LDS Cinema

I like movies, and I like making lists, and I like collecting movies on DVD. So, here's my page celebrating a new genre of film. Latter-day Saints have been making movies for a long time (see www.ldsfilm.com), but only recently have they begun to make movies about Mormons, mostly targeting an LDS audience. Blue text indicate titles in my collection. Films are listed in order of their popularity as defined by Total US Gross box office as reported by the numbers.com.

Latter-day Saint-themed feature films shown theatrically

• The Other Side of Heaven (16 Dec 2001) [Rated PG for thematic elements and brief disturbing images.] This film tells the story of John Groberg (Christopher Gorham), a missionary in the Tongan islands during the 1950's. He leaves behind the true love of his life, Jean (Anne Hathaway). Through letters, John shares his humbling and hilarious adventures with "the girl back home," and her letters buoy up his spirits in difficult times. John must struggle to overcome language barriers, physical hardship and deep-rooted suspicion to earn the trust and love of the Tongan people he has come to serve. (Film-makers deny that this is LDS Cinema because it was intended to reach all audiences.)  Budget: $7,000,000; Total US Gross: $4,720,371 in 353 days from 14 Dec 2001 to 29 Nov 2002   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The Other Side of Heaven.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (C+) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * Review by Keith Merrill * "Other Side of Heaven to Air on National TV," Meridian Magazine, 22 Nov 2002 DVD Release Date: 01 Apr 2003
• The Work and the Glory (24 Nov 2004) [Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and violence.] The Steed family of Palmyra, New York c. 1830 discover that the two yong men they have hired to help clear their land are at the center of a religious controversy.  Budget: $7,500,000.  Total US Gross $3,343,122 in 166 days from 24 Nov 2004 to 06 May 2005.  LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Work and the Glory.com * "The Work and The Glory Premiers Wednesday in Utah" by Kathryn Kidd, Meridian Magazine, 24 Nov 2004 * Review by Eric D. Snider (C+) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * "Shattering Records", Kathryn H. Kidd, Meridian Magazine, 08 Dec 2004 * "Saints and Soldiers and The Work and the Glory: A Study in LDS Cinema Contrasts," Thomas C. Baggaley, Meridian Magazine, 02 Aug 2005 DVD available 03 May 2005!
• God's Army (12 Mar 2000) [Rated PG for thematic elements and some language.] Brandon Allen (Matthew Brown) arrives as a new missionary in the California Los Angeles Mission, but he doesn't really know if he wants to stay.  His point-of-view changes as he begins to see the struggles and sacrifices that the other missionaries endure. After only a few intense days, Allen finds faith he didn't know he had, and courage he didn't know he lacked.  Budget: $300,000; Total US Gross: $2,637,726 in 227 days from 10 Mar 2000 to 20 Oct 2000.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * God's Army.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (B+) * Review by Jonathan Walker DVD Release Date:  21 Nov 2000
• American Zion (13 Oct 2005) [Rated PG-13 for some violence] Sequel to The Work and the Glory. Nathan marries Lydia, and Joshua is jealous. He flees New York and settles in Missouri, Ben, Mary-Ann, and their children follow Joseph Smith to Kirtland, Ohio. They are also hoping to find a home in Missouri, but persecution follows them, and Joshua is leading the anti-Mormon forces. Total US Gross $2,025,032 in 171 days from 13 Oct 2005 to 07 Apr 2006.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * American Zion.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (B) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) Review By Rebecca Walker Clarke In theaters 13 Oct 2005!
• The Legend of Johnny Lingo (29 Aug 2003) [G] This is a coming-of-age movie about a boy in the South Pacific who escapes his oppressive caretakers and makes his fortune.  When he returns to his childhood home, he discovers that the girl he loved has become embittered by the relentless criticisms of her father, and he hatches an ingenious plan to help her find her own self worth. Technically, this is not LDS Cinema because the characters are not LDS, but BYU made a short film in the 1960s which has been shown in so many Sunday school classes, that the story has become a part of our heritage.  Total US Gross: $1,673,997 in 150 days from 29 Aug 2003 to 23 Jan 2004.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Johnny Lingo.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (C) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) * Review by Thomas C. Baggaley DVD Release Date: 11 May 2004
• The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The Journey (12 Sep 2003) [Edited and Re-rated PG for violence and some thematic elements.] [Previously rated PG-13 in 2003.] This film covers 1st Nephi through part of 2nd Nephi. Lehi preaches in Jerusalem.  He and his family leave the city.  Nephi and his brothers return to Jerusalem to retrieve the brass plates.  Ishmael and his family join them in the wilderness.  Nephi breaks his bow.  Nephi builds a ship.  Lehi dies in the promised land.  Nephi and his brother Laman seperate.  Budget: $2,000,000; Total US Gross $1,660,865 in 234 days from 12 Sep 2003 to 30 Apr 2004.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The Book of Mormon Movie.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (C-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**)  DVD Release Date: May 2004
