Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist and Spiritual Adviser to Presidents, Dies at 99

The Rev. Billy Graham, a Christian preacher and spiritual adviser to presidents going back to Harry Truman, died Wednesday morning at the age of 99.

Over a seven-decade career, Graham also became an icon of American religious life and a television staple.

The news was confirmed by church sources to NBC. He had received treatment in recent years for cancer, pneumonia and other ailments.

Also Read: Mike Pence Blasts Joy Behar for Comments on His Christianity: 'I Just Couldn't Be Silent'

Ordained a Southern Baptist minister, Graham reached more than 200 million through his personal appearances, including his annual Billy Graham Crusades, and millions more through his pioneering use of television and radio starting in the 1940s.

Beginning with Harry S Truman, he became an informal spiritual adviser to U.S. presidents of both political parties that earned him the name "America's Pastor" and broadened his public appeal.

In 1995, his son William Franklin Graham III took his place as leader of his Evangelistic Association.

10 Highest Grossing Christian-Themed Movies, From 'Passion of the Christ' to 'War Room' (Photos)

With "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" opening this week, TheWrap takes a look at 10 of the highest-grossing Christian-based films, adjusted for inflation.
10. "The Shack" (2017)

Starring Octavia Spencer and Graham Greene, the film grossed $57.4 million last year, which would equate to $58.6 million today.
9. "Son of God" (2014)

The 20th Century Fox film retells the life of Jesus and grossed a domestic total of $59.7 million in 2014, which would be $60.7 million today.
Fox
8. "Miracles From Heaven" (2016)

The Jennifer Garner film made $61.7 million this year on a budget of $13 million, good for eighth all time, adjusted for inflation.
Affirm Films
7. "God's Not Dead" (2014)

Starring Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A.R. White, and Dean Cain, "God's Not Dead" opened to $60.8 million in 2014 ($61.8 million adjusted for inflation) on a budget of $2 million. Its box office success warranted a 2016 sequel.
Pure Flix Entertainment
6. "Exodus: Gods and Kings" (2014)

The film starring Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro and Aaron Paul grossed $65 million domestically, which works out to $66 million two years later.
Fox
5. "War Room" (2015)

The Sony Pictures film raised holy hell at the box office when it opened in August of 2015. It ended up making $67.8 million on a budget of $3 million. Adjusted for inflation, that's $68.8 million.
TriStar Pictures
4. "Heaven Is For Real" (2014)

Having taken in $92.9 million (adjusted for inflation), the film starring Greg Kinnear is the fourth highest-grossing Christian film on our list at $944.4 million inflation-adjusted dollars.

Screen Gems
3. "Noah" (2014)

On a budget of $125 million, "Noah," starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, made $101.2 million at the domestic box office in 2014. That would tick up to $102.8 million today.
Paramount
2. "The Passion of the Christ" (2004)

Directed by Mel Gibson, "Passion" was a major commercial hit despite the controversy it raised and mixed reviews it received. The film grossed $370.7 million in 2004, which works out to $472.3 million adjusted for inflation. It was produced for just $30 million.
Fox
1. "Ben-Hur" (1959)

The original "Ben-Hur," which received 11 Academy Awards, tops the list of highest-grossing Christian movies, having made $74 million back in 1959, equal to $611.9 million in today's dollars.
MGM

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"God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" is the latest faith-based film to hit theaters

With "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" opening this week, TheWrap takes a look at 10 of the highest-grossing Christian-based films, adjusted for inflation.

View In Gallery

10 Highest Grossing Christian-Themed Movies, From 'Passion of the Christ' to 'War Room' (Photos)

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