South African animated movie ‘David’ is attracting audiences and praise across America more than ever expected. The movie climbs US charts and delights global audiences.
Produced by Sunrise Animation Studios of Cape Town and directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, the movie opened to an estimated US $22 million in its first weekend. It marked the strongest theatrical debut of Angel Studios.
After releasing on Dec 19, 2025, the film kept rising steadily. In four weeks, David earned approx. US $75 million in North America. That placed the film amongst the surprise box-office successes of the year.
The production is led by local production and over 400 animators were involved from dozens of countries that illustrated a large-scale global effort and helped in bringing the story to screen.
Critics noted that the film has drawn significant praise across America with high viewers, as reported on aggregator sites such as Rotten Tomatoes. They debated on the tone of the film yet praised its high production values and craft consistently.
Strong reactions have been recorded by the audiences that demonstrates a ‘global appetite for locally made stories with universal themes’.
Furthermore, Cinema Managers in South Africa demanded for more screenings at major chains like Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro of the film. With this, David marks a major win for the South African animation industry.
It strongly proves that local studios can deliver work that stands beside big Hollywood projects. The film is now heading to more international markets and a longer theatrical life.
All in whole, the Cape Town made animated musical David in 2025 tells the biblical story of David, who is a humble shepherd anointed as Israel’s future king. He then rises to fame by defeating the giant Goliath with a sling and faith. Becoming a hero, he also incurs the jealousy of King Saul, that leads to his exile and eventual triumph to claim the crown.
The film follows David’s journey from shepherd boy to warrior, his musical soothing of Saul, the iconic battle and his escape from Saul’s wrath to unite Israel.