'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Mark Wahlberg starrer Father Stu gained plenty of traction for its inspiring storyline when it was released in 2022. Rosalind Ross' directorial debut, Father Stu is based on the true story of Stuart Long, a boxer who receives his calling after getting into a serious accident. Even though his journey of getting ordained isn't without challenges, Long can overcome them with patience and persistence.
Wahlberg does a great job playing the titular role in Father Stu. He can show the transformation his character goes through after embracing the path of faith. Another actor who stands out is Mel Gibson. He plays Long's father who uses alcohol to bury the pain of his youngest son's death. In addition to well-developed characters, Father Stu boasts an engaging narrative that is impactful and inspiring.
Viewers who enjoyed watching Father Stu should make a point to check out the titles, mentioned on this list, that also explore themes of faith and religious beliefs.
Trending
Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
All Saints, The Fighting Preacher and five other movies like Father Stu that carry meaningful messages
1) Machine Gun Preacher (2011)
Like Father Stu, Machine Gun Preacher by Marc Forster is also based on a real story. Gerard Butler stars as Sam Childers, a member of the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club who turned into a preacher. He is known for working in collaboration with the Sudan People's Liberation Army to save the children of South Sudan from the atrocities of the Lord's Resistance Army.
Based on Childers' book titled Another Man's War, the biopic implores the audience to recognize the human rights violations that are impacting Sudanese children. It is always a tough task to portray a well-known personality but Butler can do justice to the role by bringing in much-needed depth and intensity.
The impactful narrative keeps viewers hooked from beginning to end by combining eye-opening moments with thrilling action scenes.
Where to watch: Machine Gun Preacher can be streamed on Prime Video.
2) First Reformed (2017)
Towards the beginning of Father Stu, Mark Wahlberg realistically captures how hard it is for people to remain true to their faith when faced with devastating personal tragedies. The same theme is also present in the A24 movie First Reformed by Paul Schrader.
Ethan Hawke stars in the lead as Reverend Ernst Toller who presides over a small congregation in New York. He maintains a journal where he pens down things that impact him - personal trauma, worldly concerns and more. His faith is also questioned when he comes across a troubled couple, Mary and Michael, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried and Philip Ettinger.
Unlike Father Stu, First Reformed has a darker tone but it raises a lot of pertinent questions about faith, environmentalism and the impact of human behavior. It is a slow-burn because the narrative is dialogue-driven but the powerful performances by the cast more than make up for it.
Where to watch: First Reformed is available on Apple TV+, MUBI and Prime Video.
3) All Saints (2017)
Like Stuart Long in Father Stu, the protagonist of All Saints didn't get the calling from the get-go. Before becoming a pastor, Michael Spurlock, portrayed by John Corbett, was a salesman. He manages a small church in Smyrna, Tennessee. But when he is ordered to shut the church down, he feels compelled to save it and the group of refugees from Myanmar who see the church as a symbol of hope.
Christian movies can feel a little overwhelming at times but All Saints by Steve Gomer can share messages of community and kindness without it coming across as preachy. Since this movie, like Father Stu, is based on real events, it leaves a stronger impression on the audience.
The best thing about this movie is the way it highlights people realistically. Instead of focusing on miracles, it showcases the goodness that resides within people from all walks of life.
Where to watch: All Saints is available for streaming on Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV+.
4) Come Sunday (2018)
In Father Stu, Stuart Long can see the good in people even when they can't see it themselves and the same is the case with Come Sunday's lead character, Carlton Pearson, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Based on a true story, Pearson started as a popular preacher and large numbers of devotees would come to hear his sermons. However, when he starts to question traditional Christian teachings, it leads to controversy. His church and lifelong mentors are unable to accept his new perspective called "The Gospel of Inclusion," which dictates that hell does not exist.
Come Sunday, like Father Stu, is a thought-provoking biopic that thrives on powerful performances. It is also commendable the way the well-written narrative explores how traditionalism can make way for newer, more inclusive ideologies that ensure that no one feels oppressed or helpless.
Where to watch: Come Sunday, directed by Joshua Marston, can be viewed on Netflix.
5) The Two Popes (2019)
The narrative of Father Stu showcases how faith can mean different things to different people. The Two Popes, directed by Fernando Meirelles, also explores similar themes.
The biopic stars Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. Set around the time of the Vatican leaks scandal, it follows Pope Benedict XVI (Hopkins) who is trying to convince Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pryce) to reconsider his resignation while he shares his intentions to abdicate.
Faith can be a tricky subject to navigate and the reason The Two Popes captures the viewer's attention is because it dabbles on the subject sensitively while also giving them much-needed food for thought. It is a joy to watch the meaningful interactions between Hopkins and Pryce which come across as sincere and impactful.
Where to watch: The Two Popes is available for streaming on Netflix.
6) The Fighting Preacher (2019)
Like Stuart Long in Father Stu, the lead protagonist of The Fighting Preacher is also a boxer. Directed by T. C. Christensen, it stars David McConnell as Willard Bean, a middle-weight boxing champion who becomes involved in missionary service in Palmyra, New York, along with his wife, Rebecca (Cassidy Hubert).
They aren't particularly welcomed by the community and have to go through many challenges before they can get people to accept them. Like Father Stu, The Fighting Preacher also tells the true story of a determined man who is prepared to fight for what he believes in.
The Fighting Preacher has some well-choreographed action scenes but the real hero is the moving screenplay that is brought alive by well-developed characters who the audience will find themselves rooting for.
Where to watch: The Fighting Preacher can be viewed on Prime Video and Plex.
7) Jesus Revolution (2023)
As a young man, Father Stu's Stuart Long wasn't deeply connected with God or faith but as he started walking the path of reflection and understanding, things started to change. The same is the case for the youngsters in Jesus Revolution by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle.
Based on a true story like Father Stu, Jesus Revolution showcases the counterculture movement that started in California during the late 1960s when a street preacher and pastor joined hands to enlighten youngsters looking for guidance and direction.
Jesus Revolution, like Father Stu, thrives on complicated yet endearing characters who are striving to be the best versions of themselves. It shares important messages about inclusion, love and understanding. Music lovers in particular should take note of the impressive soundtrack which features many iconic songs from the 60s.
Where to watch: Jesus Revolution is available on Netflix, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
Like Father Stu, these inspirational movies will leave a lasting impression on viewers who will surely appreciate the powerful messages that come through in the narratives.
