I Can Only Imagine (2018)

My Review

The inspirational story behind the song “I Can Only Imagine” was skillfully captured on film by directors Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin (“Woodlawn” 2015). It follows Bart Millard of the Christian pop group MercyMe and how he wrote one of the best-selling Christian singles of all time. Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkie wrote the screenplay.

The cast includes J. Michael Finley in the lead role, Madeline Carroll as his girl friend, Dennis Quaid as his father, Cloris Leachman as his grandmother, Priscilla C. Shirer as Bart’s teacher, Trace Adkins as the MercyMe manager, Jake B. Miller as Michael W. Smith, and Nicole DuPort as Amy Grant.

“I Can Only Imagine” was a huge hit at the box office for LD Entertainment, Mission Pictures International, Erwin Brothers Entertainment, Roadside Attractions, and Lionsgate Films. It was filmed in Oklahoma, and won the Dove Award for the Inspirational Film of the Year. A sequel called “I Can Only Imagine 2” was released in 2026.