Moviegoers looking for faith-based and family-friendly entertainment will have plenty to choose from this fall, with a slate of films hitting theaters exploring redemption, integrity, family, sacrifice and the Christmas story.
The upcoming theatrical lineup ranges from a new take on the film that launched Alex and Stephen Kendrick’s filmmaking ministry to a Revolutionary War Christmas musical and a contemporary reimagining of the Nativity. Audiences will also see "Shazam" and "American Underdog" star Zachary Levi return to the big screen in a Western about mercy and redemption, while the life and faith of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart will receive the biopic treatment.
Here are six faith-based and family-friendly films coming to theaters this fall.
1. 'Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul' — Oct. 16
More than two decades after “Flywheel” launched Alex and Stephen Kendrick’s filmmaking ministry, the brothers are revisiting the story that started it all through a new generation of Christian filmmakers in Brazil.
“Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul,” a Brazilian reimagining of the Kendricks’ 2003 debut film, follows Noah Silva, a charismatic used-car salesman whose willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed begins damaging his business, marriage and relationship with his son. As Noah confronts the consequences of his choices, he begins to reassess his priorities and consider what it means to surrender every area of his life to God.
Originally filmed in Portuguese and set in Rio de Janeiro, the movie will be dubbed in English for its U.S. theatrical release. Alex Kendrick told The Christian Post that although the cultural setting has changed, the themes of integrity, marriage, parenting and surrender remain universal.
“The message of integrity is timeless,” Kendrick said. “We love it when people see common issues in marriage, common hurdles in business, common obstacles in being a good parent, because they relate to all of those things today as much as ever.”
2. 'Drummer Boy' — Nov. 6
Brothers Ben Smallbone and Joel Smallbone of for KING & COUNTRY are bringing an original Christmas musical to theaters with “Drummer Boy,” a historical action-musical set against the backdrop of the American Revolution.
With original music from the Grammy-winning band, the film follows two brothers who find themselves on opposing sides of the war before a life-changing encounter on Christmas Day forces them to reckon with their loyalties. Directed by the Smallbone brothers, “Drummer Boy” continues their family’s growing involvement in filmmaking following projects including “Unsung Hero,” which Joel Smallbone co-wrote, directed and starred in.
In a previous interview with The Christian Post about Christmas and storytelling, Joel Smallbone reflected on why the message at the center of the holiday remains particularly meaningful.
“We need to be reminded of what it means to be human — this idea of extravagant, self-sacrificial love, exuberant joy, the redemption of mankind, and the great story of an infant God who came into humanity and turned the world upside down,” he said.
3. 'Jimmy' — Nov. 6
The life and faith of Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart will come to the big screen in “Jimmy,” a biographical drama from director and producer Aaron Burns that explores the experiences behind one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. The film stars KJ Appa, who previously starred in the faith-based film “I Still Believe.”
4. 'God With Us' — Nov. 13
The Nativity story moves to a contemporary, inner-city setting in “God With Us,” a faith-based drama from writer-director Jimmy Jenkins.
5. 'Seniors' — Oct. 23
“Seniors” offers an intergenerational comedy-drama about friendship, second chances and finding purpose in unexpected places.
6. For older viewers: 'Angel and the Badman' — Oct. 9
Zachary Levi, Neal McDonough and Tommy Lee Jones headline “Angel and the Badman,” a new Western from Angel Studios centered on redemption, mercy and the choice between vengeance and a different way of life, though it is suitable for older viewers due to violence, suggestive material and some language.
