Netflix is actually a neighbor of Family Theater Productions, located a short way up Sunset Boulevard here in Hollywood, California. It has a vast store of offerings, and tucked in there are some worthy choices for the Catholic audience.
We recently took a look at the summertime hit KPop Demon Hunters, but here's a few picks from the library you may want to check out. Only two are specifically Catholic, but they all explore valuable themes and ideas.
The Two Popes (2019)
This movie is an imagined account of an encounter between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, soon-to-be Pope Francis.
While the two men differ on a number of opinions and each maintains his worldview, they grow to appreciate each other and become close.
Their shared mission and love for Christ’s Church are but one facet of their relationship. Brilliantly acted and filmed, Catholics may enjoy getting to know a characterization of two of the men who have formed our Church most recently.
It's also a fictionalized but thoughtful example of how two men with differing ideas can still find common ground in faith, charity, and mutual respect.
Mysteries of the Faith docuseries (2023)
This fascinating docuseries zeroes in on a number of key Catholic relics, studying their origins and their relevance through the centuries.
While the series looks more into the historical context and current devotion to certain relics, than the miraculous or devotional roots of each relic, I found it an interesting view into which devotions have remained active into the 21st century.
Each episode focuses on a key artifact of Catholic history. The episode on the Crown of Thorns also tells dramatic stories about its survival of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, with no little thanks due to heroes in the Parisian fire department.
Click here for our more in-depth examination of the series, from our own Father Vince Kuna, C.S.C.
Redeeming Love (2023)
Produced by a series of L.A.-based Catholics and Christians, Redeeming Love is the adaptation of a bestselling novel of the same name by Francine Rivers. The story is inspired by the biblical book of Hosea, an allegory for the redeeming, unconditional love of God despite the infidelity of the Jewish people.
While it portrays an accurately brutal depiction of prostitution and abuse for women in the Gold Rush era, the love story at its center is a beautiful depiction of unconditional love that wins out over even the worst of evils.
Note: I’d only recommend watching it above the age of 16, as it deals with very heavy subject material and can be graphic. It is not an easy movie, but I find it inspiring and very moving.
Miracles From Heaven (2016)
This film pays tribute to a mother’s faith, as it is challenged and grows. Christy’s daughter Anna suffers from an incurable condition. But when a near-death experience starts Anna talking about a visit to Heaven, the possibility of a miraculous healing inspires hope for Christy and doctors.
While the characters aren’t Catholic, their faith and experience with the healing power of God are a beautiful testament to the possibility of His saving grace in everyone’s lives.
Prince of Egypt (1998)
You’ve likely heard parts of the spellbinding Prince of Egypt soundtrack, and if you haven’t seen the movie yet, get the kids together for a movie night this weekend.
It’s the story of the young Moses, growing up in the Egyptian palace and discovering his identity as a child of God, called to set his people free. It’ll teach your kids about one of the key stories of Genesis while enrapturing the audience with a beautifully animated, incredibly orchestrated artistic experience.
Image: Shutterstock
Sophia Sariego is a Los Angeles native working in the pro-life movement. She loves Eucharistic Adoration, making music, and hitting the beaches in her spare time.
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