Shubhabrata Dutta
When it comes to revealing the beauty and mystery of existence and the universe, movies hold a secret key to unlock cryptic answers. As a unique art form that deals with space and time, cinema has been exploring the haunting question of “Who am I?” for more than 100 years. Almost all the master filmmakers who took this path ended up in one abstract and intangible phenomenon that can be represented by the generic term “spirituality.” Filmmakers like Andrei Tarkovsky, Theo Angelopoulos, Béla Tarr, and Ingmar Bergman elevated their movies into profound meditations on humanity and its myriad spiritual ways of interacting with the universe. Netflix features a good bunch of these movies, which will make you stop and think about life a bit more keenly.
19. The Wait (2021)
This Nigerian drama is directed by Yemi Morafa and Fiyin Gambo, based on Yewande Zaccheaus’s book ‘God’s Waiting Room.’ The film follows Nara (Nse Ikpe-Etim), an obstetrician who helps parents cope with childbirth-related issues. She has also formed a women’s support group to allow them to share their issues with other women going through similar phases. A faith-based drama, ‘The Wait’ offers a light-hearted watch. You can stream it here.
18. A Taste of Sin (2023)
This Frank Rajah Arase-directed Ghanaian film follows two pastors who struggle with their temptations. On the one hand, we have Pastor Teddy, who has committed sins driven by lust while his wife struggles to cope with the truth that she cannot conceive. On the other hand, we have Reverend Todd, also married, who has not only had illicit affairs with his disciples but has also been stealing money from the church donations. Amidst faith, truth, sin, forgiveness, and redemption, ‘A Taste of Sin’ delves deep into the spiritual side of man that is as strong as it is fragile. The cast includes Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, Abena Akuaba, and Jackie Appiah. You can watch ‘A Taste of Sin’ here.
17. The Hill (2023)
‘The Hill’ pins gospel against baseball in a spiritual battle. Directed by Jeff Celentano, the biographical drama is based on the life of baseball player Rickey Hill (Colin Ford). It shows his love for the game since he was a kid and how he overcame various obstacles, including his spine disorder and his pastor father’s (Dennis Quaid) refusal to finally live his dream. A heartwarming drama that is inherently spiritual, ‘The Hill’ propagates the thought that doing what you love takes you closer to the Divine than forcing yourself to pray. You can watch the film here.
16. The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020)
Directed by Andy Tennant, the film is based on Rhonda Byrne’s bestseller self-help book ‘The Secret.’ A film that stresses the importance of being positive, especially when life tests us, ‘The Secret: Dare to Dream’ follows Miranda (Katie Holmes), a hardworking single mother who meets a stranger named Bray Johnson (Josh Lucas). Bray has an envelope for her and offers to help her with her chores multiple times. While Miranda doubts the intention of this new guy, his connection with her dead husband might have an answer. As in Byrne’s book, the film, too, makes clear the presence of a positive force that exists and is waiting for us to acknowledge it. Only when we acknowledge it can we truly realize its potential and our own. You can watch ‘The Secret: Dare to Dream’ here.
15. I Can Only Imagine (2018)
Directed by Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ is a biographical drama based on the creation of the song ‘I Can Only Imagine’ by the group MercyMe, written by the lead singer Bart Millard. It is considered the best-selling Christian single of all time. Surprisingly, the song is about Bart’s relationship with his abusive father. J. Michael Finley stars as Bart Millard, while Dennis Quaid plays the role of Bart’s father, Arthur Millard. The rest of the cast includes Madeline Carroll, Amy Grant, and Cloris Leachman. You can watch it here.
14. A Week Away (2021)
‘A Week Away’ is a Christian teen drama film directed by Roman White. The story of this jukebox musical film follows Will (Kevin Quinn), a troubled teen who faces a critical decision – juvenile hall or a summer camp. Opting for the latter, Will embarks on a transformative journey. He is immediately captivated by Avery (Bailee Madison), while his friend George (Jahbril Cook) pines for Presley (Kat Conner Sterling). You can watch the movie here.
As camp competitions ensue and friendships solidify, Will’s murky past threatens to tarnish these newfound bonds. The film beautifully reintroduces classic Christian tracks from legends like Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Steven Curtis Chapman, crafting them into contemporary masterpieces. Featuring performances by Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn, David Koechner, and Sherri Shepherd, the movie beautifully showcases the power of redemption, love, and community. You may watch the film here.
