02.17.10 | Brian Sieck | Movie PollsPrint this Post
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Movie Poll – What’s the best religious film of all time?
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63 Responses to “Movie Poll – What’s the best religious film of all time?”
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Nothing personal, but Elmer Gantry is a religious movie like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is a medical drama. Why not Samson & Delilah, Barabbas, or Brother Sun Sister Moon?
The best religious Film was "The Life of Brian"
Bold move including ELMER GANTRY on the list. You might have added THE EXORCIST and THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST as well.
THE NUN'S STORY and THE CARDINAL--two outstanding religious-themed movies.
I was all ready to vote for Ben-Hur but you left it out! How could you forget that masterpiece? I had to check your list twice and I still couldn't believe you did not include it.
I am surprised that "Jesus Camp" was not on the list. I think it is very reflective of what modern 'religion' has become.
I believe that Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ most definitely should be included in this list. There is no way to escape the spirituality of its message. It is one of the most accurate religious movies of all time.
I'm in complete agreement with "Meandamovie", how could you possibly leave BEN-HUR off your list of best religous films of all time? Also, next on the list should be "Passion of The Christ", as mentioned by WT. In addition, to include Elmer Gantry and Jesus Christ Superstar on your list, is nothing short of profane!
How about "Miracle of Marcelino" from 1955? Great movie. And I agree, "Passion of the Christ" should be on here!
What a ridiculously bad list. The first two that came to my mind aren't even on the list (and Jesus Christ Superstar is!). No "Passion of the Christ? No "The Last Temptation of Christ"?!?!?! This is hardly a list worth considering.
JD
I would have voted for Ben Hur if it was listed.
I agree -- "Monty Python's Life of Brian" gets my vote. And "Dogma" should be on the list.
Another vote for "None of the above." Others have mentioned some good ones to include in the vote, but NEITHER of my "top 2" is there:
Jesus of Montreal
Babette's Feast
Life of Brian hands down winner
This list should have included Ben Hur and The Passion of Christ.
Not included on the list is "the Miracle of Our lady Of Fatima" with Gilbert Roland from the early 50's.
"Ordet" ("The Word")from the great Danish director Carl Theodor Dreyer. The parting of the Red Sea in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" is one of the cheapest special effects I've ever seen -- there were more convincing special effects back in the silent film days. "Stars in My Crown" (1950, starring Joel McCrea) is my favorite American religious film.
The most beautiful religious (Christian) film I've seen is Bresson's Diary of a Country Priest. It's a quiet, haunting film about the nature of grace. On the whole, I prefer send ups like Life of Brian, but Diary is amazing. I came out of it feeling blessed. There are also some lovely films about Buddhism that have a quiet, deep spirituality. I saw one recently about a young monks search for the reincarnation of his teacher that was a touching study of faith, whether you can accept the premise or not. Sorry, I couldn't find the title!
Since your category is best "religious film" it covers a gamut of different religions and perhaps skews any clear, definable answers. I am unsure as to what process, if any, was used to identify the list in which to vote from and what "religious" nackground, if any, the preparer(s) of the list had. However, if the category were best "Christian film" I would wholeheartedly endorse "The Passion of the Christ" and would also like to have seen on the list films such as "Faith Like Potatoes," "Sin Eater," "End of the Spear" and "Amazing Grace."
Monty Python's Life of Brian.
I can't believe that some people were upset that the Life of Brian was on the list. Why would it, it is not even a religious film. It simply is a mockery about about Our Lord. And Dogama is also not a religious film. It is an insult to the Roman Catholic Church's doctrin. As mention above I believe that Jesus of Nazareth and The Pasiioon of the Christ by far are the two best films protraing the life of Christ.
"The Mission" is a 1986 British film about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th century South America. The film was written by Robert Bolt and directed by Roland Joffé. It stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi and Liam Neeson. It won the Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. In April 2007, it was elected number one on the Church Times Top 50 Religious Films list.[1] The music, scored by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, was listed at #23 on AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores. Check Wikidpedia for an excellent plot summary. Then rent or purchase this movie and watch true poetic justice!
"The next voice you here." About waiting to hear the voice of god over the radio.
I agree with Esther. in fact the Mission is not only a fantastic, moving film, it is my favorite film of all time, religious or not. The story, acting, scenery - are all top quality. Please see it and you will be very moved by this true story.
