18 Christian Movies for Kids (Family Movie Night Guide)

The best Christian movies for kids are The Prince of Egypt, Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, The Star, and The Chronicles of Narnia -- real films the whole family can watch together, with options for every age from preschool to teens. Below are 18 family Christian movies organized by age, each with a note on what to expect and one discussion question to ask when the credits roll.

That last part is the secret. A movie plus one good question at dinner does more spiritual formation than the movie alone ever will. Kids process stories by talking about them -- so we've done the question-writing for you.

Which Christian Movies Work for the Youngest Kids (Ages 3-7)?

For preschool and early elementary, stick with animated films that are rated G or gentle PG with nothing frightening. These four are safe bets.

1. Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)

The VeggieTales crew retells Jonah with big musical numbers and genuine laughs, and the message about second chances and God's compassion comes through clearly. Ages 3+. Talk about it: Why did God give Jonah a second chance -- and why did He want to give Nineveh one too?

2. The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)

Three cowardly cabin boys learn that heroes aren't born brave -- they become brave by doing what's right. Lighter on direct Bible content than Jonah, but the courage theme is solid. Ages 3+. Talk about it: What's something hard God might be asking you to do even though you're scared?

3. The Star (2017)

The Nativity story told from the animals' point of view, with a brave little donkey named Bo leading the way to Bethlehem. Funny enough for repeat viewings and surprisingly faithful to the Christmas story's heart. Ages 4+. Talk about it: Why do you think God announced the birth of the King to shepherds and animals instead of kings?

4. Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)

DreamWorks' companion piece to The Prince of Egypt covers Joseph from the pit to the palace, landing hard on forgiveness -- "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). A couple of tense scenes; fine for most 5-year-olds. Ages 5+. Talk about it: How was Joseph able to forgive brothers who sold him?

What Are the Best Christian Movies for Ages 8-12?

Elementary and middle schoolers can handle real dramatic stakes, and this is where the richest films live. These eight range from animated epics to live-action adventure.

5. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Still the high-water mark for biblical animation. Moses' story -- the burning bush, the plagues, the Red Sea -- told with stunning visuals and a soundtrack ("When You Believe") your family will hum for weeks. The plagues and the death of the firstborn are intense, which is why we place it at 8+ rather than younger. Talk about it: Moses told God he wasn't a good enough speaker. What did God do about it -- and what does that mean when you feel not-good-enough?

6. The Miracle Maker (2000)

A claymation life of Jesus told partly through the eyes of Jairus' daughter, with Ralph Fiennes voicing Jesus. It's the best film introduction to the Gospels for kids we know -- reverent, moving, and paced for children. The crucifixion is handled carefully but is still the crucifixion. Ages 7+. Talk about it: Which miracle of Jesus surprised you most, and what did it show about who He is?

7. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

C.S. Lewis' allegory on screen: Aslan willingly dies in a traitor's place and rises again, breaking the power of the White Witch. Battle scenes and Aslan's death earn the PG rating. This is the single best film for opening a conversation about the gospel with kids. Ages 8+. Talk about it: Who does Aslan remind you of, and why did he take Edmund's place?

8. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

Darker and more battle-heavy than the first film, with a strong thread about trusting Aslan even when he seems slow to appear. Ages 9+. Talk about it: Lucy saw Aslan when no one else did. Why is it sometimes hard to keep believing when others don't?

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

A sea quest where Eustace's transformation from dragon back to boy -- something he cannot do for himself -- is one of the best pictures of grace in family film. Ages 8+. Talk about it: Why couldn't Eustace remove the dragon skin himself? Who had to do it?

10. The Pilgrim's Progress (2019)

A well-made animated adaptation of John Bunyan's classic allegory: Christian's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, complete with the Slough of Despond and Vanity Fair. Great for kids ready to think in symbols. Ages 8+. Talk about it: What "burden" was Christian carrying, and where did it finally come off?

11. Facing the Giants (2006)

The Kendrick brothers' football drama about a losing coach who decides to praise God whatever the outcome. The acting is homespun, but the "death crawl" scene alone is worth the watch for any kid who plays sports. Ages 8+. Talk about it: The coach said "We praise You when we win and we praise You when we lose." Is that easy or hard? Why?

12. Letters to God (2010)

A boy battling cancer writes letters to God, and the postman who receives them is changed by reading them. Tender and sad in places -- have tissues ready -- but hopeful about prayer and heaven. Ages 9+. Talk about it: Tyler talked to God like a friend. What would you write if you wrote God a letter tonight?

Which Christian Movies Are Best for Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+)?

