If you’ve spent any time on Facebook, TikTok, or your family group chat lately, you’ve probably seen the alarming headline: “Netflix is purging all Christian movies by the end of the month!”
It’s the kind of news that makes you want to cancel your subscription immediately. After all, in a world where it feels increasingly difficult to find wholesome, faith-affirming content, the idea of a major streaming giant intentionally “deleting” Jesus from its library feels like a targeted attack.
But before you smash that “Cancel Membership” button, let’s take a breath. As someone who spends way too much time analyzing streaming algorithms and industry contracts, I’ve got the real scoop. Spoiler alert: It’s not a conspiracy, but it is a classic case of how the modern internet can turn a tiny grain of truth into a giant mountain of misinformation.
Here is the truth behind the rumor of Netflix removing Christian movies in 2026.
The Origin of the “Purge”: Where Did This Start?
Believe it or not, this rumor is older than some of the shows you’re watching. The “Netflix is removing Christian content” scare actually dates back to 2016. It started with a satirical article from a UK-based website called News Thump, which claimed Netflix was bowing to pressure from other groups to remove all religious programming.
Because the internet has a memory like a goldfish, this same story resurfaces every couple of years. It went viral again in 2021, late 2024, and now, in early 2026, it’s back with a vengeance.
The Fact Check:
According to official statements and Netflix’s own Help Center , there is no policy—and never has been—to target or remove Christian movies based on their religious themes. In fact, Netflix has historically invested millions into “faith-based” originals to compete with services like Amazon Prime and Pure Flix.
Why Do Christian Movies Actually Leave Netflix?
If Netflix isn’t “purging” them, why did that movie you loved last Christmas suddenly vanish? The answer isn’t “bias”; it’s licensing.
Think of Netflix like a giant digital library. They don’t own most of the books; they just rent them for a certain amount of time.
1. The Expiration Date
When Netflix licenses a movie like I Can Only Imagine or The Case for Christ, they sign a contract for a specific window (usually 12 to 24 months). When that contract ends, the movie leaves. If the studio that owns the movie (like Lionsgate or Sony) decides they want to put it on their own streaming service, they won’t let Netflix renew the deal.
2. The Rise of Competitors
This is the biggest factor in 2026. Faith-based studios have realized that Christian audiences are incredibly loyal. Instead of renting their movies to Netflix, many are moving their content to dedicated platforms like Great American Pure Flix or Angel Studios.
3. The “January 1st” Effect
Every year on January 1st, Netflix loses a massive chunk of its library. For example, in January 2026, Netflix confirmed the removal of over 150 titles. When people see a few faith-based titles in that list of 150, they assume the worst, even though the list also includes action movies, comedies, and documentaries.
Mixed Signals: What’s Staying and What’s Going?
To give you a better idea of the current landscape, let’s look at the “Faith & Spirituality” balance sheet for 2025–2026.
Recent Hits & Additions
| Title | Type | Status |
| Mary (2024) | Original Film | Streaming Now (Permanent) |
| The Chosen | Licensed Series | Select Seasons Available |
| Testament: The Story of Moses | Docuseries | Streaming Now |
| A Week Away | Original Musical | Streaming Now |
| Resurrection of Gavin Stone | Licensed Film | Available (Check Local Listings) |
As you can see, Netflix is still very much in the “Jesus business.” Their 2024 film Mary, a retelling of the Nativity, was one of their biggest winter releases, proving they still value the Christian demographic.
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The “Secret” Way to Find Christian Content on Netflix
Part of the reason people think Christian movies are “missing” is that the Netflix algorithm is… well, it’s a bit of a mystery. If you spend all week watching true crime documentaries, the algorithm is going to hide the faith-based films from your home screen.
You can bypass the “invisible” filter by using Netflix Secret Codes. Simply type these numbers into the search bar (or add them to the end of the URL www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[CODE]):
- Faith & Spirituality: 26835
- Faith & Spirituality Movies: 52804
- Spiritual Documentaries: 2760
- Kids Faith & Spirituality: 751423
Pro Tip: If you want Netflix to show you more of this content, make sure you actually “Like” or “Rate” the movies you watch. It tells the robots in the basement that you want more of the Good News and less of the gritty thrillers.
Is Netflix Still the Best Home for Faith-Based Fans?
Let’s be candid: While Netflix isn’t purging Christian movies, they aren’t exactly a 24/7 Christian network either. If you are looking for a deep library of Sunday-school-ready content, you might find Netflix’s selection a bit “thin” compared to a few years ago.
If you’re feeling the “Netflix squeeze,” here are the top 3 alternatives for 2026:
- Great American Pure Flix: The undisputed heavyweight. If you want God’s Not Dead style content and clean romances, this is the place.
- Angel Studios: The home of The Chosen and David. They use a “Pay It Forward” model and focus on high-production value, “light-filled” stories.
- TBN+: Great for a mix of movies and teaching/ministry programs from around the world.
The Verdict: Rumor vs. Reality
So, why is Netflix “removing” Christian movies? They aren’t.
They are participating in the same “streaming wars” as everyone else. Titles come, titles go, and contracts expire. The idea of a targeted religious purge is a viral myth that thrives on fear rather than fact.
The next time you see a post claiming Netflix is banning the Bible, remember:
- Satire is often mistaken for news.
- Licensing is boring, but it’s the real reason movies leave.
- Netflix Originals (like Mary or A Week Away) aren’t going anywhere.
The best way to “vote” for Christian content is to watch it. Streaming services are data-driven. If the numbers show that millions of people are watching faith-based films, they will keep making and buying them.
What do you think? Have you noticed your favorite faith-based films disappearing, or have you found some new gems lately? Let’s talk about it in the comments.