Movies About The Church

From Orson Welles, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead
Rated PG

Citizen Kane is the story of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful publishing magnate who uses his wealth and power to influence the lives of those around him. After his death, an investigative news reporter is hired to uncover the meaning behind Kane's mysterious last words: "Rosebud". As the reporter interviews Kane's former friends and associates, a picture of Kane's life begins to emerge, revealing a man with a tragic past and a tortured soul. The reporter ultimately discovers the secret behind Kane's last words, leading to a powerful and moving conclusion.

From Fritz Lang, starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
Rated Not Rated

Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction drama film directed by Fritz Lang. Set in a futuristic urban dystopia, it follows the struggle of Freder, the wealthy son of the city's master, and Maria, a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a saviour. As Freder attempts to bridge the gulf between the classes, a mad scientist creates a robotic version of Maria, which he plans to use to incite the workers to rebellion. This leads to a chaotic struggle between the rich, the workers, and the robot Maria, which ends with the city in ruins. Throughout the film, Lang's innovative visual style and highly stylized sets express the oppressive nature of technology and modern life in a totalitarian state. The film, widely considered a classic of silent cinema, has become influential in the development of science-fiction genre, and is considered one of the most important films of the German Expressionist movement.

From Godfrey Reggio, starring Edward Asner, Pat Benatar, Jerry Brown, Johnny Carson
Rated Not Rated

Koyaanisqatsi is a 1982 experimental, non-narrative documentary film directed by Godfrey Reggio and produced by Francis Ford Coppola. The title of the film comes from the Hopi language, meaning “life out of balance”. The film contrasts the beauty of nature with the chaos of technology and society in the modern world. Throughout the film, cinematographer Ron Fricke captures images of landscapes, cities, and people, while composer Philip Glass’s music plays in the background. Reggio’s film is meant to be a statement on the disconnect between humanity and nature, and the ever-increasing power of technology and industry. The film serves as a warning, asking viewers to question the direction that humanity is heading and to think about the consequences of their actions.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett
Rated Passed

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is an adventure drama directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt. It tells the story of three down-and-out Americans in Mexico during the 1920s who join together to search for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains. They face great difficulties and dangers, both from the elements and from other desperate individuals on the same quest for wealth. In the end, the treasure proves to be more trouble than it is worth, as greed and paranoia lead to tragedy.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with hunting down and killing four replicants—genetically engineered androids—who have illegally returned to Earth. As he searches for the replicants, Deckard becomes increasingly sympathetic to their struggles and begins to question his own humanity. Along the way, he discovers a shocking truth about the replicants' lives and his own. The film was a box office success and has since become a cult classic. Blade Runner is widely considered to be one of the greatest science fiction films ever made.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York
Rated Passed

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 American courtroom drama film directed by Stanley Kramer, based on the 1955 play of the same name written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. The film, which stars Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, and Dick York, tells the story of two lawyers debating the controversial Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925. The film follows the real-life court case of a Tennessee high school teacher, John Scopes, who was charged with violating the state's Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. The trial pits defense attorney Henry Drummond (Tracy) and prosecuting attorney Matthew Harrison Brady (March) against one another in a battle of science and faith. The film examines issues of personal freedom, the conflict between tradition and progress, and religious fundamentalism. The story ends with a plea for tolerance and understanding.

From Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason
Rated Not Rated

The Night of the Hunter is a 1955 American thriller film directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish. The film tells the story of a sinister and murderous preacher, Harry Powell (Mitchum), who attempts to con an unsuspecting widow and her two young children out of the hidden fortune of their late father. The widow, Willa Harper (Winters), is desperate to protect her children from Powell and his violent and destructive ways. Meanwhile, Rachel Cooper (Gish), a kindly and wise preacher, takes it upon herself to help the children while risking her own life in the process. The film is a classic thriller that is both suspenseful and hauntingly beautiful, ultimately delivering a powerful lesson on the importance of protecting innocence.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a classic horror film directed by Roman Polanski. The story follows the story of Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes), who move into an old apartment building in New York City. Rosemary soon becomes suspicious of the strange behavior of their elderly neighbors Minnie and Roman Castevet, who are part of a mysterious and sinister cult. As her pregnancy progresses, Rosemary discovers that the Castevets are planning to use her unborn baby in a horrifying ritual. Fearing for the safety of her baby, Rosemary must confront the horrific truth and ultimately make an impossible choice. Rosemary's Baby is a terrifying and suspenseful thriller that builds to a shocking conclusion.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Ruth Roman, Leo G. Carroll
Rated PG

Strangers on a Train is a classic suspense thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951. It follows two strangers, Bruno Anthony and Guy Haines, who meet on a train and form a pact that could have deadly consequences for one of them. Bruno suggests that they “exchange murders” whereby he would kill Guy's estranged wife, Miriam, and Guy would kill Bruno's father in return. When Guy refuses the offer, Bruno takes matters into his own hands and begins to stalk Miriam. Guy must find a way to prove Bruno's guilt before it's too late. As the suspense builds and the pacing quickens, the two men's plan spirals further and further out of control. In the end, only one of them will walk away alive.

From John Huston, starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore
Rated Passed

The Asphalt Jungle is a 1950 crime drama directed by John Huston. The movie follows the lives of a group of criminals as they plan and execute a major heist. Led by a veteran criminal mastermind, the gang plans to rob a jewelry store and make off with a large sum of money. The heist goes off without a hitch, but the team is quickly tracked down by the police, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful final act. Along the way, the characters explore the moral implications of their actions and grapple with the consequences of their actions. The movie serves as a stylish and tense portrait of the criminal underworld, and features a classic ensemble cast including Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, and Marilyn Monroe.

