"King of Kings" reigns at box office, setting a new record for top opening for a biblically-themed animated movie as faith-themed offerings occupy three top ten weekend slots

Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 04/14/25

King of Kings now holds the crown for the largest opening for a biblical animated feature in history. Angel, the studio behind the film, projects a $19-million weekend box office, topping the long-held record $14.5-million opening for DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt set in 1998.

Inspired by the work of Charles Dickens, the biblically themed story-within-a-story focuses on a father telling his son the greatest story ever told and how that begins becomes a life-changing journey for the boy who imagines walking alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.

The movie currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes PopcornMeter score of 97 among moviegoers. Per Angel Global Head of Theatrical Distribution Brandon Purdie, King of Kings is also only the fifth non-Pixar/Disney animated film achieve an impressive A+ CinemaScore with audiences.

THE KING OF KINGS: Box Office Estimates

Theater count: 3,200 –
Friday Box Office Estimate: $7,010,275
Saturday Box Office Estimate: $6,802,329
Sunday Box Office Estimate: $5,237,793
Weekend Estimated Total: $19,050,397

Directed by Seong-Ho Jang, the movie’s all-star voice cast includes Kenneth Branagh (Charles Dickens), Uma Thurman (Catherine Dickens), Pierce Brosnan (Pontius Pilate), Mark Hamill (King Herod), Roman Griffin Davis (Walter Dickens), Forest Whitaker (Peter), Ben Kingsley (High Priest Caiaphas) and Oscar Isaac (Jesus). For more information and to view the trailer click here.

Meanwhile, per Deadline, “Fathom Entertainment’s The Chosen franchise has its two latest installments in the top ten. Just released The Chosen: Last Supper (Season 5) Part 3 grossed $6 million on 2,296 screens at no. 6. And last weekend’s holdover The Chosen: Last Supper (Season 5) Part 2 nabbed $932k on 622 screens for an $11.4 million cume, rounding out the top ten. It’s the second double dip in a row as The Chosen: Last Supper Parts 1 and 2 both made the top ten last weekend.”

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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