I would say where's Ben Hur?! Plus can't any other relgion besides Christianity represent? There has to be some other candidates - I have to think on it some more
None of the above. I agree that Babette's Feast and Life of Brian are strong candidates. So is Michael Tolkin's The Rapture.
I agree with most of the others' choices;however, hasn't anyone ever seen Quo Vadis, or A Man for All Seasons? Actually, the most accurate religious film has to be Religulous!
Another one for Ben-Hur.
Ben-Hur!!!!
Geez excuse the expression but the 'accurate'
film by Mel Gibson? Let's see unfaithfulness a drinking problem anti-Semitic remarks.
Oh, yeah he's qualified to illustrate tru
Christianity. Somehow, I can't see Jesus giving him a stamp of approval. fr
Absolutely - Dogma, Life of Brian, Barrabus, Ben-Hur should be on this list. I might even throw in the Da Vinci Code. Where is the Hindu fliem Water?? Lets try this again.
The two greatest religious movies ever made both starred Bing Crosby. The "Bells of St. Mary's," co-starring Ingrid Bergman, easily is tops, but "Going My Way," co-starring Barry Fitzgerald and Rise Stevens, is a close second.
I can't believe so many people said "The Passion of the Christ" should be on the list. It is not a truly religious movie. It's a thinly veiled piece of anti-Semitic diatribe. All the Chrisians are portrayed as handsome while all the Jews are fat, oily, mean-looking characters. As a Roman Catholic, I'm ashamed of any Christian who would consider Mel Gibson's propaganda in any way as being spiritual or religious. It is mean and vicious and cowardly.
Ooooh, I loved "Brother Sun, Sister Moon", "Sin Eater" was great too. "Siddartha" I liked very much, but my all time favorite which moves me every time I see it is "Seventh Sign" with Demi Moore and Jurgen Prochnow from "Das Boot". His performance is extraordinary.
I have to agree with Raymond Farrishm, Mel Gibson is addicted to raw sensationalism and anti-semetic MeanHeart-edness. As a Christian, I find he is a bigot who knows nothing of the Catholic Catechism and the fact that Jesus was a Jew!
I liked Lillies of the Field and Life of Brian
No Quo Vadis?
Ben Hur and The Song of Bernadette.
I agree with another who said Bing Crosby's 'Bells of St. Marys' & 'Going My Way', as the best two religious films ever made, without going 'over the top'!
I chose SONG OF BERNADETTE because in many ways it's under-rated with great acting work by all.
List-wise, second choice is TEN COMMANDMENTS for
it's unforgettable over-the-top "everything" !!!
You can't beat Anne Baxter's total vixen.
As others have stated, BEN HUR is by far the best
ever biblical film of all time!
OH....I forgot about YENTL
Streisand does try to delve as much as possible into the Talmud and the passion that goes into the study of it. It is, in a curious way, a very
religious film.
How about D.W. Griffith's silent epic Intolerence? That's a truly pan-religious film.
I'm thinking 2001 is the greatest religious movie ever made.
Why no mention of "The Shoes of the Fisherman?"
You've got to wonder how well the questionner knows the religious movie canon. Ben-Hur is subtitled "A Tale of the Christ."
Another great movie with a religious theme, not listed, is Strange Cargo.
Also, if you haven't purchased the Blu-Ray edition of The Robe, now is the time. 20th Century Fox went all out to create a magnificent restoration and the extras, including the beautiful score by Alfred Newman, is included as a stand-alone extra.
To those who don't see KevinSmith's 'Dogma'
as religous, well I'll ask the Boss (God) to help you wake up and see the beauty of everything he has given to us. There's really more than "this" and "that". My next choice would be Ben Hur. Movies are suppose to inspire us right?
So, I read through all those comments before Jim finally mentioned the movie that really deserves at least some regard for the title of best religious movie. Strange Cargo not only had a great cast but a great message as well. Of the movies on the list however I have to side with Song of Bernadette.
Another oldie but goodie that should rate high (if any of you youngsters have seen it) is "The Keys Of The Kingdom".
Pasolini's GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW by a mile. But ORDET is very close, and I'd argue for LEON MORIN, PRETRE as well, even though the director didn't regard it as a religious film.