From Tod Browning, starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates
Rated Not Rated

Freaks is a 1932 American horror film directed by Tod Browning and starring Harry Earles, Daisy Earles, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates and Wallace Ford. It follows a group of people referred to as "freaks" — sideshow performers with deformities, disabilities and physical abnormalities. They are ostracized by society and treated as outcasts, but they form a close-knit family. The film follows the story of a trapeze artist who joins the circus, seduces one of the freaks, and attempts to take advantage of the family. The freaks eventually get revenge on the trapeze artist, who is punished for her deceitful actions. The film has come to be seen as an important work of horror cinema, and has spawned remakes and sequels.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotten, Macdonald Carey, Henry Travers
Rated Passed

Shadow of a Doubt is a classic suspenseful thriller written and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows the story of young Charlie, who is shocked to discover that her beloved uncle, Charlie Oakley, may be the "Merry Widow" serial killer terrorizing her hometown. As Charlie delves deeper into her uncle's past, she finds herself in danger as she becomes increasingly convinced of his guilt. The film is a gripping exploration of familial loyalty and the lengths one will go to protect a loved one. As Charlie struggles to protect her uncle while trying to uncover the truth, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats until the thrilling climax.

From Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear
Rated G

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart. The film is based on the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. It tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour the legendary and mysterious chocolate factory of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka. Along the way, Charlie and his companions encounter nutty characters, fantastical inventions and delicious treats. The film stars Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, and the rest of the cast includes Roy Kinnear, David Battley, and Julie Dawn Cole. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Music and Song for the iconic song, "Pure Imagination".

From David Lynch, starring Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern
Rated R

Blue Velvet is a psychological thriller written and directed by David Lynch. It follows the story of Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), a college student who returns to his hometown of Lumberton after his father has a stroke. Upon his return, Jeffrey discovers a human ear in a field and sets out to investigate the mystery behind it. His investigation leads him to a nightclub singer, Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini), who is being terrorized by a disturbed criminal, Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). Jeffrey finds himself caught in a web of intrigue as he attempts to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, he also develops a romantic relationship with Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), a high school girl. Blue Velvet is a dark exploration of the underbelly of small town America and a meditation on violence, power, mystery, and the hidden depths of human experience.

From Directors: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr., Norman Ferguson, David Hand, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Corey Burton
Rated G

Fantasia (1940) is an animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney. The film is set to pieces of classical music, conducted by Leopold Stokowski, performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. The music is synchronized to images of nature, mythology, and live-action sequences. The film features seven segments, with the most famous segment being "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" starring Mickey Mouse. Other segments include "The Rite of Spring", depicting the creation of the world, "The Nutcracker Suite", "The Pastoral Symphony", "Dance of the Hours", and "Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria". Fantasia has become a classic film and is one of the most popular family films of all times. It was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. The film has inspired several sequels, including Fantasia 2000 (2000).

From Directors: Howard Hawks, Richard Rosson, starring Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Karen Morley, Osgood Perkins
Rated PG

Scarface, directed by Howard Hawks and Richard Rosson and released in 1932, is a classic gangster film set in the Prohibition-era of Chicago. The story follows Tony Camonte (Paul Muni), an ambitious gangster seeking to become the most powerful mob boss in the city. After eliminating his rivals, he and his right-hand man, Guino Rinaldo (George Raft), face their toughest challenge - taking down Big Louie Costillo, the reigning mob boss in town. In the end, Tony's ambition proves to be his downfall and he finds himself in a sticky situation that he can't get out of. Despite its dark subject matter, Scarface is a thrilling, action-packed classic that stands the test of time and continues to entertain audiences today.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Edward G. Robinson, Ida Lupino, John Garfield, Alexander Knox
Rated Approved

The Sea Wolf is a 1941 black-and-white drama film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Edward G. Robinson, Ida Lupino and John Garfield. The film is based on the 1904 novel The Sea-Wolf by Jack London. The film tells the story of Wolf Larsen (Robinson), a ruthless and cruel captain of a seal-hunting schooner, and his crew of misfits and stowaways. Larsen is intent on exploiting his crew for his own personal gain, and his behavior is brutal and oppressive. When a shipwrecked writer, Humphrey Van Weyden (Garfield), finds himself aboard Larsen's ship, he struggles to maintain his sanity and dignity in the face of overwhelming odds. He soon finds himself in a battle of wills with Larsen that will ultimately have deadly consequences. The Sea Wolf is a gripping and powerful drama that highlights the themes of power, justice and morality. With its impressive cast and intense portrayals, The Sea Wolf is a classic film that continues to resonate to this day.

From Robin Hardy, starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Britt Ekland
Rated R

The Wicker Man is a 1973 British horror film directed by Robin Hardy. It tells the story of a police officer, Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward), who is sent to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan. On the island, he discovers a strange pagan cult, led by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). Howie soon realizes that the inhabitants are preparing a human sacrifice for their harvest festival and that the missing girl will be used as the offering. In a desperate attempt to save Rowan, Howie must confront the island’s powerful leader and the rituals of the cult before it's too late. The film is renowned for its suspenseful atmosphere and its unique blend of horror and religious themes.

From Woody Allen, starring Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, Mike Starr, Paul Herman
Rated PG

From Richard Fleischer, starring Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck Connors
Rated PG

From Michael Winner, starring Charles Bronson, Hope Lange, Vincent Gardenia, Steven Keats
Rated R

From Roger Corman, starring Vincent Price, Hazel Court, Jane Asher, David Weston
Rated Not Rated

From Bryan Forbes, starring Katharine Ross, Paula Prentiss, Peter Masterson, Nanette Newman
Rated PG

From Michael Crichton, starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, James Brolin, Norman Bartold
Rated PG

From John Huston, starring Brad Dourif, John Huston, Dan Shor, Harry Dean Stanton
Rated PG