damien's true nature and must find a way to stop him before it is too late. The film is filled with suspense and horror, culminating in a nail-biting finale.

From Tim Robbins, starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry
Rated R

Dead Man Walking is a 1995 film directed by Tim Robbins and based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Sister Helen Prejean. It tells the story of a Louisiana nun, Sister Helen Prejean, who works as a spiritual advisor to a death row inmate, Matthew Poncelet. The film follows the difficult moral dilemma Sister Helen faces as she attempts to help Poncelet face his imminent execution. Along the way, she learns more about Poncelet's past and helps him to confront the consequences of his actions. The film's themes of morality, redemption, justice, and faith are addressed from a Catholic perspective, as well as from a broader, more humanist point of view. Ultimately, the film suggests that love is the only thing that can truly redeem a human life.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Paul Greco
Rated R

The Last Temptation of Christ is a 1988 drama directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the novel of the same name, written by Nikos Kazantzakis. It follows the life of Jesus, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, from his time in the desert up to his death on the cross. As Jesus struggles with his purpose, he is offered a vision of a different, more earthly life by Satan. In this vision, Jesus is shown a world of happiness and pleasure, where he can be a husband, a father, and a man who does not have to sacrifice himself. In the end, Jesus makes the ultimate sacrifice for mankind, rejecting Satan's offer and embracing his own destiny. The film is a powerful exploration of faith and the human desire to understand one's purpose in life.

From James Wan, starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor
Rated R

The Conjuring is a supernatural horror film directed by James Wan. It follows the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who are called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. As they investigate, the Warrens discover a powerful demonic entity that has latched itself onto the family and is threatening to destroy them. With the help of their knowledge of the occult, the Warrens attempt to drive the demon out of the farmhouse and save the family. This thrilling, intense and chilling film will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Mel Gibson, starring Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov
Rated R

From Peter Care, starring Kieran Culkin, Jena Malone, Emile Hirsch, Vincent D'Onofrio
Rated R

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated PG-13

From Brian Dannelly, starring Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Patrick Fugit
Rated PG-13

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Jean Reno, Ian McKellen
Rated PG-13

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd
Rated PG-13

From Rupert Wainwright, starring Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Pryce, Nia Long
Rated R

From Mikael Håfström, starring Colin O'Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins, Ciarán Hinds, Alice Braga
Rated PG-13

From Peter Hyams, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Byrne, Robin Tunney, Kevin Pollak
Rated R

From Stephen Hopkins, starring Hilary Swank, David Morrissey, AnnaSophia Robb, Idris Elba
Rated R