Supporting Catholic Cinema: Why It Matters

Maria Morera Johnson shares the importance of watching and promoting Catholic films.

Remember those scratchy old filmstrips from elementary school religion class? The ones where the projector jammed halfway through, and we didn’t even try to hide our joy when Sister had to stop the lesson early? Those days are long gone. Catholic content in film has stepped up its game with real production value, strong storytelling, and movies or series that could hold their own next to anything in your streaming services.

That shift is important because what we watch shapes how we see the world. Stories matter. Jesus taught through parables, inviting people to step into a narrative and discover truth inside it. Film is the modern parable machine, and when Catholics create or support good content, we’re helping bring those truths to a culture that desperately needs them.

It Isn’t Preachy Anymore

For a long time, faith-based film had a reputation for being cringey with heavy-handed messaging that felt more like a sermon than a story. But today’s Catholic filmmakers are taking a different approach crafting dramas, comedies, and documentaries that don’t hit you over the head with doctrine, but instead pull you in with relatable characters and authentic storytelling.

Think about it: a documentary that makes you weep with admiration at someone’s life (Broken Mary). A comedy that captures the chaos of family life while sneaking in moments of grace (Neighborhood Watch). A drama that leaves you wrestling with forgiveness or sacrifice long after the credits roll (Cabrini). And now, a musical about Saint Bernadette (Bernadette de Lourdes). These stories aren’t just “Catholic movies,” they’re good movies that happen to be Catholic at their core.

The cinematography is gorgeous, the sound design is crisp, and the acting is solid. When you watch something like this, you’re not distracted by cheesy flaws, you’re immersed in the story.

Quality builds credibility. If we want people outside the faith to encounter Catholic ideas in film, the last thing we should do is to reinforce the stereotype that Christian media is second-rate.

Implicit vs. Explicit Storytelling

One of the things I love most about Catholic film today is the range. Some productions are explicit; documentaries on the lives of saints, films about Eucharistic miracles, or biopics directly showcase faith in action. These are powerful because they share our stories in ways that inspire both believers and seekers.

But just as important are the implicit stories. Fictional films where Christian themes are woven in naturally: the quiet heroism of a mother, the struggle of a flawed character seeking redemption, the beauty of sacrifice, or the humor of everyday family life. Sometimes a viewer walks away thinking, “That was such a great story!” only to realize later they’ve been nudged toward a deeper truth. One of my favorite films, The Trouble with Angels (1966), starring Rosalind Russell and Hayley Mills, captures the beauty of religious vocation in a way that delves into discernment and love of God while entertaining and delighting the audience with comedic antics.

Both explicit and implicit storytelling have a role, and both are thriving right now.

Why Promotion Matters

These films only make an impact if people actually watch them. The streaming world is crowded. Theaters are dominated by blockbusters. We need to show up for Catholic content. Click, stream, share, and talk about it so it doesn’t disappear into the background noise.

Promoting Catholic film isn’t just about being a cheerleader; it’s about being a witness. When you recommend a documentary about a saint to a friend, or when you invite your family to watch a Catholic drama on a Friday night, you’re opening doors to conversations that matter. You’re helping people encounter goodness, beauty, and truth in a way that feels natural.

Watching Catholic content isn’t just entertainment, it’s participation in the mission. Every view, every ticket, every social media share tells filmmakers: Yes, we want this. And it tells the wider culture: Catholic stories belong here, too.

So the next time you’re scrolling through your streaming options or deciding what to watch with your kids, give Catholic productions a chance. Laugh at a comedy that feels a little too close to home. Be inspired by a saint’s story. Let yourself get lost in a drama that echoes eternal themes. And when you find something good, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it. Talk about it. Invite others into it. The more we watch and promote these films, the more the world gets to see the richness of our faith brought to life on screen.

Copyright 2025 Maria Morera Johnson
Images: Canva