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2016 Christian Movie Favorites and 2017 Christian Movies Coming Soon

Derek Welch
Barna Group media study: Christians and the big screen.

2016 marked a great year for the film industry, especially in America. Of interest is that Americans still go out for movies, however, most would rather the movies came to them. The comfort of one’s home is very appealing. Most Americans would rather watch movies on either video on demand, DVD, Blu-ray or online streaming. These findings are in line with a study done by the Barna Group

2016 Christian Movie Favorites and 2017 Christian Movies Coming Soon[/tweetthis]

The movie craze has not left the Christian faithful behind.[/tweetit] 2016 favorites among Evangelicals include the animated movies Zootopia and Finding Dory, both boasting over 30 percent popularity among evangelicals. Zootopia led at 32 percent, and was closely followed by Finding Dory at 30 percent. The blockbuster Captain America: Civil War also emerged as a favorite among Evangelicals, enjoying 28 percent popularity. Miracles from Heaven was also a favorite among Christians enjoying 21 percent popularity.

The Christian faithful are less likely to watch other box office hits such as Deadpool, Suicide Squad, X-Men: Apocalypse or Batman vs Superman. X-Men: Apocalypse was 17 percent more popular among the general population, and Batman vs Superman was 11 percent more likely to be watched among the general population. Deadpool was the Box Office favorite that dipped most in popularity among Evangelicals. Its popularity slumped by 17 percent.

Hollywood’s portrayal of Christianity has been surrounded by controversy, and it continues to raise eyebrows among American adults. 11 percent of Americans believe Hollywood’s portrayal of Christianity is mostly negative while 13 percent of them are of the opinion it is positive. 15 percent are of the opinion the portrayal is neutral while the bulk (28 percent) believe the portrayal is mixed. 22 percent of Americans are in the dark, they report of no knowledge of whether the description is positive or negative.

Despite the rift in opinions, at least one in ten Americans believes Hollywood relies on stereotypes and this possibly explains why for two years running American adults have watched movies that made them change some aspects of their belief in the Christian faith. Statistics also reveal 16 percent of Americans were made to reconsider their stand on Christianity after watching certain movies. Hacksaw Ridge, released in November 2016, was awarded an Oscar nomination and together with another religious epic, Silence, were major themes of the most critically acclaimed films in 2016.

2017 is promising to be another year with much to look forward to in the movie department. Some promising releases include the likes of The Shack, The Case for Christ and Redemption Way among many.

THE SHACK

The Shack will hit screens in March 2017. It is a movie about a grieving man receiving a mysterious and personal invitation to meet with God at a place called "The Shack." Starring in the film is Sam Worthington and Octavia Spencer. The Shack will be discussed at Lifetree Café community forums around the country during the week of March 5, 2017. Lifetree Café locations and a preview of the “Meeting God Face to Face,” program may be found at Lifetreecafe.com.

THE CASE FOR CHRIST

The Case for Christ debuts in April 2017. It is based on the true story of an award-winning investigative journalist and an avowed atheist. He puts his journalistic and legal skills to task in a bid to disapprove the newfound Christian faith of his wife. In the process, he gets unexpected, life-changing results.

REDEMPTION WAY

Redemption Way is to be released later in the year in August 2017. Jenny and Autumn were best friends growing up. However, a choice made them take separate paths. Now it will take an incredible sacrifice to reunite them.

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