Films about angels delve into the spiritual and mythological concept of celestial beings that act as intermediaries between Heaven and Earth. These movies often explore themes of faith, redemption, love, and the supernatural, presenting angels in various roles—from messengers and protectors to fallen beings seeking redemption or revenge. The angels in these films can be depicted according to traditional religious texts or reimagined in contemporary settings, displaying human-like qualities and emotions. These stories tend to resonate with audiences searching for hope or a sense of the divine working within the human experience.
“Michael”, 1996
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring John Travolta, this dramedy centers on a tabloid journalist who discovers a man claiming to be an angel living in Iowa. The film follows the cynical journalists as they come to grips with the eccentric and often playful angel Michael, who is on Earth for a mysterious mission.
Starring: John Travolta, Andie MacDowell, William Hurt, Bob Hoskins, Robert Pastorelli, Jean Stapleton, Teri Garr, Wallace Langham, Joey Lauren Adams, Carla Gugino;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: fantasy, drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Michael” on the website imdb.com
“City of Angels”, 1998
Director: Brad Silberling
A romantic drama featuring Nicolas Cage as the angel Seth who falls in love with a heart surgeon played by Meg Ryan. Inspired by “Wings of Desire,” Seth must decide whether to forsake his immortality in order to become human and experience love.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Andre Braugher, Dennis Franz, Colm Feore, Robin Bartlett, Joanna Merlin, Sarah Dampf, Rhonda Dotson, Nigel Gibbs;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “City of Angels” on the website imdb.com
“The Prophecy”, 1995
Director: Gregory Widen
This fantasy horror film stars Christopher Walken as the archangel Gabriel, who comes to Earth to find a soul that will end the stalemate in a war in Heaven. Meanwhile, a detective and a schoolteacher become embroiled in angelic intrigue.
Starring: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen, Amanda Plummer, Moriah «Shining Dove» Snyder, Adam Goldberg, Steve Hytner, J.C. Quinn;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: fantasy, thriller, drama, detective, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Prophecy” on the website imdb.com
“Dogma”, 1999
Director: Kevin Smith
Directed by Kevin Smith, this fantasy comedy-drama follows two fallen angels who find a loophole that would allow them back into Heaven, but their actions could inadvertently cause the undoing of reality. An abortion clinic worker with a special lineage is tasked with stopping them.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Linda Fiorentino, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Bud Cort, Barret Hackney;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: fantasy, drama, comedy, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Dogma” on the website imdb.com
“Gabriel”, 2007
Director: Shane Abbess
This Australian action-horror film tells the story of the archangel Gabriel, who fights to bring light back to purgatory, where darkness reigns, and save the souls of the city's inhabitants.
Starring: Andy Whitfield, Dwaine Stevenson, Samantha Noble, Michael Piccirilli, Jack Campbell, Erika Heynatz, Harry Pavlidis, Kevin Copeland, Matt Hylton Todd, Brendan Clearkin;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: horror, fantasy, action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “Gabriel” on the website imdb.com
“Legion”, 2010
Director: Scott Charles Stewart
In this apocalyptic action film, God has lost faith in humanity and sends his legion of angels to bring about the end of the world. The archangel Michael rebels against this order and arrives at a remote diner to protect a woman whose unborn baby is key to humanity's future.
Starring: Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Adrianne Palicki, Charles S. Dutton, Jon Tenney, Kevin Durand, Willa Holland, Kate Walsh, Dennis Quaid;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: horror, fantasy, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “Legion” on the website imdb.com
These are just a handful of films that center on the figure of the angel, each with its own interpretation and approach to the timeless concept of divine messengers and warriors.
In conclusion, cinema's fascination with angels has given audiences a rich tapestry of stories that span the emotional spectrum, from the heartwarming to the profoundly thought-provoking. Whether depicted as guardians, messengers, or metaphysical enigmas, these celestial beings have proved to be versatile figures in filmic narratives, serving as windows to humanity's deepest hopes, fears, and existential curiosities. Through magnificent performances, groundbreaking special effects, and narratives that challenge our perceptions of morality and spirituality, films about angels invite viewers to look beyond the mundane and contemplate the possibility of a higher purpose and the unseen forces that may guide our lives. As filmmakers continue to explore this eternal theme, the legacy of angelic cinema will undoubtedly soar, reflecting the evolving human spirit and the timeless quest to understand the divine.