• Saints and Soldiers (06 Aug 2004) [Edited and re-rated PG-13 for war violence and related images] [Previously rated R in 2003] This film is set in Belgium during World War II. Hitler's army has just charged through the Ardennes Forest, initiating the offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. The story begins as German soldiers open fire on unarmed, escaping prisoners, in the tragic event known as the Malmedy Massacre. Five American soldiers survive by playing dead. During their escape, they meet a British intelligence officer with critical information and decide to help him on his mission to deliver this information to his commanding officers. Budget $780,000 Total US Gross $1,310,470 in 290 days from 06 Aug 2004 to 20 May 2005. LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Saints and Soldiers.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (A-) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * Review by Thomas Baggaley * "LDS Cinema Gets Better and Gets a Bum Rating" By Thomas Baggaley, Meridian Magazine, 20 Feb 2004 * "Saints and Soldiers and The Work and the Glory: A Study in LDS Cinema Contrasts," Thomas C. Baggaley, Meridian Magazine, 02 Aug 2005 Available on DVD 31 May 2005!
• The Singles Ward (03 Feb 2002) [Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language] When Jonathan Jordan gets divorced, he is thrust back into the world of being a single Mormon - a world who's ultimate goal is eternal marriage. Unable to fit in, Jonathan decides to stop going to church only to be pursued by the members of the local singles ward who want to reactivate him. Nothing works until Jonathan falls for Cammie Giles, the ward activities director.  Budget: $500,000; Total US Gross: $1,250,798 in 276 days from 01 Feb 2002 to 01 Nov 2002.  LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The Singles Ward.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (C-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) * Review by Jonathan S. Walker DVD Release Date:  01 Sep 2002.
• The Best Two Years (20 Feb 2004) [Rated PG for thematic elements.] Two missionaries in Amsterdam, Holland. Elder Rogers (KC Clyde) has only a couple of months to go on his mission, but his testimony and zeal for missionary work has suffered from the hardships he has experienced. He is now only serving out his time with as little effort as possible when he is given a "greenie" from Oklahoma as a junior companion. Elder Calhoun (Kirby Heyborne) has the enthusiasm, innocence and naivete of a new missionary.  Total US Gross $1,163,450 in 241 days from 20 Feb 2004 to 15 Oct 2004.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The Best Two Years.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (B) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * "More LDS Film: The Best Two Years and other releases" By Thomas Baggaley, Meridian Magazine, 22 oct 2004 DVD Release Date: 12 Oct 2004
• The R.M. (31 Jan 2003) [Rated PG for some thematic elements.] When Jared Phelps (Kirby Heyborne) returns home from his mission, he thinks he has it all planned out, including a girlfriend waiting for him and a job all lined up.  But, things don't work out the way he imagined, and he's forced to decide all over again if it was really worth it.  Budget: $500,000; Total US Gross: $1,111,615 in 241 days from 31 Jan 2003 to 26 Sep 2003.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The R.M.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (B-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) * Review by Thomas C. Baggaley (2.5 stars) DVD Release Date: Sep 2003
• Brigham City (08 Apr 2001) [Rated PG-13 for violence and thematic material.] Sheriff Wes Clayton (Richard Dutcher) is a compassionate lawman and a Mormon bishop in a quiet Mormon community called Brigham. The tranquil town is shaken to the core when a woman from California is found murdered near her car. As a civil and spiritual leader in the frightened town, the sheriff must serve both justice and mercy to uncover the town's deepest secrets, find the murderer and keep Brigham from ripping itself apart.  Budget: $1,000,000; Total US Gross: $852,206 in 129 days from 06 Apr 2001 to 10 Aug 2001.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Brigham City.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (B) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * Review by Jonathan S. Walker DVD Release Date: 30 Apr 2002
• Charly (29 Sep 2002) [Rated PG for thematic elements.] Sam and Charly are thrown together by circumstance and repelled by differences. He's scheduled and idealistic. She's spontaneous and cynical. He's guarded and practical. She's open and mischievous. He's a Mormon. She isn't. Differences spark interest, though, as Charly finds depth in Sam's idealism and Sam seeks the vibrancy of Charly's joie de vivre.  Budget: $950,000; Total US Gross: $814,666 in 220 days from 29 Sep 2002 to 02 May 2003.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Charly.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (B-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**)  DVD Release Date: 01 Aug 2003
• Mobsters and Mormons (09 Sep 2005) [Rated PG for mild thematic elements, some language and violence] Carmin, Gina and Vincent enter the federal witness relocation program and are given a new home and a new identity in the middle of a quiet, straight-laced Mormon community in Utah where Carmine can't even find a decent cup of coffee let alone a horse track. Some locals are afraid of these outsiders, while others go out their way to embrace them. Total US Gross $407,139 in 94 days from 09 Sep 2005 to 09 Dec 2005.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Mobsters and Mormons.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (B-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) * Review by Thomas Baggaley Available on DVD 13 Dec 2005!
