January has rolled around again, and for many, that means spending a good chunk of time indoors. People are gazing out at the chilly world, maybe daydreaming about warmer days or contemplating a quiet stroll through the fresh snow.
But, it’s also a prime time for movie watching. This month offers a great selection for families seeking entertaining and wholesome content. From beloved animated series to inspiring documentaries and fun family mysteries, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a rundown of seven family-friendly films to check out this month.
The Ainsley McGregor Mystery: The Watchmaker’s Case (Great American Family/Pure Flix) – A former criminologist looks for a fresh start in the tranquil town of Sweet River, but old habits die hard as she finds herself investigating a murder connected to a rare antique clock. Starring Candace Cameron Bure, this is the third part of the Ainsley McGregor series.
That’s not true (Wonder Project) – A widowed pastor juggling three kids reconnects with a newly single mother of two teens. They navigate struggles of grief, parenting, and church leadership, all while questioning if their bond is merely friendship or something deeper. This series kicks off with its first episode on January 25th.
Despicable Me (Netflix) – In this animated hit, a self-proclaimed “supervillain” devises a scheme to steal the moon, but three orphan girls unexpectedly change his life. Surprisingly, this film didn’t secure an Oscar nomination, despite kicking off a beloved series. Steve Carell voices the main character, Gru. It’s rated PG for some mild action and humor.
Despicable Me 2 (Netflix) – Gru’s transformation continues as he gets recruited by a secret organization to tackle a new threat. This installment not only features the engaging agent Lucy Wilde, voiced by Kristen Wiig, but it was also a significant box office success, collecting two Oscar nominations. This film is rated PG for similar content.
I Can Only Imagine (Wonder Project) – A boy facing an abusive father finds solace in music and faith. Years later, he becomes the lead singer of the band MercyMe, writing a hit song inspired by his father’s transformation after embracing Christianity. This film was a box-office success and will soon have a sequel due out on February 20th. It carries a PG rating due to some thematic content.
Lord’s Prayer (Angel) – This heartwarming documentary delves into the meaning of Jesus’ most renowned prayer, exploring its roots in the Middle East. Hosted by Brad Gray and including insights from scholars like N.T. Wright, the film examines each line of the prayer, offering both theological insights and practical applications for daily life. It’s rated PG.
Match Against the Giants (Netflix) – Faced with challenges on the field and in life, a high school football coach revamps his program with a faith-driven approach. This film marked a significant success for filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, grossing nearly $10 million from a mere $100,000 budget. It’s rated PG due to thematic elements.
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