Best movies like The Penitent Thief
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
The story of the two unnamed men who were crucified alongside Jesus and how they came to be beside him on the cross that fateful day. Dismas and his brother Jotham, along with Gestas, another young man who will share their fate, suffer tragedy and injustice at the hands of a band of thieves and a ruthless Roman centurion. Theirs is a story of survival against the odds, but they cannot outrun their destiny.
IMDB Rating: 2.8
IMDB Votes: 231
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, epic, bleak, serious, mumblecore, factual, independent film
Best tv shows and movies like The Penitent Thief (2020):
Similar in 90%
The Christ Slayer (2019)
Plot Summary:
Takes place at the Passover and the days that follow the crucifixion. A mix of scripture and Christian legend woven to try and create a more complete picture. It follows Longinus as the Roman soldier who put the spear to Jesus on the cross.
IMDB Rating: 2.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: biblical
Similar in 89%
Color of the Cross (2006)
Plot Summary:
A retelling of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, based on the idea that he was a black man whose death was a racially motivated hate crime.
IMDB Rating: 2.9
IMDB Votes: 374
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: biblical
Similar in 80%
The Young Messiah (2016)
Plot Summary:
Tells the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, it follows young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA, South Korea
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: biblical, touching, serious, emotional, realistic, christian film, spiritual, scenic
Similar in 87%
The Light of the World (2003)
Plot Summary:
This 78-minute film takes you on an unforgettable journey, showing the biblical account of the creation of man and the entrance of sin into the world. See why Jesus Christ came to earth and how He dealt with the sin issue once and for all. Follow the Lord's life, from His miraculous birth to His agonizing crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Viewers will suddenly realize the horrible price Christ paid for their sins, and understand why He is the only way to heaven.
IMDB Rating: 4.3
IMDB Votes: 73
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 78 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film
Similar in 87%
Last Days in the Desert (2015)
Plot Summary:
On his way out of the wilderness, Jesus struggles with the Devil over the fate of a family in crisis, setting himself up for a dramatic test.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: biblical, atmospheric, serious, contemplative, stylized, independent film, fable
Similar in 88%
Joseph and Mary (2016)
Plot Summary:
When loved ones are murdered, Elijah’s beliefs are compromised as he considers revenge. But a visit with Joseph and Mary may offer a new perspective.
IMDB Rating: 3.7
IMDB Votes: 288
Genere: Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: biblical, sincere, uplifting, thought provoking, serious, realistic
Similar in 79%
The Apostle (1997)
Plot Summary:
After his happy life spins out of control, a preacher from Texas changes his name, goes to Louisiana and starts preaching on the radio.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 15000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, spiritual, independent film, realistic, talky, philosophical, gothic, indie film, psychological
Similar in 78%
The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith (2009)
Plot Summary:
The Book of Ruth, is a triumphant love story in the face of adversity. This selfless journey of love and devotion is seen through the eyes of a young widow. Choosing to leave her homeland of Moab, she follows her mother-in-law Naomi to Israel after the death of her husband. Upon reaching Bethlehem, she meets and marries a man named Boaz, who is of the Royal House of Judah. This chain of seemingly unrelated events, sets the stage for the future kings of the nation of Israel, and the glorious coming of the Messiah. A Biblical Cinderella story from the archives of the royal Jewish bloodline, this story reveals the redemption of their inheritance through the child Obed, who was the grandfather of King David.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 452
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, serious, biblical, realistic, christian film
Similar in 80%
One More Round (2015)
Plot Summary:
Basically the Christian version of Rocky.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 124
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: christian film
Similar in 89%
Abel's Field (2012)
Plot Summary:
Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) is a high school senior with an especially full plate. Not only must he navigate the usual social and academic pitfalls of high school, but he has to contend with his young twin sisters, serving as de facto parent in the absence of his deceased mother and deadbeat father. The pressure mounts when the bank calls with a foreclosure warning, and Seth's frustrations spill over into various altercations with the school football team. An exasperated coach exiles Seth to work after school with Abel the eccentric groundskeeper (Kevin Sorbo). Their relationship starts off cold and rocky, but as the two spend more time together, they realize they have more in common than either thought. The downside: it's pretty much pain and sadness that they share. The upside: God loves them.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 726
