A new animated biblical adventure has achieved something few films dare to attempt, and even fewer manage to pull off. David, the latest theatrical release from Angel Studios, is rewriting expectations at the box office despite launching on the same weekend as James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Opening in theaters on December 19, David entered one of the most competitive release windows of the year. Cameron’s long-awaited sequel was always expected to dominate the weekend, yet David has surged past projections and shattered multiple records in the process.
David Delivers Angel Studios Its Biggest Opening Ever
According to Angel Studios, David is projected to earn approximately $22 million domestically over its three-day opening weekend. While that total places it well behind Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is tracking above $80 million, it still represents a historic achievement for the faith-based studio.
The opening marks the highest-grossing debut in Angel Studios’ history, surpassing 2023’s Sound of Freedom, which opened to $19.7 million before going on to earn more than $250 million worldwide. For a studio operating outside the traditional Hollywood system, the milestone is significant.
A New Record For Faith-Based Animated Films
Beyond studio records, David has also made history within its genre. The film now holds the largest opening weekend ever for a faith-based animated movie.
It surpasses Angel Studios’ own 2025 release The King of Kings, which starred Oscar Isaac as Jesus Christ and debuted to $19.4 million. That film had already dethroned DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt, which held the record for 27 years with a $14.5 million opening in 1998.
With David, Angel Studios has now claimed the top two openings ever for animated films rooted in biblical storytelling.
Outperforming Other New Releases
While Avatar: Fire and Ash remains the undisputed box office champion of the weekend, David has comfortably claimed second place among new releases. It has outpaced Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants and Lionsgate’s psychological thriller The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney.
This performance highlights the continued strength of niche audiences when mobilized effectively, particularly during holiday corridors when families are more inclined toward theatrical outings.
Audience Reception And Ongoing Controversy
Audience response to David has been overwhelmingly positive. The film currently boasts a 98 percent Rotten Tomatoes audience score, suggesting strong word of mouth among viewers who have already seen it.
However, as with many Angel Studios releases, its box office numbers are not without controversy. The studio continues to utilize its “Pay It Forward” ticketing model, which encourages patrons to purchase additional tickets for future viewers. Critics have long questioned how many of these tickets are ultimately redeemed, noting the lack of transparency surrounding the program.
That said, the strategy has clearly resonated with Angel’s core audience, particularly when releases align with major Christian holidays. David benefits from a pre-Christmas launch, much like The King of Kings did with Easter earlier this year.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the debate surrounding its ticketing practices, David has undeniably made its mark. Opening to record-breaking numbers against one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history is no small feat.
The film’s success underscores the growing commercial power of faith-based cinema, especially when paired with animation and family-friendly storytelling. As the holiday season unfolds, David is poised to remain a major presence at the box office, even in the shadow of Pandora.
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