Catholic Film Recommendations: Part I

Do you struggle, like I do—and like many of my Catholic friends—when it comes to choosing what to watch? Nearly everywhere we turn, entertainment media seems determined to attack traditional Catholic family values. This can be deeply discouraging. It often feels like real effort is required today just to find content that is not hostile to the faith. My hope is that, if you are hungry for films that uplift rather than drain the spirit, these recommendations will inspire and encourage you.

So this week, let’s take a look at a few Christian—and distinctly Catholic—films that won’t leave you feeling like you’ve wasted an hour and a half of your life, or worse, like you should immediately run to confession. These films won’t rot your brain cells. Instead, they offer meaningful storytelling, moments of Catholic Church history, and a much-needed sense of sanity in a world that often feels unhinged.

First, we’ll look at the often overlooked The Scarlet and the Black (1983), starring Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer. Based on a true story from World War II, the film tells the story of Fr. Hugh O’Flaherty, a Catholic priest who helped hide thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners of war while Nazi Germany occupied Rome. The Scarlet and the Black is a powerful historical film that reminds us that even in times of great oppression, heroic acts of charity are not only possible—but necessary—despite the personal risk.

The second film I want to highlight is A Man for All Seasons.

This is a film every Catholic should have in their personal movie library. If, for some reason, you have never seen it (and yes, it won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 39th Academy Awards), you should stop what you’re doing right now—unless you’re driving—and watch it. It’s worth asking: can you believe there was a time in cinema history when films like this were celebrated?

Based on the true story of Sir Thomas More, a scholar, statesman, and devout Roman Catholic, the film portrays his refusal to betray his conscience or the Church. King Henry VIII pressures More to support his divorce and break from Rome, but Thomas remains steadfast in obedience to the faith, even at the cost of his life.

Thomas More stands as a powerful reminder for us today, in a world teetering on the edge of moral collapse, that it is possible—and necessary—to stand firm against the forces of evil. His witness encourages us to defend the teachings of the Catholic Church, which for over 2,000 years has labored to safeguard the hearts, minds, and souls of civilization.

I hope you find joy, inspiration, and courage in these films. And I’ll leave you with a bit of trivia:

Do you know who the Pope was during the events portrayed in The Scarlet and the Black?

Do you have any Catholic movie recommendations? If so, please let me know. I’m always on the lookout for films that are truly faith-centered and worthy of our time.