Truly Catholic Films
by imajvmb | created - 15 Nov 2017 | updated - 05 Feb 2018 | PublicForget the List from the National Catholic Register which gave us 100 films that barely made the "Catholic" quota never mind the "impurity" standards that Catholic's are supposed to adhere to... Here are a ton of REAL Catholic films that will make you be proud of your Faith!
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. Outlaws (2012)
R | 145 min | Drama, History, War
A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929); a war by the people of Mexico against the atheistic Mexican government.
Director: Dean Wright | Stars: Andy Garcia, Oscar Isaac, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Santiago Cabrera
Votes: 5,161 | Gross: $5.67M
In late 1920s Mexico, retired Gen. Gorostieta and his wife watch their country degenerate into violent civil war when the government enacts a series of anti-clerical laws. Gorostieta is at first hesitant to join the rebels, known as Cristeros, until he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen. Though the odds are against him, the general nevertheless transforms a ragtag band of rebels into a formidable fighting force. - Based on real events -
2. There Be Dragons (2011)
PG-13 | 122 min | Biography, Drama, War
Arising out of the horror of the Spanish Civil War, a candidate for canonization is investigated by a journalist who discovers his own estranged father had a deep, dark and devastating connection to the saint's life.
Director: Roland Joffé | Stars: Charlie Cox, Wes Bentley, Dougray Scott, Rodrigo Santoro
Votes: 4,966 | Gross: $1.07M
An investigative journalist unearths secrets about his father's ties to the controversial founder of Opus Dei, St. Josemaria Escriva.
3. Under the Roman Sky (2010 TV Movie)
200 min | Biography
Papacy of Pius XII focusing on years during World War Two.
Director: Christian Duguay | Stars: Alessandra Mastronardi, Marco Foschi, Miguel Herz-Kestranek, Ettore Bassi
Votes: 315
Based on Vatican documents and personal testimonies used by advocates for the cause for the canonization of Venerable Pope Pius XII, this epic film stars acclaimed actor James Cromwell in a powerful movie about the great, often hidden struggle waged by the Pope and many others with him to save the Jews from the Nazis during WWII. After the Nazi's take over Rome in 1943, Hitler's plan to kidnap the Pope is revealed as the Nazis make an all-out attempt to silence the one authority figure in Italy standing strong against them. Everything comes together with great intensity in this dramatic story that retraces history from the documents and the testimonies of witnesses that was not fully known til now. - (Ignatius Press)
4. The Assisi Underground (1985)
PG | 115 min | Drama, History, War
A simple friar and a local bishop set up a pipeline for hundreds of Jews to hide and escape the Nazis in World War II Assisi.
Director: Alexander Ramati | Stars: Ben Cross, James Mason, Irene Papas, Maximilian Schell
Votes: 412
An Italian bishop puts a young priest in charge of hiding Jews in a Nazi-occupied city.
5. The Detective (1954)
Approved | 91 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Works of art are disappearing, stolen by a master thief, a master of disguise. Father Brown has two goals: to catch the thief and to save his soul.
Director: Robert Hamer | Stars: Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Peter Finch, Cecil Parker
Votes: 1,518
When amateur detective Father Brown is put in charge of shipping an extremely valuable religious artifact -- a crucifix -- from London to Rome, a master thief and master of disguise named Flambeau outwits the young priest and steals the cross for himself. Now Father Brown must track down Flambeau, try to reclaim the crucifix and also convince Flambeau not only to abandon his criminal career but also to save his immortal soul.
6. A Man for All Seasons (1966)
G | 120 min | Biography, Drama, History
The story of Sir Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII when the King rejected the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarry.
Director: Fred Zinnemann | Stars: Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, Robert Shaw, Leo McKern
Votes: 35,898 | Gross: $28.35M
When the highly respected British statesman Sir Thomas More refuses to pressure the Pope into annulling the marriage of King Henry VIII and his Spanish-born wife, More's clashes with the monarch increase in intensity. A devout Catholic, More stands by his religious principles and moves to leave the royal court. Unfortunately, the King and his loyalists aren't appeased by this, and press forward with grave charges of treason, further testing More's resolve.
7. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
R | 127 min | Drama
Depicts the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem.
Director: Mel Gibson | Stars: Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov
Votes: 240,197 | Gross: $370.78M
8. The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Approved | 156 min | Biography, Drama, Mystery
14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous, living in a small town in the south of 1850s France, claims to have seen a divine vision, prompting extreme skepticism, concern from her family, and religious and political turmoil.