13. Kardec (2019)
Wagner de Assis’ Portuguese biographical drama ‘Kardec’ tells the true story of French educator Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail (Leonardo Medeiros), AKA Allan Kardec, the founder of Spiritism. His work on the subject found its roots in a seance, and the film showcases how he tried to make his discoveries, which are now the backbone of Spiritist studies, available to the general public. The efforts he undertook for the same are also addressed in a captivating manner and make for a powerful watch. ‘Kardec’ can be streamed here.
12. Blue Miracle (2021)
‘Blue Miracle’ is a drama film directed by Julio Quintana. Set against the backdrop of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the narrative revolves around “Papa” Omar, who runs the Casa Hogar orphanage. With the establishment on the brink of foreclosure, an unexpected twist arrives in the form of a street kid, Moco, and a stolen watch that belongs to a fishing boat captain named Wade Malloy.
As Hurricane Odile wreaks havoc, the international Bisbee Black and Blue Fishing Tournament turns to locals for participation. Omar and the orphans team up with a down-on-his-luck Wade to compete in the tournament, hoping the prize money might save their home. Featuring Dennis Quaid, Jimmy Gonzales, and Raymond Cruz, this touching drama beautifully portrays the themes of hope, perseverance, and community. Its inspiring storyline highlighting resilience in the face of adversity is what makes the film a worthy addition to the list. Feel free to check out the movie here.
11. Layla M. (2016)
‘Layla M.’ is a Dutch movie that reveals a terrifying face of religion and spirituality. The plot follows 18-year-old Layla, a Dutch girl of Moroccan descent, who is irritated by the Islamophobia prevailing in society. As an extreme response to the religious apartheid of the society, she marries a radical Islamist and moves to Syria with him. But her Utopian preoccupations about radical Islam soon turn upside down as she finds it extremely hard to adjust to the patriarchal value system that governs society. Nora El Koussour plays the titular character of Layla in the movie. The film is directed by Mijke de Jong. ‘Layla M’ was the official entry of the Netherlands for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards. You can check out the film here.
10. Come Sunday (2018)
Written by Marcus Hinchey, ‘Come Sunday’ is a drama movie that stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jason Segel, Condola Rashad, and Lakeith Stanfield. The Joshua Marston directorial follows Carlton Pearson, an internationally renowned and popular pastor who, after arriving at a shocking conclusion, risks his family, church, and everything else to spread the message. He soon begins to preach that there is no hell, a view that contradicts Christian beliefs. As a result, he is immediately branded as a heretic and is ostracized from the church. He now faces an uncertain future, but does he change his controversial stance? You can watch ‘Come Sunday’ here and find out.
9. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
Jean-Jacques Annaud’s ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ is a biographical war drama centering on a mountain climber’s spiritual experiences in Tibet. In 1940s British India, Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) and his friend (David Thewlis) are captured right after World War II breaks out. They manage to escape and land in Lhasa, Tibet, where Harrer befriends a much younger Dalai Lama (Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk). As the two spend more time together, Harrer undergoes a spiritual transformation that affects his perception of reality and the self. A beautiful and soothing drama, ‘7 Years in Tibet’ is based on Harrer’s memoir of the same name. It can be streamed here.
8. PK (2014)
At times, it takes an outsider to raise questions about the status quo we are living in. In the Indian satire movie ‘PK,’ an alien who is stranded on Earth after a crash landing starts asking questions about things we believe are universal norms and rigid customs. The movie is a terrific portrayal of spirituality and religion as two institutions complimenting each other while cashing in on people’s vulnerabilities. The alien, PK, provokes the establishment with his innocent questions about faith, spirituality, beliefs, customs, laws, and many more. People even mistake him for God! He is beaten to a pulp, makes unlikely friends, and finds even love but no answers to his questions. ‘PK’ is Indian cinema at its absurdist and satirical best. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the movie features Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles. ‘PK’ became one of the biggest hits of Indian cinema and garnered rave reviews from Indian and international critics. You can stream it here.
7. The Devil All The Time (2020)
‘The Devil All The Time’ is a Gothic crime-thriller film directed by Antonio Campos. This tale, steeped in violence, faith, and darkness, is set in southern Ohio and West Virginia from the close of World War II to the 1960s. Based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock, this gripping narrative weaves the stories of various deeply flawed individuals, including a tormented war veteran, Willard Russell (Bill Skarsgård), and his orphaned son, Arvin (Tom Holland).
The nefarious activities of serial killer duo Carl and Sandy Henderson and the twisted evangelism of preacher Roy further complicate this bleak landscape. Robert Pattinson, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke, and Sebastian Stan round out an impressive ensemble cast. Through its multifaceted exploration of generational violence, faith, and redemption, the film delves deep into the soul’s murkiest corners. A rich tapestry of interconnected tales, the film confronts the dual nature of humanity, exposing both its darkest vices and its capacity for redemption. You can watch the film here.
