Recently, Pope Leo XIV shared which films have inspired him, reminding us that cinema, like literature, can be a powerful medium for formation and reflection. Just as I recently published my list of the top 12 books for lay Catholic leaders, I wanted to share my personal selection of films that offer guidance, inspiration, and insights for those of us called to lead in the world while living faithfully in Christ. These are my Top 12 Films for Lay Catholic Leaders, each one carrying lessons in virtue, courage, and the beauty of a life directed toward the common good.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – George Bailey contemplates his life’s worth on Christmas Eve and learns, with the help of an angel, how much he has positively affected his community.
2. The Sound of Music (1965) – Maria, a postulant in Austria, becomes governess to the von Trapp children, bringing music, love, and hope to their lives amidst the looming threat of Nazi occupation.
3. A Man for All Seasons (1966) – The story of Sir Thomas More, who stands by his conscience and refuses to support King Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church, facing deadly consequences.
4. The Mission (1986) – Jesuit priests in South America struggle to protect a native tribe from Portuguese slavers while confronting their own moral dilemmas.
5. Rocky (1976) – A small-time boxer gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight the world heavyweight champion, discovering courage, love, and self-respect along the way.
6. Schindler’s List (1993) – Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over a thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust through his factory work.
7. Rudy (1993) – The true story of Rudy Ruettiger, who dreams of playing football at Notre Dame despite numerous obstacles, relying on perseverance and faith.
8. Les Misérables (1998) – Adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel about redemption and revolution, following Jean Valjean as he seeks to live a virtuous life despite his criminal past.
9. Millions (2004) – After finding a bag of stolen money, a young boy and his brother navigate moral choices and generosity during the last days before the euro replaces the pound in England.
10. Bella (2006) – A heartfelt drama about a former soccer star and a waitress whose chance encounter over one day transforms their understanding of life, love, and responsibility.
11. For Greater Glory (2012) – Depicts the Cristero War in Mexico, when Catholics rose against the government’s persecution of the Church in the 1920s.
12. A Hidden Life (2019) – The true story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian conscientious objector during WWII, who refuses to fight for the Nazis and faces martyrdom for his faith and principles.
Film has a unique way of capturing the human experience and illuminating moral truths in ways that resonate deeply with the heart. These 12 films are more than entertainment; they can be great companions on the journey of lay Catholic leadership, showing us how to act with integrity, lead with courage, and influence society through example. Just as books can shape our minds, the right films can shape our vision and inspire us to bring the values of the Gospel into every corner of our professional and personal lives.
P.S. The date has been set for the 2nd Tepeyac Leadership Gala. Click below to register and mark your calendar to join us!
