Entertainment

Report: Faith-Based Movies Brought in More Money Than Their Liberal Counterparts in 2011

Hollywood films are often filled with sex, profanity and plenty of elements that serve as negative influences on the young people who may view them. That being said, a constant argument for these inclusions is that they are needed to sell tickets and to spark DVD sales. After all, “the people” want this sort of content. But is such an assessment accurate? Are the American people truly only interested in edgy story lines and themes?

A new report from Movieguide, a Christian entertainment group, flips this notion on its head, finding that, in 2011, American audiences actually preferred films with conservative themes and values over left-of-center ones by a six-to-one margin.

Movieguide: Faith Based Movies More Lucrative Than Their Liberal Counterparts

According to the massive, 760-page report, pro-American and conservative films like “Captain America,“ ”Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol,“ ”Soul Surfer,“ ”Transformers: Dark of the Moon” and others beat out more liberal films like “Super 9,“ ”Ides of March,”  and “J. Edgar,” among others.

While it may seem unbelievable to some, Movieguide also found that the stronger the Christian worldview, the more money films brought in. These Christian-motivated and themed films did so well by Movieguide’s assessment that they earned, on average, four times as much in box office returns ($64.3 million versus #15.9 million).

Movieguide: Faith Based Movies More Lucrative Than Their Liberal Counterparts

As FOX News reports, films that focused on faith and redemption such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: Stranger Tides“ and ”The Help” brought in more income than movies with anti-Christian messaging or a humanist perspective (like “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Hangover II”).

Movieguide publisher Dr. Ted Baehr says that viewers want to see good overcome evil and justice prevail over tyranny. While they embrace these themes, Baehr claims that the public is turned off by “radical social engineering and big government programs.” Similar findings emerged when examining DVD sales as well. FOX News continues:

In addition, Movieguide reports that among the Top 25 DVD sales last year for theatrical movies, 52 percent had at least a small amount of patriotic or pro-Christian content, while only 8 percent were considered to be on the left side of the spectrum.

Baehr also pointed out that more than three quarters of Americans (238 million people) and 2.3 billion people globally, identify themselves as Christians, and Hollywood is finally starting to realize that this niche is an important one.

The Blaze has covered faith in Hollywood before. A few months ago, we spoke with Stephen Kendrick who co-wrote and produced “Courageous,” a Christian-themed film that came out in 2011. Additionally, we profiled Andrew Erwin and his upcoming movie “October Baby.” During both interviews, Hollywood’s reaction to the growing popularity of Christian films was discussed.

Read more about Movieguide’s new report here.

(H/T: FOX News)

Comments (53)

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  • dontbotherme
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 3:36pm

    The last movie I saw was Act of Valor. I have refused to see “R” rated movies for years, but I saw this one anyway. I’m glad. At the end of the film the audience sat in silence for a few seconds & then burst into applause. “The Genesis Code” finally came out on DVD Tuesday. As is the case of every Christian based movie released, Movie Theaters across the Country refused to show it. We buy films from our local Christian book store (there are a lot of Christian based movies) . Hollywood doesn’t care about my values & my faith… I don’t care about Hollywood. They produce filth. I refuse to buy it.

    Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 1:45pm

    Ok… the group thinks Captain America, Mission Impossible, and Tranformers are “faith-based movies.” I think that’s reason enough to go, “Ha, what?”

    Report Post »  
    • jcase16
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 8:25pm

      I think what they are saying is that films that did not focus on sex and innuendo did better than movies that did. These movies were not sexually oriented movies. And, the more conservative the views, then the better they did. Read it next time.

      Report Post »  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on March 11, 2012 at 4:58pm

      @Locked
      What they are referring to is Faith-Based movies AND Patriotic Pro-American movies as opposed to the liberal traitorous anti-American movies that show what the liberals believe and feel.

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
  • David, the Constitutional Libertarian
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 5:19am

    Hey Beck, want to make a movie? I have been thinking of a project that would probably be as big a hit as the Tolkien movies. Give me a ring and no I am not going to tell anyone what the story line is! You have my email. It would take some great computer geeks and I thought to use all CGI to eliminate any use of hollyweird actors. Kind of along the line of Final Fantasy, but with a much better script. We could use existing technology from video games to create the world and use the skins that are already out there to create the characters.

    Report Post » David, the Constitutional Libertarian  
  • Free2speakRN
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 4:23am

    I have come to the conclusion that I can’t really enjoy a film with a Progressive actor in it. They are more unreal than the part they play. Anybody with a creative bone in their body can learn. They fantasize they are another. They pretend. They make-believe. They try to bring truth out of an unreal situation. It’s innocent lying. Real undercover agents are the real actors, their lives and others on the line. The real Johnny Brosco. Now there’s a real actor. Acting in plays or movies, it’s a break from reality. Most Hollywood actors never find themselves. It’s a common problem. In college, I’ve acted. Big reviews by some big shots. They were pissed I didn’t change majors. What I’m saying is it is not that hard to do. To some people it’s very easy. The whole thing is over-rated.

