If there is anything that the Academy Awards, known as The Oscars, told us as Catholics, it is that some of the nominated movies were not wholesome or family-friendly or Catholic movies. The winner of Best Picture, Anora, details the life of a sex worker, and according to what I’ve read, is fairly pornographic and explicit in the first 30-40 minutes. I offered a brutal review of The Brutalist, because I found the few sexual scenes unnecessary to the overall storyline of the film.
When I share with people that I’m a fan of film, that I write reviews, and often have the chance to pre-screen films, some criticize me and tell me as a priest I need to be praying more. They don’t understand what I try to do. I try to make faith connections between secular content. How can what I watch make me think about God, the scriptures, or faith?
For those who might be anti-Hollywood because of political ideologies or their animosity at times to faith, you can still enjoy movies too. There are some great Christian films being released, but there are also Catholic films, specifically films about the saints that you might enjoy. You could consider watching the movie on the feast day of the saint, or simply any time of the year to grow in your knowledge and admiration for these holy men and women. There is a wide range of saint movies- from ones that appeared on the big screen in theaters, to Italian-based mini-series, to lower-budget films. This list is only a beginning, but hopefully will inspire you with some Godly and holy content in your life for film consumption.
Catholic Movies Worth Watching
Cabrini (2024)
One of the most recent films in theaters about a saint was Cabrini, chronicling the journey of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and her ministry in the United States. The movie received favorable reception for the most part, though I thought there was a sub-agenda behind a layer of the storyline. Angel Studios distributed the movie and it can be watched on their streaming platform.
John Paul II (2005)
I played hooky from religious education back in 2005 when the two-part series on John Paul II starring Jon Voight aired on CBS. I believed I’d gain more by watching it than heading to an evening religious ed class. I don’t know if that was a good mindset, but this was before the days of watching things later through an app; to see it, you had to watch it live! I’ve re-watched this movie several times over the years and have always been inspired by the heroic life and example of St. John Paul II.
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
This is a classic and an Academy Award-winning film. It is based on the novel by Franz Werfel and is a beautiful retelling of the events that occurred in a village in the Pyrenees in France. Watching this movie as a young person formed my love for Mary and the apparition of Lourdes. I need to rewatch this movie again soon!
Of Gods and Men (2010)
Trappist monks living in Algeria suffer persecution and martyrdom from Islamic aggressors. The monks had to decide if they wanted to stay or leave; they chose to stay. This movie tells their story. It is a moving portrayal of monastic life and their faithfulness at a difficult time.
Mother Teresa (2003)
There are several Mother Teresa movies out there. It shouldn’t be surprising that she was a visible religious sister in the Catholic Church, doing the Lord’s work among the poorest of the poor. While she lived during the lifetime of many Catholics, there is a new generation of Catholics who are not familiar with her story. Capturing her life on film continues to tell her story today and inspires us to deeper faith and service. A documentary about her life was released in 2023 by the Knights of Columbus called “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love.”
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
If you are an Anglophile, then you’ll want to watch this historical drama piece released in 1966 and winner of six Academy Awards. St. Thomas More stood up to King Henry XIII to defend the Catholic faith, and you can guess what happened next. A Man for All Seasons can be rented on YouTube or watched/rented on Amazon Prime.
The Reluctant Saint (1962)
Ever hear of the flying saint? St. Joseph Cupertino was known for his levitations. He also is the patron saint of students and those studying for exams. He was a Franciscan friar and is not as well-known as some of the Franciscan saints are—let The Reluctant Saint introduce you to his life and story.
Molokai (1999)
Call me biased, but I love the movie Molokai, because St. Damien of Molokai is one of my favorite saints. He happens to be my birthday saint. His story is heroic- born in Belgium, he joined the religious community his brother entered. His brother, Pamphile was supposed to go to America, but illness prevented him. St. Damien went instead and served the lepers on the island of Molokai. From shouting his confession to a priest on a boat to having his character maligned because of misconceptions about leprosy, he dies after contracting the disease.
Stream on Tubi, Roku, Amazon Prime, or YouTube.
St. Patrick (2000, 2020)
Everybody’s favorite saint on March 17th is the subject of two movies over the years.
