Special: Top Rated Media from 100 Reviews!

Top Rated Lists
Written By Ang Reynolds

Hello to the Brainy Bunch!

Today is a very exciting day because — drumroll, please — this is the 100th SALT article! Woohoo!!

We’re going to do something a little special to look back on all the wonderful pieces of media that God has blessed Brainy Pixel with by sharing 1 to 3 of our top-rated books, movies, TV shows, and so on from our first post in January of 2023 until now. Everything you see below is rated 5 Little Lights or above and has been thoroughly analyzed for quality and value to the Christian audience.

(Bonus, there are a few personal picks from our reviewer at the end!)

Thank YOU so much for supporting Brainy Pixel and checking out our blog! We pray that God blesses you and keeps you in this New Year.

YA and Above

Movies

  • The Shift directed by Brock Heasley

    • This genre-bending dystopic, dimension-hopping retelling of the story of Job is a treat for sci-fi fans everywhere.

  • The Ultimate Gift directed by Michael O. Sajbel

    • This 2006 movie based on the bestselling novel by Jim Stovall of the same name takes a rich playboy down a few notches as he faces a series of challenges set by his grandfather’s will.

  • Cabrini directed by Alejandro Monteverde

    • This biopic of America’s first saint, Frances Zavier Cabrini, as she navigates the trails and tribulations of early Italian immigration in the United States.

TV Shows

  • The Promised Land created by Mitch Hudson

    • This mockumentary-style sitcom highlights the very real and very human lives of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam in Ancient Israel all while sticking true to the events of Exodus.

  • Hospital Playlist directed by Lee Woo-jung

    • This South Korean hospital drama brings together romance, bromance, close friends, family, and plenty of drama with irrepressible wit and positive examples of navigating each other’s sharp edges with grace and mercy.

  • The Fiery Priest created by Park Jae-beom

    • An ex-special forces soldier turned Catholic priest with anger management issues takes corruption head-on in this action-packed and sometimes comedic story of forgiveness and redemption with some stellar theology.

Comics

  • Balsamus by Karolyne Roche

    • This translated comic combines stunning artwork with a fascinating tale from the intertestamental period.

  • The Hiding Place (Graphic Novel) adapted by Mario DeMatteo

    • A faithful adaptation of Corrie Ten Boom’s recount of surviving the Holocaust with amazing artwork that never distracts from the core message of hope and faith in God.

  • God’s’Dog: Monster by Jonathan Pageau

    • Based on the life and myth of Saint Christopher, this semi-fantastical interpretation uses its simple (yet stunning) art style to deftly support the weight of its symbolically rich story.

Books (Fiction)

Books (Non-Fiction)

  • From Darkness to Sight by Dr. Ming Wang

    • The story of his journey to Christ from the Cultural Revolution in China to become one of the U.S.’s most successful ocular surgeons.

Audio Drama

Middle Grade and Kids’ Media

Movies

  • Kpop Demon Hunters directed by Maggie Kang

    • Absolutely stunning animation with refreshingly Biblical morals in the secular realm, this movie is a delightful watch from start to finish.

  • Kensuke’s Kingdom directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry

    • Beautiful animation with a classic feel from start to finish, this secular movie is a great tool for teaching about Biblical stewardship of God’s creation.

TV Shows

  • Gabriel and the Guardians animated by Colossul Studios

    • The splashy new Christian anime tells the story of a fantastical world fallen so far from its Creator, but hope looms on the horizon!

  • Young David created by Phil Cunningham

    • A preview of Angel Studio’s stunning David full-length animated movie, this miniseries stands on its own with amazing animation and a beautiful heart towards its subject matter.

Comics

  • Rescue Me! (Collector’s Edition) by Bryce Morgan

    • This awesome superhero-style devotional brings all the fun of comics to real life lessons in an epic way.

  • Peter: The Apostle by Mario DeMatteo

    • This is a steadfast and faithful sci-fi graphic novel telling of the life and ministry of Peter the Apostle through the Gospels, into Acts, and lastly touching on his letters.

  • Paul: The Apostle by Mario DeMatteo

    • A sci-fi retelling of Paul’s life and mission from the New Testament, covering the various miracles, disasters, and personal relationships of Paul in an engaging and faithful way.

Books (Fiction)

  • Jesus Vs. the Bad Guys by Connor Shram

    • Delightful picture book outlining how Jesus handled conflict and treated others…including those “bad guys”!

  • Mateo’s Choice by Anne Marie Gosnell

    • A wonderful, personal breakdown of the importance of the Gospel for young kids.

  • Paintball with Dragons by Hope Bolinger

    • A sweet, fantastical adventure about processing grief and finding comfort in family.

Books (Non-Fiction)

  • Lessons from the Land by Appian Media

    • This series of lessons tying current archaeological discoveries, Ancient Israel’s landscape, and the Word of God together is one of the richest curriculums on the market.

  • More Pawverbs for Kids by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

    • An excellent resource for wisdom and encouragement for animal-loving kids!

  • Go Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers

    • A beautifully-illustrated Bible that brings well-researched and studied historical and cultural context to both the Old and New Testaments.

Book Series

  • Dead Sea Squirrels by Mike Nawrocki

    • Hilarious, relatable, and theologically rich.

  • Dragons in Our Midst by Bryan Davis

    • Perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and Christian theology (without feeling lectured!).

  • The Magnificent Mulligans by Billy Myers

    • Completely wholesome family often overrun by their literal zoo of animals…all narrated by the pet chimpanzee!

Audio Drama

  • A Basket of Flowers by Lamplighter Ministries

    • Wonderfully acted and edited version of the classic novel A Basket of Flowers.

  • Cat of Bubastes by Heirloom Audio

    • G.A. Henty’s classic novel reimagined with a rich soundscape and talented actors.

  • The Little Red Hen by the Academy of Arts

    • A sweet audiodrama perfect for littles with a message of hard work, working as a team, and having a servant’s heart.

Reviewer’s Picks

Some of my personal favorite stories didn’t quite make the top rated category, but I wanted to shine a light on them all the same!

Ang Reynolds

If there is one thing Ang loves more than anything else, it’s talking about storytelling. From the meta of story messaging to the fine details of character development, plotting, and worldbuilding to healthy creative habits to encouraging and supporting fellow Christian creatives around her, Ang loves all things story creation. She firmly believes that the human ability to tell stories and eave narratives is a gift from our ultimate Author, to be used for His good Kingdom!

When not discussing storytelling, Ang is probably hanging out with her cat, reading a space opera, or watching a Godzilla movie. Also, “Ang” rhymes with “Sang”!

Next

Kensuke’s Kingdom (2024)