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, emotional, realistic, christian film
Similar in 78%
The Ark (2015)
Plot Summary:
Noah, a farmer and family man, is instructed by an angel to build an ark in the middle of a desert in order to save both his family and the faithful from a devastating flood. A seemingly impossible task, especially when his sons refuse to believe him and help, Noah risks ridicule and humiliation from the degenerate townsfolk as well as his loving but exasperated family, in his quest to carry out his God-given task.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 424
Genere: Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: biblical, serious, captivating, epic, suspense, spiritual, touching
Similar in 76%
War Room (2015)
Plot Summary:
The family-friendly movie explores the transformational role prayer plays in the lives of the Jordan family. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a middle-class couple who seemingly have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, the Jordan’s marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. With the help of Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them. Through a newly energized faith, Elizabeth and Tony’s real enemy doesn’t have a prayer.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: christian film, inspirational, biblical, sentimental, captivating, exciting, uplifting, spiritual, entertaining, light
Similar in 88%
The Second Chance (2006)
Plot Summary:
Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) and Jake Sanders (introducing Jeff Obafemi Carr) are both passionate pastors who worship the same God from the same book--but that's where the similarity ends. When they are suddenly thrown together in a tough neighborhood and forced to work side by side, Ethan discovers there is no boundary between the streets and the sanctuary.Written by Tracey Zemitis.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: christian film, serious, realistic, captivating, tense, suspenseful, inspirational, feel good
Similar in 77%
God's Not Dead (2014)
Plot Summary:
After he refuses to disavow his faith, a devout Christian student (Shane Harper) must prove the existence of God or else his college philosophy professor (Kevin Sorbo) will fail him.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 45000
Genere: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: christian film, thought provoking, inspirational, biblical, psychological, serious, realistic, talky, spiritual, uplifting
Similar in 86%
Judas (2004)
Plot Summary:
Judas meets Jesus and at first doesn't know what to make of him or whether or not to trust him. A cynical city boy, Judas makes fun of the country bumpkin disciples who follow Jesus but eventually decides to join the band, as well. He and Jesus become good friends, even though they often see things very differently. Ultimately, Judas is convinced that Jesus needs to use his popularity and wonder-working powers to free the Jews from the Romans, and Jesus sees a larger, spritual perspective. As a friend, Judas convinces Jesus to give his disciples his miraculous powers, and he does with good results. Finally, the Jewish leaders spy on Judas and convince him of the greater good of betraying Jesus, in order to save the Jewish people. Judas gets caught between the corrupt leaders, Caiaphus and Pontius Pilate, and Jesus.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 491
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: biblical, touching, serious, sincere, disturbing, psychological, period drama
Similar in 88%
Mary, Mother of Jesus (1999)
Plot Summary:
Mary, Mother of Jesus is a 1999 made-for-television Biblical film that retells the story of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, his mother.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: biblical, sincere, uplifting, thought provoking, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 88%
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Plot Summary:
Jesus, a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt. As he is put to death on the cross, Jesus is tempted by visions of an ordinary life married to Mary Magdalene.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 62000
Genere: Drama
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 164 min
Plot tags: controversial, psychological, biblical, epic, melancholic, talky, atmospheric, serious, spiritual, sincere
Similar in 77%
St. Peter (2005)
Plot Summary:
Saint Peter, a reluctant but passionate leader, from the crucifixion of Jesus to his own. The film's first half dramatizes the New Testament's "Acts": early fear, the renewal of Pentecost, Saul's conversion, the decision to baptize pagans, and the Apostles' dispersal. In the second half, an aged Peter goes to Rome to join Paul, arriving on the day of Paul's arrest. Paul's death brings a crisis to Rome's Christians and to Peter; lessons from Jesus's teachings guide his decision to stay. Events within the fictive household of Persius, a Roman aristocrat, capture the upheaval that Christian teachings bring to the Eternal City.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 574
Genere: Drama
Country: Italy
Duration: 197 min
Plot tags: epic, serious, captivating, emotional, biblical, christian film, contemplative
Similar in 88%
Apostle Peter and the Last Supper (2012)
Plot Summary:
