The Rise of Faith-Based Film in 2024: A Turning Point for Storytelling
The Fire of Faith Keeps Burning…
As we reflect on 2024, one thing is clear: faith-based cinema has moved from the margins to a position of real cultural and commercial influence. From box-office contenders to streaming epics, this year marked a turning point for stories rooted in faith.
Streaming Platforms Open the Floodgates
Amazon Prime Video led the charge, increasing its faith-based content by 204% in 2024, far outpacing its overall content growth rate of 100%. This massive ramp-up underscores an emerging truth: audiences are eager for spiritually rich narratives, and platforms are taking notice.
Meanwhile, free-to-air broadcasters also responded enthusiastically—announcing 29% more faith-based titles in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Such growth across distribution channels speaks to a broader, systemic embrace of stories of faith.
Box Office & Distribution Momentum
While major blockbusters are rare, independent distributors are seizing the moment. Seattle-based Fathom Events, known for faith-oriented releases, logged a remarkable 45% increase in revenue in 2024. Hits like The Chosen helped lead the climb—demonstrating that faith content can outperform in a tough box-office climate.
Standout Films That Show Why Faith-Based Films Are Flourishing
Several powerful mid-budget titles helped define 2024:
The Forge (Alex Kendrick): Made for just $5 million, this Christian drama earned $40.4 million worldwide, earning rare praise—an "A+" CinemaScore—and becoming the Kendrick Brothers' latest breakout.
Ordinary Angels: Starring Hilary Swank and distributed by Lionsgate, this inspiring true-story drama grossed $20 million, landing an "A+" from audiences.
Unsung Hero: The heartfelt story behind the band For King & Country resonated with audiences, grossing $21.1 million on a $6 million budget—and receiving an "A+" CinemaScore.
Cabrini: Though a larger-scale biopic with a $50 million budget, this Angel Studios release still reached $20.6 million worldwide—evidence of both ambition and evolving market response.
Mary: A Netflix biblical epic featuring Anthony Hopkins, this visually grand tale drew attention (and a blessing from Pope Francis) despite mixed reviews—showing faith stories remain major cultural opportunities.
Wider Industry Recognition
Hollywood is taking note. The hit Mary topped Netflix viewership charts, Hollywood's increasing production of faith-based epics reflects a broader shift. One recent film made history: "The King of Kings"—an animated faith-based feature voiced by luminaries like Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley—broke opening weekend records with $19 million, outpacing “The Prince of Egypt”.
Angel Studios continues to spearhead this momentum. After its theatrical success with Sound of Freedom, the studio rolled out follow-up dramas like Brave the Dark and Homestead, using community-driven strategies like fan ticket donations to expand reach.
What This Means for Help Them See Foundation
The data is clear: 2024 wasn't a one-off—it’s a milestone. Faith-based film is no longer niche—it’s growing across platforms, genres, and demographics.
At the Help Them See Foundation, this means opportunity and responsibility:
We can ride the wave by producing cinematic stories with depth, authenticity, and broad creative vision.
We can fill gaps where Hollywood still hesitates—especially in diverse, faith-rooted narratives that resonate.
We can innovate marketing and distribution by engaging communities, churches, and fans—just as Angel Studios and Fathom Events do.
Join the Movement
2024 showed us that when faith is told with artistry and intention, people respond. If you care about seeing hope-filled, faithful stories in theaters, on screens, and in hearts around the world—your support matters now more than ever.
Let’s inspire the next era together.
