King of Kings Review: A Biblical Adventure for the Whole Family

By Joanne Seward, RWBC Literacy Chair

In keeping with my new endeavor of reviewing remakes of beloved classics and Biblical stories, this week’s spotlight is King of Kings, released nationwide in April 2025. Distributed by Angel Studios—an independent Christian media company based in Provo, Utah and known for The Chosen and Sound of Freedom—this film offers a fresh take on the life of Jesus. With a PG rating and a runtime of 105 minutes, King of Kings is a heartfelt animated retelling inspired by Charles Dickens’ lesser-known work, The Life of Our Lord.

The story is framed through Dickens himself, who originally wrote The Life of Our Lord for his children. In the film, he narrates to his young son Walter, who is fascinated by the legend of King Arthur. Dickens gently reminds him that even the tale of Arthur draws inspiration from the New Testament and introduces Walter to another kind of king—the King of Kings.

This framing device draws viewers into the biblical narrative, beginning with Jesus’ birth and continuing through his ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Along the way, we see familiar miracles and key relationships—including those with Mary and Joseph, the disciples, Mary Magdalene, and John the Baptist—brought to life through engaging animation.

Dickens and Walter occasionally appear within the scenes, observing the life of Jesus firsthand. Walter's emotional journey—from curiosity to wonder, sorrow to joy—mirrors that of many young viewers, making the story more accessible and heartfelt. By the film’s end, he turns to the audience and exclaims, “You should all see this movie!”

Just before the credits roll, a charming montage of young viewers, some as young as four, share their impressions of the film. Their feedback, often ending with a cheerful “Happy Easter,” adds a warm and sincere close.

The voice cast includes notable names such as Oscar Isaac, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, and Kenneth Branagh, adding depth and distinction to the characters.

While some critics have described the film as leaning toward slapstick or overly simplified for younger audiences, I found that the animated style, including the playful presence of Walter’s mischievous cat Wilma, serves to draw in children and make the story of Jesus approachable. If this film opens the door for younger viewers to engage with the life of Jesus, especially during the Easter season, then it has accomplished something truly meaningful.

King of Kings Review