Is it a sin to watch movies? Should Christians go to movies?

TL;DR:

Believers are not prohibited from watching movies but are called to a high standard regarding which and how many movies to watch.

We are living under the Law of Grace, so our behavior should not be guided by ritual laws but by whether our actions honor God or not. This applies to watching movies. First Corinthians 10:23-24 indicates that all of our actions should be considered through the lens of whether they are “helpful” and “build up” us and others. The world deems certain movies top-notch even when they glorify ungodliness. Believers must not violate their conscience or cause others to stumble so as to “conform to this world” (Romans 12:2). Matthew 6:22-23 describes the eye as being “the lamp of our body.” What we allow ourselves to watch can significantly impact how we act. If we are caring for children who are naturally more impressionable or are building relationships with new believers, this verse is especially applicable. Avoiding movies that glorify the “works of the flesh” mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21 is wise. Our film choices should be those that align with what Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think. But people have different convictions about what they watch (including what they allow their children to watch), and it is not our place to judge (Romans 14:4). Ultimately, we must do what we can personally to walk “not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

from the old testament

In Psalm 101, David vows, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (v. 3). What we take in impacts our thinking and may even lead to hardening us against sin.
Just as the company we keep can impact our behavior, the content we take in, such as movies, can lead us toward wicked thoughts (Proverbs 13:20).

from the new testament

We should be careful about what we choose to watch because what we see can affect the way we think and act. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” We should avoid films that sully our (and others’) minds.
The world often tells us we “must watch” morally questionable movies. But we are not called to conform to the world (Romans 12:2). Everything we do with our time, including what we put in front of our eyes, should build up our relationship with God, not hinder the health of it through ignoring our convictions, being a stumbling block to others, or muddying our understanding of who God is and what His Word says.
Christians differ in their personal convictions about what to watch, but barring overtly sinful content (such as pornography—which the Bible already condemns), we should not judge the entertainment choices of others as that is only God’s place (Romans 14:4).
Films can entertain, inspire, instruct, and influence. The films we watch and the films we consider our favorites say much about what we consider important. We are called to embrace what is good and to reject what is evil. While we have freedom in Christ to choose what to watch, this does not make every film beneficial for the believer (1 Corinthians 10:23).
According to 1 Corinthians 10:24, we should be thinking about what is best for our neighbor. If we are watching a movie with someone and they feel convicted over watching it, out of love for them we should refrain from watching it with them.
Oftentimes, movies try to normalize or justify the sins mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21. If we find ourselves agreeing with the narrative of the film or what we are seeing tempts us to sin, we should not continue watching the movie.
As Christians, we must consider the best use of our time (Ephesians 5:15-16), including our entertainment choices. We can ask ourselves, "If Jesus came back today, would I regret that I watched this film?" If the answer is yes, then we can figure out what we would not regret and do that instead.
Instead of watching films that enforce worldly, unbiblical narratives, we should seek out movies that better align with Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

implications for today

A movie is simply a story on a screen. The story’s narrative can be a force for good or for evil. The wise choice is to take time to evaluate whether the movie will benefit our spiritual life. This will vary some from one person to the next, but it helps to invest a little time to know what the movie will include before watching it. A couple of helpful websites in this area include pluggedin.com and commonsensemedia.org. Before deciding to watch a movie ask, "If Jesus were sitting next to me during this film, would I still be glad I was here?" If not, we should consider choosing another film. We should also leave during a film if we find ourselves watching something that is tempting us to sin.

Besides, our movie ticket purchases send a message to filmmakers. When we spend money on films with a negative message or inappropriate content, it tells filmmakers the public wants more. Likewise, rejecting negative films and supporting films with positive messages encourages filmmakers to make more of those. Christians should support films that encourage biblical principles. Whether explicitly Christian or simply a movie that reflects biblical values, such films can help change lives.

Lastly, we must remember films are ultimately made by people. These people need our prayers, not just our criticisms. Filmmakers can be encouraged toward films that honor God. Our choice of films, the amount of movies we watch, our support of particular films, and our attitude toward filmmakers are all important to God.

understand

Believers should watch films that elevate their thinking, not ones that encourage sin.
Though we’re under the Law of Grace, in matters of conscience, we must always consider how what we watch will influence others.
We should honor God in all that we do, including our choice of entertainment.

reflect

How do you evaluate how the movies you watch influence your thoughts, attitudes, and actions?
Have you ever chosen not to watch a film because it might lead you or someone else into temptation or sin– why?
How can you intentionally select movies that align with Philippians 4:8 and honor God in your life?

engage

How can believers serve as a model to the world in our entertainment choices?
How can believers participate in the process of social change through the movies we watch?
What are some ways believers can be ambassadors for Christ in their movie choices?