Is “The King of Kings” worth seeing?

The King of Kings—Angel Studios’ new film about the life of Christ—set a record for animated faith-based films at the box office, bringing in an estimated $19 million in its opening weekend. It joins The Chosen and House of David as recent success stories in sharing the Bible with a broad audience. 

But where those live-action shows stress making Scripture come to life in a way that is both engaging and relatable, The King of Kings opts for a different approach, and the film is better for it. 

Now, I have nothing against The Chosen or House of David and genuinely enjoy watching both shows. But there was something about the simplicity of The King of Kings that resonated with both me and my kids in a way I really needed this Easter season.

While that simplicity has been a source of derision among many critics, that critique misses the beauty and purpose of the film. And that fact becomes clear when you take an honest look at what the film was created to be rather than judging it by what so many have become accustomed to seeing. 

Experiencing the gospel for the first time

The King of Kings doesn’t start with the story of Jesus. Rather, it starts with Charles Dickens. 

That may seem like a strange place to begin, but the film is loosely based on a version of Christ’s story called The Life of Our Lord that he would read to his children every Christmas. But whereas Dickens’ version focused more on Jesus as a moral example worth following, The King of Kings rightly emphasizes his role as the Son of God and the importance of faith.  

To that end, the film opens with Dickens performing a telling of A Christmas Carol in front of an audience when he is interrupted by his youngest son Walter’s antics backstage. After order is belatedly restored and he’s able to finish the show, he returns home to find that his wife has promised Walter that Charles will tell him a story about the greatest king once he arrives. 

You see, Walter is obsessed with the story of King Arthur, and his parents use that interest to introduce the King of all kings, Jesus. What follows is a largely accurate, if simple, version of the Gospels that culminates in Christ’s death and resurrection. 

Throughout the story, Charles and Walter become part of it. Walter even interrupts at times to ask questions about the Passover, what a manger is, and several others meant to remind the audience that he has never heard the gospel before. 

And that perspective is really what makes this movie both unique and powerful. 

There is little about the details of Christ’s life, the way the film is animated, or even the voicework—though well done—that stands out from the many other Jesus films that have been released over the years. Instead, what makes this movie special is the joy and amazement evidenced by Walter as he hears the story for the first time. 

Walter’s reactions throughout the film are a reminder of the fact that, far too often, our familiarity with the story of Christ robs us of its wonder. And, especially during the Easter season, most of us could probably benefit from regaining a bit of that wonder. 

A powerful reminder of God’s love

Ultimately, if you go into The King of Kings expecting a story of comparable depth and nuance to The Chosen, you will leave disappointed. If you buy a ticket hoping to be entertained with spectacle or breathtaking animation, the film will probably fall short as well. 

However, if you can set aside those preconceived notions and simply accept the movie for what it is—a simple retelling intended to convey the essentials of the gospel message—then you will be better equipped to experience it as Walter does and to share in his amazement at the love God has for each of us.

So this Easter season, please don’t take the gospel for granted just because it’s a story you’ve heard before. The truth of God’s grace and mercy is as relevant and needed today as when you first heard it. The King of Kings reminded me of that fact, and I’m grateful for it. I pray that you will be as well.