The King of Kings: Angel Studios' Animated Triumph in Faith-Based Film
Faith-based storytelling just turned a luminous new page with Angel Studios’ latest release, The King of Kings—an animated feature that's proving both heartfelt and commercially resonant.
King of Kings Banner Art (Angel Studios)
A Historic Opening
Released on April 11, 2025, The King of Kings, directed by Seong-ho Jang and inspired by Charles Dickens’ The Life of Our Lord, opened to a remarkable $19 million at the U.S. box office—surpassing the 1998 record set by The Prince of Egypt for opening weekend earnings in the faith-animated category.
Strong Box Office & Audience Reception
Going beyond opening weekend, the film has earned a total of $76.8 million worldwide, with around $60 million from North America alone. It not only resonated with families but also held strong in its second weekend, declining just about 9%, an impressive retention for an animated release. Audiences were clearly moved by its message—CinemaScore gave it a rare A+, and PostTrak reported 94% positive feedback with a strong “definitely recommend” rate.
Prince of Egypt (1998)
A Powerful Blend of Artistry and Faith
Featuring a star-studded voice cast—including Oscar Isaac, Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, Uma Thurman, and Kenneth Branagh—The King of Kings offers both gravitas and warmth Described by Angel Studios president Jordan Harmon as “The Passion for kids,” the film struck a chord with young audiences—many left the theater emotionally stirred, proof that faith-based animation can unite beauty with meaning.
What This Means for Faith-Based Filmmaking
This success is more than just a box office win—it’s a cultural signal: audiences hunger for authentic, inspiring stories rooted in faith. Angel Studios not only delivered a compelling narrative but also reaffirmed that stories of faith—and done well—can flourish in mainstream media.
For the Help Them See Foundation, this presents both validation and opportunity:
Animation isn’t just fun—it’s impactful. Seeing faith through a child’s eyes can foster wonder and empathy in deeply meaningful ways.
Storytelling with heart can move markets and minds alike. When narratives resonate at their core, they build community and hope.
There’s room for more. With proven demand—and thoughtful, quality production—there’s space for nonprofits to step in and amplify stories that reflect faith, truth, and artistry.
In Closing
The King of Kings proves that when faith meets artistry, headlines follow—and hearts are moved. It’s a reminder to storytellers everywhere: audiences are ready for faith-forward narratives that embrace beauty, challenge, and transcendence.
Let’s bring more of those stories to life.
