12 Best Movies About Nuns That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Nuns

As a result, there are several depictions of the Catholic Church in the movies. Nuns, on the other hand, are rarely depicted. From comedies to musicals, historical dramas to family fare, there’s something for everyone on this list. You’ll be moved to tears by some of these heartbreaking, dramatic dramas. Others will make you laugh, feel better, and have a positive outlook on life. The following is a ranking of the best nun movies of all time. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime all have some of the best nun movies to choose from.

12. The Singing Nun (1966)

The Singing Nun (1966)

Sister Ann, a Belgian nun, is transferred to a different order. As soon as Father Clementi hears her upbeat voice at a talent show, he decides to enter her. As if by magic, Sister Ann has a record deal and is now the talk of the town thanks to her upbeat tunes. However, she is ill-prepared for the unexpected consequences of her newfound celebrity. As a biopic based on the life of Jeanine Deckers, “The Singing Nun” is an uplifting film. It’s a lot of fun, even if it is a little basic. Sister Ann is played by Debbie Reynolds, who provides one of her best performances of her career.

11. Sister Act (1992)

When worldly singer Deloris Wilson (Whoopi Goldberg) sees a gangland crime, the police must disguise her as a nun in a traditional monastery in order to protect her from being identified. The film follows her as she tries to fit in. This hilarious musical comedy delves into the hardships of a nun choir and the importance of music. This film has a fantastic cast and witty screenplay, with a lot of memorable lines, making it one of the best. Even though it didn’t win an Oscar, this is a great movie to watch if you’re looking for something light and uplifting.

10. Doubt (2008)

Father Flynn, a dynamic priest at the Catholic school where Sister Aloysius works, is suspected by Sister James of paying too much attention to a kid. Aloysius sets out on a personal mission in search of the truth and the removal of the priest. The director John Patrick Shanley does an excellent job of conveying and provoking the audience with problems of morals and ethics without being arrogant or preaching. Furthermore, the picture includes a formidable cast, including Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Amy Adams, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, among others. Oscar nominations for “Doubt” included best picture and best director.

9. Les Innocentes (2016)

Les Innocentes (2016)

During a visit to a nearby convent in 1945 Poland, a young French Red Cross doctor is surprised to discover several nuns in advanced stages of pregnancy. In the face of savagery, a community’s resolve is stretched to the breaking point in this compelling drama based on true events. Also, it’s a story about morality, war, and secrets. Nuns still had to deal with post-war consequences in seclusion, feeling embarrassed over something they couldn’t control despite the end of the battle in their favor The story and the acting are both excellent. Don’t be afraid of the language barrier.

8. Agnes of God (1985)

A dead infant is found in the convent apartments of a naive novice nun. She is suspected of killing the child’s father immediately after she gave birth to him. Psychiatrist Jane Fonda (who plays the court-appointed narrator) analyzes her case because she has no memory of what transpired. “Agnes of God” is a thought-provoking film that will linger in your mind long after you’ve seen it. Even though it’s a psychological thriller, there are a few comedic moments sprinkled throughout. It also has three powerful actresses, including Jane Fonda, Meg Tilly and Anne Bancroft. Each of them puts up an engaging show. It’s a gripping drama with brilliant dialogue and stunning visuals.

7. The Trouble With Angels (1966)

The Trouble With Angels (1966)

Mother Superior and her staff at St. Francis Academy for Girls are kept on their toes by two exuberant girls, Mary and Rachel. We follow these young women for a period of three years, experiencing all of the ups and downs that life throws at them. The entire cast gives excellent performances in “The Trouble With Angels,” which is a heartwarming, tragic, and amusing drama. In addition, it is a family film that, despite its age of fifty years, still seems new. The film’s mix between comedy and drama is intriguing, as is the soundtrack.

6. Viridiana (1961)

As a young nun preparing to assume her last vows, Viridiana heads to the family farm to make an unannounced visit to her uncle. The people around her dislike and take advantage of her intents to help, despite her best efforts to uphold her principles. An examination of Spanish culture, religion, and the human condition is presented here. As the first film he made from exile, “Viridiana” received the Palm d’Or at Cannes. Despite the fact that it is one of Luis Bunuel’s less strange works, it is a revolutionary filmmaking classic.

5. The Sound of Music (1965)

The Sound of Music (1965)

When a young woman named Maria tries to become a nun in the 1930s, she keeps failing. In response to a request from Captain Georg von Trapp, the monastery offers Maria’s services as a governess for his seven children. After that, we’re on her journey with her. “The Sound of Music,” which has won five Academy Awards, is a classic musical with unforgettable songs. It’s a fun, family-friendly flick that has an outstanding Julie Andrews performance. As a whole, the film wouldn’t be as enjoyable without the actress.

4. The Nun’s Story (1959)

Sister Luke in “The Nun’s Story,” played by Audrey Hepburn, is based on the true story of a Belgian nun named Marie Louise Habets, a young lady who is willing to make the sacrifices demanded by her vows. During the Nazi occupation of Belgium during World War II, she had difficulty remaining faithful to her vows. Religion and religiosity are examined in the film, as well as the impact of World War II. One of Audrey Hepburn’s best roles is as a strong-willed and fiercely independent nun in this underappreciated picture.

3. The Magdalene Sisters (2002)

The Magdalene Sisters (2002)

In 1964, three young women were sent to a Magdalene Asylum for young women due to terrible circumstances. This is a thought-provoking picture. There are purportedly ‘fallen’ women at this asylum, one of many in theocratic Catholic Ireland. They’re run like jails, with young women being made to perform washing and other hard labor as a condition of their incarceration. “The Magdalene Sisters,” based on actual events in Ireland, is a heartbreaking drama that will be tough to ignore. A powerful picture, not for the weak of heart.

2. Black Narcissus (1947)

When a group of nuns move to the Himalayas to start a convent, they quickly run into problems as they try to fit in with the locals and the rest of the community. “Black Narcissus” has won numerous Academy Awards for its cinematography and visual design. It’s a heartbreaking look at the repercussions of social exclusion on a community of nuns. Deborah Kerr’s performance stands out among the rest of the cast.

1. Ida (2013)

Ida (2013)

The film “Ida,” which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, follows a Polish nun novice named Anna. However, her only living relative, her aunt Wanda, urges her to meet with her before she takes her vows. In the course of her investigation, she uncovers a dark family secret that dates back to the Nazi era. The picture is shot entirely in black and white, which contributes to the film’s moody and dismal tone. Because of this, you’ll be enthralled by the stunning cinematography right away.