In case you missed them: 10 best family-friendly movies of 2020

Even if 2020 was the strangest year in recent history, it still produced dozens of inspiring and entertaining documentaries, dramas and comedies families can enjoy. Here are 10 of the best in case you missed them.

1. “I Still Believe” — A young couple, fresh off their honeymoon, sees their faith tested when one of them is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Based on the true story of Christian singer Jeremy Camp and his first wife, Melissa, it’s one of the best faith-based movies ever and has powerful lessons on love, prayer and faith in the midst of tragedy. The film is rated PG.
2. “Clouds” — A teenage boy, given only months to live because of cancer, begins writing songs about life. One of his tunes, “Clouds,” becomes a worldwide hit. The film is based on the true story of Zach Sobiech, whose mom prayed, “Okay, Lord, you can have him. But if he must die, I want it to be for something big. I want someone’s life to be changed forever.” Rated PG-13 for some brief strong language, but I didn’t hear it when I watched.
3. “Red Sea Miracle” I and II — Christian filmmaker Tim Mahoney interviews scholars and tours biblical sites as he explores two questions: 1. What route did the Hebrew people take out of Egypt? 2. Was the crossing of the Red Sea a miraculous event? The films are plain-language biblical scholarship for the layperson. Don’t worry: Mahoney takes an inerrantist approach. Unrated; treat it as a G-rated film.
4. “Dude Perfect: Backstage Pass” — If you’ve never heard of Dude Perfect, then your children — or the kids in your neighborhood — definitely have. This quintet of trick artists and comedy show hosts has 54 million YouTube subscribers, and all of their videos are clean enough for the entire family. In “Backstage Pass” — which is free on YouTube — the group takes the viewer along on their 2019 tour. They also discuss their faith. Unrated; treat it as a G-rated film.
5. “Free Burma Rangers” — It’s the most hair-raising Christian documentary ever made and follows missionaries Dave and Karen Eubank as they take humanitarian assistance — and the gospel — to some of the world’s most dangerous war-torn countries. The film includes gripping footage from their adventures, including a gunfight in the streets of Mosul, Iraq. Unrated; treat it as PG-13 for thematic elements and violence.
6. “The Last Champion” — A disgraced Olympian who was stripped of his gold medal returns to the small town that never forgave him. The town’s pastor — and his daughter — reach out to him when few are willing to forgive. The film stars Cole Hauser (“Yellowstone”) and includes powerful lessons about second chances, forgiveness, and finding purpose after tragedy. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, a brief scene of violence and minor language.
7. “Switched” — A bullied high school girl prays that her nemesis will learn what it’s like to walk a day in her shoes. The next morning, the two girls wake up having switched bodies. It’s a hilarious film that uses comedy to convey serious messages about bullying, kindness and the true meaning of beauty. It’s aimed at children, tweens and teens and contains no coarse language. Rated PG for thematic elements.
8. “JESUS” — It’s a Broadway-style musical production by Sight and Sound that follows the ministry of Christ, from the streets of Jerusalem to His resurrection and ascension. “JESUS” was filmed before a live audience and features massive sets, special effects and live animals. Unrated; treat it as a PG-rated film.
9. “Soul” — A talented musician learns valuable lessons about life after dying unexpectedly at a young age. Christian audiences will have differing opinions on the film, but it nevertheless contains solid messages rarely seen in a mainstream title: death could occur any day; each of us has a soul; work isn’t the purpose of life; and blessings are all around us — if we’ll only open our eyes. That said, parents may want to screen this one first. Rated PG for thematic elements and language (children saying “hell” in reference to the actual place).
10. “Farmer and the Belle” — An aging model discovers the true meaning of beauty when she returns to the small town of her childhood. There she meets an old friend (who becomes her romantic interest). She also helps save the town’s famous Santaland festival. This Hallmark-like, faith-based film is a must-watch for today’s young girls, who constantly are bombarded with unbiblical messages about beauty. A devotional, a children’s book and a bracelet (the one seen in the film) also can be purchased. Unrated; treat it as a G-rated movie.

EDITOR’S NOTE – Reviews of films, books, music or other media that appear in TAB are intended to help readers evaluate current media for themselves, their children and grandchildren in order to decide whether to watch, read or listen. Reviews are not an endorsement by the writer or TAB Media.