Many mainstream movies today follow stories that require no hidden meaning. The messages and lessons are written into the dialogue and moviegoers need not apply any effort. However, specific films, like other forms of art, might weave lessons into the background and leave viewers considering what the creator meant to say. These motion pictures, which highlight particular symbols or themes, are called allegories. Rather than expressing moral or political lessons outright, allegories express these teachings indirectly.

Allegories in movies might be some of the most impactful works, since they “show” a different perspective rather than openly argue it. According to J.R.R. Tolkien, a Christian who used allegory in The Lord of the Rings and inspired C.S. Lewis to do so with the Narnia books, most stories and myths contain “reflection of the image of the Creator in us,” and all narratives reflect “a splintered fragment of true light." Many other writers and creatives have inserted Christian allegories into their otherwise mainstream material.

Some easy examples of Christian allegory are The Chronicles of Narnia, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. For example, in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Aslan (the lion) represents Christ. To save Edmund’s life, Aslan sacrifices his own and is resurrected just like Christ. The Matrix is a metaphor for many things, but Christianity could certainly be one of them (what with Trinity, the chosen One, and sacrifice). There are other movies out there that follow a similar allegory and include Christlike characters, however, their symbolism may not be as explicit as in The Chronicles of Narnia. It is easy to overlook some of these symbols because they are purposely obscured. Here are four films that are actually Christian Allegories.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

4 Man of Steel

     Warner Bros. Pictures

In 1938, Superman was established as a figure who represented “Jewish immigrants of 1930s America,” as Justin Craig writes; this makes sense, considering he was created by two young Jewish men, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. He exhibited “Moses-like” origins and fought to assimilate into a new land. Since then, there have been numerous Superman movies and other media. However, somewhere along the way, Superman transitioned to Christianity and became a representation of related symbols.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Superman’s symbol as a Christlike figure is prevalent in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. Superman (born Kal-El, a Hebrew name that means ’light’ or ‘voice’ of God) is born as a natural baby, despite all of Krypton’s babies being artificially inseminated. Jesus was also a miracle baby. From there, the movie is bursting with references to Christ. Later, when Superman jumps from a ship in space toward the earth, he opens his arms to form a crucifix.

In addition, Superman admits that he is 33 (the same age as Christ when he was crucified) and is willing to sacrifice his own life for all people on earth. He is peaceful and guided by the ghost of his real father, Jor-El, to salvation. It’s said in the film by Jor-El that Superman will be a God to the people of Earth and in his caring, heroic actions, he is. He even sacrifices himself for humanity in Snyder’s Justice League, inspiring the titular collection of superheroes akin to disciples.

3 The Martian

     20th Century Fox

In Ridley Scott’s The Martian, an astronaut, Mark Watney, is believed to be dead. He is stranded on Mars and must use all of his intelligence to try to survive; as a result, this film has been named one of the most intellectual sci-fi movies of all time because of its use of concrete science. The first easily identifiable Christian reference is the fact that Mark is presumed dead, but shortly after, his co-astronauts discover he is alive, much like the resurrection of Christ. In Mark’s attempts to survive, his co-astronauts begin to notice his subtle movements and slowly determine that he is still present. This is a reference to the Spirit, faith, and belief.

Another obvious reference point is when Mark uses wood from a crucifix to start a fire, apologizing to Jesus and speculating that He wouldn’t mind saving another life. He also performs miracles of a sort, turning hydrazine into water and poop into potatoes, and characters ask each other theological questions. The Martian also contains a heavy focus on the importance of just one life and many people across the globe come to assist in his rescue.

Just as in The Chronicles of Narnia and Man of Steel, The Martian is often about sacrifice and giving things up. Not only does Mark Watney sacrifice when he is first stranded, but all of his colleagues also sacrifice their time to preserve his life. The movie encourages belief, love, and self-sacrifice. While it could be argued that the book and film are humanistic and embrace science over religion, either way the film uses Christian allegories to make a point.

2 Star Wars

     Lucasfilm

Like Superman, Anakin Skywalker (a spiritual name connoting images of one walking in the sky) is considered a miracle birth in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. As his mother Shmi Skywalker says, “There was no father. I carried him, I gave birth, I raised him. I can’t explain what happened.” He is also considered “the chosen one” since his abilities with the force are strong, even with no specific source. Both are references to Jesus, whose virgin birth was also a miracle, and from the beginning was “the chosen one.”

However, throughout the many Star Wars movies, Anakin quickly falls off his path to a peaceful, heroic career. He joins the dark forces (a possible reference to Christ’s supposed descent into hell after the crucifixion) and eventually takes part in a duel with his guide, Obi Wan Kenobi. Later, Darth Vader sacrifices his life to save his son, Luke Skywalker, and regains his place as the chosen one.

1 E.T. the Extraterrestrial

     Universal Pictures 

While Steven Spielberg denies the application of any Christian symbolism in E.T. the Extraterrestrial, there is a strong argument for why E.T. might represent Christ. E.T. emerges from the heavens and seeks his believers, the children. His survival is based on belief (like Mark Watney), and Elliot reassures E.T. that he’ll “believe in [E.T.] all his life.” E.T. also has a peaceful demeanor and the ability to heal others. He is self-sacrificing and trades his own life for the lives of others. Though, like Christ, E.T. is resurrected and able to return to his place in the heavens after assuring Elliot that he’ll still be “right here,” a possible reference the Holy Spirit.

Now that you know these four movies contain hidden Christian allegories, you can apply these indicators to other films you see. Christian allegories are concealed in more motion pictures than you might think.