Biblical Truth

When someone hears “Christian documentary,” they may picture a narrow niche or a low-budget production. In reality, faith-based documentaries span a wide range of topics and styles: Bible history, creation and science, cultural commentary, evangelism, testimony, missions, and biographies of notable Christian leaders.

They also meet different needs. Some help answer hard questions. Some provide historical context for Scripture. Some explore the spiritual challenges of the modern world. Others put a human face on suffering, perseverance, and redemption.

Below are several faith-based documentaries available on Real Life Network (RLN), along with a few ways to choose the right one for your family, your small group, or your own viewing. If you are searching for free Christian documentaries, this list is a strong place to start.

What makes a documentary “faith-based”?

A faith-based documentary is usually marked by at least one of these qualities:

• A biblical worldview that shapes the interpretation of history, culture, or current events
• A gospel-centered aim, either explicitly or through testimony and themes
• A discipleship purpose, meant to build conviction and strengthen faith
• A focus on Christian people or movements, often through biography or church history

Not every film will fit every viewer. Some are best for adults. Some are ideal for families. Some work best as a multi-week small group series, especially when the documentary is divided into sessions or naturally breaks into chapters.

Bible and Holy Land documentaries

7 Days in the Holy Land

This short documentary-style devotional tour follows Franklin Graham and his daughter Cissie through key locations in Israel, connecting places with biblical stories. It’s filmed on location and designed to help Scripture feel more tangible.

Great for: families, new believers, small groups wanting a lighter week
Try this discussion prompt: What Bible story felt “more real” after seeing the location?

The Eye of the Storm

Jerusalem is often portrayed solely as a place of conflict, but The Eye of the Storm invites viewers to see a fuller picture. Hosted by Isabel Brown, this documentary introduces audiences to the people of Jerusalem—men and women from diverse backgrounds who have learned to live with resilience, cooperation, and hope amid a complex history.

By looking beyond headlines, the film offers a thoughtful perspective on why Jerusalem remains central not only to global conversation, but to biblical history and faith.

Great for: adults, students, worldview discussions, and Holy Land interest groups
Try this discussion prompt: How does understanding the people behind the headlines reshape the way we think about Jerusalem’s role in history and faith?

Creation and science documentaries

Is Genesis History?

This film presents a young-earth creation perspective and features interviews with a number of creationist speakers while arguing that Genesis describes real history. It has drawn criticism for presenting views that conflict with mainstream scientific consensus, so it’s great material for thoughtful discussion.

Great for: apologetics-minded viewers, older teens with guidance, small groups that enjoy discussion
Try this discussion prompt: What claims were most convincing, and what questions still remain?

Scarred Earth (The Grand Canyon)

This documentary examines the Grand Canyon and argues that the evidence aligns with a global Flood framework. It is structured in two halves, with the second portion moving into a direct gospel presentation.

Great for: viewers interested in creation topics, groups wanting both science discussion and evangelistic emphasis
Try this discussion prompt: How should Christians think about creation discussions without turning them into personal attacks?

Culture, worldview, and current-moment documentaries

Truth Rising

Truth Rising frames the present era as a pivotal cultural moment, using interviews and stories to examine faith, identity, morality, and the consequences of abandoning Scripture as a foundation.

A helpful companion is Truth Rising: The Study, which the official site (TruthRising.com) presents as a free small-group resource built around key themes (such as hope, truth, identity, and calling). If a group wants structure, this provides it.

Great for: small groups, parents of teens, worldview-focused discussions
Try this discussion prompt: What pressures shape the way truth is defined in everyday life?

The Great Global Reset

The Great Global Reset examines global economic and political shifts through a biblical and historical lens, drawing attention to conversations taking place among world leaders and institutions such as the World Economic Forum.

Produced in partnership with Turning Point USA and hosted by Jack Posobiec, the documentary invites viewers to think critically about power, policy, and the future of society while encouraging discernment rooted in Scripture.

Great for: adults, groups that can discuss carefully and charitably
Try this discussion prompt: What does Scripture call believers to do when they feel anxious about world events?

The Call

The Call is a compelling documentary from Evangelism Explosion that explores what happens when the Great Commission becomes more than a program—it becomes the culture of the church. Rather than focusing on new strategies or methods, the film calls believers back to the heart of Jesus’ original mission.

Featuring Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, The Call highlights how everyday faithfulness and obedience can spark genuine spiritual renewal, reminding viewers that revival often begins quietly, one life at a time.

Great for: churches, leadership teams, small groups, and anyone passionate about evangelism
Try this discussion prompt: How does treating the Great Commission as an identity—not an activity—change the way we live out our faith?

Biography and Christian history documentaries

Billy Graham: A Life Remembered

This documentary traces Billy Graham’s life and ministry, from his early years to global influence. It is produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and has a 28-minute runtime.