    Being a good actor doesn’t mean, ‘You know’. When they get political, liberal anything goes, thinking ‘they know’, it gets dangerous. I used to admire the great actors. Now I realize…so what, they can act. The conservative actors just seem to be much more grounded all around. They aren’t caught up in the folly. They love their trade, yet they have a common sense about what’s real. I‘m thankful to God that I didn’t go that route. I was young and stupid, and may have ended up like most of them. Naive and proud. Like Obama and his gang, of the real ‘stuff’ of life.

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    • Texas.7
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:53am

      To think that Americans make these people famous and rich so that they can turn around and tell all of us (the stupid people) how our values are all wrong and we aren’t as enlightened as them. All the while, they promote movements that wish to destroy our great nation.

      I think a list of progressive actors, directors and producers should be distributed to Christians with a very fair warning that movie and television programs where these people are involved, may include overt or subtle political, religious and ethical messages that may insult people of faith.

      Not necessarily a boycott, but a list of those who stand opposed to Christ and America, so that Christian viewers can make wiser entertainment choices. Let’s remove the megaphone that we put into their hands! We can all make better choices, promoting positive values through our purchasing power and through narrowing what we allow to come into our homes and hearts.

      Report Post »  
    • Free2speakRN
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 9:14pm

      Texas.7

      That would be good. Amen.

      Report Post »  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:48am

    “Baehr also pointed out that more than three quarters of Americans (238 million people) and 2.3 billion people globally, identify themselves as Christians, and Hollywood is finally starting to realize that this niche is an important one.”
    Has “niche” been redefined recently? Since when does 75% of a market constitute a mere“niche”?

    Report Post »  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 10:03am

      As Hollywood is awaking to this- and Christians are awakening to the realisation that they can impact the world through entertainment…

      Will somebody please wake Bollywood to this also??? Bollywood entertains more world-wide than Hollywood. Although these movies are made in India (their primary intended audience), they export their films around the world, with strong markets in the Islamic world as well as growing markets in the West. The film industry in Mumbai is dominated by Muslim (though moderate) influence, even in a nation where they are by far the minority.

      Great revival is happening on that side of the world, and Christian film-makers would undoubtedly find a starving audience. Additionally, presenting a positive, truthful image of Christians to a world who associates us with “western greed and arrogance” could have a profound impact on the world. The very absence of a large Christian voice in this huge media market creates a deafening sound of silence. The continent of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia look to this media market for mainstream values like our youth do from music and Hollywood.

      I would love to see Christian groups break into this market to make quality, entertaining films which give the world hope. I believe that this could be an important means to spreading truth throughout the world.

      Report Post »  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:07pm

      @CHUCK STEIN
      Very good point

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
  • valleyfever
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 2:16am

    Most of what Hollywood produces is aimed at the preteen audience. I have a whole list of actors whose movies I just won’t bother to patronize. First the list is Jane Fonda. Last movie I saw was Act of Valor. Real Ameriacns starred in that one.

    Report Post »  
  • The Giver
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:14am

    Movies with a real plot and without all the sex and violence are not just for the kids. They can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. I hope this enlightens the Hollywood crowd that they can keep what they call “artistic expression”. A movie with a great plot doesn’t need all the filler. Great old movie is Make Way for Tomorrow. It’s sad but worth watching. The alternative to Hollywood is growing, just in time.

    Report Post » The Giver  
  • 2smart4libs
    Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:14am

    Not that Hollywood’s going to get this idea but maybe moral directions are something people really are looking for

    Report Post »  
  • wntsmallgov
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:44pm

    The Last time I was at the movies was when King Arthur was playing. (10 years now?) I have even stopped Renting movies that the have cast members that I do not agree with.

    Report Post » wntsmallgov  
    • pogo_possum
      Posted on March 10, 2012 at 2:55pm

      The last movie I saw in a theater was Mary Poppins in 1965. I’m simply not going to support keeping theaters open. I do watch movies on TV. However, I watch very few live. I DVR them, then watch later so I can fast forward through all of the commercials.

      Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:04pm

    we quit paying for the hollywood obamacommunist movies 2 years ago, and having a very large extended multigenerational family, figuring in “all of us” of at least 1 movie per month, we figured out with seats and treats etc, we save at least…… $6,000 !!??!! shocking yes. and that is $6000 kept out of the obamacommunist paws by ONE Pro-American family. imagine how much they lose if we all quit even ONE MONTH or ONE YEAR.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:26pm

      Lol, stop getting “treats” and your cost will be a lot cheaper.

