10 Christian movies like 'The Forge' to watch
If you love the faith-based film "The Forge" from the Kendrick Brothers, you'll enjoy these 10 Christian films that bring you on a similar emotional journey.
I've curated a list of 10 movies that have similar themes of youth facing an uncertain future, the impact of mentorship, and the power of true belief in Christ.
But if I had to recommend one Christian movie like “The Forge,” it would be “Overcomer.” Here’s why:
It’s tone and faith-based message are similar (it’s also by the Kendrick Brothers)
It also features Priscilla Shirer in a prominent, faithful role (she's a great actress!)
It also follows the story of a struggling teen who discovers spiritual and personal growth thanks to a mentor — and ultimately become who God designed them to be.
These following family-friendly movies (all are PG or PG-13) share the spiritual journey of their main characters. From second chances to discovering greater purpose in God, these are good Christian movies to watch on a Friday night together.
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The 10 best Christian movies like 'The Forge'
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In "The Forge," 19-year-old Isaiah Wright is focused on video games instead of his future. His single mother, Cynthia Wright, is played by Priscilla Shirer, who is praying for her son.
Isaiah gets a job at Moore Fitness, and the owner, Joshua Moore, becomes his mentor. It's a powerful story of the impact of Biblical discipleship.
These similar movies also share the power of God's love and reflect themes of mentorship, discipleship, and spiritual growth.
Please note: Availability on streaming networks are subject to change.
1. I Can Only Imagine (2018)
Rating: PG
Based on the true story of MercyMe’s hit song, “I Can Only Imagine,” the biographical drama follows Bart Millard as he confronts an abusive past, forgives his father, and finds redemption through faith. It’s a powerful story of the impact of Christ in your life — and sharing that impact with the world.
How like the Forge: Both movies explore personal redemption, healing broken family relationships, and finding God’s purpose amid struggles. “I Can Only Imagine” emphasizes forgiveness and spiritual growth.
Where to watch:
Stream: MovieSphere+ (via Amazon Channel)
Rent or buy: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Plex, or DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
2. War Room (2015)
Rating: PG
A struggling couple learns the transformative power of prayer from a wiser woman, and with her faith-filled guidance, they turn their marriage and family life around through spiritual warfare.
It's a powerful family drama that shows the struggles of everyday life and the transformational power of placing your ultimate hope in God.
How like “The Forge”: Features strong spiritual mentorship and also focuses on the power of surrendering to God to overcome life challenges and build stronger relationships. "War Room" is one of the best movies from Christian filmmakers, the Kendrick Brothers.
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
3. Jesus Revolution (2023)
Rating: PG-13
One of my personal favorites, “Jesus Resolution,” is based on the true story of a hippie movement in the 1970s that sparked a revival among California youth.
The story follows a local pastor whose traditional church is resistant to the movement’s approach to faith.
How like “The Forge”: The film highlights the ability of young people to find purpose and direction with faith mentorship, which is similar to the discipleship and awakening depicted in “The Forge.”
Where to watch:
Stream: Starz (via Apple TV Channel), MovieSphere+
Rent or buy: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Plex, or DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
4. Breakthrough (2019)
Rating: PG
Based on the true story of a teenage boy who falls through ice and is declared brain dead, but through his mother’s relentless prayers, he makes a miraculous recovery.
This biographical drama showcases real events, from a near-death experience to a medical miracle.
How like “The Forge”: “Breakthrough” also has themes of faith triumphing over impossible odds, as well as family unity, persistent prayers of his mother, and trusting God’s plan during a crisis.
Where to watch:
Free with ads: Pluto TV, Fawesome
Rent or buy: Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
5. Overcomer (2019)
Rating: PG
A high school basketball coach could lose his job when the factory in their small town closes. He reluctantly decides to coach the cross-country running team.
He mentors a troubled teen runner with asthma and helps her discover her true identity in Christ. It's an inspiring story of the least likely runner preparing for and winning the biggest race of the year.
How like “The Forge”: “Overcomers” has similar themes of the power of a high school coach committing to his role as a new mentor, and helping a young girl discover and find through Christ. It's another great, family-friendly movie from the Kendrick Brothers.
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
6. Courageous (2011)
Rating: PG-13
Four police officers face personal and professional challenges. Through their trials and friendship, these law enforcement officers commit to becoming better fathers and men of faith.
How like “The Forge”: Emphasizes stepping up in responsibility, “Courageous” has similar themes of mentorship and boldly living out faith for the next generation. It's also from the Kendrick Brothers.
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
7. Fireproof (2008)
Rating: PG
This was one of the first Christian movies I watched in theaters, and I was moved by the story of a firefighter and his decision to follow a 40-day “Love Dare” to save his marriage. It’s a powerful story of faith, love, and sacrifice.
How like “The Forge”: Focuses on personal transformation through guided challenges rooted in Scripture, rebuilding life and relationships with God’s help. It's also from the Kendrick Brothers.
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
8. Facing the Giants (2006)
Rating: PG
One of the most recommended movies, “Facing the Giants,” follows a high school football coach who is battling personal and professional challenges.
When the football coach turns to faith, he inspires his team to trust God for victories on and off the field.
How like “The Forge”: A powerful story of a coach who leads his players to overcome fear and doubt by relying on God, this film builds on the themes of mentorship and reliance on God found in “The Forge.” It's also from the Kendrick Brothers.
Where to watch:
Stream: Netflix
Free with ads: The Roku Channel
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
9. I Still Believe (2020)
Rating: PG
Based on the true story of Christian singer Jeremy Camp, this biographical drama follows Camp’s rising career and young love — and how he perseveres when tragedy strikes.
When Camp’s wife is diagnosed with cancer and dies, his life takes a devastating turn of events that tests and ultimately strengthens his faith.
How like “The Forge”: It shares a similar story of a Christian who must hold onto his faith in God despite loss and challenges. Like “the Forge,” the main character ultimately finds deeper purpose and spiritual maturity.
Where to watch:
Stream: fuboTV, YouTube TV
Free with ads: FXNow, BYUtv
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
10. Lifemark (2022)
Rating: PG-13
An adopted teen’s comfortable life changes when his birth mother reaches out, upending David’s life.
The story follows David’s emotional discoveries and what he learns about life, forgiveness, and God’s timing.
How like “The Forge”: Produced by the Kendrick Brothers, “Lifemark” explores similar themes of identity in Christ, family reconciliation, and trusting God. It's also from the Kendrick Brothers.
Where to watch:
Stream: Pure Flix, Great American Pure Flix,
Free with ads: Pluto TV
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story” and the editor of the Faith Storytellers website, which publishes Christian testimonies and curated lists of Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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