Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dickens' kid-friendly take on Jesus' life has mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The King of Kings
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 33 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film presents a touching depiction of the life of Jesus with beautiful animation and heartfelt storytelling, it also contains intense scenes involving demonic elements and violence that may not be suitable for younger children. Many parents express concerns about its appropriateness for kids under ten due to its darker themes and moments that could be confusing or frightening for sensitive viewers, contrasting with positive reactions highlighting the film's faith-based messages and thrilling moments of biblical storytelling.
- intense themes
- suitable for older kids
- beautiful storytelling
- mixed reactions
- inappropriate for young children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 10 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Loosely based on Charles Dickens' book The Life of Our Lord, which the author wrote for his young children in the late 1840s, THE KING OF KINGS begins with Dickens (voiced by Kenneth Branagh)—a busy playwright with several children—dismissing his young son Walter's (Roman Griffin Davis) love of playing King Arthur and his knights. When the Dickens family arrives home, Charles, at his wife Catherine's (Uma Thurman) suggestion, offers to tell Walter the story on which the Arthurian legends are based: the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth (Oscar Isaac). As Dickens recounts the biblical story at the heart of Christianity, audiences see Walter immerse himself in Jesus' life, asking his father and questions, and feeling an intense connection to the titular King of Kings.
-- not to mention his mischievous cat, Willa (Dee Bradley Baker)
Is It Any Good?
This engaging faith-based film's unique framing device makes the story of Jesus' life feel fresh for younger, adventure-loving children. Korean filmmaker Seongho Jang's directorial debut (which he also wrote, edited, and produced) cleverly presents this enduring religious narrative through Dickens' attempts to convey Jesus' significance to his Arthurian-legend-obsessed young son. In addition to Branagh, Thurman, and Isaac, the stellar voice cast includes Mark Hamill as King Herod, Forest Whitaker as Peter, Ben Kingsley as High Priest Caiaphas, and Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate.
The film thoughtfully handles mature biblical elements in a kid-friendly way. Walter asks questions for his father to clarify, but the screenplay doesn't delve deeply into the story's more mature themes: the woman accused of adultery, Herod's decree to murder infants near Bethlehem, Satan in the Garden, and the Crucifixion. Dickens responds with age-appropriate explanations that neither avoid nor overemphasize difficult concepts. The animation immerses audiences in the gospel story alongside the curious Walter, creating a viewing experience that feels both fresh and respectful of the source material. This film is a fine choice for Christian families seeking more religious content (particularly during the Easter or Christmas seasons), offering both entertainment value and an accessible introduction to Jesus' life and teachings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes The King of Kings unique in terms of telling the story of Jesus' life. How does it compare to other movies about that subject?
What aspects of Jesus' life are inspiring? What messages of his are reinforced in the movie? What other role models are portrayed in the movie?
How does this movie portray Charles Dickens' role as a father and husband? Does the movie make you wonder about the real Dickens? Do you think an artist's personal life should impact how their art is perceived?
What does the idea of "sacrifice" mean in this story? What are ways we might sacrifice for others, regardless of what we believe?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 11, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : May 27, 2025
- Cast : Oscar Isaac , Kenneth Branagh , Pierce Brosnan
- Director : Seong-ho Jang
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Korean Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Angel Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Faith ( Christianity ) , History , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, violent content and some scary moments
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 4, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate