christian movie review guide

Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents and Family Movie Night

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Let’s set the scene…..

You’ve picked the movie, you’ve popped the popcorn, everyone’s comfy. You pop in the movie and things are going well. You’re laughing and smiling and enjoying family time. And then it happens, that scene you forgot about, or those words that made you cringe.

Oh, shoot! Wasn’t this supposed to be a kid’s movie? How could I forget about this?! You cover the kid’s eyes while your spouse fumbles around trying to turn it off, or fast-forward, or even just hope the electricity goes out. Give us a break, right?!

You’ve been there, I know you have because I’ve been there too! But, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that I’ve been carrying around for a while. With a simple click, you won’t have to worry anymore if the movie is kid-friendly, or stands up to your convictions.

You’re New BFF

These movie review sites for Christian parents will be your BFF when it comes to your next family movie night! I can almost guarantee that you’ll find family-friendly movie reviews on the show of your choice via one of these sites.

I do find it interesting that not one of these websites will give you a definitive “do not watch” or “definitely watch” at the end of the review. To make your decision, you will still need to gather information from the reviews and make a judgment call based on your family values and expectations.

You might find it helpful to look at more than one site to get a more well-rounded perspective! Fortunately, most of these websites use headings and organize the posts so you can quickly scan for the content that matters most, such as sexual content, profanity, violence, or nudity. 

I’ve put this list in order of preference, so I recommend you start at the top of the list for the best information and then work your way down when you can’t find what you need. If you need to make a fast decision the DOVE site has the most concise information. But if it’s the details you are looking for, I’d go with Plugged In first every time.

I don’t know how many times we’ve pulled out a movie we watched ourselves as kids and remembered fondly, only to get ten minutes into the movie and turn it off in shock. Growing up, growing in faith, and having children of our own certainly changes how we view content. For this reason, I’m glad we have sites that review older movies and not just the most current content.

8 Movie Review Sites for Christian Parents

This one is, by far, my favorite review site to check in on. I’ve used it numerous times, and not just for kids’ movies. We even check videos out for ourselves using this site too! It never fails to disappoint us with accuracy or detail, the writers at Focus on the Family really do a great job! If you have tweens, it would be perfectly safe to have them read the Plugged In review for the video in question before they ask you for permission. This will give your teens an excellent overview of things to watch for and also save you significant time as they will do the narrowing down for you. 

Common Sense Media 

This next movie review site is my second favorite. Like Plugged In, Common Sense Media is incredibly thorough and provides independent reviews based upon age, ratings, and other pertinent information you’ll definitely want to know about. This site was started to help parents navigate the digital age and protect their children from the unknown effects of too much media. If you can’t find what you are looking for on PluggedIn, you will find all the recent movies reviewed here!

Kinds In Mind

With a scaled rating of Sex/Nudity, Violence/Gore, and Language, the system works pretty well for this company. While I was hoping that this movie review site was geared mainly towards Christian parents, they do state that they are independent of all political and religious viewpoints.

I didn’t even know that Dove had their own movie review system. But, they’ve got a pretty good thing going here. I don’t find that it’s as detailed as some of the others here, but it could definitely get the job done if you need just a little snippet of information so you can make a quick decision.

Movie Guide

This is not your old-fashioned movie guide (like I was thinking it was) it actually is very informative and ranks at the top of the list for me! While the site doesn’t have much information about its roots, the site has a ton of movie reviews that are available!

Raising Children

I had never heard of this site until I started doing a little more digging on movie review sites for Christian parents. While this one is not Christian based, and not as detailed in the information, it does cover its bases- so we’ll still list it as a good option for movie review sites for parents.

Box Office Mom

She’s a great movie buff, but I do feel as though it’s a little less informative and a little more dependent on her own opinions when it comes to how her movies are rated. Yet, you may enjoy that real-life review about it. I also love throwing her in here to support another mom blogger!

Parent Previews

Parent Previews is just, well, okay . The problem is that with some of their movie reviews they have a disclaimer that they have not actually viewed the movie yet and the information is gathered from an outside source. No thanks.

Looking for more than just a review site?

If you’re looking for clean entertainment and want specific recommendations, you can check out these posts: Best Clean Shows on Netflix, Clean TV Shows on Amazon Prime , and Faith & Family Movies that you absolutely need to see too!

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All of these sites are different, so it really depends on your personal preference as to which site you’ll refer to when looking for a family-friendly movie review. The top two listed are my favorites, but you may be happy with what another site has to offer!

How do you do your due diligence when choosing what movies are “good enough” for your children?

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Movie Review Websites for Christian Parents

Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Luke Gilkerson  has a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion. He is the author of Your Brain on Porn and  The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality . Luke and his wife Trisha blog at IntoxicatedOnLife.com

Are you looking for Christian movie reviews? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of helpful websites where you can find reviews on all the latest movies from a Christian perspective. They include content advisories, worldview analysis, and even discussion questions for your family so you can thoughtfully consume media.

List of Review Websites

MovieGuide is an organization founded by Dr. Ted Baehr. Its mission is “to redeem the values of the entertainment industry, according to biblical principles, by influencing industry executives and artists.” They do this through reviews, as well as many other efforts to inform Christians and influence Hollywood.

PluggedIn is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers, and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment is part of ChristianAnswers.com, a site dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about Christianity. The “Spotlight on Entertainment” features quick content summaries and ratings, as well as extensive plot overviews and content analysis. This is a great option for Christian parents looking for in-depth review content.

CBN Movies is the movie website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. More than just movie reviews, this site features exclusive interviews, and entertainment news as well.

CrossWalk Movies

CrossWalk Movies is a movie review service of CrossWalk.com. Find reviews on all the latest movies, all written from a Christian perspective.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is not a Christian organization. Nonetheless, they’ve done a lot of work to help families make informed decisions about media. Each movie review has a grading system for different types of content, making it easy for parents to make informed decisions.

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Busy parents and others want guidance on choosing television programs. Some parents watch so little TV themselves that they have almost no idea of the appropriateness of their children’s viewing habits or what shows are worth their time. This easy-to-use ratings list includes links to comments and descriptions that provide more detail to assist you in your decision-making.

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► by sharing your observations and insights about any show or movie made for TV, cable or streaming.

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​Unique and Imaginative – But May Be Too Confusing for Young Children

In the realm of storytelling, few mediums can touch the heart and soul quite like film does. As a lover of cinema and a devout Christian, I care about what types of movies my children watch, and I feel called to share my thoughts with you. In this IF Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before seeing this film with children.

Furthermore, it should be noted that we pay for our movie tickets so you can be sure that you are getting my unbiased thoughts on each film I review. For Christian families, selecting the right movie isn’t just about avoiding the bad—it’s about actively seeking the good, those stories that resonate with our core values. They provide a unique opportunity to explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption in a way that’s accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

IF Christian Movie Review

Studio synopsis of if:.

From writer and director John Krasinksi, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends—and what she does with that superpower—as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

My Synopsis of IF:

When  John Krasinski  introduces us to a young girl grappling with difficult situations in his latest creation, she discovers an extraordinary world brimming with imaginary friends. This isn’t just a story about overcoming sadness; it’s a profound exploration of coming to terms with what life throws at you.

The tale of 12-year-old girl named Bea and her journey is a heartwarming reminder of how unseen companionship can bring immense comfort and guide us toward healing. As a Christian, recognizing the significance of imagination and faith as tools for navigating life’s challenges offers a fresh perspective. This film, with its unique blend of whimsy and heartfelt emotion, splendidly encapsulates the essence of hope and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves. 

IF Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Frequent use of taking God’s name in vain. In fact, at one point my adult son leaned over and just said that I could stop writing each incident down and just say they used God’s name a lot. Uses include lots of “Oh my g-d,” and “oh g-d.” Furthermore, “swear to g-d,” “good g-d,” “oh dear g-d,” and “thank g-d,” are used. It was almost as if they tried to get God’s name in as many times as they could.

Three uses of h-ll, and one use of d-mn.

One person makes a comment about having a “broken butt.” Another person calls someone a fool.

A man is seen breaking into a house.

Additionally, a child is in the hospital with multiple broken bones, and he says he “falls a lot.”

One imaginary friend is invisible and people are seen tripping over him.

