Top 10 Positive Christian Characters in Movies Today

10 Positive Christian Characters in Movies Today

By Kris Rasmussen

Even though the Academy Awards (and the Beliefnet Film Awards) are over, there is certainly no lack of griping over Hollywood's depiction of people of faith.

I, along with some fellow critics and bloggers, have come up with a list of ten films released by Hollywood since the new millennium (2000) that portray a Christian character in a positive light. Keep in mind that we purposely left out historical biblical epics such as "The Passion" and "The Nativity." We also chose not to include movies that featured an entire Christian community-- not one specific Christian character--in a positive light ("Lars and The Real Girl", "Charlotte's Web").

Ashley Johnsten, 'Junebug' (2005)

The wide-eye innocence of small town Southern girl Ashley Johnsten was made forever memorable by the amazing performance of Amy Adams ("Enchanted"). When Ashley's brother returns home from the big city with a new wife in tow, it's not the prodigal son whose heart is affected by Ashley's unsinkable faith, but the wife's.

Sophie Scholl, 'The Final Days of Sophie Scholl' (2006)

Yes, this is a foreign film, so not directly produced by Hollywood, but I couldn't leave such a spectacular portrayal of the inspirational Sophie Scholl, who was martyred for protesting the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany, off the list.

James Braddock, 'Cinderella Man' (2005)

The down-on-his-luck boxer who relied on his family and his faith time and time again as he overcame the odds and defeat Max Baer an gave a country plagued by the Great Depression new hope.

Abbe Faria, 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (2002)

Trapped in prison together, while Dantes and the old man, Abbe Faria, known as "Priest," dig a tunnel to escape. The Priest provides Dantes with a chance at freedom as well as the wisdom he needs to eventually forgive those who have wronged him.

Aunt May, 'Spider-Man' (2002)

Say it with me, everyone "With great power, comes great responsibility." Yes, Peter Parker always counted Aunt May and Uncle Ben to be his spiritual compass for his alter-ego Spiderman. One of the best scenes from "Spider-Man" has to be when Aunt May says The Lord's Prayer " on Peter's behalf.

Jim Morris, 'The Rookie' (2002)

This movie, based on the real life story of Jim Morris, a Christian who made the big leagues at an age when many athletes have already retired, was an inspiration to all to never give up on pursuing their dreams

Shepherd Book, 'Serenity' (2005)

The movie and the TV series it was based on has a cult following and Shepherd Book--the mysterious man who left an abbey to join the Firefly--was one of the most memorable characters of the series. Was he really a man of the cloth? Were his intentions purely good? Fans still debate these and other spiritual questions surrounding this complex character.

Graham Hess, 'Signs' (2002)

While the movie's premise was outlandish, Gibson gave a convincing performance as a minister who loses his faith after a tragic accident.

Dave Karnes, 'World Trade Center' (2006)

Based on actual events, Karnes was no where near the Twin Towers when 9/11 happened, but the Marine felt God led him to Ground Zero to rescue two men still trapped in the rubble.

William Wilberforce, 'Amazing Grace' (2007)

Wilberforce's unflagging commitment to abolish slavery stemmed from his passionate faith and centuries later movie-goers were treated to the details of his struggles as an early Christian crusader.

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