Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant faith-based drama about hit song's inspiration.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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I Can Only Imagine
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 40 parent reviews
Parents say that the film delivers a powerful message of forgiveness and redemption, resonating well with family audiences, especially those familiar with the song it’s based on. However, it also features serious themes such as child abuse that some parents feel may not be appropriate for younger children, prompting a need for caution regarding its suitability for all audiences.
- forgiveness message
- serious themes
- age recommendations
- family appeal
- impactful story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 25 kid reviews
What's the Story?
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE is a faith-based drama about what inspired Christian musician Bart Millard of MercyMe to write the band's bestselling 2001 song. The movie begins with internationally acclaimed artist Amy Grant (Nicole DuPort), who's considering using the song "I Can Only Imagine" as a "comeback hit," asking Bart (John Michael Finley) to tell her how he came up with it. At first Bart jokes that he wrote it quickly, in about 10 minutes, but Amy insists that a song so godly and personal had to take a lot longer to create. Bart then flashes back to his youth and his struggles with his angry, abusive father, Arthur (Dennis Quaid). When Arthur discovers that he has cancer and begins to believe in God, Bart must wrestle with whether to forgive him or hold on to his justified anger.
Is It Any Good?
Christian music fans will be touched by this poignant origin story of a beloved song, which is portrayed with warmth and openness. "I Can Only Imagine" is the No. 1 Christian single of all time, so there's likely a large audience ready to dive into Bart's story. Even though it's clear from the beginning that there will be a happy, hopeful ending, directors Jon and Andrew Erwin make sure viewers know that Bart's inspiration for the ballad—his relationship with his father—was complicated and unhealthy. Arthur can be cruel, and the movie doesn't shy away from how difficult it was for Bart to forgive his dad and move forward with the dream to become a singer.
Finley does a fine job channeling Bart's nuanced personality, both his enthusiasm and charisma, as well as his insecurity and anger. Finley is also good at conveying Bart's humor. As Bart's girlfriend (and wife-to-be) Shannon, actress Madeline Carroll is ably patient, waiting for Bart to confide in her about what's going on at home. Aficionados of contemporary Christian music will also enjoy the shout-outs to and portrayals of various famous singers, like Grant and Michael W. Smith, as well as seeing country artist Trace Adkins play MercyMe's veteran Nashville manager. The movie will likely resonate with anyone interested in music-based biopics or father-son dramas, but it will probably appeal most to churchgoers and those familiar with the touching song.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about I Can Only Imagine's messages about parent-child relationships, romantic relationships, and faith. How are the characters impacted by their relationships?
Who are the role models in the movie? What character strengths do they demonstrate?
What do you think the song lyrics mean? How do they affect those grieving the loss of loved ones?
Who do you think the movie's target audience is? Do you think only practicing Christians will enjoy or understand the film? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 16, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : June 12, 2018
- Cast : Dennis Quaid , Cloris Leachman , John Michael Finley
- Directors : Andrew Erwin , Jon Erwin
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Faith ( Christianity )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Integrity
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements including some violence
- Last updated : February 19, 2026
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