Spiritual Content:

A girl is told, “you are the chosen one.”

Extensive use of magical elements transforming a retirement home. Keep in mind that it may be all in one’s imagination that this transformation takes place. Additionally, one IF (Imaginary Friend) is a ghost.

Sexual Content:

In the land of IFs, an art class takes place. The participants are painting an apple that is posing, and she is told to “cover up.”

Other Content: See SPOILER BELOW for the questions of death in the movie. Does Bea’s mom die? and Does Bea’s dad die?

Bea’s mom is shown in the hospital with a scarf on her head. Bea’s dad is later shown in the same hospital.

As a woman whose husband was in the hospital for heart bypass surgery, I found the depictions of the hospital were totally unrealistic. After Bea’s dad’s surgery, he is in bed with no monitors, no tubes, and just a pulse oximeter on his finger.

In one scene, Bea goes with Cal (Ryan Reynolds) to a closed Coney Island amusement park. He opens a door and they go through a secret passage underneath a ride. It felt kind of “icky” in the moment. As the movie continues, it makes more sense, but throughout the movie, not only does Bea run around the streets of New York City alone, but she also goes around with Cal. No one seems to notice or care including her grandmother.

Positive Content:

Throughout the movie, you see Bea coming to terms with growing up and dealing with the challenges of life.

She is told by an IF, “Nothing you love can ever be forgotten.” Bea has forgotten things, but uses the time at her grandmother’s apartment building (while her father is in the hospital) to remember good times with her family.

Bea is on a journey of self-discovery, healing and trying to make sense of life. While her dad is his hospital room bed, and not awake, she tells him a story of her life. He awakens and tells her it is a good story.

Teaching with the Movie IF

Each movie I see, I try to view it through the eyes of my children or grandchildren. What elements will they see, and what will they miss? If your child has ever dealt with being in a hospital, discuss how unrealistic the entire hospital setting was. Do you think a child pushing a used gowns/hospital bedding cart would go unnoticed? Additionally, digging through hospital gowns and bedding is 1) unsanitary, and 2) a health risk.

Did you or your children ever have imaginary friends? Have your child draw their imaginary friend. If they never had one, ask them to use their imagination to create one now. Ask, “What would your IFs special talents be?”

Who could your child invite into their life as a friend? As a Christian, we know there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus Christ, and He isn’t imaginary.

Additionally, discuss whether or not the movie was “real” or just a product of Bea’s imagination.

​The opening of the film with the Paramount Logo was uniquely done. Have your child redo a logo for another movie with elements from the film.

Christian Review of IF – My Viewing Recommendations :

Am I the only person that sees Jim from the Office every time I hear John Krasinski’s voice?

While this family film did have a lot of positive elements, I am once again saddened by the repeated misuse of God’s name. I’ve said this before, and I will continue saying it until Hollywood “gets it,” but did you ever notice they never say, “Oh my Al-ah?” Because it would be totally offensive to the Muslim community.

Overall, the musical score was very good, and was a product of Composer Michael Giacchino who was also responsible for Mission Impossible, Jurassic World, Up, and other famous works. Additionally, the concept was original-ish. It was refreshing to see a movie that was not a remake of a remake. (I’m looking at you, Disney!) However, this film is slow moving at times, and my husband actually fell asleep – I’m usually the one doing that.

As far as my recommendation, I would say, “see this movie,” but it pains me to hear God’s name taken in vain sooooo many times.

Evaluating Entertainment: The Role of Christian Review Sites

Have you ever found yourself scrolling endlessly through movie titles, wondering which film aligns not just with your entertainment preferences but also mirrors your values? Many of us face this dilemma, especially when selecting content for family movie nights.

This is where Christian movie review sites become an invaluable resource. This platform is more than just a list of film critiques; it is a guiding light for families seeking entertainment that upholds their Christian values. With an array of movies to choose from, these reviews offer  easier access  to detailed information on content, themes, and moral evaluations, making it a simpler process to find films that resonate with our faith. The significance of such resources cannot be overstated; we aim to provide a beacon of insight, ensuring that our recommended movie selections are entertaining and enriching to our spiritual lives and family values. 