St. Patrick: The Irish Legend- a made-for-TV movie (2000)
I Am Patrick: The Patron Saint of Ireland (2020)
A Hidden Life (2019)
Bl. Franz Jagerstatter might not be a household name. This movie tells his story of resistance against the Nazis and unwillingness to fight in World War II. If you are going to watch, be advised the run time is 174 minutes.
Fatima (2020)
A movie about the 1917 Marian apparitions in Portugal, it will inspire you with Our Lady’s message and motivate you to pray the rosary. The lives of the shepherd children, Saints Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia, are on display in the re-telling of the apparitions.
For Greater Glory (2012)
The Cristero War gave the church several saints, including Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio and Blessed Miguel Pro. For Greater Glory sheds light on the Cristero War and the story of José Sánchez del Rio.
Jose Sanchez del Rio was the subject of a recent Spanish film, Mirando Al Cielo (2023).
St. John of the Cross (1997)
Longtime Catholic insiders will remember Leonardo Defilippis and his one-man shows. When I perused the shelf of films at Conception Seminary in the library, I selected to watch one night this one-hour-long movie. At the end of the movie, I went from my seminary dorm room to the basilica to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. This movie moved me to pray. It was formative and powerful at a time when I needed the movie.
At the End of the Santa Fe Trail (2023)
Have you heard of Servant of God Sister Blandina? She belonged to the religious sisters founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and ministered to Billy the Kid. Film director Tomas Sanchez tells her story through a dramatic presentation. Order a copy of the DVD today and support her religious community and cause for sainthood: https://www.srcharitycinti.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Blandina-CD-order-1.pdf
Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story (2024)
She was a FOCUS missionary whose life ended to soon, succumbing to cancer. She radiated joy, even in illness, and her cause for sainthood is now open. This movie debuted in theaters for a Fathom event in Fall 2024, and is now available for streaming on EWTN ON Demand.
PRAY: The Story of Patrick Peyton (2020)
Venerable Patrick Peyton was a rosary crusader, who, after a miraculous healing, spent his life laboring to promote devotion to Mary. He filled football stadiums, preaching and leading prayer. Meet this holy man in a documentary produced by Family Theater Productions. Stream on Prime or purchase on iTunes.
Man of God (2021)
This movie is not about a Roman Catholic saint, but an eastern orthodox saint, St. Nektarios of Aegina. Not knowing anything about the saint, I found his story inspiring and walked away with a few spiritual lessons. This movie helps us realize that other faith traditions regard some followers as saints too.
COMING SOON: Triumph of the Heart (2025)
Filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio looks forward to the release of Triumph of the Heart in 2025, which is a dramatic re-telling of the life St. Maximilian Kolbe, a faithful priest, evangelist through print, devotee of Mary, and martyr who gave his life in exchange so another could live. Whose heart triumphs in the end? If you know, you know. Watch for this movie to release hopefully in 2025.
Other Catholic Movies by Streaming Services
I cannot testify to the accuracy or value of these films, but through searching found the following films on various platforms-
Formed.org- A Streaming platform of the Augustine Institute
This is a Catholic platform, and all movies on this platform can be recommended.
Padre Pio: Miracle Man
Pope John Paul II
Mother Teresa
The Violinist (about Blessed Solanus Casey)
Bakhita: From Slave to Saint (runtime 3 hours 17 minutes)
100 Hearts: Betrayal and Forgiveness in the Life of Blessed Clelia Merloni
St. John Bosco: Mission to Love (runtime 3 hours 16 minutes)
Restless Heart (St. Augustine, runtime 2 hours 13 minutes)
I Prefer Heaven (St. Philip Neri)
St. Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor to the Poor (runtime 2 hours 56 minutes)
Karol
Chiara Lubich: Love Conquers All (Italian, option for English Subtitles or English dubbed)
Catholic Movies On Amazon Prime
St. Peter and the Persecution of Christians
St. John in Exile
St. Hildegard: Trumpet of God
St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father
St. Clare of Assisi and The Poor Clares
St. Junípero Serra: A Man of God, A Mission of Love
Max
The Flowers of St. Francis
The Passion of Joan of Arc
Ignatius Press
Ignatius Press has an impressive collection of Catholic films available purchase. To peruse the catalog, visit https://ignatius.com/videos/
Image: Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash
