Biblical movies/shows for kiddos?

cameronpickett

cameronpickett

Puritan Board Freshman
Hey all,

Would anyone mind sharing some acceptable movies/shows for children to watch on the Lord’s Day? I’ve seen a thread out there before on this but haven’t been able to find it recently. Thanks, and I hope your Tuesday has been blessed!
 
Well, Risen is a very good movie on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a perspective of a Roman tribune during the crucifixion, resurrection, and the great commission. Though, it is somewhat violent so I would recommend it to older children (like 13).

My parents introduced me to Nest Family Animated Bible Stories when I was young. They are cartoon animations of accounts from the Old and New Testaments. But they do have some inaccuracies (such as John being grieved, instead of having faith, when he sees the empty tomb). But, if you provide good corrections later, I would recommend them. Sometimes me and my sister go back to them for a few laughs.

If you have younger kiddos, content from Moore Family Films (such as ABC Say it With Me: Bible Memory Verses) is a good little compilation of Bible verses.
 
It's not a movie, but rather an audio-only Podcast, but Simonetta Carr's Kids Talk Church History is fantastic and I think would be really enjoyable. The teens ask good questions of their church historian guests and have a good basis for their intro thanks to Mrs. Carr's extensive work in the background.

For older kids, the Ligonier Luther documentary is quite good.
 
The animated ‘Torchlighters’ is a great series of fairly short episodes detailing heroes and well-known Christians throughout history. Available to watch on youtube.
Also the animated Pilgrim’s Progress movie is great too.
For audio storytelling, my kids and I enjoy the Lamplighter series. Only really available in US so we have to tune in at 7:30pm on RefNet.
 
MilitaryBrat2007 said:
Well, Risen is a very good movie on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a perspective of a Roman tribune during the crucifixion, resurrection, and the great commission. Though, it is somewhat violent so I would recommend it to older children (like 13).
Click to expand...

2CV notification on that movie sadly.
 
I grew up on "Bibleman" and "Veggietales". It's been a bit since I've seen any of their materal, though, so I'm not sure how sound the theology of the shows are.
 
I also used to like "The Prince of Egypt", but I can't remember if there are any 2CV in this. I do think there is a scene with the burning bush (I'm not sure if this is considered a 2CV?).
 
We recently watched Chariots of Fire with my 3 older children (ages 8, 6, 5). We paused it frequently to ask them questions and apply some of the themes to their lives. A good way to show children how to use their gifts to the glory of God and yet not compromise on God’s law, especially when athletics on the Sabbath is so commonplace.

I can also commend Stories of the Covenant, which I believe was mentioned previously. They are up on YouTube and specifically geared towards children.
 
The problem with 98% of "Christian" children's programming is second commandment violations (2CV). You run into this problem with books as well in broader Christendom, but for the most part you can find reformed publishers that are committed to not putting 2CV's in their books. I have yet to find a true reformed media company that produces quality content without 2CV's. The options are quite limited and with 4 children ages 12, 8, 6, and 3 I like to think I have nearly exhausted the search for quality, Christian kids tv programming. I will add you are much better off reading to your children on the Lord's Day than putting on a video. As noted, there are much more good book options for young people. With that said, here are a few we;ve watched in my household and my kids have actually enjoyed and kept their attention:

As has been mentioned, Torchlighters is a favorite in my household. The kids have literally watched the episodes over and over. They even enjoy them so much they had my wife track down DVD's in addition to streaming so they could watch in the van on the commute to worship.

Moody Bible Stories is another the kids like and they are OT narratives so no 2CV's. They also treat the bible narratives with proper reverence. This is the other problem with children's Christian programming is that it gets so dumbed down it becomes irreverent. This is not an appropriate way to treat the holy things of God.

The animated Pilgrim's Progress is good also.

Lastly, Pastor McCurley's teaching through the WSC is quality. I believe Pastor McCurley's intended audience was children so it is done to their level and has just enough illustrations to hold their attention well.

Beyond these, my children actually enjoy documentaries. One of their favorites is Banana Man by Ray Comfort. They've watched this like three times lol. I know Ray Comfort, but I found this to be surprisingly good and I literally wept at the end. They also liked the Puritan documentary from RHB.
 
Last edited:
AGTV (American Gospel Television) has some good shows. Although most of the shows are not children's shows, it is a great channel. The subscription is only around $6 a month.
 
Andres said:
The problem with 98% of "Christian" children's programming is second commandment violations (2CV). You run into this problem with books as well in broader Christendom, but for the most part you can find reformed publishers that are committed to not putting 2CV's in their books. I have yet to find a true reformed media company that produces quality content without 2CV's. The options are quite limited and with 4 children ages 12, 8, 6, and 3 I like to think I have nearly exhausted the search for quality, Christian kids tv programming. I will add you are much better off reading to your children on the Lord's Day than putting on a video. As noted, there are much more good book options for young people. With that said, here are a few we;ve watched in my household and my kids have actually enjoyed and kept their attention:

As has been mentioned, Torchlighters is a favorite in my household. The kids have literally watched the episodes over and over. They even enjoy them so much they had my wife track down DVD's in addition to streaming so they could watch in the van on the commute to worship.

Moody Bible Stories is another the kids like and they are OT narratives so no 2CV's. They also treat the bible narratives with proper reverence. This is the other problem with children's Christian programming is that it gets so dumbed down it becomes irreverent. This is not an appropriate way to treat the holy things of God.

The animated Pilgrim's Progress is good also.

Lastly, Pastor McCurley's teaching through the WSC is quality. I believe Pastor McCurley's intended audience was children so it is done to their level and has just enough illustrations to hold their attention well.

Beyond these, my children actually enjoy documentaries. One of their favorites is Banana Man by Ray Comfort. They've watched this like three times lol. I know Ray Comfort, but I found this to be surprisingly good and I literally wept at the end. They also liked the Puritan documentary from RHB.
Click to expand...
My kids also liked Ray Comfort's documentary. The ending was...unexpected.

Haven't watched the Torchlighters, so I can't personally speak to that.

Pilgrim's Progress was well done I thought. I enjoyed it. I have wondered about the possible 2CVs in the movie, but isn't it supposed to be an allegory? If I understand correctly, other characters in the original could also be understood to be Christ, such as the gatekeeper. Does this carry into the newer animated production, even though it is visually a different character?

Either way, I think a good recommendation is to find an alternative to screens.
 
MyCrows said:
My kids also liked Ray Comfort's documentary. The ending was...unexpected.

Haven't watched the Torchlighters, so I can't personally speak to that.

Pilgrim's Progress was well done I thought. I enjoyed it. I have wondered about the possible 2CVs in the movie, but isn't it supposed to be an allegory? If I understand correctly, other characters in the original could also be understood to be Christ, such as the gatekeeper. Does this carry into the newer animated production, even though it is visually a different character?

Either way, I think a good recommendation is to find an alternative to screens.
Click to expand...
Agreed on Pilgrim's Progress. Aslan in the Narnia movies is supposed to be an allegorical representation of Christ. However, I doubt that would be breaking the Second Commandment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top