About the Movie IF:

Rating: PG for thematic elements and mild language

Release Date: May 17, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 44 mins.

Genre: Animation/Children’s film

Studio: Sunday Night Productions, Maximum Effort

Directed by: John Krasinksi

Written by: John Krasinksi

Produced by: John Krasinksi, Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds

Edited by: Christopher Rouse, Andy Canny

Music by: Michael Giacchino

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

The Cast of IF :

Cailey Fleming plays Bea

Ryan Reynolds plays Cal

John Krasinksi plays Bea’s Dad

Fiona Shaw plays Bea’s Grandmother

Alan Kim plays Benjamin

Liza Colon-Zara’s plays Nurse Janet

Bobby Moynihan plays Jeremy

Voice Cast:

Blue voiced by Steve Carell (Purple Monster)

Blossom voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Butterfly dancer?)

Marshmallow Man voiced by John Krasinksi (Flaming Marshmallow)

Gummy Bear voiced by Amy Schumer

Lewis voiced by Louis Gossett Jr. (Teddy Bear)

Unicorn voiced by Emily Blunt

Sonny voiced by Matt Damon (A flower)

Spaceman voiced by George Clooney

Keith voiced by Brad Pitt

Ally voiced by Maya Rudolph (Alligator)

Robot voiced by Jon Stewart

Bubble voiced by Awkwafina

Guardian Dog voiced by Sam Rockwell

Dragon voiced by Vince Vaughn

Octopus’s voiced by Blake Lively

Magician Mouse voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco

Ghost voiced by Matthew Rhys

Slime voiced by Keegan-Michael Key

Ice voiced by Bradley Cooper (Ice Cube)

Cosmo voiced by Christopher Meloni (Private Detective)

Art Teacher voiced by Richard Jenkins

Banana voiced by Bill Hader

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can i watch if.

If was released into theaters on May 17, 2024. At that time, it could only be watched in theaters. A streaming date has not been announced.

Is there an end-credit scene for If?

​Yes, there is a very quick end-credit scene. 

Will  IF stream on Disney+? 

No. IF will not be streaming on Disney Plus. Because IF is a Paramount film.

Will IF stream on Peacock?

It is unlikely that IF will stream on Peacock. In fact, it is a film distributed by Paramount and will most likely stream on that platform.

How much did it cost to produce IF?

The production budget was $110 million.

What other movies have been made that deal with Imaginary Friends?

One movie, that is similar in some ways, is Wonder Park which tells the story of a young girl who creates an amusement park with her mom. When her mom leaves for cancer treatments, the girl’s park come to life.

Other movies include, Where the Wild Things Are , and Winnie-the-Pooh .

Then we have movies such as The Velveteen Rabbit who gains “real status” because he is loved. And certainly we can’t forget Toy Story where Andy believes his toys are real, and they come to life when no one is looking.

What black-and-white movie is playing on the television?

The film Harvey, starring James Stewart, is playing on the television. In fact, you may know Stewart from the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie playing is about an invisible giant rabbit named Harvey that Jimmy Stewart’s character talks to.

*****SPOILER ALERT BELOW******

Does bea’s mom die.

Yes, Bea’s mother does die. However, nothing is shown on screen. There is a discussion when Bea’s dad is in the hospital and he says that he is not going to die.

Does Bea’s dad die?

No. Bea’s dad does not die. He “had a broken heart,” has some sort of heart surgery or procedure and recovers.

Who is the tribute to at the end of the movie?

The tribute was to the late Louis Gossett Jr. who voices Lewis the bear. This was one of his final roles before his death in March 2024.

Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!

Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting

Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast

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• Furiosa tells the story of a world (almost) without hope

Is there no hope? This desperate question hangs over the previous film in the saga, Miller’s 2015 extravaganza Mad Max: Fury Road . Now, the same question haunts Furiosa , an epic origin-story prequel for Fury Road ’s stealth protagonist, Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa.

Wildcat lacks O’Connor’s oddness, but brims with passion

Wildcat  bills itself as “based on short stories by Flannery O’Connor,” though it could equally be said to be based on O’Connor’s letters (the source for much of Flannery’s dialogue) and her prayer journal (used to depict her prayer life in earnest voiceovers).

