Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- sincere
- hopeful
- gentle
- christmas viewing
- family movie night
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Homer Smith returns to the chapel he helped build years earlier, reconnecting the present story to his prior work with the nuns.
The nuns take in homeless, unwanted, and runaway children, while Homer turns inspiration into an orphanage and school.
The chapel-centered group develops into an orphanage and school designed to protect and educate vulnerable children.
The film is identified as a Christmas film and uses the holiday context to frame faith, service, and emotional renewal.
Films like Christmas Lilies of the Field, and why
The Bells of St. Mary's
Shared christmas setting, compassionate community-building, faith-centered drama, and uplifting humanism.
The Bishop's Wife
Shared warm holiday atmosphere, selfless service, family-friendly emotional drama, and spiritual themes.
Places in the Heart
Shared inspirational drama about an outsider helping a vulnerable community through practical generosity and perseverance.
Movie Details
- Director
- Ralph Nelson
- Release Date
- 1979-12-16
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (2)
Cast
- Billy Dee Williams
- Maria Schell
- Fay Hauser
- Lisa Mann
- Hanna Landy
- Judith Piquet
- Donna Johnston
- Bob Hastings
- Rachel Ward
- Jean Jenkins
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Christmas Lilies of the Field about?
- A returning builder and devoted nuns transform Christmas faith into a permanent refuge and school for children without homes.
- What is Christmas Lilies of the Field like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Christmas Lilies of the Field as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Christmas Lilies of the Field violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Christmas Lilies of the Field.
- Which films are like Christmas Lilies of the Field?
- Films with a similar feel include The Bells of St. Mary's, The Bishop's Wife, and Places in the Heart.
- How long is Christmas Lilies of the Field?
- Christmas Lilies of the Field runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Christmas Lilies of the Field?
- In United States, Christmas Lilies of the Field streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
Browse Ember's collections
Movies like Christmas Lilies of the Field
- Love's Unending Legacy2007
- Samantha: An American Girl Holiday2004
- A World Record Christmas2025
- Love's Abiding Joy2006
- Lilies of the Field1963
- Benji's Very Own Christmas Story1978
- An American Girl Story: Maryellen 1955 - Extraordinary Christmas2016
- Goodnight, Mister Tom1998
- Boys Town1938
- A Dennis the Menace Christmas2007