Director: Henry King | Stars: Jennifer Jones, Charles Bickford, William Eythe, Vincent Price
Votes: 7,318
Based on the popular novel by Franz Werfel, this drama focuses on Bernadette Soubirous, a young French woman who experiences vivid visions of the Virgin Mary. While many dismiss her claims, certain people, including the priest Dominique Peyramale, slowly begin to believe her. Eventually, Bernadette is deemed a saint, and becomes a nun at a convent, where she must deal with jealousy from others who resent her revered status.
9. Bernadette (1988)
PG | 119 min | Drama
In 1857, an unemployed miller moves his family into grim lodgings; his wife takes in laundry. In February of 1858, at the Massabielle grotto, their 14-year old asthmatic, illiterate ... See full summary »
Director: Jean Delannoy | Stars: Sydney Penny, Jean-Marc Bory, Jean-Marie Bernicat, Philippe Brigaud
Votes: 243 | Gross: $0.01M
10. The Passion of Bernadette (1990)
TV-G | 106 min | Biography, Drama, History
Bernadette knows she's been chosen to be the Bride of the Lord.
Director: Jean Delannoy | Stars: Sydney Penny, Emmanuelle Riva, Catherine de Seynes, Malka Ribowska
Votes: 144
11. The Scarlet and the Black (1983 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 143 min | Drama, History, War
Vatican efforts, led by Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, to save Allied P.O.W.s and downed Allied airmen as the Nazis invade Rome.
Director: Jerry London | Stars: Gregory Peck, Christopher Plummer, John Gielgud, Raf Vallone
Votes: 3,412
Based on a true story, the movie portrays the Vatican efforts, lead by Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, to save Allied POWs and downed Allied airmen as the Nazis invade Rome.
12. Monsieur Vincent (1947)
Not Rated | 111 min | Biography, Drama, History
St. Vincent de Paul struggles to bring about peace and harmony among peasants and nobles in the midst of the Black Death in Europe, carrying on his charitable work in the face of all obstacles.
Director: Maurice Cloche | Stars: Pierre Fresnay, Aimé Clariond, Jean Debucourt, Lise Delamare
Votes: 924
Born into poverty and sold into slavery, Vincent de Paul survives to become a respected clergyman and a confidante of the nobility. But when the Black Plague descends upon France, Vincent leaves his comfortable post to become a simple parish priest. Single-minded in his devotion to the wretched poor, he rallies the landed class to create charitable organizations, and in the process revolutionizes treatment of the needy the world over.
13. The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (1952)
Approved | 102 min | Drama, History
In this story based on true events of 1917, three Portuguese children share a miraculous, prophetic vision of the Virgin Mary.
Director: John Brahm | Stars: Gilbert Roland, Angela Clarke, Frank Silvera, Jay Novello
Votes: 1,372
14. The Robe (1953)
Unrated | 135 min | Drama, History, Romance
In the Roman province of Judea during the 1st century, Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio is ordered to crucify Jesus of Nazareth but is tormented by his guilty conscience afterwards.
Director: Henry Koster | Stars: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Michael Rennie
Votes: 11,086 | Gross: $36.00M
In this biblical epic, a drunk and disillusioned Roman, Marcellus Gallio, wins Jesus' robe in a dice game after the crucifixion. Marcellus has never been a man of faith like his slave, Demetrius, but when Demetrius escapes with the robe, Marcellus experiences disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions. Convinced that destroying the robe will cure him, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius -- and discovers his Christian faith along the way.
15. Karol: A Man Who Became Pope (2005 TV Movie)
186 min | Biography, Drama
The life of the pope John-Paul II, from his youth as a writer, actor, and athlete in war-torn occupied Poland to his election as Pope at the age of 58.
Director: Giacomo Battiato | Stars: Piotr Adamczyk, Malgorzata Bela, Ken Duken, Hristo Shopov
Votes: 2,751
Epic film that follows Karol Wojtyla's life until the moment he is elected Pope.
16. Karol - The Pope, the Man (2006 TV Movie)
155 min | Biography, Drama
Director: Giacomo Battiato | Stars: Piotr Adamczyk, Dariusz Kwasnik, Michele Placido, Alberto Cracco
Votes: 1,180
The continuing story of Karol Wojtyla until his death.
17. Don Bosco (2004 TV Movie)
PG | 146 min | Biography, Drama
The life of Saint Don Bosco.