Watch: The Song of Bernadette and Lourdes – An Arts & Faith Top 100 discussion with Kenneth R. Morefield

In which I chat with the editor of a collection of essays about the Arts & Faith Top 100 films about my contribution to the book

The face of God in Cabrini

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Cabrini celebrates human dignity and solidarity; the saint remains an enigma

What kind of world do we want, and what will we do to achieve it? Those are the questions with which Alejandro Monteverdi’s Cabrini leaves us at the end of its 140 minutes. The questions land harder after the story we’ve seen.

Dune: Part Two exceeds expectations in every way — except humanity

There’s something bracing about a blockbuster epic in 2024 that doesn’t care what you think of it, that is primarily concerned with being the best possible version of itself.

Dune and The Lord of the Rings

In my reviews of Dune: Part One and now Dune: Part Two (filed and pending publication; stay tuned!) I’ve written a bit comparing and contrasting Dune with Star Wars . Here I’d like to consider Star Wars in relation to The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien’s larger legendarium.

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IF (Christian Movie Review)

With impressive visuals, charming characters, and an emotionally rich story, IF is a delightful and surprisingly mature film that children and adults alike can enjoy. 

About the Film  

Growing up is hard. In the age of social media and cell phones, this inevitable rite of passage is arguably more difficult than ever. Directed by John Krasinski, IF tells a tender story about rediscovering our inner child and finding strength and comfort in our cherished memories. It’s the type of live-action family film that seems increasingly rare these days. With impressive visuals, charming characters, and an emotionally rich story, IF is a delightful and surprisingly mature film that children and adults alike can enjoy.     

John Krasinski is best known for his comedic acting role in The Office , but he is quickly earning a reputation as one of the better storytellers in Hollywood. His 2018 horror flick, A Quiet Place , was excellent, and he demonstrates his capable storytelling talents once again. While IF may not appear to have much in common with his alien-invasion horror movie, they share a similar foundational theme: navigating life’s challenges as a family. IF is not just a film for families, but it is also a movie about families.     

The story is about Imaginary Friends (called IFs) whose children have grown up and no longer remember them. Thus, they recruit a young girl named Bea (played by relative newcomer Cailey Fleming, who is fantastic) to find them new kids. The visuals are impressive, seamlessly blending the digital figures into a live-action world. The IFs themselves are fun, endearing characters, ranging from classic teddy bears to amusingly inventive creations.  

Despite the bizarre cast of IFs, the film itself is not as high energy or wacky as might be expected. IF is not bursting with laugh-out-loud gags. Instead, it is the type of movie that will keep audiences quietly smiling, similar in tone and pacing to the delightful Paddington movies . In fact, IF is what you might expect from a hypothetical live-action Pixar movie. It’s a mature story that explores deeper themes beneath its playful exterior. While it is a film children can enjoy, it may resonate strongest with their parents.   

I have not yet mentioned Ryan Reynolds, the movie’s biggest star. Unfortunately, Reynolds is unexpectedly one of the weaker parts of the film. He’s not necessarily bad , and his child-like enthusiasm works well at times, but his brand of humor has always had a sharper bite to it, which occasionally gives the movie a rougher edge.   

Another unfortunate blemish in the movie is some unnecessary language (see section below). The inclusion of profanity in family films continues to baffle me. In an otherwise charming scene, what is the purpose of having an adult ask a child, “What the h— do you want?” Is it funny because he swore? If so, funny for what demographic? No, IF is not The Wolf of Wall Street by any means. But in a story about rediscovering the importance of childhood innocence, the adult language sprinkled throughout feels counterproductive.  

Overall, there is a lot to appreciate about IF . It is a testament to John Krasinski’s skilled direction that the film manages to offer a message against growing up too fast while also respecting the intelligence of its younger viewers to handle an emotionally mature story. Yes, there are some worldbuilding elements that don’t feel fully cooked and some needless language that adds a slightly bitter flavor to the otherwise sugary sweet tone. But at its core, IF is an enjoyable, beautiful story about growing up and cherishing the memories that enrich our lives.

For Consideration

Language: There are 2-4 profanities (“h—“), and frequent uses (perhaps 15-20) of “God” and “Oh my G—” throughout.    

