Americans embrace faith at the box office this Christmas with DAVID
A faith-filled film has rocked the box office this Christmas and set a new record, proving that quality storytelling and Christian filmmaking are more popular than ever
by Summer Lane | December 26, 2025
Americans everywhere proved that faith-filled family films are anything but extinct by cramming theaters across the nation to support Angel Studios’ newest movie, DAVID.
The film, which follows the biblical story of the young shepherd David – from his tussle with Goliath to his ascension as King of Israel – has raked in a record-breaking $22 million at the domestic box office and is set to become the highest-grossing faith-based animated theatrical opening of all time.
According to a press release from Angel Studios, it’s the best theatrical opening in the company’s history and surpasses their previous record-breaking 3-day opening with “Sound of Freedom” in 2023.
“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.
He continued, “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.”
Angel Studios’ unique platform played a big role in boosting the movie to soaring success. The company boasts 1.6 million “Angel Guild members” on its streaming platform, enabling members to purchase theatrical tickets in advance.
Audiences are also uniquely encouraged by Angel to “Pay it Forward,” which allows people to buy movie tickets for others as a gift. This structure helped fund projects like “Sound of Freedom” and the popular Biblical series “The Chosen.”
The DAVID film features a robust musical soundtrack and additionally defeated two opening secular movies at the box office over the Christmas opening weekend: “The Housemaid” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.”
DAVID will open in 42 international markets this week, the studio said.
Read the synopsis for DAVID below:
“From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorize a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones, and unshakable faith steps forward. Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love, and courage—culminating in a battle not just for a crown, but for the soul of a kingdom.”
See the trailer:
Photo: Angel Studios Press Kit