• Pride & Prejudice (05 Dec 2003) [Rated PG for mild thematic elements.] Elizabeth Bennet is a hard-working, intelligent college student who won't even think about marriage until she graduates. But when she meets George Wickham, a good-looking playboy, and Darcy, a sensible businessman, Elizabeth's determination is put to the test. Will she see through their exteriors and discover their true intentions?  Total US Gross $377,271 in 213 days from 05 Dec 2003 to 02 Jul 2004.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Pride and Prejudice.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (C+) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * Review by Sarah Culver Available on DVD 27 Jul 2004.
• The Home Teachers (09 Jan 2004) [Rated PG for thematic elements and brief mild language.] On the last day of the month, two Latter-day Saints try to get their home teaching done, but everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Total US Gross $202,268 in 94 days from 09 Jan 2004 to 09 Apr 2004.  LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The Home Teachers.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (C-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) DVD Release Date: 01 Jun 2004
• Baptists at Our Barbecue (05 Nov 2004) [Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild violence.] The comedic story of the small town of Longwinded, USA, a divided, feuding town of 262 Mormons and 262 Baptists. It's also a love story, about one man who will try anything to end the ridiculous feud, bring the town together, and keep the peace-loving girl of his dreams from leaving town.  Total US Gross $173,106 in 143 days from 05 Nov 2004 to 25 Mar 2005.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Baptists at our Barbecue.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (B-) * Review by Jeff Vice (**)  DVD available 29 Mar 2005!
• Sons of Provo (04 Feb 2005) [Rated PG for mild language and thematic elements.] Will, Kirby, and Danny are the hottest new sensation in Mormon pop music! Will is an aerobics instructor, Danny is a student of eastern philosophy, and Kirby is a scrapbooking specialist. Together, they make up the band "Everclean" and they have taken the Mormon boy band scene by storm. Sons of Provo chronicles the struggles and successes of a group of boys fighting to become the most spiritual Mormon boy band in history. Total US Gross $ 120,488 in 129 days from 04 Feb 2005 to 10 Jun 2005.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (C+) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) DVD Release date: c.22 Feb 2006!
• Handcart (11 Oct 2002) [Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.] The story of one man's journey with the Martin Handcart Company.  The Martin Handcart Company met tragedy in the form of deep snow during their westward trek to Utah.  Total US Gross: $98,666 in 192 days from 17 Jan 203 to 09 Apr 2004.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (C-) * Review by Thomas C. Baggaley DVD Release Date: 27 Apr 2004.
• Suits on the Loose (03 Feb 2006) [Rated PG for some language and brief violence] A pair of rebellios teenage boys disguise themselves as Mormon missionaries in order to escape a desert survival camp. Total US Gross $79,470 in 10 days from 03 Feb 2006 to 28 Apr 2006.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Suits on the Loose.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (C) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) * Review by Thomas Baggaley In theaters 03 Feb 2006!
• States of Grace (04 Nov 2005) [PG-13] The lives of a street preacher, an aspiring actress, a Mormon missionary, and a young gang banger intersect in this ensemble drama set in present-day Santa Monica, California. Total US Gross $59,711 in 3 days from 04 Nov 2005 to 07 Nov 2005. LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * States of Grace.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (A-) * Review by Jeff Vice (***) * Review by Margaret Blair Young * Mormondom's Independent Voice Fighting to Be Heard Back in theaters 27 Jan 2006!
• The Work and the Story (03 Oct 2003) [NR] A documentary-style comedy based on the premise that Richard Dutcher mysteriously disappeared and three amateur Mormon filmmakers individually set out to create their first feature-length films to take Dutcher's place as the next "Mormon Spielberg". Total US Gross $16,137 in 248 days from 03 Oct 2003 to 04 Jun 2004.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * The Work and the Story.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (D+) * Review by Jeff Vice (**) DVD Release Date: 22 Jun 2004
• The Return (03 Feb 2006) A returning missionary (Timothy Hall) anxious to reunite with his long time sweetheart-fiancé, awakens from a near fatal accident with the new priority of saving his wayward mother. LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * See the Return.com * In theaters 29 Feb 2006!
• Church Ball (17 Mar 2006) A team of uncoordinated misfits from the Mud Lake Ward is charged by the bishop to claim the coveted title of regional champions. Estimated budget: $1,000,000. Total US Gross $464,991 in 101 days from 17 Mar 2006 to 23 Jun 2006.   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * The Numbers.com * Church Ball.com * In theaters 17 Mar 2006!

