After seeing Superman Returns, I couldn't help but feel a little cheated. Don't get me wrong. I liked the movie. But this story of Superman didn't feel so original. The story is about an otherworldly guy who dies to save unworthy people—and then rises from the dead to bring hope. Sounds a lot like someone else I know.

I felt like I'd paid 10 bucks to see a story I can read anytime—for free—in my Bible (well, minus the kryptonite and cape).

Seriously though, we see Christ-like stories in the movies all the time. Some of the biggest movies ever, from The Matrix to E.T. to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, feature a Christ figure—a character who has some traits of Jesus. Storytellers and audiences are drawn to the Christ story because there's a hole in all of us that can only be filled by him. We're moved by stories that hint at him—and the hope, redemption, grace and love he offers. Of course, Christ figures can never be exactly like our Savior. Even so, Jesus' amazing life seeps again and again into modern stories.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Before Jesus' birth, the Jewish people eagerly awaited the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament who would free them of their captivity and oppression. Prophecies of a hero with amazing abilities who'll rescue people from evil or oppression are all over movies—especially in The Matrix.

Much like before Jesus' birth, the imprisoned and oppressed world of The Matrix longed for a savior they call the Chosen One. Similarities don't end there. Morpheus, like John the Baptist, announces the Chosen One's arrival. By performing miracles, Neo proves he's the Chosen One. And many citizens of The Matrix joyfully respond to the Good News of Neo's arrival. It's much like the reponse of the old man who held the Christ child in his arms: "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32, NIV).

The common theme of fulfilled prophecy brings us hope and makes us aware of a bigger plan. As 2 Peter 1:19-21 says, prophecy is "like a light shining in a dark place. … Prophecy comes from God" (NIV).

Humble Beginnings
At the time of Christ's birth, the Jewish people expected their long-awaited Messiah to be a great king or warrior. But Christ wasn't raised in a royal home by royal parents. He was a lowly commoner. Even though Jesus was God, he "didn't think being equal with God was something he should hold on to. Instead, he made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form. He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level" (Philippians 2:6-8, NIRV).

It's very rare to see a Christ figure raised by the rich and famous. Harry Potter is a good example. Harry has great gifts and will eventually do extraordinary things. But yet he grows up in very humble circumstances. The aunt and uncle raising him don't even like him. And he sleeps in a closet.

We're drawn to this idea of a humble savior because, while Jesus is still God, he's also one of us. He understands us. He left behind so much in heaven just to be with us. And he loves us all—rich or poor, mighty or meek, human or house elf.

Temptation
Jesus was sinless. But he wasn't immune to temptation. In fact, he faced 40 days of it in the desert with Satan (Luke 4:1-13 and Matthew 4:1-10). Satan offered him food, power and glory. All he had to do was give in to Satan's temptations. But he stayed strong. Hebrews 4:15 says the temptation of Christ was important because it proved that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin" (NIV).

Right after proving himself in the desert, Jesus began his ministry. Likewise, movie Christ figures often go through a time of hardship. In Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker discovered it's hard to do the right thing. But, like Satan's offers in the desert, there was an easy way out. He could quit. Ultimately, Peter realizes that not being Spidey would mean betraying what he was meant to do.

Seeing heroes tempted like Christ is important. We see they have a choice. We see how struggling with temptation reveals true character. And we're inspired to withstand temptation and remain strong.

Authority
People were drawn to Jesus. Strangers in a crowd wanted to simply touch his cloak. People were captivated by him. We see this in Matthew 7:28-29: "The crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law" (niv). While many missed it, others understood it: Jesus' power and authority came from heaven (Matthew 21). In fact, Colossians 2:10 calls Jesus the "the head over every power and authority" (NIV).

A perfect example is Aslan from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Before this intimidating lion even says a word, everyone knows he's in charge. His mere presence commands authority. With a single roar, everyone bows. In the Narnia books, just the word Aslan affects people in powerful ways. Like Aslan, Christ is a powerful authority figure and a relatable and personal leader. And by living lives of godliness, others can see Christ's authority in us—even when we don't say a word.

Sacrifice
In Luke 22:42, Jesus prays: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup of suffering away from me. But do what you want, not what I want" (nirv). He knew what was ahead of him. He didn't want to die. But yet, he knew his mission. To conquer sin, he had to give up his life (Hebrews 2:14-17).

Personal sacrifice may be the most common trait of Christ figures in the movies. For example, Jean Grey and Wolverine both make a big sacrifice in X3. Jean knows she can't defeat the evil inside her. She has to give up her life. And Wolverine knows he must kill her even though he loves her. Both of them must put others above themselves—at great personal loss. This happens in movies again and again. Why? It's about something bigger. It's about love. And for Christians, this sacrificial love always points to what Christ did for us: "God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful" (Romans 5:8 CEV).

Resurrection
The story of Christ wasn't finished at the cross. He beat sin by dying sinless, but he beat death by returning to life. It was the ultimate victory. Because it's so amazing and dramatic that our hero died for us and then came back, Hollywood can't avoid using this powerful theme again and again.

In Superman Returns, Superman flies a deadly Kryptonite-filled rock into space to save the people of Earth. Weak and defeated, Superman falls from space—arms outstretched like Christ—right into the Earth. Superman may be gone forever. The people of Metropolis are conflicted—happy that he saved them, but sad because he's gone.

Then, Superman wakes up. He lives! Hope is restored.

Through the resurrection of Christ, not only do we know our superhero is still alive and with us, but we also know death is not the end. As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NIV): "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then…death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory?"

Christ-like characters in the movies remind us of Jesus' mission and his triumph. It draws new followers to his truth. And like the citizens of Metropolis, we're reminded that our friend is still living among us. And, you know, that is worth the price of a movie ticket.

Read more from 'Faith & Values'

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