Director: Lodovico Gasparini | Stars: Flavio Insinna, Lina Sastri, Charles Dance, Daniel Tschirley
Votes: 360
18. A Time for Miracles (1980 TV Movie)
97 min | Biography, Drama
A true story about Elizabeth Bayley Seton, the first American to ever be canonized as a saint by the Pope. She took up Catholicism after the death of her rich husband, fought bigotry, and opened free Catholic schools and orphanages.
Director: Michael O'Herlihy | Stars: Kate Mulgrew, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Rossano Brazzi, John Forsythe
Votes: 105
The life and work of educator Elizabeth Ann Seton, who died in 1821, the first U.S.-born saint.
19. The Reluctant Saint (1962)
Not Rated | 105 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
In 17th century Italy, a simple and clumsy young man joins a Franciscan order, pursues full priesthood and performs a miracle that eventually ensures his sainthood.
Director: Edward Dmytryk | Stars: Maximilian Schell, Ricardo Montalban, Lea Padovani, Akim Tamiroff
Votes: 468
In 17th century Italy, a simple and clumsy young man joins a Franciscan order, pursues full priesthood and performs a miracle that eventually ensures his sainthood.
20. Francis of Assisi (1961)
Not Rated | 105 min | Biography, Drama, History
In 13th century Italy, Francis Bernardone, the son of an Assisi merchant, renounces a promising army career in favor of a monastic life and starts his own religious order, sanctioned by the Pope.
Director: Michael Curtiz | Stars: Bradford Dillman, Dolores Hart, Stuart Whitman, Cecil Kellaway
Votes: 1,069
21. The Keys of the Kingdom (1944)
Passed | 137 min | Drama, War
A young priest is sent to China to establish a Catholic parish.
Director: John M. Stahl | Stars: Gregory Peck, Thomas Mitchell, Vincent Price, Rose Stradner
Votes: 2,905
Fictional story: Orphaned as a child, Francis Chisholm grows up to join the priesthood. He decides to become a missionary in China, and arrives to find the previous church burned down. Undaunted, he presses on, but doesn't initially fare well with the local populace. It's not until the child of a Mandarin falls ill that Chisholm proves his worth. Over time, he collaborates with a trio of nuns, endures several wars and, at the end of his life, returns to Scotland.
22. Quo Vadis (1951)
Not Rated | 171 min | Biography, Drama, Romance
After fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.
Directors: Mervyn LeRoy, Anthony Mann | Stars: Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn, Peter Ustinov
Votes: 15,898 | Gross: $24.29M
23. Ben-Hur (1959)
G | 212 min | Adventure, Drama
After a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.
Director: William Wyler | Stars: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Votes: 245,254 | Gross: $74.70M
Charlton Heston plays a Palestinian Jew who is battling the Roman empire at the time of Christ. His actions send him and his family into slavery, but an inspirational encounter with Jesus changes everything. Heston finally meets his rival in a justly famous chariot race and rescues his suffering family.
24. Ben-Hur (2016)
PG-13 | 123 min | Action, Drama, Romance
Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother, an officer in the Roman army, returns to his homeland after years at sea to seek revenge, but finds redemption.
Director: Timur Bekmambetov | Stars: Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi
Votes: 45,410 | Gross: $26.41M
Judah Ben-Hur loses everything after his adopted brother Messala, now an officer in the Roman army, returns to Jerusalem and accuses the young prince of treason. Stripped of his title and separated from his wife and family, Ben-Hur must endure years of slavery on a galley at sea. When fate brings the estranged brothers to an epic and deadly chariot race, Ben-Hur finally gets the chance to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his life.
25. Joan of Arc (1948)
Approved | 145 min | Biography, Drama, War
The abbreviated life of the 15th-century French heroine.
Director: Victor Fleming | Stars: Ingrid Bergman, José Ferrer, Selena Royle, Robert Barrat
Votes: 3,598
During the Hundred Years' War, peasant girl Joan of Arc hears voices instructing her to save France from the English. Convinced that these unsummoned murmurings are divine messages from God, Joan consults the uncrowned Charles VII who, startled by the accuracy of her clairvoyance, assembles an army and installs her as its leader and spiritual guide. Her victorious forces reclaim much of their homeland from the English, but she herself falls into enemy hands.
