Christian films aren't usually expected to compete with Hollywood blockbusters - but several have shattered expectations at the box office. Here are 10 of the biggest.
"The Passion of the Christ" (2004) remains the highest-grossing Christian film ever made, earning more than $611 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. Directed by Mel Gibson, it topped the U.S. box office for three straight weekends despite an R rating and subtitled dialogue, and a sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, is now in production with Jim Caviezel reprising his role.
"The Ten Commandments" (1956), adjusted for inflation, is estimated to have earned more than $1.2 billion, making it one of the top-grossing films of any genre in history. "Ben-Hur" (1959) achieved similar historic success, cementing biblical epics as a viable genre decades before modern faith-based films existed.
More recently, lower-budget Christian films have posted some of the most surprising returns in Hollywood. "God's Not Dead" (2014), made for just $2 million, earned more than $65 million. "I Can Only Imagine" (2018), telling the true story behind MercyMe's hit song, brought in $83 million on a $7 million budget and led to the creation of Kingdom Story Company, a dedicated faith-based studio.
"Heaven Is for Real" (2014) earned more than $101 million, while "Miracles from Heaven" (2016), starring Jennifer Garner, brought in nearly $62 million. "Noah" (2014), a bigger-budget biblical epic starring Russell Crowe, made $101 million domestically. "Jesus Revolution" (2023) became Lionsgate's top-grossing release of the decade for two weeks after opening to $15.8 million.
Rounding out the list, the Kendrick Brothers' "Fireproof" (2008), made on a shoestring budget, grossed $33 million in theaters and tens of millions more in home sales - proof that faith-driven storytelling doesn't need a blockbuster budget to find an audience.
