Julie and the Phantoms Christian Review

There’s something about Julie and the Phantoms that draws you in like the opening chords of a catchy pop song you can’t quite get out of your head. It’s fun, it’s bubbly, and it’s got just enough heart to make you pause and think. Sure, on the surface, it’s another teen drama with a supernatural twist—a plotline that should feel completely absurd, yet it doesn’t. And maybe it’s because of how grounded the show feels despite the central conceit: a young girl playing music with three ghostly bandmates from the ’90s. The premise may be outlandish, but somehow, you don’t mind suspending disbelief. Maybe it’s the music, maybe it’s the characters, or maybe it’s the fact that it’s just plain fun. But as a Christian viewer, there are a few layers to peel back, and it’s worth taking a closer look at what makes this show tick.

Joy, Music, and a Little Bit of Magic

If there’s one thing Julie and the Phantoms gets right, it’s joy. From the first episode to the last, the show exudes an infectious sense of happiness. And much of that joy comes from the music. Every episode features a couple of original tunes, and whether it’s a guitar-infused anthem or a heartfelt ballad, you can’t help but tap your foot along. The soundtrack pulses with energy and optimism, something that feels increasingly rare in today’s entertainment landscape. It’s not about gritty realism or moral ambiguity—Julie and the Phantoms is simply about fun. And as a Christian, that’s refreshing.

Music has always had a special place in the Christian tradition. From the Psalms of David to the hymns sung in churches every Sunday, it’s a way to express joy, lament, praise, and prayer. In Julie and the Phantoms, music serves as a healing balm for the soul. Julie’s journey is one of grief—she’s lost her mother and, along with her, her passion for music. But when she starts playing again with the help of three ghostly band members, she finds healing, purpose, and a way to reconnect with the joy she thought was lost. This idea of music as a vehicle for healing is something that resonates deeply with Christian values. After all, in times of sorrow, where do we turn but to God and the gifts He’s given us to help us through? In Julie’s case, it’s music—a talent passed down from her mother, one that brings her back to life in more ways than one.

The Ghost Problem: What About the Supernatural?

But then, of course, we have the ghosts. And this is where things get a bit tricky from a Christian perspective. The Bible doesn’t shy away from talking about the supernatural, but it also doesn’t encourage us to engage with it lightly. There are clear warnings in Scripture about the dangers of dabbling in spiritual matters beyond our understanding (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). So how do we reconcile the central premise of Julie and the Phantoms with a Christian worldview? Should we be concerned that the show features ghosts as friendly, helpful characters?

First, it’s important to acknowledge that Julie and the Phantoms doesn’t present these spirits in a dark or sinister way. They’re not haunting Julie or trying to manipulate her—they’re just three kindhearted, goofy guys who happen to be stuck in limbo and find themselves helping a teenage girl rediscover her love for music. The show treats the supernatural lightly, more as a plot device than anything else. But even so, there’s a fine line to walk here. As Christians, we believe in the reality of the afterlife—heaven, hell, angels, and demons. And while Julie and the Phantoms certainly isn’t delving into occult themes, it’s still worth being mindful of how these kinds of stories can shape our understanding of the spiritual realm.

That being said, the show doesn’t feel like it’s encouraging anything harmful. The ghosts in question are more like imaginary friends than anything else, and they don’t seem to cross into dangerous territory. But as with anything that involves the supernatural, discernment is key. The Bible teaches that the dead are not meant to linger among the living (Hebrews 9:27), and while Julie and the Phantoms is clearly a work of fiction, it’s always a good idea to approach these themes with caution and wisdom.

Friendship, Healing, and the Power of Community

At its heart, Julie and the Phantoms is a story about friendship. The bond that develops between Julie and her ghostly bandmates is pure and sweet. It’s not about romance or drama—it’s about working together, lifting each other up, and finding joy in unexpected places. And that’s something we can all get behind, regardless of our faith background.

In the show, Julie is a strong, kindhearted young woman who faces her grief with resilience and grace. She doesn’t wallow in her sadness, but instead chooses to embrace the gifts she’s been given—her voice, her music, and her friendships. This is a message that aligns beautifully with the Christian call to love one another and to use our gifts to serve and uplift those around us. Julie’s journey reminds us that healing often comes through community, through the people who walk alongside us in our darkest moments. And while her bandmates may be ghosts, the friendship they share feels real and genuine, a testament to the power of human connection—even if it’s a little unconventional.

The Lightness and Depth of Julie’s Journey

One of the things that makes Julie and the Phantoms stand out is its lightness. The show never feels weighed down by its supernatural elements or its emotional core. It’s joyful, fun, and, at times, even a little silly. But that doesn’t mean it lacks depth. Julie’s story is one of loss and recovery, of finding hope in the midst of grief, and that’s something that resonates on a deeply human level. As Christians, we know that God brings beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3), and Julie’s journey mirrors this truth. Through music, friendship, and a little bit of magic, she learns to find joy again, to step into the fullness of the life she’s been given.

Of course, the show has its flaws. The plot can feel a bit underdeveloped at times, and some of the characters lack the depth you might hope for. But for a show aimed at teens and tweens, that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. It’s light entertainment, but it’s also heartwarming, uplifting, and filled with positive messages. And in a world where so much media is dark, cynical, or overly complicated, sometimes lightness is exactly what we need.

A Family-Friendly, Feel-Good Show

In the end, Julie and the Phantoms is a delightful watch. It’s not going to change your life or challenge your worldview in any profound way, but it will bring a smile to your face. The music is catchy, the characters are lovable, and the story, while whimsical, is full of heart. For Christian families, it’s a show that offers plenty of positive messages—about friendship, resilience, and finding joy after loss—without crossing into territory that feels harmful or concerning.

There’s something to be said for a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and Julie and the Phantoms strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted fun and meaningful storytelling. Just be prepared to get a few of those songs stuck in your head.

Rating: 8/10