26. Le sorcier du ciel (1949)
100 min | Biography, History
Director: Marcel Blistène | Stars: Georges Rollin, Marie Daëms, Dora Doll, Alfred Adam
Votes: 18
A cinematic treasure has been found in the 1949 French Film, Le Sorcier du Ciel. Digitally remastered, The Wizard of Heaven tells the compelling and remarkable story of St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, the humble pastor of Ars, France, who battled with the devil himself, not only for the Faith of his Parish, but even for that of his country. Starting with the Saint’s arrival at Ars, this film brings to life the hardships, indifference, ridicule and opposition he encountered, as well as the zeal with which he strove to overcome them. Moreover, The Wizard of Heaven captures an excellent portrayal of the incredible, ardent love for souls that consumed the heart of this noble priest and compelled him to the very heights of sanctity. Rightfully has the Church confided her priests to the care and guidance of the Curé of Ars, whose conquest of souls merited the following rebuke -
27. Padre Pio (2000 TV Movie)
PG-13 | 202 min | Biography, Drama
The poor Italian peasant boy Francesco already has visions of Jesus and Mary as a child, but the Devil visits him too. Francesco is quite certain that he will become a priest. After ... See full summary »
Director: Carlo Carlei | Stars: Sergio Castellitto, Jürgen Prochnow, Lorenza Indovina, Pierfrancesco Favino
Votes: 937
28. Mother Teresa (2003 TV Movie)
110 min | Biography, Drama
Mother Teresa's life is portrayed from the beginning of her ministry to her death. She seeks to serve the poor by creating a new "congregation" in the Church, establishing refuges for the ... See full summary »
Director: Fabrizio Costa | Stars: Olivia Hussey, Sebastiano Somma, Ingrid Rubio, Michael Mendl
Votes: 740
29. The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)
Approved | 158 min | Biography, Drama, War
A tenacious British woman becomes a missionary and runs an inn for travelling merchants in China during the Japanese invasion and the tumultuous years leading up to the Second World War.
Director: Mark Robson | Stars: Ingrid Bergman, Robert Donat, Curd Jürgens, Michael David
Votes: 5,232
Gladys Aylward, a British maid, believes that she is destined to go to China. She is rejected as a missionary, but she eventually finds her way to the town of Yang Cheng and happily runs an inn there. Her peaceful existence, however, is interrupted by Japan's invasion of China. Aided by Lin Nan, a half-Chinese/half-Dutch military officer, Gladys must lead a group of orphans to safety by embarking on a dangerous mountain journey.
30. A Time to Remember (1988)
G | 77 min | Drama, Music
It is small town America in the 1950's. Twelve year-old Angelo Villano has one dream: to someday sing like his idol, Mario Lanza. His grandmother, Mama Theresa encourages him; and his ... See full summary »
Director: Thomas Travers | Stars: Donald O'Connor, Morgana King, Raymond Serra, Ruben Gomez
Votes: 154
A heartrending story of a man who defies all odds and achieves his childhood dream—to sing like his idol Mario Lanza. We see the young Angelo greatly influenced by his parish priest who recognizes the boy's singing potential. Angelo is torn between his passion to sing and his loyalty to his widowed father who wants him to be an ironworker like himself. Also stars Morgana King.
31. The Sound of Music (1965)
G | 172 min | Biography, Drama, Family
A young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.
Director: Robert Wise | Stars: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn
Votes: 244,768 | Gross: $163.21M
32. The Trapp Family (1956)
106 min | Family, Romance, Comedy
A novice nun, Maria, is sent to care for the unruly children of a weathy Baron. The Baron and Maria fall in love, Maria leaves the convent and they marry. Under Maria's guidance the family ... See full summary »
Director: Wolfgang Liebeneiner | Stars: Ruth Leuwerik, Hans Holt, Maria Holst, Josef Meinrad
Votes: 338
33. The Trapp Family in America (1958)
87 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
The von Trapp family are struggling to survive in America, where their performances of European church music are not popular with the audiences. Only when they start performing more upbeat ... See full summary »
Director: Wolfgang Liebeneiner | Stars: Ruth Leuwerik, Hans Holt, Josef Meinrad, Adrienne Gessner
Votes: 160
34. Marcellino (1991)
92 min | Drama
In the 15th century, in a poor Italian village, the monks of a modest convent take up an abandoned baby. Unfortunately, for all their efforts, they prove unable to trace his parents. So ... See full summary »
Director: Luigi Comencini | Stars: Didier Bénureau, Sergio Bini Bustric, Alberto Cracco, Fernando Fernán Gómez
Votes: 238
35. The Miracle of Marcelino (1955)
Not Rated | 90 min | Comedy, Drama
Marcelino is an orphan who grows up in a monastery. One day when he eats his small meal in a room full of old things, he gives a piece of his bread to an old wooden Jesus figure--which ... See full summary »
Director: Ladislao Vajda | Stars: Rafael Rivelles, Antonio Vico, Juan Calvo, José Marco Davó
Votes: 2,527
36. Sant'Antonio di Padova (2002 TV Movie)
102 min | Drama
Depiction of the life of St. Anthony, beginning with his initial calling to the priesthood as a young Portugese nobleman, and following him as he becomes a Franciscan monk and preaches across Africa and Europe.
