Can Christians Watch That? A Shame-Free Guide to Screen Time Wisdom

I was the only kid in my Sunday school class allowed to watch Harry Potter. While other kids whispered about witchcraft and whether they’d get in trouble just for saying “Hogwarts,” I was at home quoting spells with my little brother and waiting for my Hogwarts letter.

My parents weren’t careless or less spiritual, they just made different choices. And honestly? That early experience taught me something valuable: Faithful Christians can land in very different places when it comes to what they watch.

Key Takeaways

• The Bible doesn’t give us a list of shows to avoid, but it does call us to seek wisdom in what we watch. Not everything is an obvious choice one way or the other. God invites us to think critically and listen to the Holy Spirit.
• What’s right for someone else might not be right for you. As Paul taught, it’s about your heart, your conscience, and your impact on others.
• Ask deeper questions—not just “Can I watch this?” but “Should I watch this?” Use prayer, Scripture, and conviction to guide your screen time choices.

What Can Christians Watch?

Christians can watch anything, but we’re wise to consume content that fuels our faith, helps us rest, and reminds us of God’s story.

We’re going to unpack this thought throughout the rest of the article, but first, I want to make it clear that this article isn’t here to shame anyone.

Not the person who avoids nearly all movies and TV because of their convictions (even Harry Potter). Not the person who enjoys sci-fi, horror movies, or HBO dragon shows. Instead, this is a space for reflection—for asking honest questions, listening to the Holy Spirit, and walking in wisdom as we think about the media we consume.

So let’s explore the world of entertainment through that shame-free lens, with a clear desire to love God more deeply in everything we do.

What Does the Bible Say About Watching Movies or TV?

The Bible doesn’t mention Netflix or TikTok, but it still offers wisdom for how to navigate screen time.

In one of his letters, Paul addressed a debate about eating meat that had been offered to idols. Some believers worried this dietary choice might be sinful or send the wrong message. Paul’s response? It’s not just about the meat—it’s about the heart.

Some believers could eat this meat with a clear conscience, others couldn’t. Paul encouraged people to choose what was loving and wise, not just what was allowed. He personally chose to abstain from the meat, not because it harmed him, but because he didn’t want to harm others.

When it comes to media, the same principle applies; it’s not just about what we can watch but why we’re watching, and how our choices affect us and those around us.

Why Do We Watch?

Before we ask what Christians should watch, it helps to ask why we watch it in the first place. Sometimes we watch to rest—and that’s a gift. Stories can help us laugh, relax, and connect. Watching with this kind of intention can actually support a healthy, joyful life.

But other times, we watch as a way to escape. We numb our minds, quiet uncomfortable feelings, or avoid things God might be trying to say to us. In these situations, media becomes a substitute for peace, instead of pointing us to the Prince of Peace.

Paul wrote that in Christ, we’re invited to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—and to let those things shape our lives (Philippians 4:8). That doesn’t mean we can only watch G-rated movies or shows about the Bible. It means we ask, “Why am I watching this? What is it doing in my heart?”

Entertainment isn’t automatically either dangerous or holy—it’s about how we approach it, and what it stirs up in us. When we let the Holy Spirit guide our downtime, we can find joy, rest, and yes, even fun, in ways that glorify God.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Not every show, platform, or screen habit affects every person in the same way. What feels like harmless fun for one person might stir up comparison, anxiety, or temptation in someone else. That’s why setting personal boundaries with screen time isn’t legalistic—it’s wise.

Maybe you notice certain shows leave you feeling more cynical or angry. Maybe scrolling social media before bed keeps you from truly resting. Maybe binge-watching TV becomes a way to avoid hard conversations or numb uncomfortable feelings. These are all signs it’s time to pause and ask, “Is this helping me become who God is calling me to be?”

Jesus often stepped away from the crowds to rest, pray, and refocus. We can do the same. You don’t have to cut out all entertainment, but you might set screen-free hours, delete certain apps, or choose content that nourishes your soul.

Healthy boundaries help you live with intention, not just impulse. And the good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out alone—God will give you wisdom when you ask.

Asking the Right Questions

The question isn’t “Will I lose my salvation or go to hell if I watch _________?”

Nothing in the Bible supports the idea that simply watching something can impact your eternal salvation, God’s love, or your identity in Christ.

Does that mean Christians can watch anything they want to? Sure, in the sense that you won’t get struck by lightning or be condemned to hell based on your streaming habits. But is it wise to expose yourself to every bit of entertainment your screen has to offer? Definitely not.

Your Purpose in Life

Why do we ask questions like, “Can Christians watch horror movies?” or “Can followers of Jesus play violent video games?” These questions often come from a sincere desire to honor God. We want to avoid doing things that dishonor Him or put our hearts at risk. But sometimes these questions might also reveal misaligned priorities.

The point of following Jesus isn’t to stay on the right side of God’s “do not” list. Our goal is to become more like Jesus—to think, act, and love like Him. That’s our purpose in life. And everything we do, including what we watch, can either support or distract from that purpose.

So instead of only asking …

• Can Christians watch TV with nudity or sex?
• How much violence is okay for Christians to watch?
• Will God get mad at me for watching Harry Potter?

Try asking questions like …

• Will this show help or hurt my growing relationship with God?
• Does this movie cause me to celebrate qualities that God calls evil—like lust, violence, or hate?
• Am I watching to rest—or to numb my mind with comfort?

