Sci-Fi Films Where Prayer Takes Centre Stage

Description: An alien, Klaatu, comes to Earth with a message of peace and a warning. His plea for humanity to change its ways can be seen as a form of prayer for the planet's future.

Fact: The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1995 for its cultural significance. It was remade in 2008 with Keanu Reeves.

Description: In this adaptation of Carl Sagan's novel, Dr. Ellie Arroway's scientific quest to find extraterrestrial life leads her to a profound experience that could be interpreted as a form of prayer or communication with a higher power.

Fact: The film's ending was a subject of much debate, with different versions shown in test screenings. Jodie Foster's character was inspired by real-life scientists like Jill Tarter.

Description: While not overtly about prayer, the film's themes of destiny, choice, and belief in a higher power resonate with spiritual undertones, especially through the character of Neo, who is seen as a messianic figure.

Fact: The Wachowskis drew inspiration from various philosophical and religious texts, including Gnosticism and Buddhism.

Description: David, an advanced robotic boy, prays to the Blue Fairy to become a real boy, mirroring the story of Pinocchio, and his journey can be seen as a quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Fact: The film was originally conceived by Stanley Kubrick, but after his death, Steven Spielberg took over and completed it.

Description: In a dystopian future where emotions are outlawed, the protagonist's journey to rediscover his humanity and the power of art and emotion can be interpreted as a form of spiritual awakening or prayer.

Fact: The film was shot in Berlin, Germany, to give it a unique, post-war aesthetic.

Description: Eli's mission to protect and deliver a sacred book in a post-apocalyptic world can be seen as a form of prayer and divine guidance, with his journey echoing themes of faith and destiny.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from most of the cast and crew until the final days of shooting.

Description: This film explores the idea of fate and free will, with the protagonist's struggle against a higher power's plan for his life resembling a prayer for autonomy and love.

Fact: The film is based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, known for his explorations of reality and identity.

Description: The film delves into the ethical and spiritual implications of uploading human consciousness into a computer, with the protagonist's actions akin to a prayer for transcendence and immortality.

Fact: Johnny Depp was initially hesitant to take on the role, feeling it was too similar to his previous work.

Description: This tripartite narrative explores themes of love, death, and rebirth, with the protagonist's quest for immortality and his connection to a tree of life echoing spiritual and prayerful themes.

Fact: Darren Aronofsky wrote the script in the mid-1990s, but it took over a decade to bring his vision to the screen.

Description: After the discovery of an afterlife, the film examines the societal and personal impacts, with characters grappling with the implications of this revelation, akin to a prayer for understanding the unknown.

Fact: The film was released directly on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release.