Great for: all ages, church history nights, family viewing
Try this discussion prompt: What made Billy Graham’s message resonate across generations?

Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace

Produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, this documentary focuses especially on Zamperini’s life after WWII, including trauma, alcoholism, and the turning point connected to Billy Graham’s 1949 Los Angeles Crusade.

Great for: adults and older teens, testimony-focused nights
Try this discussion prompt: What does forgiveness look like when the wound is deep?

Billy Sunday

A documentary produced by the Christian History Institute presents the life of Billy Sunday, the former baseball player who became a major American evangelist in the early 20th century.

Great for: history lovers, leadership discussions, groups studying revival movements
Try this discussion prompt: What strengths and weaknesses often show up in celebrity-style ministry?

Personal story and “on the road” documentaries

The Listening Road

This docuseries follows Pastor Neil Tomba’s 33-day, 3,000-mile bicycle trip across the U.S., built around conversations with people from many backgrounds about faith and the questions of life. It’s an eight-part series.

Great for: groups that want bite-sized episodes, outreach-minded viewers
Try this discussion prompt: What question do you wish Christians asked non-believers more often?

How to turn a documentary into a family night or small group series

A documentary becomes far more useful when it leads to conversation. Two easy approaches:

Option 1: One-night watch party

1. Watch together
2. Pause once or twice for quick reactions
3. End with 10 minutes of discussion and prayer

Option 2: Multi-week series

‍Choose a longer film or a docuseries and break it into 20–30 minute segments. Each week, cover:

• One key idea
• One Scripture connection
• One application step

A simple guiding verse for discussion nights is 1 Peter 3:15, which calls believers to be ready to give an answer with a right posture.

Faith-based documentaries can do more than fill time. They can help families choose better media, help groups talk about hard issues without panic, and help believers anchor their thinking in Scripture.

Explore documentary titles on Real Life Network and build a watchlist for your next family night or small group series.

Related Articles

• Where Can I Find Clean Cartoons for My Kids? by Real Life Network‍
• Disney+, Hulu, and Choosing a Better Streaming Option for Christian Families by Real Life Network
• Is There a Mobile App for Christian Streaming? by Real Life Network

“Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7

There is something within the human spirit that draws us to link our lives now to memories past—significant places and events that were altogether life-changing. We see this in makeshift memorials along the roadside and statues in the park, each in its own way, evidence of something profound. Perhaps there is a degree or a photograph on your office wall, and you see locked within its frame a testament to the sacrifice, effort, and discipline you once invested.

You may be able to return to a specific spot and share the joy of an unexpected beginning with others. My family got a taste of that years ago. We were standing on the sand in Newport Beach, CA, right where Orange Street and the beach volleyball nets intersect. I gathered the grandkids together and marked the spot, telling them, “Little did I know that right here, during a break in a game, I would meet your grandma, Mimi.” It was a precious moment.

Milestones and memorials provoke a retelling of a story to each generation. Is that not true of our Christian experience as well? Where were you first introduced to Christ? When did He become your Savior? Are there scriptures that fundamentally altered your thinking? Has He led you through manifold trials? Mark each spot in your memory. Commemorate them as a testament to God’s greatness and power.

God tells us to remember for a reason. Like Joshua, we need stones of remembrance so that, in retelling our stories to our children and children’s children, God might be glorified.

For more content from Jack Hibbs, visit Real Life Network.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:23-24

The place where we worship, be it the privacy of our home, a hiking trail, or a crowded church service, matters little to God. He can never be limited to one place or confined to a building. What does matter is how we worship.

God desires to meet us in the very depths of our innermost being. He is not interested in the externals of singing and raised hands, nor is He concerned with how well we can harmonize. Our worship services may sound beautiful, but if we focus on the external while leaving the internal untouched, God is not pleased.

The prophet Isaiah said, “…these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips but have removed their hearts far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13). Whenever we draw near to worship, yet fail to acknowledge the scope and reality of our sinfulness, the magnitude of God’s holiness is veiled, and our worship is diminished.

True worship requires honesty regarding our spiritual condition—one that aligns with biblical truth—or else it becomes lackluster and, eventually, meaningless. However, when we allow the Spirit of truth to use the Word of truth to influence our worship, a rich communion takes place.

Today, the Lord is seeking worship that encompasses an internal bending of the knee and rending of the heart, and shows itself not only in song, but also in fervent prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. That is the spiritual worship in which God delights, and in which we glorify Him.

‍‍

For more content to enrich your walk with Christ, sign up at the Real Life Network.

‍

Related Articles‍

• Faithfulness: Walking With God When No One Is Watching by Jack Hibbs
• When Discouragement Hits: How to Anchor Your Heart in the Promises of God by Jack Hibbs
• Eyes Fixed on Heaven: Living with an Eternal Focus by Jack Hibbs