The Message (alt. Mohammad, Messenger of God), a
Muslim film and quite good, should have been on the list.
The best dramatization of the life of Jesus HAS to be "Jesus of Nazareth" from 1977. Nothing comes even close to Robert Powell's gentle, yet firm portrayal. The best movie for presenting the overall Judeo-Christian theme of forgiveness and redemption, wrapped in a lavish production with great acting, and spectacular sets, is BEN-HUR!!
Everyone who's commented has made some great suggestions. The poll choices are certainly limited in scope. However, I would have to say that for me, the best religiously themed film — hands down — is Danish director Carl Th. Dreyer's French film "The Passion of Joan of Arc."
My favorite religious movie is The Bishop's Wife" with Cary Grant
The ROBE is #1
The Bells of St Mary's #2
These are the BEST
Yes, a weak list; too bad. I'll second all the following:
Ben-Hur (has any other epic ever managed to also be so intimate?)
Diary of a Country Priest (poetic and challenging)
The Life of Brian (gosh, we need a little humor and skepticism in the mix, don't we?)
and
The Last Temptation of Christ (not a great movie, but certainly a provocative one, and only "blasphemous" if you're terribly small-minded)
Why wasn't The Mission included in the poll instead of Elmer Gantry?? Fab cinematography and powerful drama with all the reality of living your faith out in challenging circumstances as the story unfolds
How in the world is Ben Hur, the winner of still a records 11 academy awards, not included in this poll?
The Next Voice You Hear should have been listed as a choice. A thought provoking film with an interesting twist which reveals the desperate need for faith and salvation. An under appreciated classic.
Ben Hur hands down
"Amen",The Magdalene Sisters" "Butcher Boy", and "Priest"
If you want to see a moving picture of Jesus, then check out the movie, Jesus, (circa 1979). It's based on the book of Luke, almost word for word, but still very much a movie in the style of the movie, Jesus of Nazareth.
The "best" or "worst" religious film is much too subjective to actually be determined. It's a matter of personal preference. For this reason I prefer to take a look at the film that might be considered the most irreverent. And in that regard, Bill Maher's despicable faux documentary known as "Religulous" clearly stands out. It's the crowning acheivement of a man who obviously decided to divorce himself from his nation and its culture. Maher thinks that "Religulous" asks an obvious question: How can anyone be stupid and/or superstitious enough to believe in a non existent God? Actually, the real question raised by his film is very different: Why is Bill Maher so smug about his lack of religious knowledge and understanding? After all, he clearly has no good reason to feel the least bit smug about much of anything...
I was just as intolerant of religion as Bill Maher when I was a teenager. Of course, an immature mind should not be taken seriously. Fortunately, I eventually grew older and wiser. Apparently, Mr. Maher has not yet done so. To be sure, he seems to be actively fighting off the onset of wisdom with a stick. And as I already pointed out, he's downright smug about it. So what caused Bill Maher to believe so much that isn't so? Why is he incapable of considering the religious and political views of others? Why is he so plainly wrong? In other words, what turned Bill Maher into Howard Beal?
Disagree with Bill Maher and he dismisses you as an idiot. But are you truly an idiot? He thinks people who are politically conservertive are stupid. But are they truly stupid? It doesn't matter that this kind of nonsense can't possibly be true. To Bill Maher, half the American population is stupid (basically, the half that votes conservative!)! They MUST be stupid! After all, they didn't vote the way he thought they should! He knows better than us. He knows what's right. He knows what's true. He understands more. He understands everything. All would be right with the world if we just stopped thinking for ourselves and followed him. Remember the glowing wisdom of Bill Maher: Half the American population is stupid. They must be led to the truth. Bill Maher is our guiding light.
Returning to the subject of religion, I often think about an undeniable truth of life: We have always believed in spirituality ever since the human race first arrived on Earth. It's not because we're stupid. It's not because we're superstitious. It's clearly because a belief in God is logical. It makes sense. But it doesn't seem to make sense to Bill Maher. Like a teenager, he knows better than everyone else. Which I suppose, after all is said and done, really IS the reason why very little of anything Bill Maher ever says actually makes any sense.
Dear Mr.
In my opinion the best religion film of all times is
BEN-HUR never other will be the same.