4.7/5.0

Written by: Mike Laxton (April 18, 2025)

As someone who regularly dives into storytelling and experiences meant for families, I wasn’t quite prepared for just how moving The King of Kings would be. This new animated feature, brought to us by Angel Studios, is an absolute gem—especially for those of us who are passionate about sharing faith-based stories with the next generation.

What sets this film apart immediately is its creative framing. The story of Jesus is told from the perspective of none other than Charles Dickens—yes, that Dickens—narrating to his son, Walter. There’s even a sweet nod to A Christmas Carol with a brief Scrooge cameo that’ll make fans of the classic smile. And if you’re an animal lover like my daughter Lorelai, you’ll adore the cat companion that tags along throughout the tale.

This storytelling approach is brilliant, especially for young viewers. It brings an imaginative twist to a well-known story while keeping the emotional and spiritual core fully intact. Dickens begins by trying to calm his son after a bit of mischief, and what better way to redirect than with the story of the ultimate King—the King of Kings.

From the moment the film starts, it dives into the story of Jesus’ birth, and it doesn’t shy away from the weightier moments. Watching Lorelai react to King Herod’s brutal order to kill children under two was powerful. Her comments reflected genuine empathy, and it struck me how this film opened the door to important conversations.

The movie moves seamlessly through key biblical moments—Jesus teaching in the temple at age 12, John the Baptist preparing the way, the temptation in the desert, and the calling of the disciples. One particularly touching moment is Jesus healing the blind man, followed by the raising of Lazarus—both depicted with care and emotion that translated even through animation.

Then comes Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to the crucifixion and resurrection, this film doesn’t hold back. It’s told with reverence and clarity, yet in a way that children can understand. During Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, Walter asks why Jesus had to die for our sins. That leads to a brief but meaningful exploration of Adam and Eve and the fall of man—a solid way to explain redemption to a young audience.

I’ll admit, even as an adult who’s heard the story countless times, the crucifixion still brought tears to my eyes. The animation doesn’t lessen the emotional impact—in fact, it somehow enhances it. The way the filmmakers portrayed Jesus’ forgiveness, even on the cross, reminded me why this story never loses its power.

One of the most touching moments comes toward the end, when the story takes an even more personal turn for Charles Dickens and his son, who have been woven into the narrative from the very beginning. In a beautifully imagined scene, Walter finds himself face to face with Jesus as Jesus speaks words of forgiveness and love directly to him. Then comes Walter’s reaction to the empty tomb and resurrection. It’s a powerful visual reminder that the message of redemption isn’t just a historical story—it’s meant for each of us. That moment captures the heart of the Gospel in a way that both kids and adults can feel deeply.

And while Kristen Chenoweth doesn’t appear in the film itself, her song “Live Like That” plays over the end credits and serves as a fitting emotional closer. Her vocals shine with sincerity and conviction, tying a beautiful bow on the entire experience.

Clocking in at just over 90 minutes, The King of Kings manages to condense the life of Jesus without feeling rushed. That’s no small feat. It holds the attention of kids while giving enough depth for adults to reflect and even tear up—guilty as charged!

The voice cast is another standout feature of this film. Oscar Isaac delivers a moving performance as Jesus, and Star Wars fans will enjoy hearing the likes of Mark Hamill as King Herod and Forest Whitaker as Peter. But it’s not just a treat for sci-fi fans—Kenneth Branagh is wonderful as Charles Dickens, Pierce Brosnan takes on Pontius Pilate, Ben Kingsley brings weight to Caiaphas, and Roman Griffin Davis (known from Jojo Rabbit) brings youthful heart as Walter. The cast is genuinely all-star across the board.

Bottom line: The King of Kings is a powerful and accessible way to share the Gospel. My daughter Lorelai even said she wants to make it an annual Easter tradition—and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a film that brings families together, opens hearts, and reminds us all of the greatest story ever told.

Highly recommended.

Released: April 11, 2025 (Theatrically)

Running Time: 103 Minutes (Angel Studios)

Rated PG (Thematic Material, Violent Context, And Some Scary Moments)

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