Violence: None.  

Sexuality : None, although a banana is told to put on some pants, causing him to cross his hands over his private areas.  

Other:  Bea, a 12-year-old girl, is frequently shown leaving the house without telling her grandma to travel around with an adult man she hardly knows. She does not demonstrate an attitude of defiance against parental authority, and her behavior is standard practice in these sorts of films, but some parents may not appreciate it.     

Engage The Film

Becoming like a child          .

Bea lost her mother to cancer as a child. Years later, when her father (played by John Krasinski) ends up in the same hospital for a heart procedure, she is confronted with grief for her mother and fear of potentially saying goodbye to a parent once again. She faces challenges no child should have to experience, and she is forced to grow up quickly as a result.    

 “I’m not a kid anymore,” she declares several times. Life’s trials have made her innocent and childlike tendencies—such as having imaginary friends—feel silly and unimportant. Her father pushes back on these attitudes, as he doesn’t want her to lose the spirit of childhood that helps her perceive life’s simple joys and blessings in a way jaded adult eyes cannot.   

Children learn from watching adults, but Jesus was clear that adults can also learn from children: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Becoming like a child does not mean remaining immature (after all, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:2 that Christians should mature beyond spiritual milk to solid food). But not all childhood attitudes or memories should be left behind.   

Daniel holds a PhD in "Christianity and the Arts" from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author/co-author of multiple books and he speaks in churches and schools across the country on the topics of Christian worldview, apologetics, creative writing, and the Arts.

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The 10 Best Christian Slater Movies, Ranked

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Perhaps the most iconic actor named Christian who rose to fame in the 1980s as a child actor before finding success in adult roles later would be Christian Bale , but the runner-up is surely the similarly great Christian Slater . His filmography has been somewhat inconsistent, sure, but he has a unique charm and presence as an actor, and he’s been well-cast across a fairly wide assortment of genres over the decades.

The following focuses only on his film performances, so Mr. Robot will be missing here (but he’s great in that show, so consider it being mentioned here an honorable mention of sorts). These movies showcase Slater at his best, and are also well-made or, at the very least, interesting films . They're ranked below, beginning with some more niche titles and ending with the stone-cold classics Slater’s been in.

10 'The Legend of Billie Jean' (1985)

Director: matthew robbins.

To start with something of a cult movie (maybe a little B-grade, too) , The Legend of Billie Jean isn't one of the most widely acclaimed Christian Slater movies, but it has its charms for something a little niche. It’s also worth mentioning because it was Slater’s feature film debut, and he plays the sibling of Helen Slater ’s character, but they’re not actually related in real life. Coincidences are fun .

The Legend of Billie Jean also has nothing to do with the Michael Jackson song of the same name, and is about a dispute between youngsters that spirals out of control, and sees the aforementioned pair of siblings clash with the law. It’s got the kind of energy and rebellious attitude you'd want out of a youth-focused film of this era, and it gets the job done as a down-and-dirty action/drama flick.

The Legend of Billie Jean

Rent on Apple TV

9 'The Contender' (2000)

Director: rod lurie.

2024 is an election year in the U.S., and it’s unlikely to be a total coincidence that films like Civil War and The Apprentice are coming out during such a year. Similarly, The Contender came out in 2000, another election year, and had a plot that involved the president having to select another vice president after his passes away, with a senator named Laine Hanson finding her life dramatically impacted after she’s selected for the position.

It's a film with an impressive cast, of which Christian Slater is ultimately a fairly small part, given the likes of Gary Oldman , Joan Allen , and Jeff Bridges are also in The Contender (the latter two getting Oscar nominations). It’s a film distinctly of its time, and partly inspired by the infamous Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, but still holds up pretty well as a political drama/thriller .

The Contender (2000)

8 'the wife' (2017), director: björn runge.

While The Wife might not be the most riveting thing in the world, it does satisfy quite well as a straightforward drama , and is ultimately a great showcase for the lead actors involved. Glenn Close shines the brightest of the bunch, and gets the film’s best material to work with, but co-stars Jonathan Pryce and Christian Slater are also more than solid.

