Movies About Religion

Updated May 1, 2024

For Movies About Religion, there is no limit to the movies exploring this feeling. Here are 19 of our favorites.

Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (2012)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Alex Gibney, starring Alex Gibney, Terry Kohut, Gary Smith, Pat Kuehn
Rated TV-14

Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God is a 2012 documentary film directed by Alex Gibney that explores the unchecked abuse of power in the Catholic Church. The film tells the story of the first known public protest against clerical sex abuse in the United States, which took place in Milwaukee in the 1970s. The documentary utilizes interviews with four deaf men who were victims of Father Lawrence Murphy, a priest at St. John's School for the Deaf in Milwaukee, as well as experts and investigative journalists. The film examines the failure of the Church and civil authorities to protect these victims and hold their abusers accountable, as well as how decades of enabling priests allowed this abuse to continue. The film ultimately serves as a warning against unchecked power and authority, and an exploration of how individuals can take the risk of speaking out to protect the vulnerable.

Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief (2015)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Alex Gibney, starring Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor, David Miscavige
Rated Not Rated

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief is a documentary film directed by Alex Gibney and released in 2015. It explores the controversial Church of Scientology and its founder L. Ron Hubbard. The film highlights how the church has evolved over time, from its early days to its current structure and practices. It examines the church’s alleged abuses of power and its efforts to silence critics, with interviews of current and former members and other experts. The film exposes stories of alleged coercion, manipulation, and abuse, as well as the church’s efforts to silence members who speak out against it. It also explores the church’s influence on public figures and celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta. In the end, the film encourages the viewer to question their own beliefs and consider the implications of blind faith.

Religulous (2008)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Larry Charles, starring Bill Maher, Tal Bachman, Jonathan Boulden, Steven Burg
Rated R

Religulous is a 2008 American documentary film directed by Larry Charles and starring political comedian Bill Maher, who is also its writer and producer. In the film, Maher travels around the world, interviewing people from various religious backgrounds, such as Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Mormons, to explore the contradictions and inconsistencies between religious faith and the reality of modern life. Throughout the film, Maher discusses his own beliefs, highlights the absurdities of religion, and offers his own satire-infused take on organized religion. He also takes aim at what he considers to be the dangers of organized religions, such as their intolerance of dissenting opinions and the use of religion for political power. The film is a humorous but often thought-provoking look at religion in the modern world.

I Am (2010)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Tom Shadyac, starring Tom Shadyac, Desmond Tutu, Noam Chomsky, Ray Anderson
Rated Not Rated

I Am is a documentary featuring director Tom Shadyac discussing what he learned from his experiences with a debilitating brain injury and a spiritual awakening, as well as interviews with leading scientists, philosophers, and spiritual leaders. The film explores the interconnectedness of all life and how we can move forward in a more positive direction by adopting more compassionate and sustainable lifestyles. It encourages viewers to examine the way we think and how our ideas and perspectives affect our experience of the world. It suggests that by living in harmony with nature and one another, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

An Honest Liar (2014)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Tyler Measom, Justin Weinstein, starring James Randi, José Alvarez, Penn Jillette, Teller
Rated Not Rated

An Honest Liar is a 2014 documentary film directed by Tyler Measom and Justin Weinstein. It tells the story of James “The Amazing” Randi, a famous magician and escape artist who has dedicated his life to exposing frauds, hoaxes, and charlatans who use pseudoscience and the supernatural to deceive and exploit people. Through interviews and archival footage, the film follows Randi's career from his rise to fame in the 1960s to his ongoing efforts to unmask modern-day frauds. It also explores the private life of Randi, including his secret relationship with another man, and provides a look at the personal sacrifices Randi made to protect others from being taken advantage of.

Kumaré (2011)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Vikram Gandhi, starring Vikram Gandhi, Toby, Greg, Molly
Rated Not Rated

Kumaré is a documentary film directed by Vikram Gandhi. The film follows Gandhi as he transforms himself into an Indian guru in an effort to explore the effects of blind faith on a community. By posing as a guru, Gandhi visits various cities in the United States, meeting people and offering spiritual wisdom. Through his interactions with his followers, Gandhi discovers the power of belief and the lengths to which people will go to find answers. As he learns more about the world of gurus and their followers, Gandhi must ultimately decide whether or not to reveal his true identity. The film is an exploration of the power of faith and the ability of people to shape their own reality.