50 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now

43. I Can Only Imagine (1999)

Writers: Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle

Directed by the Erwin Brothers

Starring J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins, Craig Lembke, Priscilla Shirer, Cloris Leachman

I Can Only Imagine is one of those inspirational stories based on real life. J. Michael Finley is Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band, MercyMe. When he was 10-years-old, his mother left him with his abusive father, Arthur. He only found out after he returned from a Christian camp, and he’s understandably angry that it was all his abusive father’s fault.

This is a movie of acceptance, growth, understanding, forgiveness, and faith. It’s unfairly received negative reviews, partially due to the writing and storytelling. However, it’s one of the most inspirational messages that you’ll ever see and, based on a true story, it’s one that will make you question your own actions and ability to forgive someone for the past.

Bart remains devout in his faith, seeing that God has helped to change his father. Yet, he doesn’t just accept that his father is different. It takes time and he needs to write the song to be able to move forward.

It’s the United States’ fourth-highest grossing music biopics ever, behind some major releases over the years, including the most recent Bohemian Rhapsody. It was also 2018’s highest-grossing independent films. Despite only being expected to gross between $2m and $4m during opening weekend, it brought in $6.2m on day one and ended up grossing $17.1m. That right there is a reason for it to make the 50 best movies on Amazon Prime Video.

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