Movie Knights

Top 9 Movies Every Catholic Man MUST Watch

It’s Friday, and you’re having some friends over for a movie night, but you’re underwhelmed and tired of uninspired sequels. You’re looking for something that will not only entertain but lift your minds and hearts to something higher.

The Knights of Columbus has you covered.

Our list of recommended movies contains quality films that are perfect to engage men in thoughtful discussion. The list, originally designed for College Knights, will inspire men of any age.

A Man for All Seasons

St. Thomas More was awesome, in the truest sense of the word. He held to his faith and conscience and refused to declare Henry VIII as head of the Church of England, even though he knew he would be executed for it.

For the classic movie fans, this film won several Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Plus, it has an all-star cast with Orson Welles, Robert Shaw (or Quint from Jaws) and John Hurt (who holds the record for most on-screen deaths).

Judgment at Nuremberg

In this fictionalized story, the Best Picture-nominated film centers on a military tribunal and offers a glimpse at what happened to Nazis after the Holocaust. Spencer Tracy leads an all-star cast including Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Judy Garland and William Shatner.

The movie is also the first time Nazi concentration camp footage was used in a commercial film. Judgment at Nuremberg shows why we must value every single human life.

On the Waterfront

Marlon Brando. If that doesn’t sell you, this Best-Picture winner tells the story of an uneducated former boxer who stands up against corrupt union bosses who have unmitigated power. Is it anti-Communist? Yes. Does it have pro-Catholic teachings? Yes.

Plus it features one of the greatest lines in movie history. You’ll know it when you watch it.

Henry V

The movie deals with themes of war and peace, brotherhood and leadership, manipulation and trust. But it’s also an underdog story, as the British troops were outnumbered 5 to 1 against the French at the real battle.

And yes, HBO’s “Band of Brothers” gets its name from the Henry V line “We few, we happy few. We band of brothers.” Future trivia answer for you. You’re welcome.

The Mission

Robert De Niro stars in this movie about a Jesuit missionary evangelizing the native people of 18th-century South America. It was nominated for seven Oscars and won the Palm d’Or at the Cannes  Film Festival.

We Were Soldiers

Although violent, the battle scenes are accurate portrayals of the events that changed the course of the Vietnam War. The movie, led by Mel Gibson, shows the patriotic men who dedicated and sacrificed their lives for God, country and their brothers.

Liberating a Continent

St. John Paul II’s trip to Poland in 1978 brought hope to a continent split by the Soviet Union’s “Iron Curtain.” It may not be an action-packed movie, but it’s about real people, real lives, real consequences and the real power of prayer.

For Greater Glory

In the 1920s, Mexican Catholics were persecuted by their government, fighting for their lives and the right to practice their faith. Many people were martyred during the conflict — including six Knights who were later canonized.

The film’s themes of religious liberty remains powerful as Christians are still persecuted throughout the world today.

Shane

You know the movie in Logan that Wolverine, Professor X and X-23 were watching in the hotel? This is that film. If you saw Logan, you’ll want to see the movie that inspired it.

Dealing with themes of heroism, redemption and justice, this film centers on a former gunslinger who tries to help a family harassed by a gang. Shane is a classic film, listed number 45 on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies list.

Now that your adrenaline is running, how about putting your faith in action by joining the Knights. Click here to learn more.