These kinds of questions help shift the focus from rules to relationship. They invite us to walk with the Holy Spirit—we’re not just avoiding sin, but pursuing what’s good, beautiful, and true.

And over time, that pursuit will shape our choices, not out of fear, but out of love.

3 Questions to Ask Before You Watch

Now, let’s unpack these three questions to help us make wise screen time choices.

1. Will This Show Help or Hurt My Growing Relationship With God?

This is the kind of question that brings clarity fast. If you spend time with someone every day, their voice starts to stand out in a crowd. But if your mind is constantly full of other voices—ones that speak fear, pride, or cynicism—it becomes harder to recognize the still, small voice of God.

Asking this question doesn’t mean you only watch “Christian” content. It just means you’re paying attention. Some shows stir up gratitude, compassion, or courage. Others fill your thoughts with despair, anger, or confusion.

Some genres might lift you up—others won’t. The point isn’t to follow a rule, it’s to stay close to Jesus.

2. Does This Movie Cause Me to Celebrate Qualities That God Calls Evil?

Some stories include evil as a way to expose it, showing how sin destroys and how redemption is possible. Others celebrate evil by making it look appealing or harmless. That’s where we need discernment.

When lust, hate, revenge, greed, or violence are presented as exciting, justified, or even funny, we need to ask, “What is this story training me to love?” If you’re cheering for a character who lies, objectifies, or murders without remorse, it’s worth pausing to consider how that shapes your own heart over time.

Paul calls us to love what is good and hate what is evil (Romans 12:9). We don’t have to avoid every dark theme, but we do need to be aware of how those themes are presented and how those elements impact our attitude.

3. Am I Watching to Rest—or to Numb My Mind With Comfort?

Endlessly, mindlessly binge-watching something, even if it’s really positive and wholesome, could be more damaging than watching one episode of the latest HBO miniseries. Why? Because although rest is biblical, and comfort isn’t always bad, a pattern of escapism is different. This is when we run to a screen to avoid reality or to silence convictions, and we use entertainment to fill a spiritual hunger that only God can satisfy.

When we numb ourselves with endless content, we stop listening to what God might be trying to say. We’re momentarily distracted from the pain or monotony of life, but not deeply restored. The Holy Spirit gives true comfort and peace that surpasses understanding. No binge-watch can match that.

So the next time you reach for the remote, ask yourself: “Am I watching because I’m tired and need rest, or because I don’t want to feel or think or pray?” If it’s the second, pause and ask yourself if this is a one-off situation or a potentially harmful pattern of disconnection.

Let’s Explore Specific Questions About Christians and Media

Okay, we’ve asked some helpful questions to gain screen time wisdom, but maybe you’re still feeling a bit uneasy. If so, let’s explore some more specific questions people ask about what Christians can watch.

As Christians, we’re wise to use discernment for personal media choices. Those choices ought to be prayerful, thoughtful, and applied personally. That’s because there’s no blanket biblical ban on modern content—we need to decide for ourselves what’s healthy and God-honoring. Here are a few of the top questions people ask about the types of content Christians can watch.

Can Christians Watch Horror Movies?

Yes, Christians are allowed to watch horror movies. But is it wise for you to watch horror movies and TV shows? That’s a question you need to answer for yourself.

But what about all the violence, fear, and other key elements of horror? How could those help us grow in our relationship with Jesus? 

Well, let’s ask one of the biggest names in horror. Read what famous horror author Stephen King said about the horror genre:

The horror genre could help some people grow in awareness of the real darkness of life, help spot patterns of evil, and grow empathy with victims of violence. Do you need to watch horror in order to gain empathy? Of course not. Instead, I'm saying that there can be a redemptive, God-honoring side to the genre for those who enjoy horror.  

Horror also offers some practical wisdom. For example, it teaches us that, in the event of a city-wide blackout leading to a mass jail break, we’d be unwise to take shelter in a local chainsaw factory.

Am I saying horror movies are great for every Christian to watch? No. I actually don’t like most horror movies. But I do have friends who love the genre, who are faithfully pursuing Jesus, and who have not turned into serial killers (as far as I know).

Can Christians Watch Harry Potter?

Is watching Harry Potter a gateway to practicing witchcraft? The answer is no for almost everyone who’s watched Harry Potter, Christian or non-Christian. With wisdom, it’s okay for Christians to watch or read Harry Potter. Am I a bit biased? You can judge for yourself.

If you do choose to watch, read, or listen to Harry Potter by yourself or with your kids, you can certainly find God-honoring themes. Friendship, overcoming hate, courage in the face of evil, and fighting for marginalized groups are all major elements of the story.

What About Other Types of Content?

We could dive into anime, Game of Thrones, Wicked, or countless other titles and genres, and the answer would be similar to what we’ve discussed above. There’s no extra commandment listing what Christians can and can’t watch. Instead, we need wisdom.

So keep asking questions, but focus on personal conviction, not policing others. What’s wrong for you might not be wrong for someone else.

As you scroll through your streaming options, ask:

• Will this help me grow closer to Jesus?
• Could it help me understand the world better?
• Are there biblical themes I can learn from?
• Is it celebrating something God calls evil?

Sometimes the wise choice means saying, “This isn’t good for me.” It might feel like a sacrifice, but it’s worth it. Ask God for wisdom, and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead.