Netflix has a new top hit, and it is a family-focused film with a strong faith angle. David, an animated musical from Angel Studios, moved to the number one spot on the platform after its June 3 release. The film first opened in theaters in December 2025 and pulled in $22 million on its opening weekend, setting a record for an animated biblical film. It finished second at the box office behind Avatar: Fire and Ash and went on to earn $87.5 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.
David tells the biblical story of a young shepherd chosen for a larger purpose. The film follows his journey through fear and doubt as he faces Goliath, a giant warrior whose defeat becomes a turning point in Israel’s history. Directors Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham lead the project, with voice work from Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Asim Chaudhry, Miri Mesika, and Mick Wingert. The film builds on the earlier series Young David, which ran from 2023 through 2024.
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The film has gained traction with families, driven by its message and music. On Netflix, it quickly climbed past other titles, including the animated film GOAT and the documentary The Crash. Audience response has been especially strong. While critics gave it a 79 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers pushed it to a 98 percent Verified Hot rating.
Viewer reactions highlight the divide between critics and audiences. One reviewer called it the best movie they had seen in years. Another said every child should have access to it. A third viewer wrote that the film exceeded expectations, praised its music and world building, and compared it favorably to The Prince of Egypt, noting that it stays true to the biblical account.
Angel Studios continues to carve out a space in the entertainment market with faith-based content that connects with audiences. The company saw major success with Sound of Freedom, which earned $251 million globally on a $14 million budget in 2023. Since then, it has expanded its slate with films like The Shift, The Last Rodeo, and Homestead, the latter of which also led to a television adaptation.
The studio is now preparing its next release, Young Washington, which will focus on George Washington’s early military career during the French and Indian War. The film is set for a July 3 release, timed to align with the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary. The continued rise of films like David signals a growing demand for content that reflects traditional themes and values, a trend that major streaming platforms appear increasingly willing to embrace.
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English (US) · 