Filmmakers Warned: 5 Shocking Secrets to Portraying Faith That Could Make or Break Your Movie!

The buzz at the Sundance Film Festival was palpable this past Friday as Variety Magazine’s co-editor struggled to kick off the highly anticipated Spirituality and Entertainment brunch at a bustling Park City restaurant. With a crowd spilling out the doors, attendees eagerly awaited the unveiling of a groundbreaking study from HarrisX that utilized science-based audience research to illuminate the intersection of faith and entertainment.

This year’s report, titled “2026 Faith & Entertainment Index: Faith, Storytelling and Its Influence on Modern American Audiences," presented two critical findings. First, it identified the top 10 faith-related TV and movie scenes that resonated most powerfully with audiences through innovative evaluation tools. Second, it provided a road map for creators eager to portray faith more authentically, naturally, and without the usual stereotypes.

The research is enlightening. The scenes that topped the list are drawn from award-winning and financially successful projects. For instance, the standout scene, from the Emmy-winning show “The Pitt,” features a supervisor recalling Judaism’s Shema prayer during a panic attack, showing the emotional complexity of faith in a relatable context. This scene alone resonated with 77% of viewers, earning an impressive 80% score for its entertainment impact.

Brooke Zaugg, executive director of the Faith and Media Initiative, emphasized the importance of natural, authentic dialogue in these portrayals. “We don’t want people to think these scenes are niche or obscure or on the edge,” she stated. “These are very, very valuable from a commercial perspective.” The study showed that a significant 92% of respondents believe that faith plays a role in modern entertainment, with 77% asserting that it can appeal broadly.

The latest report builds upon earlier findings, which revealed that 69% of viewers felt that movies perpetuate religious stereotypes. This year’s data further underscores a demand for genuine representation, with audiences craving depictions of faith that reflect real-life stakes and emotions. Zaugg explained, “When we incorporated totems of faith into our film, it significantly expanded our audience.” This feedback highlights a growing interest among industry executives in creating narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

According to the study, filmmakers can enhance audience engagement by focusing on a few proven tools. The research revealed that relatable and emotionally moving depictions of faith resonate deeply with viewers. Six of the top ten scenes identified were notably reflective or thought-provoking. Audiences express a desire for faith to appear in everyday situations, emphasizing common themes of love, family, and respectful humor.

The brunch featured notable speakers, including “White Lotus” actor Patrick Schwarzenegger and Emmy-winning comedian Alex Edelman, who engaged festival-goers in discussions about the relevance of faith in storytelling. Zaugg asserted that intertwining authentic depictions of faith can provide creative and commercial rewards for creators, stating, “Stories and scenes should naturally weave in authentic depictions of faith that are emotionally moving, relatable, easy to understand, entertaining, and include respectful humor.”

Jeff Simpson, executive director of the Coalition for Faith and Media, emphasized the goal of the initiative is to foster more nuanced portrayals of faith within mainstream storytelling. “Our goal is to bring resources to more complex, more nuanced, more accurate faith portrayals,” he remarked.

Here is a snapshot of the top 10 faith scenes, according to audience engagement from the 2026 Faith and Entertainment Index:

• The Pitt: 77% of respondents said the scene integrated faith naturally, with an 80% entertainment score.
• Young Sheldon: A pivotal moment where Sheldon convinces his mom to believe in God.
• Nobody Wants This: Joanne and Noah express their love.
• Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond pleads guilty.
• Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond seeks strength from God.
• Nobody Wants This: Noah delivers a powerful sermon.
• West Wing: The president discusses a parable with a priest.
• Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond’s compelling court scene.
• Selma: A poignant moment with Martin Luther King Jr. in jail.
• God’s Not Dead: An exploration of sin as a jail cell.

This year's findings signal not only a shift in how faith is portrayed in entertainment but also an opportunity for creators to engage audiences on a deeper level. As Hollywood grapples with how to authentically depict spirituality, the implications for future storytelling are profound. Audiences are ready for narratives that reflect their experiences, and it seems the industry is beginning to take notice.