The premise here involves the husband of a married couple traveling to Stockholm to accept a Nobel Prize for Literature, and various things that happen – or don’t happen – that lead to his wife having doubts about her continued support of him. It’s a subtle kind of movie, but the acting is all strong and there is a quietness to the drama that can be compelling , so long as you're attentive and okay with a somewhat methodical pace.

7 'Tucker: The Man and His Dream' (1988)

Director: francis ford coppola.

Though Francis Ford Coppola has made some of the most iconic and acclaimed movies of all time , a good deal of his filmography remains unexplored by most. Digging beyond The Godfather (s), Apocalypse Now , and The Conversation , you do eventually get to lesser-known titles like Tucker: The Man and His Dream , with this 1988 film being refreshingly straightforward and generally endearing .

The optimism of the title is reflected well by the central character, Preston Tucker , who has aspirations of designing what he feels is a perfect automobile, though his dream is made harder to achieve thanks to industry tycoons. Tucker: The Man and His Dream works as an underdog story, and it’s an ode to creativity and passion; something Coppola can likely relate to, as a filmmaker. And two cast members here were also in The Contender , alongside Christian Slater: Jeff Bridges (who plays Tucker) and Joan Allen (who plays his wife, Vera).

Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Watch on Starz

6 'Interview with the Vampire' (1994)

Director: neil jordan.

A semi-classic gothic horror movie that now might have been eclipsed by a TV show of the same name, Interview with the Vampire could well be a contender for the best-cast movie of the 1990s. Slater’s here in a small role (playing the interviewer, effectively), and is joined by the likes of Tom Cruise , Brad Pitt , Antonio Banderas , Thandiwe Newton , and Kirsten Dunst (the latter in one of her earliest roles).

Thanks to the framing device of that titular interview, Interview with the Vampire is mostly made up of flashbacks that paint a portrait of a long, oftentimes difficult, and relatively gruesome life lived by a – you guessed it – vampire . It’s a little campy at times, but the theatricality generally works. It’s a heightened and bold film; not necessarily perfect, but it’s definitely entertaining and well-made.

Interview with the Vampire

5 'nymphomaniac' (2013), director: lars von trier.

A brutal, downbeat, sexually explicit, and lengthy two-part film, Nymphomaniac is understandably a hard sell, and certainly not for everyone. It sees filmmaker Lars von Trier at his most provocative and close to his most nihilistic, with the two halves of Nymphomaniac covering the dramatic – and ultimately tragic – life story of a woman named Joe, who’s addicted to sex.

Slater appears as Joe’s father (he’s not given any other name), and is slightly more of a presence in Nymphomaniac Vol. 1 , versus Vol. 2 . Vol. 1 is probably the stronger half overall, because the way Vol. 2 eventually ends is strange and unsatisfying, even by von Trier’s standards . Still, those who don’t mind arthouse films and don’t mind being confronted might come away impressed by Nymphomaniac . There’s little else out there like it, that’s for sure.

Nymphomaniac Volume I

4 'pump up the volume' (1990), director: allan moyle.

There’s a lot to be said about Pump Up the Volume regarding the ways it was ahead of its time . It does revolve around radio, in the sense that Christian Slater plays a teenager who becomes a popular underground pirate DJ, but some of the darker themes it ends up touching on (and its exploration of loneliness and wanting to belong) make it remain relevant during the internet age.

That’s also to say that Pump Up the Volume has built up more recognition as the years have gone along, and it’s revealed itself to be surprisingly forward-thinking. It also could well be the most underrated film Christian Slater’s ever played the lead role in , and can potentially be paired – in some ways – with another soon-to-be-mentioned film of his from 1989.

Pump Up the Volume

Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ “Hard Harry.” When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.

Buy on Amazon

3 'The Name of the Rose' (1986)

Director: jean-jacques annaud.

Though it was released a year after The Legend of Billie Jean , The Name of the Rose could be seen as Christian Slater’s actual breakout role, because the consensus around this one’s a good deal more positive. It pairs Sean Connery with Slater, the former playing a Franciscan monk and the latter playing his novice, with both working together to uncover a conspiracy that might be behind the murder of several monks at a monastery.

