Christmas rekindles interest in the figure of Christ and in spirituality even among those who aren’t necessarily people of faith; for non‑Christians, he is still a figure full of symbols. So we decided to gather the best movies and TV series available on Netflix that are especially suited to these days we’re living through.
We’ve chosen 8 movies, documentaries, and TV series with religious or spiritual themes available on the platform: stories that talk about Faith and the search for an ultimate meaning, for something greater. You’ll find the plot and the trailer for each title.
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The Chosen
The life of Jesus of Nazareth, from his childhood to his preaching and finally the Passion, has been the focus of many films, but The Chosen goes further. This highly ambitious American project tells it for the first time over the course of multiple seasons—five, to be precise. The Chosen made headlines mainly because it is a project that started from the grassroots and was financed through fundraising.It is the largest crowdfunded media project of all time. The historical drama is based on the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of those who knew him.
Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first‑century Israel, the series offers an authentic and intimate look at the life and teachings of Jesus. With these teachings, and with his miracles, the Nazarene draws followers from every walk of life. The first season tells the story of Jesus’s life. It focuses especially on the calling of the apostles and the key miracles of his ministry.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
The Passion of the Christ
Set during the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus of Nazareth—in the original languages Aramaic, Latin, Hebrew—Mel Gibson’s film is a raw and intense portrayal of the Passion of Christ. The story opens in Gethsemane. Here Jesus, aware of the fate that awaits him, prays before being arrested by the Temple guards on the orders of Judas Iscariot. What follows are his condemnation by the Sanhedrin. Then, Peter’s denial, Jesus being brought before Pontius Pilate and, finally, the scourging, the journey to Calvary, and the crucifixion.
The film is known for its graphic realism, with very intense scenes full of physical and symbolic violence. The central themes revolve around sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. It also highlights the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The focus it’s about her suffering as a mother.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
The Two Popes
In this 2019 film we see Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, played by Jonathan Pryce—the future Pope Francis—who, unable to support a Catholic doctrine far from his own sensibilities, asks Pope Benedict XVI (played, as always, brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins) for a meeting. They will confront each other on the great issues of faith. Tired of the constant criticism he receives, Pope Benedict XVI asks to retire and summons his future successor to Rome.
Behind the Vatican walls, a struggle between tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness begins. These two very different men face their pasts in order to find common ground and build the future of a billion believers around the world.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
Mary
Mary is an epic biblical drama that follows the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, during the flight from King Herod. Focused on faith and courage, the film tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s. And, their journey to protect their newborn son, Jesus, from Herod. Featuring a cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, the film presents itself as an intense and visually breathtaking narrative. The story intertwines Mary’s determination to save her son.With the unwavering loyalty of Joseph, their journey forces them to face physical and spiritual dangers.
A tale of sacrifice and hope that sheds new light on one of the most important figures in history, bearer of a universal message of hope.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis
The much‑lamented Pope Francis is certainly, by far, the most important figure who, together with other men and women around the world over the age of 70 (both famous and ordinary people), shares their life stories with young directors in this remarkable documentary. Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis is a poetic portrayal of old age as a human heritage to be preserved and protected. The project first became a bestseller and then a testimony of life and resilience now available on Netflix. The stories become extraordinary in their absolute normality. An excellent starting point for deep spiritual reflection.
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Mysteries of the Faith
Docuseries with an “investigative” tone, in 4 episodes, focused on the relics and holy treasures of Catholicism. Between history and myth: the Crown of Thorns and the relic saved from the 2019 fire at Notre Dame in Paris. The legendary Holy Grail and the search for it. The Holy Cross of Brazil, a relic of the Cross kept there. The journey, around the world, seeks out places (not the best‑known ones) connected to the history of Christianity and home to some of its most important relics. The Holy Face of Manoppello, fragments of the True Cross, the shirt of Blessed Rosario Angelo Livatino, and more. Amix of history, testimony, and legend, where faith, devotion, and science come together with the aim of showing the impact that relics have on everyday life in the Catholic religion.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
Testament – The Story of Moses
This illuminating documentary, in the form of a drama series, retraces—with contributions from theologians and history experts—the incredible life of Moses as prince, prophet, and more. The three‑part docuseries features Charles Dance, Clarke Peters, and Avi Azulay. With extensive interviews with theologians and religious figures, the series explores Moses’s life and his rise from fugitive and wanted murderer to prophet and liberator of the Jews.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
Messiah
A provocative series, about a mysterious man named Al-Massih ad-Dajjal. He suddenly appears in the present-day Middle East, shaking the certainties of the West. Claiming to be a new Messiah. Capable of changing the fate of the world. Miracles begin to happen. Crowds gather.
Followers multiply. Across the globe, thousands start asking the same question:
Who is he, really? A skeptical CIA agent takes on the investigation.
▶ WATCH ON NETFLIX
