++The King of Kings Full Review++ US Box Office, Ratings, Release Dates, FAQs & More
Thanks to excellent collaboration with the distributor, you can watch The King of Kings in Korea even before its official release date through special screenings. This Korean Christian animation has taken North America by storm, and many are curious about the response it will receive at home. Let’s support The King of Kings—a global sensation, and a new milestone for Korean animation, even surpassing Parasite!
The King of Kings: The Korean Animation That Shook North America
The King of Kings is a Christian animation produced by Korea’s Mofac Studio. In 2025, it became the highest-grossing Korean film ever in the US and the second-highest-grossing Asian animation in North America. In just 17 days, it surpassed Parasite’s US box office record, drawing global attention.
Quick Facts Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Jang Sung-ho |
| Studio | Mofac Studio |
| Distributor | Angel Studios (US) |
| Runtime | Approx. 104 min |
| US Release Date | April 11, 2025 |
| Korean Release Date | July 16, 2025 |
| Production Budget | Approx. $27 million |
| US Box Office | Approx. $60.3 million |
| Korean Voice Cast | Lee Byung-hun, Jin Seon-kyu, Lee Ha-nee, Yang Dong-geun, Cha In-pyo |
Plot Overview & Unique Features
The King of Kings opens with Charles Dickens narrating the life of Jesus to his son Walter, weaving a unique story structure. The film traces Jesus’s journey from birth to resurrection, blending sensitive animation with heartfelt storytelling that resonates with all generations—not just children.
- Biblical metaphors meet modern storytelling
- Authentic voice acting and emotional soundtrack
- Perfect for family viewing with a warm, universal message
US Box Office & Ratings
- US Box Office Gross: $60.3 million (surpassing Parasite)
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 98%
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 65/100 (55 reviews)
- CinemaScore: A+ (highest audience grade)
- Metacritic: 42/100 (mixed/average, 6 reviews)
- PostTrak Audience Recommendation: 94% positive, 83% highly recommend
Real Audience Reviews & Experiences
US viewers praised it as “The Passion of the Christ for kids” and “the best faith-based family film.” Many were moved by the heartfelt direction, sincere dialogue, and powerful voice acting.
“I've never seen Jesus’s life portrayed so beautifully. Watching with my child helped me reflect on the meaning of faith.”
“I thought it would be light since it’s animated, but it actually delivers a deeper message for adults.”
Many US families attended together, and the theater atmosphere was described as reverent and emotional.
Korean Release & What to Expect
- Korean release set for July 16, 2025; special group screenings available earlier
- Top Korean actors (Lee Byung-hun, Jin Seon-kyu, Lee Ha-nee) provide voice acting
- Christian themes with universal appeal—family, sacrifice, forgiveness, love
- A global success story that boosts national pride in Korean animation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is The King of Kings only for children?
A. It’s rated for all ages and offers deep messages for adults as well as children.
Q. Is it based on a true story or an original work?
A. Inspired by Charles Dickens’s “The Life of Our Lord,” it’s an original animated adaptation.
Q. Are there differences in dubbing between Korea and the US?
A. The English dub features stars like Pierce Brosnan and Oscar Isaac, while the Korean dub features top Korean actors.
Q. Can non-Christians enjoy the film?
A. Absolutely—its universal themes of family, sacrifice, and love resonate with everyone.
Viewing Tips & Recommendations
- Highly recommended for families, church groups, and community screenings
- Both dubbed and original versions are worth watching
- Learn a bit about Charles Dickens and the life of Jesus beforehand for a richer experience
- Stay for the end credits for a complete emotional journey
Conclusion: A New Era for K-Animation
The King of Kings is more than a religious film—it’s a testament to the power and artistry of Korean animation. As it continues to capture hearts worldwide, we hope Korean audiences will also embrace this moving story with pride and joy.
