Travel back through 8 decades of film
*****
Here’s an idea for your movie nights going forward – why not watch a standout movie or two from each decade?
It’s not that easy to find quality movies, and even less so when you have Christian standards for what you watch. But if you expand your choices beyond what’s come out in the past year, it gets a little easier. And by watching movies through the decades, you can really see how times (and movies!) have changed.
Now, some older movies can be challenging and may demand a little charity from us while watching. The story pacing can be a bit slower, which our dopamine-addicted brains might find hard to handle. The filming style can feel odd or unnatural, especially when it comes to black-and-white movies filmed in a more formal, theatrical style.
But the payoff is worth it! A good story is a good story in any decade, and the stories of the past can connect us to values and virtues of those who have gone before us, which are not so common in our modern day.
To make it easy for you, we’ve created a list, traveling back in time through almost a hundred years of cinema history! We’ve got suggestions for nearly every decade from the 2020s to the 1930s.
All the movies are linked to their reviews, so if there are any cautions, you can see what they are by clicking the links.
2020s
C.S. Lewis: the most reluctant convert
Few of us haven’t heard of C.S. Lewis, and this film takes us on a journey through his conversion, showing us his wrestling with God. Since so much of the dialogue is taken from Lewis’ writings, it adds that extra layer of authenticity – and it’s shot on location! You might think you know his life well already, but this film tells the story so superbly you are left wanting more.
Unsung Hero
While this is about the Smallbone family that gave us Christian artists Rebecca St. James and For King & Country, you don’t have to know them or their music to enjoy this story of a family triumphing over hard times because of the determination and love of their unsung hero, mom.
2010s
The Song
This is a Christian film, but not what you usually expect from a Christian film. Loosely based on the story of David and Solomon, it tells the story of a country singer trying to live up to his father.
Woodlawn
Time for a sports film? This is a based-on-a-true-story movie about the profound effect sports chaplain Hank Erwin had on the football team at Woodlawn High School. It’s set during a time of tension over racial integration in Alabama.
2000s
The Ultimate Gift
A spoiled, rich young man is challenged when he has to navigate a series of tests his grandfather laid out for him before he can inherit. It turns out his grandfather intentionally created these tasks to shape his grandson’s character. Some of the scenarios in the film are a little far-fetched, but the overall impression this film leaves is sweet and heartwarming.
Pride and Prejudice
A modern take on a true classic when it comes to romance. And this tale is told without any of the explicit content common to many a romance, and which Christians are rightly uncomfortable with. When Elizabeth and Darcy meet, they instantly dislike each other, but their first impressions of each other turn out not to be the most accurate. Through the film, they grow to know each other better, and themselves.
1990s
A Vow to Cherish
This film dives into a more difficult part of marriage – when a wife is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her husband, John, has to face the question of whether God is still answering his prayers, especially as other areas of his life start to fall apart as well.
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Sarah arrives to help out a widower with his children, and over the course of the movie helps the family navigate their grief as well. Will this story end in a romance?
1970s-1980s
We don’t have a lot on offer for these two decades. Do you have suggestions? What makes RP movie reviews unique is that they not only need to be good, they need to not take God’s name in vain. So if you have any nominees, please send them on in!
1960s
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
This movie has a slower pace, but it’s a classic exploration of the meaning of manhood. By contrasting an independent rancher, a principled lawyer who wants to bring law and order, and a violent outlaw, the story challenges the characters’ ideas of what a man should be.
The Miracle Worker
This is the Oscar-winning true story of Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, nearly from birth. She was shut in a world of darkness and silence, until a determined teacher managed to reach her.
1950s
Roman Holiday
This is the movie that made Audrey Hepburn famous. In it, a princess escapes her royal duties and has adventures around Rome, helped out by a friendly journalist. Will he turn their fun into a story, or kill the story to protect her reputation? The ending might not be as predictable as you’d expect.
12 Angry Men
When one juror believes there is a reasonable doubt that the man on trial is guilty, he forces the rest of the jury to stay and reexamine the evidence more closely. A unique movie that takes place all in one room and yet manages to keep the suspense high.
1940s
The Great Dictator
A lot of people know Charlie Chaplin made a film where he made fun of Hitler, but most of us haven’t seen it! Why not dip your toe into the world of black-and-white films by watching one of the classics? While this format might be more challenging, the story matters even today, demonstrating the effect of persecution and mistreatment. Even in this satirical film, the message gets through.
Casablanca
Casablanca is one of those classics you hear about all the time, but that you suspect might be overhyped – until you watch it. Familiar tropes (Nazis, spies, lost loves, cynical antiheroes) come together so perfectly it feels like a kind of magic.
1930s
The Adventures of Robin Hood
This film is consistently mentioned as the classic version of Robin Hood on screen, which went on to influence all the others. No dark and gritty retellings of Robin here! Our review lists four reasons you’ll never find a better version than this one.
Conclusion
You’ve safely traveled back in time! How did you enjoy the variety of genres and styles of filmmaking? Were you surprised by any plots or characters? We hope you enjoyed your journey!
To find even more film recommendations, including many films for children, check out our list of 200+ movies King David might watch.