The following films are listed in order of their production budgets. Box office data is not available.

• Day of Defense (10 Oct 2003) [Rated PG for thematic elements.] Two Mormon Missionaries are arrested for preaching without a permit in a small town in the mid-west that is a God fearing, family oriented, Christian believing utopia. Two attorneys who have been friends all their lives are faced with the task of prosecuting and defending the missionaries.  Budget: $500,000   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * Day of Defense.com * Review by Eric D. Snider (F) * Review by Jeff Vice (*)
• Out of Step (15 Feb 2002) [Rated PG for thematic elements and some sensuality.] Jenny Thomas is accepted to a prominent dance program in New York. She leaves Utah and heads to New York in pursuit of her dream. She quickly makes friends with Paul Taylor, a witty Mormon student filmmaker, but she falls in love with David Schrader, a dark and mysterious musician. Her scholarship and her dreams are on the line. Jenny must fight to earn her scholarship and try to find a balance between the man of her faith and the man of her dreams.  Budget: $200,000   LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Eric D. Snider (B)
• Suddenly Unexpected (07 Aug 2003) [NR] Two missionaries wake up to find themselves evicted.  The day goes from bad to worse when their bikes are destroyed. They get a ride with a kind stranger who leads them from one adventure to another.  Budget: $100,000.  LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * Suddenly Unexpected.com  * Review by RuthAnn Hogue

I can find neither box office data nor production budget information for the following film.