Director: Umberto Marino | Stars: Daniele Liotti, Enrico Brignano, José Sancho, Peppino Mazzotta
Votes: 194
37. Popieluszko. Wolnosc jest w nas (2009)
180 min | Biography, Drama, History
Story of life of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, the priest called "The Solidarity Chaplain", murdered by communist secret police.
Director: Rafal Wieczynski | Stars: Adam Woronowicz, Artur Balczynski, Stanislaw Banasiuk, Adam Biedrzycki
Votes: 603
The stirring, powerful true story of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, the courageous young priest martyr who became the chaplain and spiritual leader of the large trade union in Poland, Solidarity, in the 1980s. At 37 yrs. old, Fr. Popieluszko was brutally murdered by Communist agents for his outspoken defense of his people, and proclaiming the teachings of the Church on human rights and the dignity of the human person.
38. St. Patrick: The Irish Legend (2000 TV Movie)
100 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
A young Christian boy attends a druid worship that is attacked by invading Irish tribes. Taken captive, he is taken back to Ireland to become a slave. Enduring many hardships, he finds ... See full summary »
Director: Robert Hughes | Stars: Patrick Bergin, Luke Griffin, Alan Bates, Susannah York
Votes: 303
39. Ignatius of Loyola (2016)
118 min | Action, Biography, Drama
'If you could hear the voice of God, would you want to keep it secret?' A historical drama based on the memoirs of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. This is the story of ... See full summary »
Directors: Paolo Dy, Cathy Azanza | Stars: Andreas Muñoz, Javier Godino, Julio Perillán, Pepe Ocio
Votes: 538 | Gross: $0.11M
40. Pope John Paul I: The Smile of God (2006– )
200 min | Biography, Drama
Stars: Neri Marcorè, José María Blanco, Paolo Romano, Franco Interlenghi
Votes: 80
41. Bakhita (2009 TV Movie)
Biography
Bakhita is captured as a slave as a child, a Viennian man sees her. Many years later the man has returned to do business and recognizes her. After saving her, he takes her back to his home.... See full summary »
Director: Giacomo Campiotti | Stars: Teresa Acerbis, Ettore Bassi, Federica Bau, Sonia Bergamasco
Votes: 242
In 1948 Aurora Marin arrives with her family at the convent of the Canossian Sisters of Schio, Italy, where Sister Bakhita has just died. Aurora was hoping to see her before she died. She gathers her children around the picture of Bakhita and tells them of the incredible life of the woman that had raised her as her nanny.
Born in a village in Sudan, kidnapped by slavers, often beaten and abused, and later sold to Federico Marin, a Venetian merchant, Bakhita then came to Italy and became the nanny servant of Federico's daughter, Aurora, who had lost her mother at birth. She is treated as an outcast by the peasants and the other servants due to her black skin and African background, but Bakhita is kind and generous to others. Bakhita gradually comes closer to God with the help of the kind village priest, and embraces the Catholic faith.
She requests to join the order of Canossian sisters, but Marin doesn't want to give her up as his servant, treating her almost as his property. This leads to a moving court case that raised an uproar which impacts Bakhita's freedom and ultimate decision to become a nun. Pope John Paul II declared her a saint in the year 2000. Directed by Giacamo Campiotti (St. Giuseppe Moscati, Doctor Zhivago) and stars Fatou Kine Boye, Stefania Rocca, Fabio Sartor, Ettore Bassi, and Francesco Salvi. Includes a 16 page collector's booklet by Daria Sockey.
WARNING - Some upper female nudity
42. Maria Goretti (2003 TV Movie)
Drama
The life of the virgin and martyr Santa Maria Goretti.
Director: Giulio Base | Stars: Massimo Bonetti, Luisa Ranieri, Flavio Insinna, Martina Pinto
Votes: 147
43. Thérèse: The Story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (2004)
PG | 96 min | Biography, Drama, Family
The mesmerizing story of a young girl's romance with God. Her faith, trials, and sacrifices reveal a way of life based on love and simplicity. A contemplative film based on the true story ... See full summary »
Director: Leonardo Defilippis | Stars: Lindsay Younce, Leonardo Defilippis, Patti Defilippis, Jen Nikolaisen
Votes: 530 | Gross: $0.10M
44. Rita da Cascia (2004 TV Movie)
180 min | Drama, Romance