Angel Studios Strikes Gold Again: Why the David Movie 2025 is a Must-Watch

The purpose of the David movie 2025 was not to teach something but was simply to tell a story and hope that those who watch will be inspired by our heritage, history and heroes.

Of all the Angel Studios' releases, I most anticipated the David movie 2025. This project marked my first personal investment, and while I was eager for it to release and perform well, I was also excited about its subject and story. There is something intimidating about going into a theater with your entire family to watch a film you have spent years looking forward to—without knowing whether it will actually be any good. I am pleased to share that this project did not disappoint.

David, directed by Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham, was released on December 19, 2025, by Angel Studios. This 119-minute animated musical follows the early life of one of the Old Testament’s most beloved figures, King David. The film opens with a glimpse into David’s life as a shepherd boy before the prophet Samuel anoints him and concludes with David being publicly recognized as king of Israel.

David Movie 2025: A Long-Awaited Journey to the Big Screen

The David movie 2025 is inspiring not only in its story but also in its production background. Director and writer Phil Cunningham was first inspired to tell this story when he watched a movie in Africa at the age of fourteen. Moved by the power of storytelling, he dedicated over thirty years to bringing his favorite biblical narrative to the screen.

His goal was not simply to tell the story but to do so with excellence. Supported by a team with experience on major Hollywood productions such as Cars, Tangled, and Finding Nemo, this biblical adventure benefits from beautiful landscapes, impressive animation, and a strong soundtrack. Cunningham pulled off a massive animated achievement.

The theme of the David movie 2025 hammered home that we all have a role to fulfill in God's plan, and even if the task seems daunting, He will always give us what we need to complete the mission He has given. This animated musical accomplished telling the story with this under-riding theme without being preachy or overly Protestant. The purpose was not to teach something but to simply tell the story of David and hope that those who watch will be inspired by our heritage, history and heroes.

Israel’s Demand for a King: The World David Was Born Into

To understand the circumstances surrounding David’s rise, it is important to recall the historical context. The people of Israel asked the prophet Samuel to petition God for a king so they could have a visible leader like the surrounding nations. Samuel reluctantly complied. God, displeased that the people rejected Him as their sole Ruler, nevertheless granted their request and instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as king of Israel. When Saul later failed, God did not revert Israel to its former state but instead chose another man to replace him. This was the moment in which David was called. In this sense, David prefigures Christ: God Himself would later become man and reign as King of the Jews, though not in the way the people expected.

READ: Top Picks: Inspiring Movies Coming Out of Angel Studios

Characters That Carry the Story

David is one of the most cherished figures in the Old Testament, and the film captures many of the qualities audiences hope to see in his portrayal. Unlike Abraham or Moses, God never visibly appeared to David or spoke to him directly. Yet David’s faith and relationship with God were often stronger than those who experienced such encounters.

While the raw character of David can sometimes be swallowed up by the fact that he had numerous virtues, (until later in life, and even then, these situations turn into excellent examples of repentance and forgiveness) the film showed a true human side to him and that was his fear in his own weakness. To make a David that never worried or had anxiety but always trusted in God would be untrue. 

READ: Movies About the Bible That Bring Scripture to Life

The character of Saul is also portrayed effectively. He appears as a tormented, despairing, and increasingly unstable ruler. While Saul’s pride and jealousy lead to his downfall, the film presents these traits in a way that makes his struggle understandable. Jonathan, Saul’s son, serves as a strong supporting character. He was so complacent with the situation and without saying it, the audience gathered that he knew that David was going to be the next king and that his duty was to love and support his father. 

From Shepherd to King: A Story Told in Song and Conflict

The film covers the major events of David’s early life. Samuel’s visit to Jesse’s house and David’s absence during the initial inspection of his brothers follows the biblical account closely. David’s musical service in Saul’s palace and his visit to the battlefield to bring food to his brothers are also surprisingly accurate. Here then follows one of the most famous moments in David's life.

I hate it when Goliath is minimized to being just a very big man and that men today are smaller than they were then. The film first shows a man who is just a big man and the audience is filled with disappointment that Goliath is just a 300lb 7 foot tall man. But the characters in the movie share the same disappointment and ask the Philistine king if that is what he calls a giant.

The king replies that it is only the armor bearer. The viewer is then satisfied when the real Goliath appears and is indeed a giant. Even the way that David slays Goliath is very satisfying as David hurls a rock right into his forehead as he is mocking God. The only thing that would have made this part better is if David cut off the giant's head but this fact is omitted.

Following this victory, the narrative moves through a series of time-lapse scenes into David’s young adulthood. Saul’s attempted murder of David, David’s escape, and his time hiding with his followers are well handled. The scene involving David cutting a portion of Saul’s cloak is effectively tied into these scenes.

The film then depicts a battle with the Philistines in which Jonathan is killed. Saul’s death is implied rather than explicitly shown. At this point, the story takes some creative liberties, particularly in portraying David rescuing his captured followers in a sequence that feels less grounded in the biblical record. Perhaps there is a reference to this event somewhere but I do not distinctly recall it at all. Nevertheless, the film concludes with David being robed as king of Israel.

A Family Conversation That Continued Long After the Credits Ended

I was very pleased with how this film turned out. Every member of my family enjoyed it, and we continued discussing it for days afterward. The animation is visually striking, and while the lifelike hair was initially distracting, it quickly became less noticeable. The film is not overly softened or sanitized. There are moments that genuinely frightened children in the audience, which contributes to believable storytelling.

READ: The King of Kings Movie 2025 Review – A Fresh, Animated Look at the Life of Christ

The question that lingered most in our conversations afterward was whether films like this help or hinder our understanding of true stories. The David movie 2025 condenses events and fills in narrative gaps. It is important to remember that no biblical film can replace Scripture itself.

Movies should be understood as entertainment rather than instruction. Storytellers must carefully consider how much creative liberty is necessary to serve a narrative arc without distorting the meaning of the original account. In recent years, projects such as The Chosen have raised similar questions. Entertainment should enrich our imagination, not replace our responsibility to engage directly with the source material.

But overall, the story was pretty accurate, respectfully showed the Biblical characters without making them perfect, and engaged audiences. It was an accomplishment in filmmaking and may replace in viewers’ imaginations what Disney has been doing for the past 100 years. 

What Did You Think? Join the Conversation

Every film like this lands a little differently depending on our expectations—and David (2025) is no exception. Whether you loved it, wrestled with certain creative choices, or found yourself thinking more deeply about David’s story afterward, we’d enjoy hearing your take. What stood out to you? Did anything surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.