• Brigham Young: Frontiersman (20 Sep 1940) [NR] This film tells the true story of Brigham Young (Dean Jagger) and his battle to transport his people across the Rocky Mountains to settle in Salt Lake City. The plot focuses on two of his people, Jonathan Kent and Zina Webb and the hardships they have to face along the way. Technically, this is not LDS Cinema because it was not made by Latter-day Saints, but it portrayed the Latter-day Saints as heroes in their own story, and the actor who played the title character joined the Church years later.  LDS Film.com * Internet Movie DataBase.com * LDS Video Store * Review by Todd Erickson DVD Release Date:  15 Jul 2003

This page uses only one source of data to rank these movies by popularity. It also compares the budget with the ticket sales, but it would be a mistake for readers to use these two numbers to decide if a film was "successful" or "profitable." In reality, movies have a long shelf life, and fans experience them in many ways. For example, The Wizard of Oz, one of the most popular movies of all-time, was not immediately profitable. It grossed $3 million at the box office, making it a commercial "success," but during production and promotion, the budget rose to $4 million. It wasn't until 1956 when MGM struck a deal with CBS to broadcast the film every year that the film finally became "profitable." Likewise, many of these films have video rentals and sales to boost their profit margins, but the webmaster regrettably does not have access to such numbers for inclusion.

• Famous Mormons.net
• LDS film.com
• LDS About.com
• MPAA.org
  Search ratings database of Motion Picture Association of America
• "What's It Gonna Take to Crossover into Mainstream?" By Thomas Baggaley, Meridian Magazine, 08 Oct 2004 Reviewing the latest spate of LDS films to make it to DVD, Baggaley sees possibilities for attracting larger audiences.
• "Mitch Davis on Mormon Movies" Meridian Magazine, 15 Oct 2004Meridian recently caught up with writer, director, and executive producer of The Other Side of Heaven to get his take on the future of Mormon movies. He's got a unique perspective and a vision to share.
• "Mitch Davis on Mormon Movies" Meridian Magazine, 18 Oct 2004 "as our culture drifts further and further away from the realm of righteousness, it is imperative that Latter-day Saints create an alternative culture."
• "Our Duty as Filmmakers to Work from Within" By Ken Harris, Meridian Magazine, 21 Oct 2004 "Any success that we achieve on a massive, global scale will happen within the context of the existing industry. We must be a force for reshaping and refashioning the industry from the inside."
• "In Search Of the Patron Saint(s)" By Kieth Merrill, Meridian Magazine, 26 Oct 2004 "In order for LDS arts to blossom, we have need of 'patron saints' who are willing to be sponsors, supporters, benefactors, helpers, backers, angels, and guarantors of LDS artists and artworks."
• "Response to Patron Saint(s)" By Ken Harris, Meridian Magazine, 22 Dec 2004 "Film is not an art form. As I write those words I can hear the grinding of axes in preparation for my summary execution, for writing such heresy." The debate about funding films by Latter-day Saints continues.
• Latter-day Cinema: Like Everyone Else, Looking for the Next "Napolean Dynamite" by S.T. VanAirsdale, Indie Wire, 18 Feb 2005
• "Hollywood Values and You" by Keith Merrill, Meridian Magazine, 24 Feb 2005 "The facts do not support his contention that moviemakers cater to their audience in an effort to turn profits ahead of their own social and political agendas... An executive at Disney told me that they plead with directors to give them G and PG rated films but that in the process the filmmaker's egos, the need for approval among peers, a passion to be 'cutting edge,' and a driving sense of social responsibility to share - or impose - their views and values on the world inevitably taint the products they create."