‘David’ Breaks Records with $22M Opening Weekend for Angel Studios
Angel Studios has secured another major box office victory with the release of its latest animated feature, David. The biblical musical debuted to a stunning $22 million domestically, setting a new opening weekend record for the independent studio and proving the enduring power of faith-based entertainment even amidst fierce competition.
A Historic Debut For Angel Studios David
Opening in 3,118 theaters across North America, David claimed the number two spot at the domestic box office. While it finished behind the blockbuster juggernaut Avatar: Fire and Ash, the film’s performance is a massive achievement for the independent sector.
The $22 million haul represents a significant milestone for Angel Studios. It surpasses the opening weekend of the studio’s unexpected 2023 summer hit, Sound of Freedom, which launched with $19.6 million. Furthermore, the movie has set a new benchmark for the studio’s animated offerings, overtaking the $19.4 million debut of The King of Kings released earlier in 2025.
Resonating with Audiences
The film’s success highlights a clear demand for family-friendly, values-driven content during the holiday season. Brandon Purdie, Angel Studios’ head of theatrical distribution, emphasized the role of the studio’s community-driven model in this success. He noted that the “Angel Guild” members embraced the project early on, helping to propel it to a record-breaking start.
The film is a reimagining of one of history’s most famous stories, blending animation with a musical format to appeal to a broad family demographic. It features the voice of Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian artist Phil Wickham in the title role, adding significant appeal for music fans within the faith community.
A Giant-Slaying Story
The movie tells the origin story of the biblical figure, tracing his journey from a humble shepherd boy to a king. The narrative focuses on his quiet devotion, his legendary confrontation with the giant Goliath, and the test of his faith as he rises to lead a kingdom.
By positioning the film as an “epic family musical,” the filmmakers aimed to create a shared theatrical experience for parents and children. This strategy appears to have paid off, as families flocked to theaters to support the release despite the presence of major studio tentpoles.
With an “A” CinemaScore and strong word-of-mouth potential, industry analysts will be watching closely to see if David can maintain its momentum through the Christmas corridor, much like previous Angel Studios releases that demonstrated impressive staying power at the box office.