Older kids are ready for true stories and bigger emotional weight. These six deliver, and they hold up for the adults in the room too.

13. Miracles from Heaven (2016)

The true story of Annabel Beam, a girl with an incurable disorder whose fall into a hollow tree preceded an unexplained healing. Jennifer Garner is excellent as a mom wrestling with doubt. Deals honestly with unanswered prayer before the miracle. Ages 10+. Talk about it: The mom got angry at God before she saw the miracle. Is it okay to be honest with God about doubt?

14. Soul Surfer (2011)

The true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a shark and returned to compete -- anchored by her family's faith and Jeremiah 29:11. The shark attack is brief but intense. Ages 10+. Talk about it: Bethany asked how losing her arm could be part of God's plan. How would you answer her?

15. Breakthrough (2019)

The true story of John Smith, who fell through ice, was without a pulse for nearly an hour, and recovered after his mother prayed over him. A powerful film about persistent prayer. Ages 10+. Talk about it: Jesus told a story about a widow who wouldn't stop asking (Luke 18:1-8). How is that like John's mom?

16. I Can Only Imagine (2018)

The story behind MercyMe's hit song: Bart Millard's abusive father was transformed by Christ before his death, and the song grew out of that redemption. The depiction of the abusive home is why this is a tweens-and-up pick. Ages 11+. Talk about it: Bart said his dad went from a monster to the man he wanted to become. Can anyone be too far gone for God?

17. Overcomer (2019)

A basketball coach reluctantly trains a cross-country runner with asthma, and both discover their identity isn't in what they do but in whose they are. The clearest gospel presentation of any Kendrick brothers film. Ages 10+. Talk about it: When Hannah was asked "Who are you?", what answers did she find in Ephesians?

18. The Ten Commandments (1956)

Cecil B. DeMille's four-hour epic with Charlton Heston as Moses is a rite of passage -- the parting of the Red Sea still lands. Watch it in two sittings and treat the Hollywood additions as a fun spot-the-difference exercise against Exodus. Ages 10+. Talk about it: What did the movie add that isn't in the Bible? Read Exodus 14 together and compare.

How Do You Turn a Movie Into a Real Conversation?

Ask one open question, then let silence do the work. Kids shut down under quizzing, but they'll talk if you ask what surprised them and genuinely wait. Three habits that help: ask your question over food rather than the moment the movie ends; share your own answer first sometimes; and connect the film back to the actual Bible story where there is one -- our guide to Bible stories with moral lessons for kids pairs well here.

If your kids love the movie versions of these stories, that interest is a door. Our video lessons at Faithful Kids walk kids through the same Bible narratives -- Moses, Joseph, Jonah, David -- in short episodes with a quiz after each one, so the stories stick long after movie night. And for the everyday screen-time rhythm between movie nights, see our screen time rules for Christian families, the shorter-form picks in Christian cartoons for kids, and our full guide to Christian alternatives to YouTube for kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Christian movie for family movie night?

The Prince of Egypt is the best all-around pick for families with kids 8 and up, and Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie is the best choice when younger siblings are watching. If you want one film that opens a gospel conversation, choose The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Are the Narnia movies Christian?

Yes, in allegory form. C.S. Lewis, a Christian author, wrote Aslan as a Christ figure -- he dies willingly in a traitor's place and rises again. The films never mention Jesus directly, which actually makes them a gentle way to start a conversation: ask your kids who Aslan reminds them of.

What age is The Prince of Egypt appropriate for?

Around age 8 is the sweet spot. The film is rated PG, and the plagues, the death of the firstborn, and Pharaoh's decree against Hebrew babies are emotionally intense for younger kids. Sensitive 6-7 year olds can watch with a parent who's ready to pause and talk.

Where can I watch Christian movies for kids?

Availability rotates, but most of these films can be rented or bought on Amazon, Apple TV, and other digital stores, and several rotate through Netflix, Hulu, and Great American Pure Flix. DVDs remain the most reliable option for the animated titles, and libraries often carry them free.

Are VeggieTales movies actually biblical?

Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie follows the book of Jonah's arc closely -- the running, the storm, the fish, and God's compassion on Nineveh -- with comedic additions. The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything teaches a biblical value (courage) through an original story rather than retelling Scripture. Both are worth watching; just read the real book of Jonah together afterward.

How often should we do family movie night?

Once a week works well for most families -- frequent enough to be a ritual, rare enough to stay special. Let kids take turns choosing from a parent-approved shortlist, and keep the after-movie question light. One good conversation a week, compounded over years, is a serious discipleship tool.