Best Religious Movie Musicals

When I stopped to consider the ten best religious movies of all time, I was blown away by the number of films that came to mind. For those who enjoy the genre, classics like The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur and The Passion come easily to mind and they are, no doubt, among most people's top ten. There's so much more to explore in the world of religious films that I decided to take a different approach. Here are my favorite top ten musical movies with a religious theme.

Religious Musical Movie #10 - The Singing Nun

While not a musical in the truest sense of the art form, The Singing Nun depicted a semi-autobiographical account of Jeanine Deckers, Sister Ann in the film, a Belgian nun who worked with the down-trodden. The song Dominic propelled her to fame with a gig on the Ed Sullivan Show and the movie starred Debbie Reynolds. Also in the film were Ricardo Montalban, Greer Garson, Chad Everett and Agnes Moorehead. Not Rated, 1966, 97 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #9 - The Prince of Egypt (Animated)

With the exception of some whimsical liberties taken with the story for the sake of entertainment, it is a reasonably well told version of the lives of Ramses and Moses. A wonderful score highlights the film and voices by Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Steve Martin and many more add a level of quality not many animated films can boast. PG, 1998, 99 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #8 - Fiddler on the Roof

Heavily steeped in Jewish traditions including a beautiful wedding scene, Fiddler on the Roof depicts life for Jewish peasants in 1905 Russia. The film won three Oscars for Best Scoring and Original Song (John Williams), Best Actor (Topol) and Best Supporting Actor (Leonard Frey). AS fantastical as most musicals are, this one gives a believable representation of the importance of religion and tradition to the Jewish people of the town of Anatevka. Not Rated, 1971, 181 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #7 - Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Dolores returns to the convent at the nun's request to help with two problems that her unique blend of talents are best suited for. A group of disinterested students become her music pupils and she discovers a talented singer in their midst who is forbidden to sing by her mother. She also learns the school is on the brink of closure. While not quite as good as the first film (see #6), this film still manages to be entertaining, uplifting and features the vocal talents of Lauryn Hill. Stars include Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes and Maggie Smith. PG, 1993, 107 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #6 - Sister Act

Whoopi Goldberg proves there's very little she can't do. As Dolores Van Carter, a Reno lounge singer, she's forced into hiding in a convent after witnessing a mob murder. The strict rules make her rebellious and she is forced to coach the convents off key choir as penance. Under her optimal tutoring, the choir improves and she opens the nuns' eyes to all they could be doing for the community and in turn she grows as a person too. It's a heartfelt film with a comedic touch and popular tunes give a spiritual twist. Stars include Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes and Maggie Smith. PG, 1992, 100 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #5 - Hunchback of Notre Dame (Animated)

Loosely based on the Victor Hugo book of the same name, Hunchback follows the life of Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer who lives in the bell tower of the famed cathedral. He slips out during the Festival of Souls and meets Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl to turns to the church for sanctuary and prays for her people in the wrenching song, God Help the Outcasts. Voice work provided by Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Kevin Kline and Jason Alexander. Not Rated, 1996, 91 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #4 - The Sound of Music

Julie Andrews struggles with her devotion to God and the church she serves when she meets Capt. Von Trapp. Sent to his home by the convent to be a nanny to his 7 children during WWII, Maria finds herself drawn to the captain and his children. They have been through a series of nannies and rail at her presence. She uses music to reach and befriend them as well as their father. As the war threatens to take the captain from them, they decide to flee and turn to the convent to aid them in their escape. The Oscar Hammerstein score is among the most memorable in musical history. The Sound of Music won the Oscar for Best Picture and is as moving and entertaining today as it was when it was first released. Also starring Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn and Peggy Wood. Not Rated, 1965, 174 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #3 - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Donny Osmond reprises his long-running (more than 2000 performances) theatrical title role for the film. Joseph is the favorite of his father, Jacob's 12 sons and this causes a bit of discord among the brothers. They stage his death and sell him into slavery. His faith and humor carry him through many years including some in prison where he sings the haunting Close Every Door. His ability to interpret dreams is his get-out-of-jail-free card and he ends up second only to Pharaoh. This role brings him face to face with his brothers and reunites him with his father. Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical is as vibrant and meaningful today as when I first saw the stage play in 1997. Not Rated, 1999, 76 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #2 - Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew

First conceived of as his master thesis project by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell is a contemporary telling of the New Testament from John the Baptist to the crucifixion of Jesus. It is set in modern-day New York City and the players are called from its streets to take up the way. The troop travels through the city, acting out the parables of Jesus, many of which are set to song. There is of course the betrayal and a riveting if unusual death scene. Victor Garber is remarkable in the role of Jesus and commands and impressive singing voice. Lynn Thigpen and Merrell Jackson are among those in the troop. Released during a turbulent time in our country, Godspell spoke to a generation and reached many. Not Rated, 1973, 103 mins.

Religious Musical Movie #1 - Jesus Christ Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Weber's rock opera uses St. John's gospel to tell the story of Jesus' last six days of life as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, his betrayer. Every word of dialogue is sung, qualifying it as a rock opera rather than a musical and the music played to the tastes of the day. The film uses modern language and props in a setting that represents ancient Jerusalem. Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Jesus play off each other perfectly as they try to understand each other before Judas commits his final act. Yvonne Elliman portrays Mary Magdalene as a soft, sympathetic woman trying to find her place in the world. Once you've heard Weber's music and Tim Rice's lyrics, they come alive inside you. Not Rated, 1973, 108 mins.

Each of these religious movie musicals will speak to you whether of God, faith, tradition or love. They are capable of touching you in a meaningful way if you are open to them. Spirituality is different things to different people and these films are as good a representation of that as any religious film currently available.