The animated film The King of Kings has made a significant impact at the box office, depicting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the lens of Charles Dickens. With its unique storytelling approach and a star-studded voice cast, the film is poised to resonate with families seeking a deeper understanding of biblical stories.
Released just before Easter, The King of Kings has already garnered attention for its impressive opening weekend, bringing in $19 million and securing the number two spot at the box office, just behind A Minecraft Movie. This achievement marks the largest opening weekend for a biblical animated film, surpassing the $14 million gross of the 1998 classic The Prince of Egypt. The film's success can be attributed to its engaging narrative and the star power of its cast, which includes Oscar Isaac, Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Ben Kingsley, and Forest Whitaker.
Directed by Seong-Ho Jang, who co-wrote the film with Rob Edwards and Jamie Thomason, The King of Kings presents a fresh take on biblical storytelling. The film opens with Dickens, voiced by Branagh, performing on stage with his wife Catherine (Uma Thurman) and their three children backstage. The youngest, Walter (Roman Griffin Davis), is an imaginative child obsessed with King Arthur. In a clever twist, Dickens uses his storytelling talent to introduce Walter to a king even greater than Arthur—the true King of Kings.
Through Walter's eyes, viewers witness pivotal moments in Jesus' life, from his birth to his ministry and eventual crucifixion. The film creatively depicts these events, such as Jesus walking on water, with stunning animation that captures both the action and the emotional weight of the narratives. One standout scene illustrates the miracle of the loaves and fishes, providing a child-friendly explanation of how such an event could occur.
Despite its ambitious scope, The King of Kings manages to cover a significant amount of material without feeling rushed, thanks to its 1 hour and 43 minutes runtime. The character designs are tailored for younger audiences, featuring exaggerated features that add a whimsical touch to the storytelling. The film's voice cast is filled with recognizable talent, ensuring an engaging experience for viewers of all ages.
The film's box office performance has been bolstered by Angel Studios' innovative marketing strategies. One notable initiative, the "Kids Go Free" program, allows families to receive a free child's ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket. This initiative, part of Angel Studios' Pay It Forward system, encourages community support for the film while making it more accessible to families.
As the film continues to draw audiences, it has also achieved a rare A+ CinemaScore, joining the ranks of only 128 films to receive this accolade. Brandon Purdie, the Global Head of Theatrical Distribution & Brand Development at Angel Studios, remarked on the significance of this rating, emphasizing that it reflects the film's ability to resonate with its audience. He stated, "The Angel Guild picks winners. Angel’s model is simple – listen to what our Angel Guild wants. The CinemaScore for The King of Kings says it all. Families want quality films to see together in theaters. This weekend simply reflects what audiences are craving."
However, the A+ CinemaScore rating has sparked some debate regarding its implications. Critics point out that faith-based films often receive high ratings due to the expectations of their audiences, who are typically aligned with the film's message. This phenomenon has been observed in other recent faith-based films, such as Jesus Revolution and Sound of Freedom, which also garnered A+ ratings. While this doesn't diminish the enjoyment of the film, it raises questions about the broader appeal of The King of Kings compared to other major releases.
In terms of box office competition, The King of Kings has outperformed several other new releases, including Drop, The Amateur, and Warfare. It has quickly established itself as one of the biggest openings of 2025, tied with Mickey 17 for the number five spot. However, while its $19 million opening is impressive, it still falls short of the $43 million earned by Snow White, a film that, despite being labeled a flop, attracted a larger audience.
Looking ahead, The King of Kings is expected to see a surge in popularity as Easter weekend approaches, which could further boost its box office earnings. With its compelling narrative and family-friendly approach to a significant religious story, the film is well-positioned to capture the hearts of audiences seeking meaningful entertainment during the holiday.
In summary, The King of Kings stands out as a significant addition to the landscape of animated films, particularly those rooted in faith. Its innovative storytelling, impressive voice cast, and strategic marketing have contributed to its success, making it a noteworthy contender in the box office this Easter season.
