Faith-centered movies have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Since 2004’s megahit The Passion of the Christ, every Hollywood film studio has tried to capitalize on underserved Christian audiences — with varying results.

Opening this past weekend, I Can Only Imagine looks to be the latest pre-Easter faith blockbuster. The biopic tells the story behind the #1 song “I Can Only Imagine,” along with the relationship songwriter Bart Millard had with his father. It may yet join Heaven is for Real, the Narnia films and War Room as a box-office hit.

Yet other faith-based efforts with big budgets and well-known stars have bombed. Those that never found an audience include Noah — which took broad liberties with the biblical text — The Identical starring Ashley Judd and 2016’s remake of Ben-Hur.

Filmmakers have continued to get creative with how they reach audiences in a crowded marketplace. To promote I Can Only Imagine, contemporary Christian music band MercyMe invited actor Michael Finley on tour to sing their iconic song while clips from the film played on-screen.

As believers around the world mark the Easter season, studios big and small are giving filmgoers several faith-centered offerings to consider.

Paul, Apostle of Christ (releases March 23, rated PG-13, 106 minutes)

The most prolific New Testament character aside from Jesus himself, Paul the Apostle has never been the subject of a major film — until now. Starring James Faulkner (Games of Thrones) as Paul and Catholic actor Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, Person of Interest) in an outsized role as Luke the Evangelist, Paul, Apostle of Christ dramatizes the final years of the man whose inspired letters live on today.

As Roman persecution threatens first-century believers, Paul recounts key scenes from his life to physician Luke. In flashbacks, the film covers some ground seen recently in the excellent TV series A.D.: The Bible Continues. Exploring themes of courage, conviction and nonviolence, Paul, Apostle of Christ speaks to current issues.

God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness (releases March 30, rated PG, 120 minutes)

Independent Christian studio Pure Flix has become a leader in faith-based films since 2014’s breakout hit God’s Not Dead. Many of that film’s characters return in this threequel that amps up conflict both personally and in the public square.

Following in the vein of last year’s successful biopic The Case for Christ, this latest story flips the script on faith genre expectations. Faith-filled protagonists face crushing challenges — and great sacrifices. Families will look forward to this outing… and a film titled God’s Not Dead is surely timed well for resurrection weekend.

The Amendment (releases April 12, rated PG-13, 88 minutes)

Fathom Events has opened up a new means for smaller studios to share their stories on the big screen. Their latest inspirational release The Amendment tells of one Oklahoma family’s harrowing encounter with a murderous criminal — and their pursuit of justice.

Starring Mike Vogel (The Case for Christ, The Brave), the indie film closely hews to the true events of Oklahoma State Senator Brooks Douglass as chronicled by Dateline NBC. Previously released as Heaven’s Rain, The Amendment reveals themes of forgiveness and an important perspective on criminal justice reform.

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