Breakout Success: South African–Made Biblical Animation Shines in the US
A remarkable story is unfolding in cinemas across the United States, as a South African animated film has defied expectations and delivered one of the biggest surprises of the year. David, a faith-based animated musical deeply rooted in Southern African culture, has achieved an impressive opening weekend gross of $22 million (R367 million) at the US box office. This success has allowed it to secure the second spot overall, trailing only the much-anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash, which debuted concurrently.
An Unexpected Triumph
This performance, described by industry observers as a “David vs. Goliath” moment, is particularly notable given the stiff competition from some of Hollywood’s biggest hitters. In surpassing even the SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants, David has etched its name into box office history in an impressive debut, showcasing the strength of faith-based narratives and highlighting the allure of animated storytelling.
A Milestone for South African Cinema
Produced by Angel Studios and helmed by Zimbabwe-born South African filmmakers Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, David emerges from Cape Town’s Sunrise Animation Studios. This film marks a significant milestone not just for faith-based cinema but also for the broader realm of South African animation. The project shines a spotlight on the country’s burgeoning film industry as it continues to gain traction on the global stage.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
According to Angel Studios, David achieved the largest three-day debut in the company’s history, outpacing even the immensely successful Sound of Freedom, which grossed over $250 million worldwide. Notably, this film has set the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a faith-based animated film in the U.S., surpassing benchmarks previously set by titles like The King of Kings and The Prince of Egypt.
Historic Earnings and Box Office Rankings
The film’s performance is a rarity among South African productions that have penetrated the North American market at this level. Since its release, David has grossed over $75 million (R1.23 billion) in North America within just four weeks. This success has positioned David at number 35 on Box Office Mojo’s list of the highest-grossing films in 2025 so far, and it has entered the top 10 animated films of the year—before even completing its theatrical run.
Star-Studded Voice Cast and Musical Score
David boasts an impressive cast, including Grammy-nominated artist Phil Wickham, who lends his voice to the character of adult David. Accompanying the narrative is a stirring musical score by Joseph Trapanese, renowned for his work on The Greatest Showman. This combination of talent enhances the emotional depth of the film, further connecting with audiences.
Global Expansion Plans
As David gains momentum in North America, Angel Studios has ambitious plans to extend its reach, aiming for a rollout across 44 international markets by January 1, 2027. Such efforts underscore the film’s potential to resonate with audiences beyond its home base and provide a platform for South African storytelling on a global scale.
Positive Audience Reception
The public response to David mirrors its commercial success. It currently holds a 77% average critics’ score and an impressive 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film’s animation, with The New York Times describing its visuals as “surprisingly magnificent,” while Variety acclaimed it as “a spectacular showcase for the technical capabilities of Sunrise Productions.”
A Decade in the Making
The journey behind David spans over a decade, with Cunningham and Dawes guiding a team of more than 400 artists and crew members. This collaboration included local talent as well as contributors from 32 countries, reflecting a global vision that challenges conventional storytelling frameworks. The dedication and passion shown by the team have been pivotal in bringing this ambitious project to life.
Inspirational Reflections from the Creators
Cunningham, reflecting on the film’s journey, expressed that they sought to create something enduring and uplifting, dubbing it an “Arc de Triomphe” of inspiration. His joy in hearing how audiences are touched by the film underscores the emotional connection cultivated through their storytelling efforts.
Dawes articulated a similar sentiment, emphasizing the privilege of collaborating with a diverse team united by a shared vision. He noted that the collective commitment to bringing David to fruition speaks to the film’s timely cultural relevance and impact.
David stands out in an increasingly competitive box office landscape, not just as a financial success but also as a powerful narrative that bridges cultures and inspires audiences around the world.