      Report Post »  
    • deloclem
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:49pm

      Don’t watch any movies with the liberal elite stars. Prefer the ones with relatively unknown actors, like The Help, a great family movie. If I really like the movie, I purchase when the DVD comes out so we can watch it at home.

      Report Post »  
  • Peter Yohansen
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:57pm

    What’s the movie “Super 9”? I never even knew it existed.

    I heard about a “Super 8” though… probably a rushed prequel.

    Report Post » Peter Yohansen  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:52pm

      I actually was dragged to the cinema to watch Super 8. what I felt was ET remake. Oh! it was produced by Spielberg.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • ModerationIsBest
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:13pm

    Pro American movies did well in America?

    Shocker!

    Report Post »  
  • MammalOne
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:05pm

    “A new report from Movieguide, a Christian entertainment group…”

    Oh, i’m glad they got someone with an objective viewpoint to do this rating. We wouldn’t want anyone with a bias or social agenda to skew the stats…

    Report Post » MammalOne  
  • MammalOne
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:03pm

    I would like to know the exact metric used to classify movies as “conservative” or “liberal”. I feel like most movies really can’t be classified as either.

    Classify them all as trash. Turn off your tvs and talk to each other.

    Report Post » MammalOne  
  • susieq31
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:51pm

    So refreshing to read…….Courageous was the BEST movie last year and can’t wait for them to make another faith-based movie. I certainly don’t always need to watch a movie that is done primarily around special effects. I would say many of us are looking for movies with a real story whether true or not and not with all of the cussing, sex and drugs.and murder. Check out Christiancinema.com to buy or rent(just like Netflix) faith-based movies…..all for families too.

    Report Post »  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:25pm

    If and until we who claim to be Conservatives start acting on our convictions with our wallets, nothing will change. The libs only exist with the hard earned cash of “conservatives” – there aren’t enough professed liberals to fully support the left endevours without consevative support.

    Search your heart and the Word – stop supporting them. Buying the DVDs is the same as buying a ticket to the theater as is watching the crap “On demand” put your convictions where your wallet is and stop spending on the left – anywhere and everywhere

    Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • skippy6
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:18pm

    Is Jimmy Wallace wrong about America not being a Christian Nation? Looks like the silent majority spoke…..

    Report Post » skippy6  
  • texanpatriot
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:15pm

    Generally I don‘t go to movies and don’t even watch the Oscars (just awful I know), but maybe I need to pay more attention.
    The last movie I saw was The Rookie with Dennis Quaid. I just would not/could not finance the dirt pit on the left coast.

    Report Post » texanpatriot  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:33pm

      Last movie I saw in a movie theater was ATLAS SHRUGGED
      Worth every penny.

      I now boycott Tom Hanks since he is the voice in Obummers 17 minute docudrama about his regime.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
  • chameleonx
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:02pm

    This is a very interesting article. As someone who is secular and critical of both the conservative and liberal media I’m surprised conservative themed movies brought in more money. To be honest I never go to the movies unless to see the latest Paranormal Activity. Finally I can say that people are getting sick at the filth that is shown week after week in movie theaters to young kids. Hollywood knows how to market to the younger crowd. We have all been young and influenced to buy the latest craze. Fellow members of the Blaze realize there is more to life then the media and there is so much mystery in the world that is begging for our interest.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:02pm

    If the Profit is in Conservative Movies… I do not to see any Liberals in the Cast & Credits!!!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Americain
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 7:55pm

    I stay away from movies with a liberal slant.
    My wife used to think I was nuts but now she agrees with me.
    Good movies with good values get my patronage.

    Report Post » Americain  
  • G.E.R
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 7:54pm

    I can safely say that every movie listed in this article sucked.There once was a time when this country produced great films and from those films came great actors and actresses. Those days are long over. A large percentage of the movies produced today are geared toward the mouth breathing dullard aka Americans.

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 7:51pm

    So, if they make a Jesus turned into a zombie appocalypse movie starring Micheal Moore. I smell box office gold. *not*

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • justangry
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 7:47pm

    Lot’s of important stories out today, this ain’t one of them. Nor is a fat pill-popp‘n blowhard’s tiff with a law student. Nevermind, Panetta and Dempsey essentially saying international law trumps the constitution regarding use of our military, or we’ve hit a record deficit… I think Glenn’s lost his marbles.

    Report Post » justangry  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 7:45pm

    :) makes me glad my brother is in this business instead in hollywood

    Report Post »  
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