Worst Faith-Based Movies: Top 10 Rankings You Need to See
Faith-based films occupy a distinctive space in the cinematic landscape, with the primary aim of inspiring and forging connections with viewers through narratives centered on belief, perseverance, and redemption. This subgenre has been witnessing a surge in popularity, evidenced by the success of notable films like The Sound of Freedom and The Blind. While exploring religious themes in cinema holds value, this genre is often criticized for being overly preachy and lacking in sophistication, frequently prioritizing its moral message over storytelling. Consequently, a plethora of poorly crafted faith-based films populate this space, failing to resonate with audiences.
With this context in mind, we present a list highlighting some of the most significant offenders in this genre. These films, ranging from simplistic storylines to questionable artistic choices, misfire on the very themes they intend to illuminate. Though their intentions may stem from a place of sincerity, the lack of depth and quality in their execution often results in alienation, leaving only the most devoted viewers engaged.
10 Uninspired Adaptation: ‘Christian Mingle: The Movie’ (2014)
Directorial Effort by Corbin Bernsen
“I’m looking for someone who loves me for me—and maybe also loves the Lord.” Although one might not expect much from a film inspired by a dating app, Christian Mingle: The Movie disappointingly fails to meet even those low expectations. The plot revolves around Gwyneth Hayden (Lacey Chabert), who enrolls in the Christian Mingle dating site despite her non-religious background. As she navigates the online dating world, she encounters Paul (Jonathan Patrick Moore), a sincere and devoted man. Yet, as their romance develops, Gwyneth’s absence of authentic faith creates tension, unraveling their relationship.
Despite its wholesome intentions, this film grapples with tonal inconsistencies, awkwardly balancing between a sincere romantic comedy and unintentional satire. While Chabert’s charm shines through in moments, her performance ultimately cannot rescue a narrative that lacks both depth and authenticity. The film ends up feeling more like a hollow advertisement aimed at attracting more users to the dating platform rather than providing meaningful entertainment.
Christian Mingle
- Cast
- Lacey Chabert , Jonathan Patrick Moore , Stephen Tobolowsky , Saidah Arrika Ekulona , John O’Hurley , Morgan Fairchild , David Keith , Corbin Bernsen , Erin Bethea , Tony D. Czech , Jill Saunders , Sascha Alexander , Justin Dray , Jessa French , Jelynn Sophia , Anna Anderson
- Runtime
- 99 minutes
9 A Disappointing Attempt: ‘Last Ounce of Courage’ (2012)
Directed by Darrel Campbell and Kevin McAfee
“Freedom isn’t free—it’s paid for by the brave.” Last Ounce of Courage tells the story of Bob Revere (Marshall Teague), a small-town mayor and Vietnam veteran. He embarks on a quest to reestablish public displays of Christianity amidst what he sees as government oppression. This film attempts to position itself as a patriotic rallying cry but is bogged down by its heavy-handed script and superficial character development.
The film leans heavily on sentimentality and melodrama, with dialogue that feels more appropriate for a political rally than a cinematic experience. It struggles to rise above mediocre filmmaking, filled with stilted performances, clumsy dialogue, and moments that unintentionally elicit laughter. The rhetoric presented in Last Ounce of Courage often comes across as divisive, catering to a specific demographic while estranging others. Rather than celebrating cherished American ideals, it feels like a parade of self-congratulatory platitudes. Additionally, the film faced significant legal troubles, as its robocall marketing strategy led to a class-action lawsuit.
8 Controversial Message: ‘God’s Not Dead’ (2014)
Directed by Harold Cronk
“God’s not dead—He’s surely alive!” This film, which has gained significant attention in the faith-based genre, follows the journey of Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), a college freshman who stands firm in his beliefs when his philosophy professor, Radisson (Kevin Sorbo), demands that students declare “God is dead” in order to pass. Defiantly refusing to renounce his faith, Josh engages in a debate about the existence of God in front of his classmates, challenging Radisson’s atheistic views.
In simple terms, this movie lacks subtlety, akin to being hit with a sledgehammer. Despite some earnest performances, especially from Harper, God’s Not Dead becomes tiresome with its black-and-white moral narrative. The film’s tone often feels defensive and self-righteous, which detracts from its message. Even on an intellectual level, the arguments supporting theism presented in the film are less compelling than they could have been. While the filmmaking is technically adequate, the weak narrative and overt propaganda make it unlikely to resonate with those who don’t already share its ideological stance.
