Bible Movie ‘David’ Stuns the Box Office, Landing at No. 2 Ahead of ‘SpongeBob’
The No. 2 movie in America over the weekend wasn’t a comedy or an R-rated thriller, but instead a Bible movie about a shepherd boy who grew up to be a king.
The family-friendly animated musical David (PG) surprised many Hollywood observers by soaring to No. 2 with an estimated $22 million, trailing only Avatar: Fire and Ash ($88 million) while besting third-place The Housemaid ($19 million) and fourth-place The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants ($16 million), two other new releases.
Released by Angel Studios and produced by Sunrise Animation Studios, David delivered the most successful three-day opening in Angel’s history, edging Sound of Freedom’s $19.6 million debut. It also earned an A CinemaScore grade from moviegoers.
“Families are searching for values-driven films that honor hope, and our Angel Guild members embraced David from the very beginning,” said Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical at Angel. “We greatly value the support of our outstanding exhibitors and look forward to a robust, extended theatrical run as this popular animated musical continues to warm hearts and inspire families this Christmas.”
David also gained the respect of mainstream critics, posting a “fresh” score of 67 percent at Rotten Tomatoes. Randy Myers of the San Jose Mercury News said it ventures “beyond that well-known slab of the story to give us another timeless moral tale.” NYC Movie Guru’s Avi Offer labeled it “one of the best animated movies of the year,” calling it “a captivating adventure with stunning animation and exhilarating musical numbers.” Calum Marsh of The New York Times described it as “handsome.”
The film stars Christian artist Phil Wickham as adult David and Brandon Engman as young David.
Co-director David Cunningham said David’s story is one of only “a few biblical stories that can go beyond the traditional faith audience.”
“It invites people who wouldn't necessarily interact with the Bible very often,” he told Crosswalk Headlines.
Wickham said he is praying the film impacts countless families with God’s Word.
“I think this movie will last decades,” he told Crosswalk Headlines. “I think it’ll be something our grandkids watch.”
Related Articles
4 Ways ‘David’ Recaptures the Power of ‘The Prince of Egypt’
Phil Wickham Believes ‘David’ Could Strengthen Families’ Faith for Decades to Come
Photo Credit: Angel Studios
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published December 22, 2025.