It's a murder-mystery movie, as a result, but it has an unexpected tone/feel to it, and the unique setting for this genre (plus the fact it’s set during the 14th century) also helps . The Name of the Rose unfolds slowly but surely, and looks spectacular throughout, with the performances by Connery and Slater also being up there with the very best that either’s ever given.

Watch on Peacock

2 'True Romance' (1993)

Director: tony scott.

True Romance has a dynamite script courtesy of Quentin Tarantino , reliably bold direction from Tony Scott , and an incredible cast headed by Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette . The number of well-known supporting players here is truly staggering, given True Romance also features Dennis Hopper , Val Kilmer , Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken , Samuel L. Jackson , and James Gandolfini , among others.

The plot is simple but thoroughly engaging, being about two young lovers who go on the run after stealing cocaine from some very powerful (and subsequently not too happy) criminals. True Romance successfully blends romance (obviously), crime, action, and thriller genres, all while being very stylish and undoubtedly packed to the brim with memorable scenes and standout performances. Some of the big names in the cast are only on-screen for a limited time, but all manage to shine regardless.

True Romance

1 'heathers' (1989), director: michael lehmann.

Perhaps one of the best satirical dark comedies ever made , Heathers has lost none of its power to shock, unnerve, and entertain in the 30+ years since it first came out. Christian Slater had been in some well-regarded movies before this point, but Heathers still felt like something of a breakout role for him (even more so than The Name of the Rose ). The same goes for Winona Ryder ; Heathers wasn’t her first big movie, but it was one of her first great ones.

Narratively, Heathers takes high school drama and rivalries between teenage girls and pushes things to murderous extremes, with Slater’s character – the charismatic but disturbed J.D – being behind much of the escalation. It’s certainly not a nice movie, nor a particularly optimistic one, but it has a timeless sort of attitude and an easy-to-respect determination to push boundaries and mine humor from difficult subjects/ideas.

NEXT: The Best Harvey Keitel Movies, Ranked

• Nymphomaniac

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON

"searching for the creator".

	None	Light	Moderate	Heavy
Language
Violence
Sex
Nudity

What You Need To Know:

Miscellaneous Immorality: Stealing and mentions of men’s nipples.

More Detail:

In HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, Harold is all grown up living in the pages of a book and wants to know where he comes from, so he enters the “Real World” by using magic crayon, which can create anything he wants. HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is a silly, entertaining movie with some funny and heartwarming moments and a moral worldview that shows a positive, loving main character who’s looking for his creator.

All his life, Harold has used a purple crayon to create anything he would like. When he grows older, he starts to wonder where he has come from. The narrator tells Harold that he created him, and he lives in “the real world.” This makes Harold want to go into the real world, beyond the pages of the book, to find the narrator. Harold decides to draw a door to the real world. He takes his trusty friend, Moose, with him.

When Moose and Harold enter the real world, they’re propelled into a park. Harold starts to see old men that could be the narrator as the narrator has an older voice. However, when Harold approaches them, they say they don’t know him.

Harold decides to draw a purple bike with his purple crayon. He and Moose start riding around town looking for the narrator. It isn’t long until Harold and Moose are hit by a car. Terry, the woman driving the car, gets out and apologizes and introduces her son, Mel. Terry’s tire pops after hitting Harold, so Harold draws her a new tire. Mel sees the magic crayon working and is excited!

Terry decides to allow Harold and Moose to stay at their house, seeing them in need of some direction. Mel and Harold hit it off and both talk about invisible friends and creating fun worlds.

Mel decides to help Harold and Moose find the narrator. He takes Harold to the library to meet the librarian, Gary. Gary helps them, but sees that Harold has special powers in the crayon and would like to steal the crayon for his own use.

Will Harold ever find the narrator, whom he calls his old man? Will Gary steal the purple crayon?

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is a silly, entertaining movie that has some funny moments. The movie also has some heartwarming moments and a basic, engaging storyline that’s easy for children to follow.

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON has a moral worldview that shows a positive, loving main character who’s looking for his creator. The main character embodies some wonderful positive traits. He treats everyone with kindness. He’s also looking for his creator to help him with his identity and purpose. So, HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON has some nice biblical allusions.