Scientology has been involved with film in various ways - positively, negatively, or cynically. I've chosen three films that I feel represent each of these categories well.
Battlefield Earth
Battlefield Earth oozes Scientology from every orifice. Based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard, directed by and starring John Travolta, a prevalent Scientologist, and financially backed by the Church of Scientology, it's hard to imagine a more Scientology-friendly picture. However, both Hubbard and Travolta have denied the presence of Scientological themes in either the novel or the movie, respectively. This didn't stop the media from reporting on potential subliminal messages in the audio, though this was denied by Scientologists as well as outside reporters who went searching for the messages(1).
Battlefield Earth is known as one of the worst films of all time. It has received almost universally negative reviews from audiences and critics alike. Roger Ebert described the experience of watching it as "like taking a bus trip with someone who has needed a bath for a long time," and "not merely bad, [but] unpleasant in a hostile way."(2) The trailer is below - I can't advise watching the film in its entirety, but you're an adult and can make that decision for yourself.
The Master
The Master is a 2012 film starring Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams. It is not explicitly about Scientology, but its themes are heavily influenced by Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard's story. Hoffman plays the part of the leader of a religious movement called "The Cause," analogous to Hubbard. The film happens are World War II, on a timeline much the same as Hubbard's own life. The production company has officially stated that the film was not intended to analogue Hubbard or Scientology. However, the writer/producer, Paul Thomas Anderson, has admitted that Hubbard was an influence in his writing of the character(3).
"The Cause" is portrayed as a cult-like organization, whose members perform bizarre rituals in an attempt to become psychologically enlightened. It also touches on the leader's, Lancaster Dodd's, strained relationship with his family. The relationships seem superficially similar to those of Hubbard and his family members.
"The Cause" is portrayed as neither entirely negative nor positive. If The Master is indeed a telling of the Scientology story, it seems to be one of the most unbiased versions available. A trailer is below - I would recommend watching the entire movie if interested. It is well produced and tells a fascinating story, whether it is intentionally based on Scientology or not.
Scientology & Me
Scientology & Me is a short, made for TV documentary that originally aired in Britain. The host, reporter John Sweeney, investigates whether the Church of Scientology is becoming more mainstream in the United States. Spokespeople for the church had some major issues with the film, specifically concerning perceived enemies of the church being interviewed, as well as any defamatory language such as "cult" being used to describe Scientology. There were also complains about interviews with Scientologist representatives being cut in misleading ways, and representing Scientologists in a falsely negative way. One spokesperson, Tommy Davis, is shown screaming in anger during the film - this clip was released as a preview(4). The outburst showcased Scientology in a negative light to viewers of the film. The film in its entirety can be viewed below.
References:
1. Krane, J., Samaha, E, & Travolta, K. (Producers), & Christian, R. (Director). (2000). Battlefield earth [Motion picture]. United States: Warner Bros. Pictures.
2. Ebert, R. (2000, May 12). Battlefield earth. Roger Ebert. Retrieved from http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/battlefield-earth-2000
2. Ebert, R. (2000, May 12). Battlefield earth. Roger Ebert. Retrieved from http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/battlefield-earth-2000
3. Sellar, J., Lupi, D., Anderson, P. T., & Ellison, M. (Producers). The master [Motion picture]. United States: Annapurna Pictures.
4. Vine, J., & Sweeney, J. (Presenters). (2007). Scientology & me [Documentary]. United Kingdom: BBC One.