The film portrays Saint Peter reflecting on his time with Jesus and his fellow Apostles during his final imprisonment in Rome. In particular, Peter attempts to convert one of his jailers, Martinian, by relating the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, captivating, biblical, epic, realistic, christian film
Similar in 75%
Faith Like Potatoes (2006)
Plot Summary:
Frank Rautenbach leads a strong cast as Angus Buchan, a Zambian farmer of Scottish heritage, who leaves his farm in the midst of political unrest and racially charged land reclaims and travels south with his family to start a better life in KwaZulu Natal,South Africa.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: South Africa
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: christian film, uplifting, sincere, serious, touching, emotional, realistic, biblical, spiritual, captivating
Similar in 88%
Do You Believe? (2015)
Plot Summary:
When a pastor is shaken by the visible faith of a street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a journey that impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: christian film, thought provoking, emotional, uplifting, serious, realistic, spiritual, independent film, biblical, disgusting
Similar in 89%
The Gospel of John (2003)
Plot Summary:
A word for word depiction of the life of Jesus Christ from the Good News Translation Bible as recorded in the Gospel of John.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Canada, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: biblical, atmospheric, serious, christian film, mysterious, epic
Similar in 81%
Barabbas (1961)
Plot Summary:
Epic account of the thief Barabbas, who was spared crucifixion when Pilate manipulated the crowd into pardoning him, rather than Jesus. Struggling with his spirituality, Barabbas goes through many ordeals leading him to the gladiatorial arena, where he tries to win his freedom and confront his inner demons, ultimately becoming a follower of the man who was crucified in his place.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Italy, USA
Duration: 137 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, intense, exciting, serious, captivating, christian film, retro, technicolor, realistic
Similar in 77%
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Plot Summary:
All-star epic retelling of Christ's life.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 260 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, christian film, atmospheric, serious, captivating, breathtaking, period piece, stylized, fairy tale
Similar in 85%
Let There Be Light (2017)
Plot Summary:
An atheist goes through a near-death experience in an auto accident before converting to Christianity.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: christian film, rough, thought provoking, captivating, melancholic, disgusting, complex
Similar in 81%
Courageous (2011)
Plot Summary:
As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are confident and focused. They willingly stand up to the worst the streets have to offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift further and further away from them. When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a new found urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children? COURAGEOUS is the fourth release of Sherwood Pictures, the movie making ministry of Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: christian film, uplifting, inspirational, realistic, sentimental, feel good, melancholic, sincere, sad, emotional
Similar in 76%
King of Kings (1961)
Plot Summary:
Who is Jesus, and why does he impact all he meets? He is respected and reviled, emulated and accused, beloved, betrayed, and finally crucified. Yet that terrible fate would not be the end of the story.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 168 min
Plot tags: biblical, epic, suspenseful, christian film, serious, sincere, period piece, retro, fairy tale, technicolor
Similar in 80%
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Plot Summary:
"The Passion of the Christ" is a film about the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus. Director Mel Gibson received much criticism from critics and audiences for his explicit depiction of and focus on violence and on christs suffering, especially on the part of the jewish community. The films languages are Arabic, Latin and Hebrew and its actors are laymen which was controversially received as well.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 246000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: biblical, christian film, controversial, brutal, rough, emotional, factual, spiritual, visually stunning, disturbing
Similar in 84%
The Apocalypse (2002)
Plot Summary:
It is 90 AD, and the Roman Empire is being run by the Emperor Domitian, who has declared himself to be God and ruler over heaven and earth. The Christians, who do not recognize his divinity, are a thorn in his side and he is having them cruelly persecuted. The small village in Asia Minor to which the aged apostle John has withdrawn is also attacked by Roman soldiers.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: Italy, Germany, France, USA, Czech Republic, Netherlands, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, christian film, epic, futuristic, biblical
Similar in 87%
The Encounter (2010)
Plot Summary:
When five strangers with nothing in common come together at a remote roadside eatery, they place their orders with the diner's omniscient owner, who seems to know everything about them ... and is eerily reminiscent of Jesus Christ.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: christian film, tense, uplifting, serious, emotional, realistic, biblical, spiritual, sad