Christian faith-based content is experiencing a resurgence, with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video investing in new productions. The rise began with the unexpected success of The Chosen, a multi-season drama that reinterprets the life of Jesus through a grounded and historically rich lens.
[Courtesy of The Chosen]
The show’s first season, filmed in Texas in 2018, had a budget of $10 million. By Season 5, titled The Last Supper, the budget had increased to $48 million. The Chosen has been translated into 50 languages and watched by over 280 million viewers globally. Its popularity has extended into theaters, with a three-part film series released during the Easter season. Parts 1 and 2 debuted in the United States on March 28, and the episodes are now streaming on Amazon Prime and available for free via a dedicated app.
The Rise of The Chosen and Its Global Reach
Season 6 will depict the crucifixion of Jesus, with the final season planned as a global theatrical event. Spin-off projects include a children’s animated series, a miniseries about Joseph, and a reality show featuring Bear Grylls.
Lead actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus, was relatively unknown in Los Angeles before being cast. He attributed his breakthrough to a moment of prayer and surrender. Roumie, a Catholic, has since become a prominent figure in the faith community—taking selfies with Pope Francis and speaking at large gatherings. Some fans reportedly pay to meet him privately.
Director Dallas Jenkins said, “The story itself is the most famous in history, so I can’t take credit for its success,” but added that the series likely helped both believers and non-believers reflect on compassion and relevance.
Animated film The King of Kings also saw commercial success, debuting at No. 2 at the box office on April 11. Based on a children’s book by Charles Dickens, the movie was directed by Korean American director Jang Sung-Ho and features voice performances by Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley.
Meanwhile, a sequel to the 2004 global hit The Passion of the Christ is in development. Titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, it will begin filming in Italy this summer. Director Mel Gibson stated that the film will open with the fall of the angels. Jim Caviezel will reprise his role as Jesus.
Major Platforms Embrace Faith-Based Programming
Faith-driven stories are now drawing mainstream investment. Amazon has released House of David, a large-scale biblical drama featuring special effects and battle scenes, including David’s encounter with Goliath. The series is produced by Wonder Project, which has a long-term partnership with Amazon to create faith-based programming.
Netflix recently completed production on Mary and announced a follow-up film, Ruth and Boaz, set in modern-day Tennessee.
The growth of this genre is not solely driven by religious or political motives. Bible-based stories are in the public domain, which eliminates licensing costs. Production is less complex, and the subject matter itself—Jesus—acts as a recognizable brand. With 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, the potential audience is massive.
The Economist noted that even criticism about not being “Christian enough” can fuel stronger emotional engagement, citing historical examples where opposition has intensified religious passion. Once confined to church networks and conservative media, faith-based content has now broken into mainstream global platforms.
A New Generation of Accessible Religious Storytelling
What distinguishes today’s religious productions is their effort to integrate faith into daily life without overt proselytizing. This shift allows non-religious audiences to engage with the content comfortably.
Instead of portraying believers only within sacred or traditional roles, these works present them as relatable characters facing everyday challenges. This more humanized depiction results in content that feels balanced—spiritually resonant yet narratively grounded. Some have described The Chosen as a workplace drama or even a Galilean version of The West Wing.
Still, adapting sacred texts comes with challenges. Producers must navigate between reverence for scripture and the creative demands of modern storytelling. When done well, the result is a genre that respects its roots while achieving unprecedented mainstream appeal.
Diane Winston, a religious media scholar at USC, noted that Hollywood’s interest in religious content has historically come in waves. “The revival of religious content in Hollywood usually doesn’t last long,” she said. But the current balance between faith and broad accessibility may help sustain the momentum longer than before.