6. IO (2019)
The Netflix film ‘IO’ is a meditative walk through themes like the fate of humanity, existence, identity, and our spiritual connection to Earth. The plot is set on a futuristic Earth destroyed by the greed of mankind. People are fleeing the planet, which is no longer inhabitable. The new human hotspot is Jupiter’s moon IO and the space beyond it. But some people stay behind, determined to fix Earth and make it glow like a blue diamond again.
Sam, who is a young scientist and daughter of a pro-Earth activist, decides to stay behind. Though she has a plan to save Earth, staying behind is dangerous because the atmosphere is running out of Oxygen. The key to Sam’s destiny is in the title of the movie, ‘IO,’ which stands for the mortal lover of Zeus and the mother of Hercules in mythology. ‘IO’ puts forward the complex connection between women, Earth, fertility, and the phenomenon of “birth.” The movie, which stars Margaret Qualley, Anthony Mackie, and Danny Huston in the lead roles, is directed by Jonathan Helpert. You may watch the film here.
5. You People (2023)
Starring Jonah Hill, Eddie Murphy, and Lauren London, ‘You People’ is a story of an interreligious couple, i.e., a white Jewish man (Hill) and a Black Islam woman (London), and their families. As expected, we are subjected to a cross-culture exploration and the issues that modern love is underscored by, including different cultures, different expectations, generational dissimilarities, and different faiths. How the couple maneuvers through all this is what we find out in this social commentary disguised as a romantic comedy. You can stream it here.
4. Ram Dass, Going Home (2017)
Produced by Further Pictures, ‘Ram Dass, Going Home’ is a short documentary that paints an inspiring portrait of the titular protagonist. The famous author and advocate for awareness of death and dying has, since the 60s, remained an influential spiritual figure by offering people much-needed guidance on life. While his unforgettable message continues to resonate with his followers, facing his own death now, Ram Dass must use his own philosophy of death and dying to face the final months of his life. The film revolves around his philosophy and work by trying to enlighten viewers with his thoughts on different aspects of life. Feel free to check it out here.
3. Tarung Sarung (2020)
Starring Panji Zoni, Yayan Ruhian, Maizura, and Cemal Faruk, ‘Tarung Sarung’ is an Indonesian drama movie produced by Chand Parwez Servia and Fiaz Servia. The Archie Hekagery directorial revolves around a young adult named Deni Ruso, who is born with a silver spoon and has to never work for anything in life. However, the life of the spoilt young man changes forever when he comes across an environmental activist who is outspoken about her beliefs and does not shy away from fighting for the greater good. Deni is forced to not only rethink his life choices but also come to terms with the harsh realities that he has somehow avoided facing so far. You can stream ‘Tarung Sarung’ here.
2. The Miracle Club (2023)
Three formidable actresses join forces in this spiritual drama and take us on a pilgrimage filled with mirth, warmth, forgiveness, and miracles. We have Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, and Laura Linney, and joining them is Agnes O’Casey. Set in Ireland in 1967, we follow Lily (Smith), Eileen (Bates), and their much younger friend/companion Dolly (Agnes O’Casey), who win the Holy Cross Talent Show and thereby the chance to go to Lourdes, the miraculous pilgrimage site in France. However, before the trio can leave, the youngest member of the lot, Chrissie (Laura Linney), returns after decades. It was Chrissie’s mother who organized the show but passed away before she could embark on the pilgrimage, and Chrissie has come for her funeral. As frosty as the women are with Chrissie, she joins them on the journey, replacing her mother, which seemingly results in a trip overshadowed by secrets from the past. Can the women ultimately find the peace that they are seeking? To join them on their journey and find out, you can watch this Thaddeus O’Sullivan directorial right here.
1. The Two Popes (2019)
Directed by Fernando Meirelles, ‘The Two Popes’ stars Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI. The events in the film take place after the Vatican leaks scandal and explore the relationship between the two men of faith as they discuss their tastes, their differences, their choices, the way they perceive God, and even their favorite TV shows, among other stuff. All this is underscored by the Cardinal’s submission of resignation as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, something that Pope Benedict doesn’t want to sign. A great film propelled to brilliance by the performances of the two prolific actors, ‘The Two Popes’ received nominations at the Oscars, the BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes. You can stream it here.
Read More: Best Documentaries About Religion on Netflix
