Last year was a memorable year for the film industry with the blockbuster combo of Barbenheimer—Barbie and Oppenheimer. Other Box Office topping films include The Super Mario Brothers Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, Spiderman, Wonk, and Mission Impossible- Dead Reckoning, to name only a few. To see a full list, you find it here. Other movies contended for awards like Killers of the Flower Moon. There also was an exorcist battle between The Pope’s Exorcist and Nefarious, the first performing much better than the second, though Nefarious was a more faithful depiction of the genre. 

There are movies that everybody talks about and have large marketing budgets. Others that quietly release, have a great storyline but are mostly unheard of and do not receive the attention they deserve. These movies often appeal to a religious audience, because they often contain religious themes or an inspiring message. Here are some of the inspiring movies of 2023.  

The Most Uplifting Movies Of 2023

Jesus Revolution

When I looked at the list of 2023 movies, I was shocked that Jesus Revolution was released only a year ago. To me, it seems much more time has passed. Fans of Jonathan Roumie, the actor who places Jesus on The Chosen, surely enjoyed the film as he stars alongside Kelsey Grammar. It is a protestant, evangelical flick, capturing the true story of how a hippie sparked a faith renewal. I wrote a very popular Catholic review of the movie, which you can read here.

Miracle at Manchester

Miracle at Manchester recounts the story of a teenager’s battle with cancer, a community’s support and prayer, and the miracle that changes lives. I originally watched this movie because a friend of mine played an extra. This led me to a free trial of Great American Pure Flix, where one could watch this inspiring story today.  

On a Wing and a Prayer

What happens when a couple is being flown privately and the pilot suffers a heart attack? A husband and father rise to the occasion, communicate with air traffic control, and hope to land the plane. Produced by Roma Downey, it is available on Amazon Prime.  My original review here.

Sound of Freedom

This movie shocked the box office with how well it performed and was a notch in the belt of Angel Studios, putting them on the map and current trajectory.. The movie highlights the scourge of human trafficking, especially of youth, and sparked a movement to counter it. The movie has faced some controversy over whether or not the story of its main figure is true, and he has been plagued with scandal and accusations. Nonetheless, the message and challenge continues for those who fight human trafficking today. 

Dreamin’ Wild

This was a unique movie. Unfortunately, it didn’t get the attention it deserved. It’s the story of a dad and his two sons. The sons recorded a few tracks in their childhood and, decades later, a recording label wanted to pick up their music. With flashes from the past and responding to the challenge of the present moment, this movie tells a true story. 

My original review is here. 

The Hill

It’s the story of a pastor, husband, and dad. His son, Rickey, has a degenerative spinal disease. Yet he dreams of playing baseball. The movie retells Rickey’s life story, his success in baseball, and his struggling relationship with his father. Since its release, I’ve seen the movie several times, and never tire of recommending it. 

I can testify to the success of The Hill. I was fortunate to interview Rickey Hill and the movie producer. I did what I always do- upload it to YouTube and hope for 100 views. What happened next and still is happening surprised me. My YouTube interview blew up. People were seeing this movie in theaters and wanted to know more, and for whatever reason my interview was number one in the YouTube algorithm. When the movie hit Netflix and topped itsit’s charts as a crowd favorite, my views continued to increase, standing at 43,000+ today.

My original Catholic-link review is here.

A Million Miles Away

Everybody dreams of being an astronaut when they are a kid. Few seek to follow that dream. An unlikely future astronaut as a child of migrant workers, key people enter his life and set him on his path. Learn the five ingredients for success and see how determination and never giving out allow him to accomplish his dream. 

See my original review here. 

Migration

Follow the journey of a flock of ducks as they migrate. Join them as they get lost and have to make the best of their situation. An openness to the chaos that is happening allows friendships to form. 

Boys in the Boat

Released on Christmas day in 2023, Boys in the Boat brought an end to the inspirational movies of 2023. A university team of rowers accomplishes the unthinkable by qualifying for the Olympics. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie and silently cheered within as they competed. There is a lot to look for in the movie, as outlined in my original review.